10 Best Super Hero Games
The 10 Best Super Hero Games reflect the best of the best of those selflessly dedicated to protecting the public. With the successes of the Marvel films and Nolan's Batman trilogy, super hero stories have become a cornerstone of entertainment and pop culture, so it would make sense that video game developers would try to recreate the experiences we have come to idolize from both the silver screen and panels of a comic. Unfortunately, developers have also failed numerous times during this process as well (curse you, Superman 64). Look, up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! No... it's the 10 Best Super Hero Games!
- 10
Lego Batman 2: DC Super Heroes
Warner Bros. Interactive EntertainmentStarting off our list of the 10 Best Super Hero Games is the Dark Knight's second blocky adventure. Lego Batman 2 not only ironed the kinks out from the previous title, reflecting a tremendous growth of the Lego series in general, it also expanded its cast to include the Justice League and various other DC characters outside of a Batman title's usual cast. From General Zod to Shazam, there are numerous big names from the DC universe included in Lego Batman 2. It was quite hilarious to watch the goofy shenanigans of Lego Robin.
- 9
Injustice: Gods Among Us
Warner Bros. Interactive EntertainmentNetherRealm Studios, notorious for their Mortal Kombat franchise, released Injustice: Gods Among Us as a form of making amends for the lukewarm Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe. While MK vs. DC was obviously trying to ride the coattails of the Marvel vs. Capcom franchise, it was quite underwhelming. The 2011 Mortal Kombat title and Injustice reminds us of the quality we have come to expect from Ed Boon and the rest of his crew. Injustice had an excellent combat system and an extensive cast of super heroes and villains.
- 8
Viewtiful Joe
CapcomViewtiful Joe was not only a super hero title, it also tried to evolve the side-scrolling beat 'em up with Joe's amazing powers. Inspired by the likes of Ultraman and the Super Sentai/Power Ranger franchises, Joe's bodysuit, catchphrases, epic poses and Viewtiful Effects brought much-needed changes and flair to the tried-and-true beat 'em up format. We'll never forget the first time we were able to use his Mach Speed ability. Here's to hoping Capcom will finally make Viewtiful Joe 3. Henshin-a-go-go, baby!
- 7
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 4: Turtles in Time
KonamiThe proper sequel to TMNT 3: The Manhattan Project, Turtles in Time reminded us why we love being a turtle- or playing as one, at least. When Krang put the moves on Lady Liberty, it was up to the heroes in a half-shell to put our beloved statue back on Liberty Island. Fighting Tokka, Rahzar, Krang, Super Shredder, Leatherhead and the Rat King were all memorable moments from one of the greatest beat 'em ups ever made. Cowabunga!
- 6
Spider-Man 2 (2004)
ActivisionWhile web-slinging may have been done in other Spider-Man games prior to this one, it was never perfected until the tie-in game for Spidey's second movie. In Spider-Man 2, your friendly neighborhood Web-Head was allowed to swing throughout the entire (and quite accurate), city of Manhattan. Not only did Spider-Man 2 break the curse of movie-based video games, it expanded on the movie's plot and was, arguably, the greatest Spider-Man game of all time. We'll never forget the first time we dove off of the Empire State Building, did a free fall for about 20 seconds, and swung out of it just in the nick of time.
- 5
The Incredible Hulk: Ultimate Destruction
Sierra EntertainmentIn 2005, Sierra Entertainment made the right call and created a Hulk game based off of the comics and did not have any type of connection to that God-awful 2003 film. Its formula is simple: The Incredible Hulk + Open World = Fun. The angry green giant can run across walls, climb up buildings, jump really high and can knock cars and obstacles away with ease. And just for the fans, Sierra had Bruce Banner voiced by Neal McDonough, who was Bruce Banner's voice from the 1996 animated series. For such a great, fan-oriented experience, the Hulk smashed his way onto our list of the 10 Best Super Hero Games.
- 4
Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3
CapcomIt's Mahvel baby!! Fans were a little bit disappointed in the number of playable characters in the original version of Marvel vs. Capcom 3 (forgetting that MVC2 had sprites used from over a decade's worth of prior fighting games and that MVC3's roster were all new designs from the ground-up). Nevertheless, Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 added in 12 new fighters to the 38 from the original. The addition of fan favorites like Doctor Strange and Rocket Raccoon helped build onto UMVC3's addictive gameplay. The dialogue that occurs between the characters before each fight shows us that Capcom had indeed been listening to the fans. Hearing Deadpool say "Welcome to die!" to Magneto for the first time left us all with wide grins on our faces..
- 3
Marvel: Ultimate Alliance 2
ActivisionBooming with nearly 100 Marvel characters to play as, fight or interact with, Ultimate Alliance 2 tried to build on the first title and move the series into the debatable story of the Superhuman Registration Act, which is known as the Civil War to comic enthusiasts. Ultimate Alliance 2 actually let you make the call as to whether or not you supported the Superhuman Registration Act. This choice then bore semblance onto the levels where your super team would fight and the bosses they would have to contend with. Although we never took Cable to be the type to support the Superhuman Registration act, fighting him with the likes of Iron Fist, Blade, Juggernaut and Wolverine was amazing.
- 2
X-Men Origins: Wolverine
ActivisionThis Wolverine title was the super hero game we were waiting a long time for. With an M rating, this was basically Wolverine with the Mortal Kombat blood code in play. Logan was able to hack enemies into pieces, and you would see the injuries he would sustain heal. It was quite amazing to see Wolvie tear dozens of bad guys into bloody pieces and to watch the wounds on his body seal up after the fight was over. The Wolverine franchise has brought on its fair share of horrible titles, but with X-Men Origins, Activision got it perfect. It's quite a shame that Activision didn't try to capitalize on the newest Wolverine movie by trying to do a follow up.
- 1
Batman: Arkham City
Warner Bros. Interactive EntertainmentPerfecting the experience from Arkham Asylum, Arkham City gave us the perfect Batman experience. Arkham City had everything we could ever possibly need from a super hero title. Take Batman, lock him away in a section of Gothan loaded with criminals and super villains, give him his arsenal of bat-weapons, put Paul Dini in charge of the story, have Kevin Conroy be the voice of the Bat, and make it all open world. From its opening with Bruce Wayne's capture to the jaw-dropping, joke-killing finale, Arkham City is, without a doubt, the greatest super hero title of all time and easily takes the top spot on our list of the 10 Best Super Hero Games.