Review: Harley Quinn, Injustice - Gods Among Us

            It’s hard to believe that it’s been 21 years since Harley Quinn was first introduced to us through Batman: The Animated Series and yet there’s no denying that the Joker’s on-again-off-again girlfriend has become one of DC Comics’ most iconic characters in those two short decades. Her latest appearance in the fighting game Injustice: Gods Among Us has become yet another in a long line of adaptations which is sure to please her steadily growing group of fans.

            Like her fellow Batman femme fatale Catwoman, Harley Quinn is a wily fighter whose agility and acrobatics are displayed quite cleverly. Fans will be happy to know her trademark mallet makes an appearance and will have them bashing around their opponents with glee. However, the makers of the game took great artistic license with Harley’s character in that the majority of her move-set centres around gun usage. While the character is not unfamiliar with them, it’s never been such an integral part to her fight style before. Of course, Harley comes across much more like a pirate with her revolver than someone like Deathstroke who prefers automatic weaponry. Thankfully, Harley’s signature humour remains. Her super move is a silly little move involving an explosive pie and her character power is an iffy gamble that will either cause Harley to pull out a rose, Joker’s picture or an explosive. Make no mistake though... Harley is not to be trifled with as she’s one of the craftier characters in the game.

            Harley plays an interesting role in the story mode of the game but, just like Catwoman, she gets the short end of the stick. Rather than focus on the Joker, the writers and producers would have been better giving his chapter to Harley Quinn. Yes, the Joker’s more iconic but Harley provided more narrative interest. Appearance-wise, Harley Quinn becomes Whoreley Quinn in a rather eye-roll worthy get-up which is no doubt held together with super strength double-stick tape. However, her alternate costume proves more interesting with its rather badass leather jacket and pant combo. Still, Harley remains the most sexualized of the female characters. Of course, this has become a trend as of late in her video game appearances perhaps merely as an extension of her consistent characterization as a willing victim of abuse.

            Of the female characters in Injustice: Gods Among Us, Harley Quinn ranks high in terms of enjoyment and general badassery. While her lack of a chapter in the story mode is incredibly disappointing and her costumes leave little to the imagination, the character’s core is present and is sure to make her diehard fans happy.

Grade: B+