While the character roster often takes center stage, the stages and arenas are crucial to the overall fighting game experience. They serve as more than just a setting for battles; they unify all aspects of the game, showcasing its art style, establishing the visual tone and atmosphere, and weaving a narrative through intricate environmental details. The arenas in Injustice accomplish all of this and even more.
Injustice’s identity is heavily influenced by its arenas, each one solidifying the series’ relationship with the DC Universe. From the Hall of Justice to Metropolis and Wayne Manor, players have enjoyed a variety of memorable stages. Still, there are countless iconic DC settings that could serve as inspiration for a possible Injustice 3.
Arenas That Should be in Injustice 3
Star City
The Injustice series has featured plenty of arenas set in Metropolis and Gotham, but there are two lesser-known DC cities that deserve some attention. One of these is Star City. Drawing inspiration from San Francisco, Star City is known as California’s tech hub and is home to Oliver Queen, also known as Green Arrow. It would be exciting to have an Injustice 3 arena located in Star City, maybe on top of Queen Tower or deep within the Arrowcave.
Central City
Central City, home to the Scarlet Speedster known as Flash, is another DC city that tends to be forgotten. Although S.T.A.R. Labs has been referenced several times in the Injustice series, players haven’t had the chance to visit it. That might change with Injustice 3. Furthermore, a Central City-themed map could feature epic showdowns in the Flash Museum, situated in the city center.
Bludhaven
The Injustice series has already provided fans with a variety of locations in Gotham City, but if Injustice 3 is looking to maintain that vibe while introducing something fresh, a stage set in Bludhaven would be an excellent idea. Positioned between Gotham and Atlantic City, Bludhaven is where Nightwing begins his solo adventures in crime-fighting.
Hall of Doom
The Legion of Doom has been known by various names throughout its history and has had a diverse lineup of members. As the primary adversaries of the Justice League, they aim to conquer the world’s greatest heroes. Despite their frequent failures, they persist in their efforts. This group has included powerful villains such as Lex Luthor, The Joker, Black Manta, Cheetah, Brainiac, and Sinestro. Many of them run their sinister operations from the concealed Hall of Doom, located in Slaughter Swamp. While Slaughter Swamp made an appearance in Injustice 2, the Legion’s headquarters was not depicted.
Iceberg Lounge
If Injustice 3 feels the need for another Batman-related venue, the Iceberg Lounge would be a great selection. This infamous nightclub, showcased in the Batman: Arkham series and Matt Reeves’ The Batman, is generally managed by The Penguin and has a reputation for its shady dealings.
Titans Tower
The Teen Titans in the Injustice series have faced some serious challenges. Beast Boy meets his end in the nuclear blast in Metropolis that starts the Injustice saga, followed by Kid Flash’s demise. Superboy comes close to being killed by Superman, and the entire team spends six long years stuck in the Phantom Zone. By the conclusion of Injustice 2, it’s uncertain whether Titans Tower remains intact, but it would be fantastic to see a stage inspired by that legendary location in a future sequel.