The Joker will return in Injustice 2 — despite having had a hole punched through his chest by Superman in Injustice: Gods Among Us and the alternate universe Joker returning to his original dimension. (It’s complicated.) But it appears the so-called Clown Prince of Crime will be back in a very different form, based on a new gameplay video released today.
The Joker of Injustice 2 doesn’t bear a strong resemblance to the classic-style Joker that was playable in the first Injustice. The new Joker hews a bit closer to Jared Leto and Heath Ledger’s theatrical takes on the character, with his unkempt hair and apparent distaste for shirts.
While Joker has always had a sadistic streak, his Injustice 2 incarnation ratchets it up a few notches. He’s armed with his share of clownish gadgets, but he’s also equipped with a very big knife — and occasionally a crowbar. His super attack sees him summon an electric chair sitting on a stack of explosives, which seems like overkill.
Here’s Warner Bros. and NetherRealm Studios’ official description of the Joker:
Though killed by Superman, the Joker continues to haunt the lives of all those touched by his madness. By destroying Metropolis, he set the events in motion which made enemies of Superman and Batman. If he were alive to see the chaos he’d created, he would surely be smiling.
Injustice 2 is coming to PlayStation 4 and Xbox One on May 16.