As the first major AAA title of 2024, “Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League” is generating a buzz in the gaming community, but not the kind developers might hope for. Following a series of hands-on previews by gaming media and content creators, the consensus is leaning towards disappointment, casting doubt on the game’s potential success.

Rocksteady Studios, the developer behind the game, recently offered a sneak peek to various gaming professionals, who subsequently shared their experiences. The feedback, however, was overwhelmingly negative, with several aspects of the game coming under scrutiny.

Critics have pointed out that the RPG elements and Destiny-style gear seem mismatched with the expected gameplay of “Suicide Squad.” The combat system, which is a crucial part of any action game, was particularly criticized. IGN highlighted the repetitive nature of combat, dependent on a limited set of moves that fail to provide a satisfying gaming experience. Furthermore, the open-world missions were described as “messy and tired,” adding to the lackluster feel of the game.

ComicBook appreciated the game’s movement and traversal mechanics, which give distinct characteristics to each squad member. However, they also criticized the overly busy combat screen, filled with distracting colors and indicators. GameSpot echoed these sentiments, pointing out the bland design of non-narrative missions. The review also expressed disappointment in the boss fight against The Flash, a significant letdown considering the importance of such battles in the game.

Eurogamer offered a slightly more positive take, finding the combat involving melee juggles and shooting to be satisfying, though they noted the movement mechanics were not as fluid as in games like “Spider-Man 2.”

Despite these criticisms, the narrative aspect of “Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League” has been praised. The game’s storyline, centered around battling members of the Justice League turned evil, and the high-quality cutscenes and voice acting, have been identified as its strongest elements. The banter among the squad members is also a highlight, contributing to an engaging story.

With the game’s release date, February 2, fast approaching, what’s seen in these previews is likely very close to the final product. This leaves little room for significant improvements, raising concerns about its ability to captivate the audience upon release. While it’s prudent to reserve final judgment until comprehensive reviews of the finished game are available, the initial impressions suggest a rocky start for this highly anticipated title.

“Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League” may still find a niche audience, similar to “Marvel’s Avengers,” which, despite its flaws, attracted a dedicated player base. However, whether it can overcome its early criticisms to achieve broader success remains to be seen.

Tags: Action-adventure game Batman: Arkham Multiplayer video game Rocksteady Studios Shooter Video Game Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League Warner Bros. Games