Due to being synonymous with quick licensed cash-grabs for the longest time, superhero games used to have a pretty negative reputation. However, that has changed considerably over the last decade or so, and we nowadays tend to get high-quality projects featuring Marvel and DC’s most famous faces. Even before the likes of Rocksteady and Insomniac perfected the formula, the gaming industry was more than capable of producing a solid superhero romp every other year.
More than 100 superhero adventures have come out over the last three decades, and roughly half of those feature Batman or Spider-Man. While those characters have historically hogged the limelight, nearly every major hero or heroic group has starred in a good game; therefore, let’s celebrate the history of Marvel, DC, and others by highlighting the best superhero games ever.
Here are some criteria and notes:
- One game per hero or team-up. That said, a character can appear in a solo and group outing.
- As there are a lot of good superhero games, honorable mentions for a hero or group will be included if relevant. Other worthwhile games that do not fit any category will be mentioned in a separate section at the end of the article.
- We are going to be a bit strict with the definition of “superhero” stories. That’s why something like The Darkness is not included, as it is based on a comic but is not a superhero game.
Batman: Arkham Trilogy
The Definitive Best Batman And Superhero Games
Well, might as well get the most obvious inclusion out of the way. Rocksteady’s Batman Arkham is one of the greatest trilogies ever, and that goes beyond video games. While everyone has their favorite, Arkham Asylum, Arkham City, and Arkham Knight are all fantastic works of art that redefined the scope and quality of what a superhero game could be.
The combat system is reactive, smooth, and fun, and it has proven to be incredibly influential, with quite a few developers copying parts of its playbook. The open-worlds in the latter games are just big enough to be immersive without becoming overwhelming, and they are both dripping in atmosphere and style. Arkham Asylum is a more linear experience, and it is just as brilliant as its successors. If Arkham Asylum never came out, we might not have gotten Injustice or Marvel’s Spider-Man.
Honorable Mentions: Batman Games
- Batman Begins
- Batman: Rise of Sin Tzu
- Batman: The Telltale Series
- Lego Batman
Marvel’s Spider-Man
The Definitive Spidey Game
Out of all superheroes, Spider-Man has the best video game resume by far. Even back in the 1990s, the wall-crawler was punching and kicking his way through great beat ’em ups, and he transitioned pretty well to 3D adventures on the PS1. 2004’s Spider-Man 2 was a groundbreaking achievement that set the standard for the hero’s future outings, many of which were, at least, decent.
In 2018, Insomniac crafted the ultimate Spider-Man game, blending storytelling, exploration, and combat seamlessly to create a complete experience. Although not flawless, Marvel’s Spider-Man is just relentlessly enjoyable, as the simple act of swinging through New York is a pleasure. This is a rare example of an open-world game where manual travel is nearly always preferred to fast-travel. You are Spider-Man. Miles Morales and Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 are also awesome, but the first game has a certain charm that sets it apart.
Honorable Mentions: Spider-Man Games
- Spider-Man (2000)
- Spider-Man 2 (2004)
- Spider-Man and Venom: Maximum Carnage
- Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions
- Spider-Man: Web of Shadows
- Ultimate Spider-Man
X-Men Legends II: Rise of Apocalypse
The Definitive X-Men Game In A Consistently Great Series
For a time, X-Men video games had a habit of being consistently good. Marvel’s mutants had a rock-solid ’90s thanks to the arcades and Capcom, and they started the next decade with a bang. Raven Software’s X-Men Legends was the best team-up superhero game at the time of its release, and it is still among the most memorable more than two decades later.
As incredible as the first entry is, the sequel fine-tunes the formula just enough to warrant the spot, even above the spiritual successor series, Marvel Ultimate Alliance. An addictive co-op action RPG with a great roster of playable heroes and villains, X-Men Legends 2 is essentially a 3D beat ’em up, albeit with leveling up, character swaps, team synergy, and a lengthy campaign.
Honorable Mentions: X-Men Games
- Deadpool
- X-Men (Arcade Game)
- X-Men: Mutant Academy
- X-Men: Mutant Apocalypse
- X-Men vs. Street Fighter
- X-Men Wolverine Origins
Injustice 2
The Definitive (In) Justice League Game
There are not many Justice League games, but they are usually decent. However, DC’s famous team features in arguably the greatest superhero fighting game of all time, and half of them just had to turn evil for it to happen. Building on its predecessor’s foundations, Injustice 2 is NetherRealm Studios’ best release, one that combines Mortal Kombat‘s viciousness with DC’s diverse heroes and villains.
The campaign offers roughly 5 hours of intense cutscenes and fights, with the story revolving around the arrival of Supergirl and the aftermath of Superman’s fall as the world’s dictator. Injustice 2 is an absolute blast to play, with the gameplay being satisfying and challenging in equal measures. The characters are true to their comic selves, at least in terms of their move sets, and fittingly imbalanced but still generally fun to use. While not extremely active nowadays, Injustice 2‘s multiplayer was huge for a long time.
Honorable Mentions: Justice League Games
- DC Universe Online
- Justice League: Cosmic Chaos
- Justice League Heroes
- Lego Batman 2: DC Super Heroes
- Lego Batman 3: Beyond Gotham
The Definitive Marvel Heroes Game
The only reason Injustice 2 is not unquestionably the greatest superhero fighting game is due to the existence of Marvel vs. Capcom, which has two entries that qualify as candidates. Nowadays, newcomers should pick up Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3, as it is a fantastic all-around experience that has aged well despite being more than a decade old.
However, historically, Marvel vs. Capcom 2: New Age of Heroes is the most important entry in the franchise, along with being one of the most long-lasting and beloved superhero releases of all time. A staple of arcades and the competitive scene, these games not only shine but also have unique identities. Capcom did not rely solely on its Street Fighter expertise when crafting these games, instead opting to take full advantage of its expansive roster to craft an over-the-top celebration of both its own IPs and Marvel.
Honorable Mentions: Marvel Team-Up Games
- Lego Marvel Super Heroes
- Marvel’s Midnight Suns
- Marvel Rivals
- Marvel Ultimate Alliance
Infamous 1 & 2
The Best Original Superhero Games
-
inFAMOUS
Systems
- Released
-
May 26, 2009
- ESRB
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T For Teen // Blood, Drug Reference, Language, Mild Suggestive Themes, Violence
Although not particularly common, we have received a few original superhero games not based on existing Marvel or DC IPs. Before heading to Japan with Ghost of Tsushima, Sucker Punch spent 5 years on Infamous, producing one of the most consistently good superhero series in gaming. While Second Son and the shorter spin-offs are good in their own right, Cole MacGrath’s main PS3 games define Infamous‘ legacy, and they are still an absolute blast to play.
Both games have satisfying OP powers that enable you to really engage in some destructive vigilantism, and the Karma system adds a degree of player freedom and accountability. Story-wise, Infamous is stronger than its successor, but they work best when enjoyed in unison.
Honorable Mentions: Other Original Superhero Games
- Freedom Force
- Freedom Force vs the 3rd Reich
- Saints Row 4
- Viewtiful Joe
- The Wonderful 101
Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy
The Best MCU-Esque Game
When it comes to games, the MCU produced almost nothing worthwhile, and it is mostly synonymous with wasted potential and rushed projects. So, if you are craving something that can scratch a similar itch, your best bet is to look adjacent to the franchise. Due to Square Enix’s handling of Marvel’s Avengers, Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy had little in the way of hype, only to launch to mostly rave reviews. Unlike its sibling, GOTG pushes its characters and story into the forefront, chronicling the group’s world-hopping journey as they try to stop a universe-changing disaster they helped instigate.
GOTG‘s brilliance comes down entirely to its writing and presentation, both of which are among the best in the superhero genre. The gameplay is enjoyable enough as well, although it gets a bit samey and struggles to remain interesting for the whole duration of the campaign. However, the story, banter, and characters are so incredible, they more than make up for the passable combat.
Honorable Mentions: MCU Games
- Captain America: Super Soldier
- Lego Marvel’s Avengers
Dispatch
A New Take On Superheroes
Putting aside some recency bias, Dispatch is a refreshing change of pace from the typical superhero romp, all the while serving as a stellar throwback to Telltale’s glory days. Although not completely devoid of interactivity, the episodic game is essentially an interactive adventure movie that follows a retired hero who is nowadays working as a dispatch operative for active crime fighters.
The concept is marvelous, and Dispatch runs with it by prioritizing character-focused writing and player-driven choices that shape the narrative’s tone and participants. Incorporating slice of life elements to complement high-stakes situations, AdHoc Studio has put together an experience that should stand the test of time as one of the best superhero games ever.
Honorable Mentions That Do Not Fit Any Other Category
- Ghost Rider (PS2)
- The Incredible Hulk: Ultimate Destruction
- Marvel Snap
- My Hero One’s Justice 2
- South Park: The Fractured but Whole
- The Punisher (2004)
