Top 10 Superhero Games
There aren't a lot of Superhero themed games and most of the titles around aren't exactly good. Here's my list of the best and highly recommended Superhero video games.
Listed in no particular order.
1. Marvel VS Capcom series
The Marvel VS. Capcom series shares a lot of gameplay elements with the Street Fighter games. Earlier version of the series follows the a traditional fighting game format, which includes Best 2 out of 3 rounds in a standard 1 vs 1 bout. The assist mechanic has been introduced in the later titles, which allows the player to choose one more character that can perform a quick special move that can help out the player for extending or breaking the opponent's combos. In the latest Marvel vs Capcom installment, the developers had increased the number of characters to play in a team, now with a total of 3 vs 3. In order to win the fight, the player must defeat all 3 characters of the opposing player. The game is newbie friendly because of the option to switch to a simple control scheme, which allows new players to execute simple combo moves and finishing attacks.
Gameplay
2. Injustice Gods Among Us
Injustice Gods Among Us is a 3d, 1 on 1 fighting game set in a two-dimensional battle maps. The game features a unique map mechanics that involves intractable objects, which can be used by the player to deal damage. Some maps also feature a level transition, which happens whenever a player performs a heavy attack. The opposing player will be launched into a new map level, while receiving additional damage. Characters are group into two types: the power and gadget characters. These characters differ on how each interacts with the environment. A gadget like Batman can attach an exploding Batarang in car to blow it up, while Superman can just carry the car and throw it. Each character also has their own special ability, like Batman, who can summon three Batarangs and Superman who can temporary strengthen his attacks. Another unique feature is the Clash system, where the player can trigger only after losing their first health bar. During this sequence, both players commit a portion of their Super meter and the one that bids the highest wins the clash and a significant amount of health is awarded to the winner.
Gameplay
3. Batman Arkham Series
The Batman Arkham series features a mix of stealth action-adventure gameplay set in an open world (Arkham City and Origins) city. The player takes control of Batman, as he explores around the city to accomplish certain mission and objectives. The game requires the player to take advantage of Batman's wide range of gadgets to defeat certain enemies or find hidden collectibles. The combat is separated in two types; free flow combat or stealth. The free flow combat is focused on three types of action; attack, evade and counter. Gadgets can also be used during the free flow combat. The stealth aspects of the game are focused on Batman sneaking up on enemies to incapacitate or disarm them without alerting anyone’s attention. The player also has access to Batman's "Detective Vision", which can be used to highlight hidden collectibles, clues and to track escaping criminals.
The game features a number of Combat and Stealth challenges, which can be played using DLC characters.
Gameplay
4. The Amazing Spiderman series
The Amazing Spiderman series is set in an open world city of Manhattan. The latest game features far more expansive and detailed city compare to the earlier installments. The game takes control of Spiderman, as he roams around the city to track down and defeat various supervillians and criminals. The player uses Spiderman's webs, to travel via web swinging from building to building.
A new gameplay element is incorporated in the newer installments called the Hero or Menace. This gameplay mechanic is dependent on how the player responds to the crimes happening around the city. Aside from playing Spiderman, the player can switch to Peter Parker on certain missions to do detective work.
Gameplay
5. inFamous series
Infamous is an action-adventure game set in an open world city. In the earlier games, the player takes control of Cole MacGrath, a man with the capability of using electric based abilities. Cole can navigate all throughout the city using parkour skills or by using certain ability. Cole's electric power source depletes whenever he uses his powers, but can be refilled anytime by absorbing electricity from certain kinds of objects. The Morality or Karma is a big gameplay element that greatly affects the story. Morality points are highly dependent on how the player use Cole’s powers to save civilians or wreak havoc all around the city. The Good and Evil side have their own set of powers.
In the latest intallment of the series, the game features a new protagonist named Delsin Rowe, who has the capability to use smoke-based abilities.
Gameplay
6. Marvel Ultimate Alliance series
The Marvel: Ultimate Alliance features an action-adventure gameplay that incorporates an isometric dungeon crawl perspective, very similar to games like Diablo. Before starting a mission, the player must choose at least four superheroes in order to form a team. When the player selects certain superheroes together, a bonus is granted. Like when the player chooses to include 4 superheroes from the X-Men or Avengers etc. The game features multiple alternative endings that are highly dependent on the number of optional missions the player completes.
Each superhero can level up to learn new skills and abilities. The latest game installment allows the player to combine the attacks of the superheroes. This is called a Fusion and every character has their own special fusion attack. Some DLC characters are only available on specific platforms.
Gameplay
7. Saint's Row IV
Saint's Row IV is takes control of a character, playing a computer-simulated version of the fictional city of Steelport. This installment shares the many gameplay elements of the previous Saint's Row series. This involves control a customized character in a third person perspective which is set in an open world map, where the player can free roam, take quests and find hidden collectables. The player can also steal cars and purchase various weapons and costumes.
Unlike the previous game series, the player can now use superhuman abilities, in order to fight off the aliens invading the city. These powers can be unlocked and upgraded whenever the player has collected enough experience points.
Gameplay
8. LEGO Marvel Super Heroes
LEGO Marvel Heroes features a large cast of up to 150 player characters from the Marvel Universe. Each character has their own unique abilities and personalities. Players can access and explore the Lego version of New York City. Certain areas are restricted and can only be accessed by specific character or by finishing a number of campaign missions. There are also optional sides missions that are given all throughout the city, each are humorously narrated by Deadpool. The game also features a multiplayer co-op mode.
Gameplay
9. LEGO Batman series
The Lego Batman series features the many gameplay elements of other Lego titles, like puzzle solving, collecting Lego studs and assembling various Lego bricks to complete certain missions. The player primarily controls Batman and is set in a Lego version of Gotham city. The player has access to Batman's various gadgets and vehicles but some can only be unlocked after completing specific missions or fulfilling certain objectives. Other characters from the Batman Universe are also playable and have their own unique missions. A multiplayer co-op mode is also available, that supports up to 2 players.
Gameplay
10. The Darkness series
The Darkness series is an action-horror game, where the player takes control of the Darkness host, Jackie Estevez. The game features the mix of a first person shooter and the use of the Darkness power, to defeat enemies. Certain game objectives and mission can only be accomplished by using certain Darkness abilities. The Darkness II features a unique "quad wielding" that allows the player use firearms and the Darkness simultaneously. The player primarily use the Darkness' creeping dark tendrils to dismember enemies, pick up objects or interact with the environment. Hearts of the dead enemies can be eaten and absorbed to restore Jackie's health. If the area has strong lighting, the player won’t be able to use Jackie’s darkness powers so the player must find a way to turn off the light source.
The game also features a new campaign mode called the Vendetta, which allows the player to control one out of 4 characters, each having their own limited Darkness power. Multiplayer options are available and up to four players can play at the same time.