It sure seems like 2023 is the year of cosmic video games. First SpongeBob got the cosmic treatment and now the Justice League have a go with DC’s Justice League: Cosmic Chaos. And just like it’s yellow counterpart, this game manages to be one of the best DC gaming experiences in ages. And that’s pretty impressive considering this is a kid’s game and not a AAA monstrosity.
DC’s Justice League: Cosmic Chaos see you take on the role of the DC trinity: Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman. The game is essentially a trimmed down version of the old Marve Ultimate Alliance or modern Lego games, and if you are going to copy something might as well copy something that works! You can hot-swap between each character on the fly and use each heroes’ unique abilities in order to save the world the Mr. Mxyzptlk and all the baddies that he brings with him.
Mxyzptlk also manages to unleash Staro who quickly takes control of the other main Justice League members forcing you to fight them as well. Think of it like a paired down version of that Suicide Squad: Kill The Justice League game that keeps getting delayed because of how generic it looks and feels. DC’s Justice League: Cosmic Chaos avoids said issues by simply being a fun adventure in a very cartoon world. It’s lighthearted fare that’s really helped by the amazing voice work put into it.
You see, DC’s Justice League: Cosmic Chaos is fully voiced. That means every cutscene is voiced and all the dialogue in the game as well. That’s pretty impressive for a game of this nature from a developer and publisher that only work with licensed properties. But it’s not just mindless action as there are some decent RPG elements and extras to keep you invested in the action and story. In fact, story wise, the game really shines. Mxyzptlk is a fantastic villain thanks to the witty writing and fun jokes, not to mention the fact that he’s voice by Dana Snyder, most known for being the voice of Mater Shake in Aqua Teen Hunger Force.
Gameplay wise each character has their basic attacks alongside two special attacks that charge at different rates. A basic special and an ultimate move that are unique to each. These abilities can also be upgraded by collecting items enemies drop, meaning that you’ll want to be engaging in battles in order to not only level up, but to upgrade your abilities. DC’s Justice League: Cosmic Chaos is essentially an open-world game, but like RPGs of old, if you enter an area you aren’t ready for, you’re going to be wrecked.
This makes upgrading an important part of the adventure. On top of that you’ll also be managing items that you can earn from certain major battles that you can then put on one of your characters. These clothing items won’t change your visual look, but they will give you certain stat boosts to help you in combat. That’s all pretty robust for a generic kid’s game but it’s not quite done there. Enemies, while not pulling from a deep pool, have different types and certain abilities and stats work better in dealing with them. This encourages you to actively switch between characters in order to best tackle enemies.
One feature that I really enjoy is the costume aspect of the adventure. Along the way you’ll be able to pick up comic books that are scattered across the world and in various chests. Earn enough of these and you’ll be able to turn them in to Booster Gold in exchange for access to new costumes that he pulls from the multiverse. It’s a really fun incentive to hunt and collect as the costumes are pretty fun to see in action.
DC’s Justice League: Cosmic Chaos is a blast to play and have a surprising amount of depth. I don’t know if the game is based on an animated series or animated film, but it really should be if it isn’t. The action is fun, fluid, and challenging at times. There are a ton of missions and side mission to complete, and it’s a blast to see all the little inside jokes and deep cuts that the story provides. But it’s not perfect and some of the holes do hold it back a bit.
Most notably are the various small bugs and glitches in the PC release that we came across while playing. It’s mostly small stuff, but that small stuff really adds up over time. NPCs will often glitch or t-pose around town, sometimes hitboxes feel a bit broken as attacks simply do zero damage for a quick second or two. And while not a knock on the game, it’s open-world is locked to a single city, and I wish there were more areas to explore. There are also a number of platforming sections that simply don’t work right as your characters are fat too slippery for any realy precision.
Still, DC’s Justice League: Cosmic Chaos is a happy surprise that we had a blast with while it lasts. At $50 it feels a bit high in terms of depth given, but the experience is more than fun enough to just about make it worth it. And what other game will let you have Superman dive a car around town mowing down enemies while making bad jokes? DC’s Justice League: Cosmic Chaos is an easy recommendation for DC fans, especially those with kids.
DC’s Justice League: Cosmic Chaos is the most fun you’ll have with a DC in ages.
Final Score:
About Author
