Superheroes and video games are two concepts that should go in hand. However, superhero games have a long and somewhat rocky history. With exceptions like Batman on the NES, there weren't many good superhero games back in the day, as they were mostly film tie-ins anyway.
The genre's evolved thanks to some standout titles that've succeeded in capturing the fun of being a superhero. The best superhero games should be as exciting and impactful as their film and comic inspirations and are dependent on how their characters are portrayed. Let's take a dive into some classics, as well as some newcomers, that have made their mark in gaming history.
10 Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3
Based on the successful mechanics of X-Men: Legends, Marvel Ultimate Alliance is a series of games that all sort of mesh together. Yes, each iteration has significant graphical and some UI improvements, as well as a larger cast of playable characters. Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3: The Black Order builds on what makes these games stand out the most: the fun, easy gameplay and varied combat style of each hero.
There aren't any heroes whose shtick is particularly difficult to grasp, but they all have their own quirks. Their weaknesses can be mitigated with upgrades and decent customization that feels like the heroes are improving with you. But it ranks last due to the simple level design and gameplay that's dull by nature.
9 Marvel Snap
This mobile game made waves not long after release, beloved by both casual MCU enjoyers and comic diehards alike. Created by the designers behind Hearthstone, the simple-to-learn mechanics and rapid matches make for fun card battles. Each comic book character comes in different classes with specific traits, even if the cards are played randomly.
Plan specific layouts that work better or worse according to the rest of your deck. Marvel Snap remains one of Disney's best games if only because it introduces a younger audience to more obscure characters in the Marvel pantheon. It's still low on the list due to its overall simplistic nature, a fun game that isn't very impactful.
8 Injustice 2
Injustice 2, unlike its predecessor, toes the line between cartoonish and uncanny with its redesign of some of DC's most beloved characters. While its story may be lacking compared to the best DC superhero video games, it's a far more interesting take on individual relationships and personal arcs than its predecessor. This version of Harley Quinn remains one of her best portrayals in video games by far.
By the merit of a better graphics engine, it also manages to way outdo Injustice: Gods Among Us visually. The game's got great character movesets and design, as well as tight controls. It's mid-rank, thanks to the microtransactions, and the minimal effect our choices make on the storyline, save the very end.
7 Ultimate Marvel VS Capcom 3
As far as fighting games go, UMvC3 sets a precedent for all following superhero games, especially in the form of combat dynamics. Every character on the roster, which has grown substantially from Marvel VS Capcom 3, has its own unique play style. Either you start out super weak and must perform tasks to grow strong like Phoenix Wright, or you must learn strategic differences between powerful attacks like Ryu.
A genuine love for the source material on all sides is seen here, with complex and fun-to-look-at environments as well as energetic themes for each character. The game's stuck in seventh due to a lack of game modes, and the online play has become complicated due to its age, despite it being a great game to play with friends.
6 Spiderman PS4
The Spiderman game for PS4 is the cleanest superhero game out there. Manhattan has never looked this good, especially considering how important it is in the Marvel universe. Peter Parker's new responsibilities have forced him to grow up too fast, which is interesting to watch. Swinging around the well-designed city is so fun, and the combat is also responsive, even if it lacks nuance.
All of Spidey's devices are interesting, even if they have little use besides story-relevant instances, and they really highlight what a genius he is. The characters are well-written, with the origin of Doc Oc being a major highlight. It loses points for filling out playtime with a lot of busy work, tedious puzzles, and sub-par Mary Jane segments.
5 Deadpool
It must've been so fun to be able to develop a game where you're supposed to break the fourth wall repeatedly. Deadpool is a 2013 game based on the comics that truly understand the appeal of its central character. It's fast-paced, witty and, random, confusing in a fun way. The highlight is in the combat, with varied combos and weapons for chopping up enemies to the tune of Deadpool's insane inner dialogue.
Like other superhero games applauded for their combat, moves, and weaponry can be upgraded by the simple skill tree, adding variety and over-the-top combos all animated seamlessly. On the downside, it's ugly, and you gotta be down for the never-ending banter, which can be a lot.
4 Telltale Batman
Finally, a superhero game in the format of Life Is Strange. Combat isn't the focus of gameplay here; it's deciding what kind of Batman you want to be. Every single choice Bruce makes matters, from the way he chooses to intimidate thugs to his interactions with characters we know are doomed to villainy. It also focuses a bit more on the thinky elements of detective work, which is a nice change.
It's interesting to see this character forced into moral quandaries, and the writing and dialogue transform it into one of the best Telltale games ever made. The Batman TellTale series resembles much of the emotional intrigue you're privy to in the comics, while losing points for failing to fully explore the complex personalities it introduces.
3 Guardians Of The Galaxy
What makes Guardians of the Galaxy the game exceptional is exactly what made the film great: the characters. Your role as the leader diversifies combat, as you're mostly directing the rest of your crew with all their unique abilities to complete missions. The writing in this game is truly one of a kind. Quill's interactions with the rest of the Guardians, displayed as dialogue options during in-between moments, are hilarious and heartfelt.
Bopping along to 80's hits while bantering with the Guardians is peak superhero fun. The story isn't groundbreaking, but it also doesn't feel inconsequential and matches the tone nicely. While a relatively short game with unnecessary puzzles that are just meant to be padding keeps it in third, this game deserves far more attention than it gets.
2 Spiderman 2
Most of what drew popularity to Spiderman PS4 was inspired by Spiderman 2, specifically the web-swinging mechanics and open-world environment. The game is revolutionary, rendering far-away objects with a smaller resolution so you can still see the entire city from up high. It's also the first game where Spidey's webs attach to buildings as he swings, a physics-based system that incorporates parkour and midair acrobatics.
As much as PS4 Spiderman is praised for making you feel like Spiderman, this one did it first. It's got more heart than the typical movie tie-in, including Black Cat, Rhino, and other characters not seen in the film. But the writing is incredibly awkward, and Tobey's vocal reprisal is hilarious. It loses points in major part due to repetitive side missions and simple combat.
1 Batman: Arkham Trilogy
When playing Batman: Arkham Asylum, City, and Knight, you never have a doubt that these developers love Batman. Much like the comics, Batman's portrayal is highly dependent on how Gotham City is portrayed. Gotham is gritty, terrifying, and vast, even if the map itself isn't very large. The variety of locations, characters, and gameplay really makes you appreciate every facet of this superhero's work.
The combat is exceptional; every strike and dodge is animated perfectly to have an impact and flow with combos. Arkham has the best atmosphere, environment, villains, and the most fun driving mechanics for the Batmobile. The Arkham games raised the bar by a mile in the world of superhero games and have yet to be matched.