Game Review Data
 
Game Title
Justice League
Publisher
Midway
Features
1 Player. Battery Save.
Format
Platform
Reviewer
Andrew Blanchard


RATING

Playable!


Ratings Scale:

Excellent!

Good!

Playable!

Ho-Hum!

Yuck!


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Introduction

I've been a fan of Justice League ever since I first saw it. If you don't know, Justice League is the greatest superhero team of all time and their mission is to fight crime and injustice. Shown on the Cartoon Network and produced by Warner Bros. Animation, Justice League has gained quite a following, thanks to the updated visuals, sleek animation and great storylines. Not surprisingly, a video game was bound to appear, and with such a rich source material it was likely to happen sooner rather than later. Here then is the GBA version of Justice League.

Screen Shots

GamePlay

The object of each level is relatively simple - utilize two JL superheroes in one of the many missions, disable the Mind Control Hub and beat the end of level boss.

The unique aspect here is that your duo have very different skills and you may switch between them at any time when required. This should make for some mind-bending puzzles but unfortunately, the levels rarely address this feature, and as a result you're unlikely to find any impossible situations.

Before you actually get to the Hub you must run around a series of rooms battling henchmen and avoiding lasers whilst searching for the occasional elusive key required to exit the level. Don't forget, however, to search for and get all the various tokens as they'll reward you with anything from energy to an extra life.

Because of the dual superhero cooperative mode you'd naturally expect a multiplayer option and we did too. Unfortunately, there isn't one so once you've completed all the missions, that's it.

Possibly the best thing about JL though is the save option which is a battery backup and incredibly simple to use. There's a generous four slots available and once you've completed a stage it's saved automatically.

Controls

This is a little complicated at first as all the buttons are used but with a little practice it becomes second nature. Once it is though you'll probably get frustrated and not to mention, irritated at the poor collision detection in JL. Sad to say, this happens everywhere, both in combat and when wondering around.

Graphics

Visually, the game doesn't live up to the high standards set by the series and some of the areas feel unfinished with little thought given to the overall design. The animation follows suit and the various superheroes don't appear to posses the fluid movement that you'd expect and appear rather wooden. Even the cut screens were mediocre and overall, the whole game looks average and under finished.

Sound & Music

Sound effects are meant to enhance the on-screen action. Unfortunately, this isn't the case in JL. There are the usual groans, laser shots and bangs but, as with the visuals, it all feels a little rushed and bears the same erratic design that plagues most of the levels. The intro music is a little better and is reminiscent of the many Super Hero themes of the past, but once you’re in the game, headphones are definitely not required.

Final Comments

While Justice League is reasonably entertaining it's also formulaic. That wouldn't be so bad in itself except that nearly everything (gameplay, controls, sound, visuals) has been implemented with such a reckless lack of care and attention to detail that even fans of the series may be a little disappointed. It does have some good points and younger gamers who watch the show will no doubt enjoy it. Those looking for a challenge though are advised to look elsewhere.

@ EAGB Advance 2002. All rights reserved.