Superhero games, just like the movies, usually suffer from the same problem. They are either mind-blowing, nerve-inducing, and game-changing, or, really, bad. It is rare to find a middle ground in this field, which is why I, self-proclaimed sir Rankalot of Listalot, will hopefully have the easiest of times determining which are the best superhero games ever. You can thank me afterwards for saving you from wasting your precious gaming time in mediocre (at best) superhero games.
The Best Superhero Games Ever
Just to be clear with the rules, to enter this list, the game needs only to be from the superhero genre. This means that games like Infamous and such are going to be taken into account, even though they don't have a well-known superhero like Superman or Spiderman. We cannot let Marvel and DC monopolize this list, right? 16. Deadpool (2013) Deadpool
Publisher/Developer
: Activision/High Moon Studios
Platforms
: PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Xbox One
The Best Superhero Games Ever
Let me surprise you by saying that this game was before the rise of super manly and funny guy Ryan Reynolds gave life to the superhero, which in turn granted it so much of his current popularity. This game was released years before that, being perhaps the first time non-comic fans got a chance to truly appreciate Deadpool's antihero nature. The game is equal parts funny, inappropriate, and violent—all defining characteristics of Deadpool. I daresay this game walked so Ryan Reynolds could run. 15. Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3: The Black Order (2019) Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3- The Black Order
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Although this game was released in 2019, it is filled with nostalgia. This is probably the main reason I am putting it on this list, to be honest. The world we live in has tried to make superheroes more realistic, losing its sometimes-stupid colours and outfits for a more serious version of their costumes. While I do love some share of real-life dose, part of me misses the over-the-top, flamboyant nature of superheroes. Well, this game gave us exactly that. Infamous features all superheroes in their original costumes, making them look great. The cherry on top is the fact that the story is not completely bad. I mean, sure, it kind of takes the plot from Avengers: Infinity War (in reality, more from Infinity Gauntlet Comic) but that only makes me confident in saying that most people would like the story and aesthetics of the game, especially that black and yellow Wolverine retro costume. 14. Infamous Second Son (2014) Infamous Second Son
Publisher/Developer
: Sony Computer Entertainment/Sucker Punch Productions
Platforms
: PlayStation 4
The Best Superhero Games Ever
This is the third instalment of the Infamous series, which should be a hint that you will be seeing more of it further down the list. Well, you must continue reading all of it if you want to find out. What makes the Infamous games shine amongst all of the other games in this list is the fact that you do not have to be morally good. No! You could also be a supervillain! The greatest in-game mechanic is that your actions have repercussions. The main character's morality can swing between being good or being bad, which makes for a great decision-making system in the game as every action carries weight behind it. Surely supervillain games also deserve a spot on our list, right? 13. LEGO Marvel Super Heroes (2013) LEGO Marvel Super Heroes
Publisher/Developer
: Warner Bros. Interactive/Traveller's Tale
Platforms
: PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Wii U, OS X, Nintendo 3DS, Nintendo DS, PlayStation Vita
The Best Superhero Games Ever
Is there any publisher with more range than LEGO? I don't think so but that's not the point of this list. Actually, a list of the best LEGO games ever might be a good idea. But anyway, back to the game... LEGO Marvel Superheroes is a LEGO game about Marvel's Superhero Universe. Marvel Superheroes has everybody's favourites heroes, including Ironman, Captain America, Hulk, and surprisingly Spider-Man and Wolverine, despite the never-ending rights war between Sony and Marvel. Expect a simple story with great humour and, as usual from the LEGO franchise, a good plot. This is perhaps the most casual, easy-going entry on the list, which is what makes it unique nonetheless. 12. X-Men Legends II: Rise of Apocalypse (2005) X-Men Legends II: Rise of Apocalypse
: PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 2, Xbox, GameCube, PSP, N-Gage
The Best Superhero Games Ever
We have arrived at probably the part of the list because I genuinely grew up playing these games. Starting with X-Men Legends, a unique take on the superhero genre of games. This game, hear me out - I am not going crazy, I promise - is a turn-based role-playing game. YES! You heard me right. This game is a superhero turn-based role-playing game, something relatively unknown for the genre. That alone should make it the top of the list, the best of the best. Frankly, it does a better job than X-men Apocalypse in terms of storytelling. So... why not place it higher? Because I am afraid that my sense has been clouded by Apocalypse himself, and I might be a teeny bit biased by the other entries. However, definitely give this game a shot, or two. You will not regret it. 11. Infamous (2009) Infamous
Publisher/Developer:
Sony Computer Entertainment/Sucker Punch Productions
Platforms
: PlayStation 3
The Best Superhero Games Ever
Have you heard about Cole MacGrath, the superhero/villain that saved the world and the galaxy in a dystopian universe? No? Then you are missing out big time. You should most definitely play Infamous, the underdog of this list. As I mentioned before, this game is a superhero game about a non-licensed hero. That doesn't make it bad, no not at all. In fact, it's one of its strong points of the game, as you are using a character in which you have full control over their actions. Similar to Infamous Second Son, the morality system in this game simply makes it memorable. 10. Spider-Man 2 (2004) Spider-Man 2
Publisher/Developer
: Activision/ Treyarch, Digital Eclipse
Platforms
: Game Boy Advance, GameCube, PC, PlayStation 2, Xbox
The Best Superhero Games Ever
Treyarch is famously known for its Call of Duty games. However, their roster of projects has a hidden gem of a game. That gem is Spider-Man 2, a game that draws a lot of its inspiration from the Toby Maguire Spider-Man. This game was released in 2004, and it took until 2018 for a game to dethrone it as the best Spider-Man game. Even so, many critics, and fans agree the 2018 Spiderman is only better because of its 14 years of game development and better graphics. 9. The Incredible Hulk: Ultimate Destruction (2005) The Incredile Hulk- Ultimate Destruction
Publisher/Developer
: Vivendi Universal Games/Radical Entertainment
Platforms
: PlayStation 2, Xbox, GameCube
The Best Superhero Games Ever
As per Hulk's inclusive rules, I am going to be giving this part of the list in his preferred language. SMASH SMASH SMASH SMASH SMASH SMASH. SMASH SMASH, SMASH SMASH, SMASH. Alright, there you go. Play the game. In all seriousness, though, this game is still the best Hulk game ever made. I daresay it's even better than the now-forgotten MCU movies. Why? Because it is the only game that lets the Green Giant go crazy and destroy everything or, you know, Hulk SMASHing the soul out of the game. This is the definition of unleashed Hulk game where the main point is not the story, but the smashing. Frankly, it is both entertaining and stress relieving. 8. Marvel Spider-Man: Miles Morales (2020) Spider-Man Miles Morales
Publisher/Developer
: Sony Computer Entertainment/Insomniac Games
Platforms
: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5
The Best Superhero Games Ever
This is not the last time we are going to see a Spidey game on this list, be sure of it. Miles Morales is the one game stuck between Spider-Man 2 and the other secret entry on this list which you obviously know about already, but for the sake of suspense, I will refrain from explicitly telling you its name. Is that bad? No, absolutely not, but it sets the field for a tough competition, especially when the part about the 14-year gap of graphics advancement might be the only reason is better than Spider-Man 2. The Miles Morales game has great gameplay, new abilities, and features that give Spider-Man a refreshed look and feel. I must admit the story is extremely well developed, and parting from Peter Parker adds more layers to the plot. The storytelling feels natural and enthralling, completely immersing you in the life of our new protagonist. Despite its almost universal acclaim and the general consensus of its greatness, I must admit Spider-Man 2 holds a greater piece of my heart. 7. Injustice 2 (2017) Injustice 2
Publisher/Developer:
Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment/NetherRealm Studios
Platforms
: PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Android, iOS
The Best Superhero Games Ever
The first and probably not the last fighting game I am going to mention on this list. I debating fighting games featuring a superhero. With opposing mechanisms when compared to traditional superhero games, it seemed unfair to compare them. However, I remember Injustice 2 and decided it deserved a place in this list. Injustice 2 is a big step up on Injustice in terms of roster, gameplay, and story. It is an extremely good game, that even those fighting game haters might enjoy, because of the story, flashy graphics, and moves, and, of course, Batman. It has tons of customization features available as well, which sets it apart from most fight games. You should also be happy with it because this is probably the only DC game from this point on that is not going to have ARKHAM as the main point of story or title. 6. Marvel vs Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worlds (2011) Marvel vs Capcom 3 Fate of Two Worlds
Publisher/Developer
: Capcom/Capcom Fighting
Platforms
: PlayStation 3, Xbox 360
The Best Superhero Games Ever
Crossovers are tricky. Either they are well-executed and work, or they do not. One of the strange series to actually make a crossover worthwhile, and one that everyone can like, is the Marvel vs Capcom crazy crossover fighting game. The game contains a roster of over 35 characters, from both Marvel and Capcom. It also has the Ultimate expansion pack, which is an improved experience that adds a lot of new characters, as well as a rework and redesigning of some core gameplay features that make it worthwhile. Featuring tag team game mechanics, alongside a new method of play for new players, MvC 3 did the best it could for its time. 5. Marvel vs Capcom 2: New Age of Heroes (2000) Marvel vs Capcom 2 New Age of Heroes
Publisher/Developer
: Capcom/ Capcom Backbone Entertainment
Platforms
: PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, Xbox, Xbox 360, iOS, Dreamcast, Arcade
Me probably getting my judgment clouded because I grew with this game - ALERT. The cartoonish design, the roster that made it better than the first entry, and the fact that they included Servbot from Mega Man make me confident that this game is better than the third one. It's just the nostalgia in the aesthetics, the cartoonish move sets that make even the simplest kick an exaggerated Mexican Style Wrestling style that makes it a little bit better, at least in my heart.
The Best Superhero Games Ever
Bias aside, this game is known as one of the best fighting games ever. Critics and fans alike praised its great roster, gameplay mechanisms, and graphics for the time. It was groundbreaking for its time and set the bar high for the superhero fighting games to come afterwards. 4. Marvel's Spider-Man (2018) Marvel's Spider-Man
Publisher/Developer
: Sony Computer Entertainment/Insomniac Games
Platforms
: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5
The Best Superhero Games Ever
The Spider-Man game that I have been mentioning for basically the whole list is finally here. With great gadgets and kicking butts, this game is a gameplay masterpiece. Most of the games on the list are usually left for people that already like this genre in the first place but starting here the pace really picks up on all-time greats. Its web-swinging combat is top-notch, but what makes this one beat the other two is the great storytelling. The best detail is the fact that this game makes you feel like Peter Parker as well, not only as Spider-Man. You literally get to live the best of both worlds. It's a great game anybody can sink their teeth into. 3. Batman: Arkham Knight (2015) Batman Arkham Knight
Publisher/Developer:
Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment/Rocksteady Studios
Platforms
: PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
The Best Superhero Games Ever
So, we have reached the final three. I think most people know what game series and what superhero is going to be top of the list, as they are really the best of the best game. The only thing you probably are expecting is in what order I would put them. Without further ado, here we go. Running up for a bronze medal entry is Arkham Knight. In this game, players fight the Scarecrow while simultaneously trying to fight the Arkham Knight. Action-packed and heavily story-driven, Arkham Knight changes the field for the superhero games. Trust Batman to cause a cultural reset, at least in the gaming community. The main reason this game is often criticized is because of the Batmobile mission, which surprisingly, I enjoyed. 2. Batman: Arkham Asylum (2009) Batman Arkham Asylum
Publisher/Developer
: Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment/Rocksteady Studios
Platforms
: PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Mac OS X
The Best Superhero Games Ever
In the second place, we have the first Arkham series game — Arkham Asylum. Frankly, this game is really what inspired me to write this list in the first place. Batman: Arkham Asylum is a game where the player explores Batman's never-ending battle against the Joker, who plots to seize control of Arkham Asylum, trap Batman inside and allow him to deal with his fair share of incarcerated foes. Most of the game takes place inside the Asylum, relying on Batman's stealth and combat abilities, detective skills, and use of gadgets to get around. This is truly a great game that revolutionized superhero games, from being a corny high action game to great games with intricate storytelling and great character development. 1. Batman: Arkham City (2011) Batman Arkham City
Publisher/Developer
: Activision/High Moon Studios
Platforms
: PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Xbox One, OS X, Wii U
The best superhero game of all time, just edging its two brothers. While Arkham Asylum was famous because of its close-quarter combat, Arkham City took that and transformed it into a part of Gotham City. The game grants players options on how to play the game and to get into the mind of the Dark Knight, either roleplaying like him or acting completely different. Easter eggs, better combat, acting like Spider-Man by perching around the city, it's truly the best superhero game of all time.
Being the direct sequel to Arkham Asylum, it features a great cast. The game starts with Batman incarcerated in the now super-prison Arkham City, lawless land ruled by warden-turned-mayor Quincy Sharp. As if the setting wasn't chaotic enough, Batman is now tasked with uncovering a sinister scheme, while being infected by a mortal disease, thanks to the Joker. It seems as if our bat-buddy will have a tough time getting out of this sticky situation. It is worth mentioning Arkham City is the first game in the Arkham series to introduce side missions, Catwoman, Robin, and Nightwing as playable characters. Another DLC also features Harley Quinn and Robin, fleshing out the story entirely.
We have reached the end of the list. What do you think about superhero games? Are they your cup of tea, or do you prefer to skip them over altogether? Whatever it is, I can only hope my input helped you choose your next great gaming adventure. Sir Rankalot of Listalot signing off, until next time!
