Best superhero games ever

Ten of the best superhero video games ever made, including heroes from Marvel, DC, and beyond

There are few things better than feeling like a superhero. Who doesn’t want to embody the strength of Superman, have the gadgets of Batman, or swing through cities like Spider-Man? The power fantasy is undeniably aspirational, and with video games you can take control of that power fantasy.

Watching heroes jump around and fight on a cinema screen is a fun experience, but it’s so much more than that when you’re the one controlling every movement. In this list we’re breaking down the ten best superhero games ever made.

Batman: Arkham Asylum

Mark Hamill's Joker steals the show / DC, Warner Bros

In the Arkham games Batman soars across the stage like a ballerina while cracking skulls and kicking people in the stomach, and it’s beautifully graceful, but the real glory of Arkham Asylum is being able to stalk enemies and tie them up to the ceiling before descending on your last foe. This game forces Batman to be a detective, and just happens to have brilliant combat to boot. 

Marvel’s Spider-Man

You really feel like Spider-Man / Marvel, Sony

We already mentioned swinging through the cities for a reason, and it’s because Marvel’s Spider-Man is a brilliant open world game that – yes, we’re going to say it – really makes you feel like Spider-Man. Swinging through the city really is that good, and hey, the combat and exploration is pretty solid too.

Injustice 2

Ice cold action / DC, Warner Bros

Superheroes, in a fighting game? Well, that just makes sense. Only, I’m not sure Harley Quinn would actually survive being flung into the air by Batman’s jet, before getting pelted with high-caliber ammo and actual explosive rockets. It makes sense to turn those on Superman or maybe even Wonder Woman, but Harley? Robin? Harsh, but fair.

The Wonderful 101

More heroes than you can shake a stick at / Platinum Games

Not a traditional comic book superhero game, but absolutely fits the genre. The Wonderful 101 is one of the most unique action games you could play – genuinely – and it’s brilliant. Originally a Wii U exclusive, this game allows you to combine a Pikmin-like army of superheroes into giant forms, like a fist, an evasive slinky, or a pile of jello that can repel any attack. A quirky action essential.

Marvel vs. Capcom 3 Ultimate

Possibly the best superhero fighter ever / Marvel, Capcom

One of the best ever fighting games to include any superhero, Marvel vs. Capcom 3 Ultimate includes dozens of Marvel heroes and villains alongside Capcom video game heroes. Want to see Chris Redfield launch a rocket at Dr. Doom? This is the game for you.

Marvel’s Midnight Suns

Great tactical action / Marvel, 2K

One would usually associate superhero video games with explosions and high-octane action, but Marvel’s Midnight Suns takes a very different approach. This is a strategy game, closer to XCOM, and you’ll have be tactical about the positions and abilities of your hero squad in order to save the world.

Iron Man VR

Fly, shoot, and win as Tony Stark / Marvel, Sony Interactive Entertainment, Oculus Studios

Iron Man VR is quite unlike any other superhero game. It’s not the first game that puts you behind the eyes of your favorite heroes, but it’s the most impressive. In this game you’ll be flying freely through the skies, shooting down enemies, and completing missions. It’s surprisingly great fun.

Marvel Snap

A TCG take on the Marvel universe / Marvel, Nuverse

Another take on tactics, Marvel Snap is a card game with a variety of complicated strategies and hundreds of collectible cards based on your favorite Marvel heroes. It’s easy to play on your phone when you have a spare five minutes, so make sure to give it a go.

Telltale’s The Wolf Among Us

A detective thriller with hairy twists / DC, Telltale

Here’s a story-focused entry: Telltale’s The Wolf Among Us is a prequel to the Fables comic book series – unrelated to the Xbox game Fable. In it you’ll play as Sheriff Bigby Wolf, who does in fact turn into a wolf. Using his abilities he unravels a conspiracy, all while oppression hangs over his head. Superhero game? Like, arguably, right?

LEGO Batman 3: Beyond Gotham

LEGO Joker is reason enough to play this game / DC, Warner Bros

Possibly the best LEGO superhero game – and there are a fair few of them to choose from – LEGO Batman 3: Beyond Gotham does quite literally take Batman beyond the walls of Gotham city, into outer space, and much more. Play it with some young gamers for wholesome family fun.