The world of superhero stories often walks a tightrope between serious narratives and inherent silliness. Justice League: Cosmic Chaos, a new title from Outright Games, wholeheartedly embraces the whimsical side of the DC Universe, delivering a charming dungeon crawler that will captivate players of all ages. This review explores why Cosmic Chaos stands out in the crowded superhero game landscape.
Embracing the Lighthearted Side of DC
Justice League: Cosmic Chaos puts players in control of DC’s iconic Trinity – Superman, Wonder Woman, and Batman – as they face off against the mischievous Mr. Mxyzptlk and Starro the Conqueror. This unlikely duo wreaks havoc on Happy Harbor, and it’s up to the League to save the day and rescue their captured comrades. The game’s lighthearted approach is a refreshing change of pace from the often gritty and serious tone of recent DC games.
A Balanced Approach to Gameplay
Unlike the dense narratives of games like Injustice 2 or the simplified gameplay of some children’s titles, Cosmic Chaos finds a happy medium. It offers a fleshed-out world and engaging gameplay without sacrificing its family-friendly appeal. While the dungeon-crawling mechanics and top-down perspective may feel familiar, the game’s unique charm and quirky creative freedom set it apart. The vibrant, chibi art style and charming setting evoke comparisons to Animal Crossing, while the robust gameplay echoes the fun of LEGO DC Super-Villains.
A Love Letter to DC Lore
Cosmic Chaos is packed with references to DC lore, from character cameos and comic book homages to witty digs at the Snyder Cut. The game even pokes fun at some of DC’s quirks, like the abundance of Green Lanterns from Earth and Superman’s reputation as a devoted husband. The voice acting, featuring Diedrich Bader as Batman, Nolan North as Superman, and Vanessa Marshall as Wonder Woman, adds another layer of enjoyment, with each line delivered with infectious enthusiasm.
Costume Customization: A Comic Book Fan’s Dream
A standout feature is the ingenious costume customization system. Players can unlock a wide array of comic-accurate supersuits, each tied to a specific comic book cover. This not only provides a visual treat but also adds an incentive to explore the game’s world. Seeing Batman in everything from his classic suit to the rainbow Batsuit, or Wonder Woman in her iconic outfit or a fast-food uniform from a single 1993 issue, is pure fan service. While acknowledging the artists behind the designs, as seen in Gotham Knights and Guardians of the Galaxy, would have been a welcome addition, the system itself is a delightful touch.
Engaging Combat with a Dash of Flair
The combat in Cosmic Chaos is straightforward yet surprisingly engaging. Each Trinity member has a unique fighting style, with moves that feel distinct and powerful. The game offers a reasonable progression system, allowing players to upgrade their abilities and unlock new moves. While some elements of button-mashing remain, the overall experience is satisfying and never feels tedious. Even challenging levels, like protecting a sandcastle from humanoid fish cops, retain the game’s inherent absurdity and prevent frustration.
Minor Shortcomings Don’t Diminish the Fun
While Cosmic Chaos isn’t without its flaws, such as occasional slow loading times and a slightly confusing directional arrow in the UI, these minor issues are easily overshadowed by the game’s strengths. The developers have clearly prioritized creating a fun and engaging experience, and their efforts have paid off.
A Must-Play for DC Fans of All Ages
Justice League: Cosmic Chaos is a testament to the enduring appeal of the DC Universe. It’s not a gritty, adult-oriented take nor a watered-down version for young children. It’s a celebration of the colorful, heartfelt, and often silly world of DC comics. It’s a delightful surprise and a must-play for fans of all ages.
Conclusion: A Cosmic Delight
Justice League: Cosmic Chaos delivers a genuinely entertaining and surprisingly fleshed-out experience. While it may not revolutionize the superhero game genre, its charm, humor, and reverence for the source material make it a standout title.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Justice League: Cosmic Chaos is available on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, PC, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S. This review was conducted on an Xbox One using a review code provided by the publisher.
