Superman is one of the most recognizable names to come from comic books. As the first hero to be featured in DC Comics, Superman boasts worldwide fame. Whether it's through comic arcs, animated series, or live action film adaptations, Superman has come in many shapes and forms in pop culture.
However, the mighty Kryptonian has had a hard time fitting into one area of media: video games. Over the years there have been various attempts to develop a Superman game, but none of them have really hit the mark. Injustice: God Among Us and MultiVersus The titles are technically the most successful in bringing Superman into the gaming realm, but they aren't games based entirely around the hero. Kal-El's character is a gold mine of storytelling possibilities, and now that the hero is getting more attention with the upcoming James Gunn film, a proper Superman game finally needs to happen.
Superman is ready for his moment in the gaming spotlight
A Superman universe beyond Arkham is possible
Fellow DC hero Batman has fared very well in gaming. of Rocksteady Arkham The series has been hailed as one of the best gaming adaptations of a superhero, and it's strange that Superman has yet to get the same treatment. There can be a lot of fear surrounding the next attempt at a Superman game. Like games Superman: The New Superman Adventure Has gone down in history as an infamously terrible title, and there may not be many studios willing to take a chance on the iconic hero for fear of repeating a similar commercial failure.
On the other hand, though, there's a lot of history to look back on for studios to avoid making the same mistakes. Also, if a Superman game ever becomes a reality, it needs to be its own thing instead of existing in it Arkham the universe. looking for Arkham Can be understood as a blueprint, but there are other superhero-based video games that can be inspirational. Although not a DC hero, Marvel's Spider-Man Shows how a colorful open world superhero title can be successful. Superman is a more positive figure than Batman's pessimism, and it would be nice if his in-game world reflected that.
Superman debuted in 2015
Action Comics
#1 in 1938.
Metropolis and Gotham showcase the opposite sides of urban life, so a Superman game that reaches its world like that Arkham Doesn't Gotham work? A more positive take on the life of a superhero, eg Marvel's Spider-ManTone will need a Superman game. The character is a beacon of hope, so the Superman project has to capture it properly, which is easier said than done.
Exploring the deeper aspects of Kal-El/Clark Kent
An iconic character that is worth exploring
While the contrast between Bruce Wayne and his Batman persona makes for compelling stories, the contrast between Kal-El and his Clark Kent persona is even more compelling. One of them trying to hide an alien god among mortal humans is a story that continues to inspire adaptations. For the character to be such an important fixture in pop culture, Superman has gotten the short end of the stick in gaming. Batman's terrifying crime spree Arkham The titles stack up so well because they lean so tightly to the essence of the comics. Now, it's time for a Superman game with Kal-El too.
A deep dive into the contrast between Kal-El, the hero, and Clark Kent, the man, is rife with interesting themes to balance.
Thankfully, James Gunn's Superman movie seems to have taken the essence of Superman to heart. If the upcoming James Gunn movie succeeds next summer, hopefully it could open the door for another swing at giving one of the world's most important superheroes his own well-crafted game.
DC
DC is a brand of superhero comics, television shows, movies, video games, merchandise and more. The company owns the rights to popular characters such as Batman, The Suicide Squad, Green Arrow, Wonder Woman and many more.
