Heroic Endeavors in 'My Hero One's Justice 2'

When superheroes throw down, should you pick up the controller?

last updated Dec 18, 2023

It's an incredible ride for fans of the series and a delightful punch-up for newcomers.

Quirk-tastic Combat

If there's any justice in the world of fighting games, 'MY HERO ONE'S JUSTICE 2' will be upheld as one seriously quirktastic brawl. Bathe in the sheer joy of easy-to-master combos and a character roster diverse enough to make even the most obscure side character feel like a serious contender. Sure, you might be slightly irked when you realize your favorite fighter is just a paid DLC away, but when you're mid-air, about to land a beautifully orchestrated smackdown on Purple Ball Man, you forgive the cash grabs. The game's rock-solid mechanics keep the battles intense yet accessible, allowing both casual button-mashers and tactical fight fans to find their groove. Never mind that the online mode feels as deserted as a ghost town; there's nothing quite like the satisfaction of pummeling Mineta into the virtual ground, again and again.

Sonic Feels of Plus Ultra

Let's talk tunes and booms because boy, does 'MY HERO ONE'S JUSTICE 2' bring the noise. Every meaty thwack, every awe-inspiring Plus Ultra move, is set to an audio backdrop that'll have you feeling every bone-crunching hit. The sound design has that punchy, in-your-face attitude that syncs perfectly with this anime-turned-fighter fest. And the music? It's like they took the show's composer, locked him in a room with a PlayStation and said, 'Don't come out until it's epic.' Admittedly, the voice acting might occasionally have you reaching for the mute button—depending on your tolerance for anime English dubs—but overall, the dynamic soundtrack and effects create a rich soundscape that amplifies the superpower smackdown.

Manga Come to Life

Graphically, 'MY HERO ONE'S JUSTICE 2' does more than justice to its anime progenitor—it practically leaps from the manga pages into your screen, with a boldness that's matched only by All Might's smile. Characters are lovingly rendered with the kind of fidelity that fans will no doubt applaud, and the game's performance remains steadfastly solid, ensuring that not even a stray Detroit Smash can cause a hiccup in the frame rate. Although floating cursors and an odd hiccup here and there can wholly dash the immersive experience, the overall presentation is a head-turner. From the vibrant UA High arenas to the eye-popping Plus Ultra moves, the visuals do a fantastic job of capturing that 'My Hero Academia' charm—minus the unskippable credits that seem to last longer than the UA Sports Festival arc.

Customize Your Hero

Sure, the story mode might feel as rehashed as an internet meme, and yes, your Single-player experiences are limited—but let's talk about customization. If you're the type that likes to deck out your heroes with every accessory shy of a kitchen sink, then you're in luck. The game's character customization feature is quite the nifty addition, allowing you to tweak your fighters to stand out in the crowd. It's a bit of a bummer, though, that you can't strut your customized stuff in Mission Mode, but hey, life's not perfect, and neither is this game. Overall, if you're planning to go ham with canned ham (and believe me, I don't appreciate having to bait you with a graphics card and a pork product), then there's plenty of fun to be had dressing up your roster.

A Slight Misstep on the Netplay

Now, breathe in deep and face the music—if your music happens to be the dial-up Internet from the '90s. The netcode of 'MY HERO ONE'S JUSTICE 2' can often feel like a Quirk that's gone rogue. Players have lamented the lag when playing anything less than wired, and while it holds up better than many other fighters when the stars align, it's something to keep in mind. You may want to stick to local punches unless you want the real villain of the game to be your unstable ping. Game Cover Art

STEAM RATING 88 .82% Developer BYKING Publisher Bandai Namco Entertainment Release Date September 28, 2023

The Verdict

Whether you're a Hero or a Villain, 'MY HERO ONE'S JUSTICE 2' presents an arena fighter that's a solid hit with enough content to keep you going back for 'just one more round.' Despite its minor visibility issues and an online ghost town, the wealth of characters, satisfying combat system, and a customization suite that could make even Edna Mode nod in approval, make it a title well worth investing in—on sale. It's an incredible ride for fans of the series and a delightful punch-up for newcomers. You may not exactly go Plus Ultra with this one, but it sure does pack a punch worthy of UA's finest.