Rocksteady Studios’ Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League: A Chaotic and Disappointing Attempt at a Live-Service Game
Rocksteady Studios, known for their critically acclaimed Batman: Arkham games, has returned to the superhero genre with their latest release, Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League. However, this attempt to merge Arkham-style action with a live-service game has resulted in a chaotic and disappointing experience for players.
The game follows the titular Suicide Squad, a group of misfits consisting of Harley Quinn, Deadshot, Captain Boomerang, and King Shark. Their mission is to kill the most powerful superheroes on Earth, including Batman, Superman, and Green Lantern, who have been corrupted by the villain Brainiac. Set in Metropolis, the game offers an open-world looter shooter experience with live-service elements.
One of the major drawbacks of Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League is its reliance on repetitive and uninspiring gameplay mechanics. The moment-to-moment combat feels generic and fails to capture the unique personalities of the Squad members. Each character can use almost every gun available, erasing their individuality and making them feel like generic soldiers rather than the larger-than-life antiheroes they are meant to be.
The game’s mission structures are also limited and lack creativity. Most missions involve shooting enemies on rooftops, protecting a moving vehicle, or rescuing people and bringing them to a designated location. There are no clever stealth mechanics or unique mission types that would have added depth to the gameplay experience. Additionally, the game is primarily set outdoors, with Metropolis serving as nothing more than set-dressing. The lack of iconic locations and varied mission designs further contribute to the game’s repetitive nature.
One standout aspect of Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League is its portrayal of Batman. In a genius move by Rocksteady, players get to experience what it’s like to face off against Batman as one of his enemies. Kevin Conroy delivers a truly terrifying performance as an evil version of Batman, providing a fitting send-off for one of the greatest voice actors in the industry. However, this encounter is short-lived, and the majority of the game’s main campaign is filled with monotonous looter-shooter gameplay.
The game’s implementation of live-service mechanics is another major flaw. The focus on endless endgame grind and future seasons detracts from the main campaign’s story, leaving players unsatisfied with the lack of a meaningful conclusion. Loot drops and character progression feel shallow and unengaging, with little incentive to engage with side missions or explore different playstyles.
Despite its shortcomings, Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League does have some redeeming qualities. The writing, dynamics, and performances in cutscenes between the four main characters are well-executed, and the graphics are visually stunning. The depiction of Wonder Woman is particularly noteworthy, with Zehra Fazal delivering an amazing performance as the only uncorrupted member of the Justice League.
In conclusion, Rocksteady Studios’ Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League falls short of expectations. The game’s repetitive gameplay, uninspiring mission designs, and implementation of live-service mechanics make for a disappointing experience. While it has its moments, such as the encounters with Batman and the performances in cutscenes, these highlights are overshadowed by the game’s flaws. Players looking for a compelling superhero experience may find themselves disappointed with this chaotic and lackluster attempt at a live-service game.