The best superhero games offer a mix of a compelling narrative, stellar gameplay, and an ovꦚerall great look with their graphics. These 10 titles are certainly super if you want to play as a hero in a video game.
NOTE: This is a list with one entry per franchise. Otherwise this would be an article filled with Marvel’s Spider-Man and Batman: Arkham games.
#10 – Marvel’s Midnight Suns
From XCOM developer Firaxis Games comes a strategy RPG Marvel’s Midnight Suns. With a team of Marvel superheroes on your side, you’re taking on the demonic Lilith and the Elder God Chthon (and their forces). It’s a unique dark take on the Marvel universe we rarely see, especially if you only watch the MCU and play Marvel games. The card-based system is fun to play, and you’ll be exploring the Abbey, getting to know the heroes (like Wolverine, Blade, and Iron Man) helping you to defeat Lilith and Chthon as The Hunter.
“It’s incredibly easy to recommend to any Marvel fan, and is simple enough to pick up and play for strategy newcomers,” said our review. “Although the highs aren’t as high as some of Firaxis’ past work, those of you who latch onto the relationship building, social network, and silly moments will find a lot of joy here.”
#9 – Guacamelee!
Guacamelee is a melee-based Metroidvania that lets you brawl the undead in a gorgeous Mexican-inspired environment. The colors truly pop on screen as you’re wrestling your enemies with suplexes and punch combos in the air.
A cool a🦄spect of this Canadian indie game from Drinkbox is that the moves you learn throughout th𓆉is Metroidvania will help you with platforming and fighting foes. The Rooster Uppercut, for example, lifts the protagonist Juan up to higher platforms. This is a hidden gem that is well worth your time.
#8 – Injustice: Gods Among Us
Another game with fun combat is Injustice: Gods Among Us. The Mortal Kombat developer NetherRealm Studios “brought it” with the first entry in this DC series. The combos are thrilling to pull off, and the ability to interact with objects on the stage is an engaging twist on the fighting game genre. The concept of Superman going evil after his love Lois Lane gets murdered by the Joker is fascinating. Out of fear, most heroes join Superman’s side, but Batman and a few other heroes decide to go against him. This civil war scenario is engaging to follow throughout an impressive story campaign.
#7 – Batman: The TellTale Series
Batman: The TellTale Series has a compelling story that focuses more on Bruce Wayne than the Batman persona, giving this a unique spin on the Caped Crusader. His family’s past is a big plot point in this game, and your choices do matter within the narrative of this Telltale adventure. You’ll have to pick sides, and sometimes that can come back to haunt Mr. Wayne. While the gameplay is simple, the compelling story more than makes up for it. The performances by Troy Baker, Laura Bailey, and others in the cast is also stellar.
“Troy Baker has a chance to show his chops a little more, channeling an otherwise very whiny Bruce with a little more panache and ferocity that a lot of voice actors wouldn’t be able to replicate,” said our review of one of the game’s episodes Children of Arkham. “He’s also able to forge believable relationships with the cast, and I haven’t seen Bruce and Harvey Dent be this relatable since Long Halloween.”
#6 – inFAMOUS: Second Son
One of the best superhero games is Sucker Punch and PlayStation’s inFAMOUS: Second Son. Playing as Delsin Rowe, you’re using the unique powers of smoke and neon. You’re going across the rooftops of Seattle and blissfully flying through the air. The Washington-based city looks gorgeous with real businesses and locations being replicated in the game.
The storyline is also compelling as you’re fighting against an agency trying to crack down on superpowered individuals. The relationship between Delsin and his brother is an aspect of the plot that’s also relatable and engaging. The combat is also a thrill as you’re wielding multiple powers, throwing embers at your enemies, and lifting cars into the air.
#5 – Marvel vs. Capcom 2
One of the most iconic superhero games ever made is Marvel vs. Capcom 2. This 3v3 fighter chang🔥ed the game with crazy combos and even crazier visuals that really popped in arcades back in the naughties. Being able to team up Ryu with The Hulk and Spider-Man was a drꦦeam for many fans of the genre back in the day. Additionally, the music is superb and will have you bobbing your head to the beat.
“I’d say that only one or two of today’s 2D fighting games can hold a candle to the level of craftsmanship and content to be found in Marvel Vs Capcom 2,” said our 2009 review of the Xbox 360 port. “It’s truly a product of a bygone era; and an era that I sorely miss.”
It recently saw a modern release on PS4, Switch, and PC, with the Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection.
#4 – Marvel Rivals
This could certainly be recency bias, but Marvel Rivals is a stellar third-person hero shooter based on the beloved Marvel license. It features heroes and villains from across the history of the company, including Iron Man, Captain America, and Mr. Fantastic. However, it also has some you may not expect like Jeff the Land Shark and Luna Snow, who are both excellent healers in the game. The game is fun to play as you master each character’s unique powers and try to figure out the best team for each scenario.
The stages are magnificent with amazing set pieces to gaze at, and the conversations the characters have with each other are fantastic as well. The game’s so great that it’s giving Overwatch 2 a run for its money.
#3 – Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy
After the disappointing release of Marvel’s Avengers, one of the best superhero games, Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy, suffered lacking sales. And that sucks because this is one of the best adaptations in the video game space. While Marvel’s Avengers felt too similar to the MCU, this game feels unique. It has its own origin story for Star-Lord, and the game makes him a more likable character than his movie version arguably. The writing is hilarious, and you really get a family feel from each of the characters in the game. They feel evolved and well-rounded as they speak to each other. You also have to take sides, and your decisions will leave an impact on the group. You’ll get invested.
The combat is also radical as you’re playing as Star-Lord shooting and fighting enemies in a fast-paced manner. You’ll be directing each of the Guardians to help you in the fight rather than taking control of them, which surprisingly works well.
#2 – Batman: Arkham Asylum
Many would say Batman: Arkham City is the best game in the series, and while it’s a fantastic entry, Arkham Asylum is the stand-out for me. By exploring this prison, you get an immense amount of tension as The Joker schemes his next trap for the Dark Knight. The story keeps moving forward, adding twists and turns you don’t expect. There are plenty of memorable moments within the storyline that will stay with you for a long time.
Another aspect of the game that will stay with you is the combat and stealth segments. You feel like a badass controlling Batman as he punches, dazes, and kicks his enemies at lightning-fast speed. The combo meter keeps going up, and you can pull off finishers if you succeed long enough. The stealth segments are also fantastic as Batman uses his gadgets to outwit the thugs underneath. He also has to crawl through the prison environment to get the upper hand. You have to play this game if you haven’t already.
#1 – Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 is simply the best superhero game to release. Playing as both Peter Parker and Miles Morales, you’re exploring a stunning iteration of New York, swinging around. It’s purely a rush just to explore New York. You also have the web-wings to glide across the city landscape, too.
“Very rarely am I enamored enough with an open world to drift around aimlessly for extended periods of time, but I found myself caught in that loop all over again,” said our review.
The story pulls you ꦿin even further as Miles Morales is still dealing w꧋ith the loss of his father and is trying to become the Spider-Man he dreams of. Peter Parker, meanwhile, is dealing with a deeper relationship with his girlfriend while grieving his aunt. He is also catching up with his best friend Harry Osborn. The drama is high-stakes as Venom and Kraven become major threats in the city.
The combat of Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 also matches up with the Batman: Arkham serie🌺s. It flows incredibly well as Peter and Miles zip across the battle with their quick reflexes. The gadgets and powers of both characters add to the battle as strategic options for the player. The skill trees for both Spider-Men also incentivize us to keep pl⛎aying and exploring the city. All of the collectibles and costumes you can unlock add even more to the enjoyment of the game.
Published: Jan 28, 2025 08:37 am