Superman Needs to Return to Video Games and Get the Title He Deserves

[[{“value”:”

Video games have never been particularly kind to Superman. From his first outing on the Atari 2600 to his last solo game, released to coincide with the film Superman Returns, the Man of Steel has often gotten the short end of the stick. Many of these games struggled to balance the challenge of playing an invincible, god-like character with gameplay that felt engaging. On top of that, several Superman titles were plagued by poor controls and functionality.

Games where Superman plays a secondary role, like the Lego Batman series or the Injustice duology, have done a better job of capturing the Man of Steel. With the new DCU film universe already in motion after the release of Creature Commandos and a new feature film on the horizon, it’s the perfect time to bring DC’s biggest and best hero back to the forefront of video games.

Superman Games Must Evolve and Move Forward

It’s time to move past the well-worn critiques of Superman video games. Every discussion about Superman in gaming seems to lead back to the infamous Superman 64, with someone inevitably dumping on it. But for the character to have a chance at a new solo game, that mentality needs to stop. Everything that could be said about Superman 64 has been said. Dwelling on the failures of a nearly 30-year-old game does nothing to push the conversation forward.

Another tired criticism is that “Superman is boring.” This phrase is repeated by comic and game fans alike, but it ignores the core appeal of Superman. Most video games are power fantasies, that give players incredible abilities that let them lay waste to hordes of enemies. Superman, who can move planets and fight godlike monsters like Doomsday, should be the perfect fit for that kind of fantasy.

So, how can a Superman game work? By telling the right story. Theres’s no reason for a Superman game to put arbitrary limits on his power. Instrad, the game should find meaningful ways to challenge players, giving them tons of power, but also the responsibility that comes with it. A thoughtful story that embraces the depth of Superman’s character while delivering the gameplay fans expect could finally do justice to the Man of Steel.

Superman Deserves the Arkham Treatment

A Strong Concept, Like Batman Had In the Arkham Games, Is All Superman Needs

Superhero games were in a bad way when Batman: Arkham Asylum released in 2009. Many were rushed movie tie-ins or mediocre action-adventure games that weren’t terrible but weren’t particularly great either. That all changed when Rocksteady put players into the cape and cowl of Batman. What made that game so successful? The story and the gameplay.

Arkham Asylum gave players a Batman experience unlike anything seen before. With a story crafted by longtime Batman writer Paul Dini, an incredible freeflow combat system, and opportunities to actually do detective work, the game delivered a truly authentic Batman experience. It was the right team with the right vision at the right time.

In the right hands, Superman could receive that same “Arkham treatment.” With a carefully crafted story—maybe even one that involves longtime Superman writers like Mark Waid or Kurt Busiek—and gameplay that embraces his powers and challenges, Superman could finally get the game he so rightfully deserves.

Players Can Finally Fully Inhabit Characters Like Batman and Spider-Man

Insomniac nailed the Spider-Man formula, and anticipation is high for their Wolverine game. We’re living in a golden age for superhero games, with a few exceptions, mostly due to some less-than-stellar ideas. Yet, Superman hasn’t headlined his own title since 2006. Even during the superhero boom, he’s only shown up as an ensemble character. His most recent outings have been in the Injustice series, Multiversus, and Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League.

Teams like the Guardians of the Galaxy have already games of their own, yet the hero who started it all has been largely absent. Superhero games are better than ever, and there’s no good reason why Superman Superman has had to miss out. It’s time to bring the Man of Steel into the video game spotlight.

What a Superman Game Could Look Like

A Good Superman Game Should Take Notes from the Past

An ideal Superman game might want to look at something like Saints Row IV. It’s an odd choice, yes, but that game, and its predecessor, to some extent, was essentially a superhero game in disguise. Players had crazy jumping abilities, super speed, and near-flight capabilities, so it’s something a Superman game could easily take inspiration from.

A free-roaming open-world game, similar to what Superman Returns attempted, would be perfect. It just needs to get rid of the frustrating city life bar. Players could start out as Clark Kent, using journalistic skills to investigate a story and track down leads. When a crime breaks out, they could transform into Superman and save the day. The investigation could lead into a larger threat that would let players unleash the full power of the Man of Steel. A video game like this would let players be a beacon of hope for humanity and put Kal-El’s power into their hands.

“}]] Superman games don’t have the best track record, but it’s time for a new game starring the Man of Steel.  Read More