Video games are led by unique heroes with special powers, whether it’s Mario maxing out on mushrooms or Sonic collecting rings. That’s why beloved superheroes and franchises are the perfect characters to make the leap from page and screen to video game leads. Superhero games have been around since the birth of systems like Sega Genesis, Game Boy, and Super Nintendo. That popularity continues to this day, with some superhero games claiming top PlayStation and Xbox awards, including “Game of the Year.” Marvel, DC, and even Lego have made some outstanding contributions to the world of video games. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most beloved and highly rated titles of the past decade, along with a few classics for retro gamers.
Get your super suit on (mentally or literally — we don’t judge either way), grease up the joysticks, and let’s dive into the greatest superhero games of all time.
Batman: Arkham City
The series of Batman: Arkham games are wildly popular and considered by many to be the best superhero games. The most difficult part of including Batman: Arkham City on a list of best games is determining whether this game is the very best the series has to offer. While the first game in the series, Arkham Asylum, has a focused, slick gameplay stuffed full of puzzles and trophies for achievement hunters, Arkham City refined that experience into a smoother storyline that stays true to the comic books. The graphics and controls improved, and the experience of playing the game feels seamless yet challenging. Later titles like Arkham Knight offered more functions (namely, a lot more Batmobile action) and a much larger map. But something about Arkham City hit the sweet spot of an epic game full of side quests and stories, as well as a tight storyline filled with challenging bosses and puzzles.
Batman: Arkham City; Image credit: Warner Bros. Games
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
Batman’s biggest opponent in the world of superhero video games is definitely Spider-Man. Marvel’s Spider-Man and Spider-Man 2 are listed as the best superhero games as often as the Batman: Arkham series. The games certainly have a lot in common. You get to swing through the city, looking for crimes to stop and citizens to aid while collecting trophies, solving puzzles, and following a storyline on par with any of the franchise’s films. I chose Spider-Man 2 as the slightly superior title for the improved graphics and the addition of Miles Morales. There’s no need to choose a favorite Spidey when we get to play as both Peter and Miles. Playing through the game, we see Peter realize Miles has come into his own and that story is a real treat.
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2; Image credit: Marvel Comics and Sony Interactive Entertainment LLC
Injustice 2
Superheroes are a common theme in fighting games, so it would be a huge oversight to leave Injustice 2 off this list. Injustice games are total brawlers. Made from the same developer that brings us Mortal Kombat, it’s no surprise that Injustice 2 is dark, bloody, and brutal. For those who love the grit of Christopher Nolan’s Batman movies, this game is the perfect fit. Injustice 2 serves up a great storyline and beautifully engineered combat mechanics. It’s a fan-favorite because it really allows us to put our favorite heroes and villains to the test and try to settle old scores. Could Superman beat Joker far more handily than Batman? Could Wonder Woman take down Superman? Does Aquaman stand a chance against The Flash? Injustice 2 can help us answer those burning questions.
Injustice 2; Image credit: Warner Bros. Games
Lego Marvel Super Heroes
This is a ten-year-old game wrapped in the trappings of a children’s toy, but hear me out. Lego Marvel Superheroes is a great game. In fact, many of the Marvel and DC Lego games are popular. It’s no surprise that these games are such platformer master classes full of fun hack-and-slash gameplay, puzzle-solving, collecting, and silly, light-hearted cut scenes. This particular title stands out above the rest since you can unlock over 100 Marvel characters and play online or co-op. This game has plenty of replay value, and with so much to unlock, it’s bound to provide hours and hours of value.
Lego Marvel Super Heroes; Image credit: Marvel Comics and Warner Bros. Games and Feral Interactive Limited
Marvel vs. Capcom: Clash of Super Heroes
This arcade classic is an all-time favorite among gamers everywhere. Known for its sleek comic-book style animations, this fighting game pits Earth’s mightiest heroes against Capcom’s signature heroes. Fans loved the game’s tag-team, three-versus-three fight style. Many people notice that this classic game is super challenging, especially compared to modern fighting games. This is due to its origins as an arcade game. The tougher the bosses are, the more quarters the machine can collect as gamers persistently fight Onslaught over and over.
Marvel vs. Capcom: Clash of Super Heroes; Image credit: Capcom Co., Ltd. and Virgin Interactive Entertainment
The Punisher
In the early 2000s, The Punisher was one of the most popular games on the PS2 and Xbox. The Punisher appealed to more than just superhero fans, as gamers who enjoyed brutal RPGs like Grand Theft Auto could find a lot to appreciate in this title. Playing an anti-hero means that gameplay was based on quick kills and violent interrogations. Gunfights are compared to the Max Payne series. Not only this, but Frank acquires special weapons for certain situations and can even use enemies as a human shield. For fans who loved ultra-violent games and the gritty, extreme methods of The Punisher, this 2005 game delivers.
The Punisher; Image credit: Marvel Comics and THQ Inc.
Marvel’s Midnight Suns
This game has a unique format that truly contrasts the intense action of fighting baddies with the mundane life and relationships of a superhero team. Its turn-based strategy style pushes players to make use of each hero’s special abilities. The cast is drawn from Avengers, X-Men, and Midnight Sons. The story stands out with plenty of charming character moments and an epic, large-scale battle. This game is unlike any other superhero video game on the list.
Marvel’s Midnight Suns; Image credit: Marvel Comics and 2K
Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy
This is one of the best adventure games of recent years, on par with Spider-Man 2. Blending some famous Guardians of the Galaxy comic book storylines, some gamers think this game is better than the movies. Take the controls as Star-Lord as you find collectibles, enjoy some slick combat, and discover rewarding sidequests that let you spend more time with the colorful crew. As Star-Lord, the crew looks to you to make decisions, leading to multiple pathways through this game.
Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy; Image credit: Marvel Comics and Square Enix Holdings Co., Ltd.
Lego Batman 2: DC Super Heroes
This is another strong option in the Lego series for those who prefer the Dark Knight to the Marvel heroes. The Lego Batman Movie was a huge hit, and this series of games took its cues from that success with similar characterization and a whole lot of humor. As for why Lego Batman 2 is the best choice, I thought the huge range of DC heroes featured in the story complement the Lego games format the most, with plenty of exciting characters to unlock and delightful Lego humor.
Lego Batman 2: DC Super Heroes; Image credit: Warner Bros. Games and Feral Interactive
Batman Returns
This 8-bit game is a classic scrolling beat-‘em-up for Super Nintendo. This game made great use of Batman’s gadgets and even included a section of Batmobile action. For comic book fans who love these classic brawling games, this is the best classic superhero game you could reach for.
Batman Returns; Image credit: Konami
Viewtiful Joe
Instead of the classic Marvel and DC heroes, Viewtiful Joe combined that aesthetic with Japanese manga to create a visually gorgeous game that still holds up years later. Coming from the makers of Capcom, it’s no surprise that they nailed an original superhero game. Joe uses some fun VFX power mechanics, pushing gamers to master his slow, Mach speed, and zoom abilities.
Viewtiful Joe; Image credit: Capcom Co., Ltd.
What are some of your favorite superhero video games? Did we miss any hidden gems or classics that deserve a spot on the list? Share your picks in the comments, and we may update the post to include them!
See also:
Leave a Reply