Excellent comic book-based video games are a good thing. We need more of these types of games to wipe away the memories of the horrid ones. Superman 64 still leaves an icky memory in my mind, and I can honestly say I've run into more Batman-licensed failures than successes. Fortunately, it appears that DC Studios is starting to show more care for their superheroes, and one step in the right direction is Warner Bros. Interactive's forthcoming Justice League Heroes, which is loosely based on the Cartoon Network show of the same name.

The game starts with an opening cinema that tells the story. A fiery meteor has crash-landed on Earth, and with it comes a signal that can be picked up by a single entity- the all-powerful Brainiac. It seems that he has the power to use this artifact to gain unlimited power, which means he and his cronies could rule the universe once it's fully assembled. There's only one catch- the item he needs to complete the artifact is located in the Justice League's moon-based headquarters. So it looks like the League has their hands full, as they must defend their home while stopping Brainiac at all costs.

Warner Bros. Interactive is a company that have seen duds in the past with superhero-licensed games. So they've enlisted the talents of Snowblind Studios to give Justice League Heroes a much-needed punch in the groin. This is the same team that produced Champions of Norrath for Sony, as well as the original Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance. They bring experience to the table, and it's this experience that brings Heroes' gameplay more to life.

The game does have its comparisons to X-Men Legends. The game possesses a co-op system, where players work together to bring down large groups of enemies. You've got the ability to punch, kick, block, and double jump, as well as perform special attacks specific to the hero you've selected. While this may sound like a basic set-up, it's how the whole thing is executed that should impress players.

The game works closer on a team level. Instead of having pre-set team-up attacks between characters, the battle system has them doing individual moves and then combining them to take out enemies. For instance, Batman can use a flash bomb to stun an opponent, allowing Superman to step in and hit them with lighting-speed punches. Wonder Woman can grab enemies with her Lasso of Truth, leaving them open for speed burst attacks from the Flash. You get the idea.

The game starts off with seven initial characters to choose from- Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Zatanna, Green Lantern, The Flash, and Martian Manhunter, and several more can be unlocked over the course of the game. The Justice League seems to have an unlimited amount of superheroes that can come into play, and as the game progresses, you'll be introduced to several new ones, including Green Arrow. This should help increase the replay value remarkably.

The game does allow for multiplayer co-op combat, but it looks like it's limited to just two players. This could hurt the game's potential, as X-Men Legends and the forthcoming Marvel: Ultimate Alliance both have the option of playing four. However, the game's not quite finished yet, and there's the possibility that the final version will allow up to four players. Let's hope that Snowblind considers this option. The more the merrier, after all.

Instead of picking up measly power-ups to keep your player healthy, you have a real-time recharge system. You'll have to keep a close eye on your health and energy meters, using attacks sparingly before you find yourself ambushed. This adds some challenge to the game, as a character can actually get devastated if their meters don't get restored. However, each of the Justice League members have moves that distinctly match their personality, so staying alive shouldn't be too much of an issue.

Another item worth mentioning with Justice League Heroes is the level-up system. As you progress in the game, you're able to earn points that allow you to receive boost effects. These boost effects make your characters move powerful throughout the game, giving them new abilities and allowing them to keep up with more powerful enemies and bosses. With the help of boost combiners, you're able to increase the range on some of your attacks, and gain access to new abilities and moves. Your power and energy meters become increased as well, multiplying your chances of survival.

The graphics in the game are beautiful thus far, and very faithful to the comic book theme. The players animate well, right down to floating capes and assault tactics. The backdrops, particularly the one outside of the Justice League's moonbase, look stunning as well. It'd be nice to see an Xbox 360 or PS3 build somewhere down the road, just to see how far this universe could expand. But I suppose staying with current gen isn't too bad a decision.

As far as sound, some familiar superhero-esque music should be in place, and hopefully Warner Bros. will employ some of the TV show voice actors, including Kevin Conroy (Batman) and Tim Daly (Superman), to give the game an identity familiar to that of the Justice League Unlimited show.

I won't lie to you, Justice League Heroes has some tough competition ahead of it. Not only do they have to overcome the popular X-Men Legends series, but they'll be running head-on into Marvel: Ultimate Alliance as well. Snowblind seems to have an idea of what to do with a game such as this, and it looks like the Justice League will finally receive a long overdue taste of video game glory. The gameplay has enough sparkle that will please the legion of fans, and the presentation has that particular comic book vibe going for it The game arrives this October, and we'll be back with the full review around then. Start choosing your favorite superheroes now. (And if you choose all green heroes, we get to laugh at you.)