Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

Where to Play

PlayStation

PC/Steam

Xbox

Screenwise Verdict

Injustice 2 is what you get when you take Mortal Kombat's excellent fighting engine and swap the R-rated gore for PG-13 superhero action. It's a well-made, engaging fighting game with a surprisingly meaty story mode and deep customization.

The good: It respects its players with fair monetization (no loot boxes), teaches genuine strategic thinking, and offers that satisfying progression loop of unlocking gear and mastering combos. The story actually explores interesting moral territory about power and justice, even if it's a bit grim.

The reality check: It's still a game about punching people in the face repeatedly. The violence is stylized but constant. The online community can be sweaty and occasionally toxic. And if your kid isn't into fighting games or DC lore, this will bore them in about 20 minutes.

For the right teen—someone who enjoys competitive gaming, doesn't mind losing while learning, and likes DC characters—this is solid entertainment. Just know what you're getting: a well-executed fighting game that happens to star Batman, not a wholesome superhero adventure.

Age Fit

Best for ages 13+ who are into competitive gaming and DC comics. The Teen rating is spot-on—too intense for most tweens under 12, but appropriate for teens who can handle stylized violence and darker superhero themes. Adults who enjoy fighting games will also have fun.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

62

DC superhero fighting game with a Teen rating. Violence is stylized comic-book fare—punches, kicks, super-powered attacks—with some blood effects but no gore. Tone is darker than typical superhero content (heroes fighting each other, morally complex story), but models teamwork and heroism within the narrative. Not chaotic or mean-spirited, but the premise of heroes battling each other isn't exactly warm and fuzzy.

Imaginative

75

Strong character customization system with gear that changes both appearance and abilities—you're building your own version of iconic DC heroes. Story mode explores alternate DC universe with interesting 'what if' scenarios. The gear system invites experimentation and strategic thinking about loadouts. However, it's still fundamentally a fighting game with limited creative expression beyond combat builds.

Safe

72

ESRB rated T for Teen (Blood, Language, Suggestive Themes, Violence, Alcohol Reference). Violence is comic-book style without graphic gore. Users can interact online but no persistent chat lobby. No loot boxes or aggressive monetization in base game. Content is predictable—you know you're getting superhero fights. Main concerns are the darker narrative themes and some suggestive character designs. No major red flags for the target age group (13+).

Enriching

58

Develops hand-eye coordination, strategic thinking, and pattern recognition through fighting mechanics. Story explores moral complexity and consequences of power, which could spark thought. However, it's primarily entertainment—you're learning fighting game combos and timing, not building broadly transferable skills. Minimal educational or emotional growth content beyond 'power has consequences' themes in the narrative.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Excellent fighting game mechanics from NetherRealm (the Mortal Kombat folks) without MK's extreme gore—this is the PG-13 version
Deep gear customization system lets kids build and personalize their favorite DC heroes with unique looks and abilities
Story mode explores interesting moral questions about power, justice, and what happens when heroes disagree—darker than typical superhero fare but thought-provoking
Diverse roster of 38+ characters including women and characters of color; something for every DC fan
Teaches strategic thinking, timing, pattern recognition, and how to lose gracefully (because you will lose a lot learning combos)

⚠

What to Watch For

Violence is the whole point—it's stylized and comic-booky but still involves repeated punching, kicking, and super-powered attacks with blood effects
Online multiplayer means facing strangers who may be much better (and occasionally toxic, though no voice chat helps)
Some character designs are on the suggestive side (looking at you, Harley Quinn and Poison Ivy)
Darker narrative tone—heroes fighting heroes, morally gray choices, apocalyptic scenarios—not your Saturday morning cartoon vibe
Can be genuinely difficult and frustrating for casual players; fighting games have steep learning curves

Conversation Starters

"If you had superpowers like these characters, what would you use them for? When would it be okay to fight someone who's supposed to be on your team?"
"Which character's gear are you trying to unlock? What makes their fighting style fun for you?"
"The story has Superman becoming a dictator 'for the greater good'—can someone do bad things if they think they're helping? Where's the line?"
"How do you handle it when you lose a match online? What helps you stay calm and learn from it instead of getting tilted?"

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