Over the years, we’ve gotten a handful of games based on DC Comics that have left…less than favorable an impression. We’re talking Superman 64, which was easily one of the worst games produced for Nintendo 64 (if not the worst); Superman Returns, which failed to capture the excitement of the film of the same name; and the countless Batman games that left us wincing over his representation.
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However, that said, there have been a few surprises that have come out of the woodwork that have managed to represent DC Comics heroes rather well, including some that weren’t expected to be that good. For instance, Superman on the Atari 2600. This game could’ve easily just been a title built around its license, but, surprise, it was fun to play.
So let’s run down the best DC Comics-related games that have come out over the years. We’ve got our fair share of favorites – and, yes, we included Injustice 2 – and chances are you’ll enjoy them as well.
Superman (Atari 2600)
Released around the same time as the movie of the same name, Superman really took advantage of the presence of the super hero, allowing you to not only utilize his abilities within the game (like strength, X-ray vision and flight), but also enabling you to ransform back into Clark Kent so you could return to the Daily Planet. The game’s flight controls were pretty simple to get into, and the controls were actually pretty cool for the time, even if the general game structure remained the same. It also paved the way for other superhero games to come to the platform, including Spider-Man.
Other honorable mentions for Superman include the self-titled arcade game from Taito (where you could actually play with two Supermen, if you had a friend) and Acclaim’s Death and Return of Superman, a fairly good beat-em-up that closely followed the comic book.
Batman: Arkham City (Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Wii U)
We previously talked about our favorite Batman games a little while back, and sitting on the top of the list is none other than Arkham City. Despite the great games featuring the Dark Knight over the years, this is him at his absolute finest, with an array of spectacular abilities and fighting skills that are utilized throughout the game. For good measure, the sequel features a much wider scope over the original Arkham Asylum, and the story, scripted by Paul Dini, is absolutely perfect, right down to the powerful conclusion involving Batman and the Joker. Oh, and it never hurts to have Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill on board, voicing their respective roles.
We’ll also give an honorable mention to Batman from the NES, the 1989 classic loosely based on the Tim Burton film of the same name. It’s just a lot of fun, even if it is a little on the tough side.
And a small recommendation to Batman: Arkham Origins, too. Sure, it’s done by WB Games Montreal and not Rocksteady Games. But it’s still a great follow-up, and one we wouldn’t mind seeing a sequel to.
Justice League Heroes (PlayStation 2, Xbox)
Even though the game was very close in nature to Activision’s X-Men Legends, in terms of selecting characters and using their abilities in a top-down setting, Justice League Heroes was actually a very good representation of the classic League. Featuring sharp controls and a great game engine utilized by the previously released Baldur’s Gate: Dark Alliance, the game proved to be a blast with its wide assortment of characters, including available and unlockable characters. Not only that, it made for a good time with local multiplayer, where you could team up with a friend to kick some butt and take names.
There was also a Justice League: Task Force fighting game released years back for Super NES and Sega Genesis, but it was very subpar compared to the likes of Street Fighter II and Mortal Kombat. Still, some fans enjoyed it.
Green Lantern: Rise of the Manhunters (PlayStation 3, Xbox 360)
Okay, so the Green Lantern film left a LOT to be desired – and star Ryan Reynolds couldn’t help but make absolute fun of it in Deadpool. (Can you blame him?) But some good did come out of it, believe it or not – and that would be the video game tie-in for the film. Rise of the Manhunters is a God of War-style action game where you control Hal Jordan as he bashes his way through various enemies, using a number of stylish combos. The game was not only entertaining to play, but it also featured the likeness and voice of Reynolds – and he sounds like he’s having way more fun here than he did in the film. Best of all, you can find this game for pretty cheap at GameStop. Just try to stick with the Xbox 360 and PS3 versions if you can – the other versions are simply okay at best.
It’s a bit similar in nature to Activision’s X-Men Origins: Wolverine, outshining the movie in every step it takes. (Sure, that’s a Marvel license, but you get the idea.)
Lego Batman 2: DC Super Heroes (Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Wii U)
Even though we saw a third Lego Batman game, Beyond Gotham, that really opened up the playability of the series, there’s something about DC Super Heroes that captures the highly enjoyable nature of the Justice League. The sequel expanded upon the scope of the original Lego Batman with more open 3D world exploration, a variety of characters to unlock (including favorites like Superman, Green Lantern, Batgirl and the Flash), and a cool little storyline that reflected the comics, but in an all-ages Lego style. It’s easily one of the best Lego games out there, though, honestly, you really can’t go wrong with any Lego Batman that you choose.
Injustice 2 (Xbox One, PlayStation 4)
The DC Comics characters have fared pretty well in fighting games over the past few years. They made a pretty good debut in Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe, despite the need to tone down the violence for a Teen-rated crowd. But then there’s Injustice: Gods Among Us, which really helped the heroes and villains fit into a fighting league of their own. But it’s Injustice 2 that truly catapults the series to new heights, with the introduction of several debuting characters, a DLC plan to lengthen the roster even further, brilliant fighting tactics, superb graphics and sound, and plenty of options for both single and multiplayer fights. It’s easily one of the best sequels out there – and one of the best DC Comics-licensed games you can get your hands on. Check out our review here!
Of course, if you get a chance, make sure to revisit the original Injustice: Gods Among Us as well. It’s a terrific fighting game. Plus, Lobo and Zatanna!
