“There has never been a good Superman game.” But is it true? Has one of the most famous figures in all of fiction, never had a good game? Well, I’ll go on record and say that I think he’s had a few at least. Yes, maybe there’s never been a Man of Steel game as incredible as the Batman: Arkham titles. Or as spectacular as PS4’s Spider-Man. But those are all-time classics. Just because a game isn’t one of the best the industry’s ever seen, doesn’t mean it’s not good. To wit: there have been several solid outings for the Man of Tomorrow in the world of gaming. And let’s dive into a handful of these titles just to prove it.
14. Superman: The Man Of Steel (2002)
The years have not been kind to this Xbox exclusive. Back in 2002, flying around a 3D Metropolis with all of Superman’s powers at your disposal was still a fresh concept. It also did it much better than any other title at the time. These days, the game’s overall clunkiness is much more noticeable. Plus, the timed missions really make you consider punching a hole in your wall. It’s not all bad, though. The story is okay, and there’s nothing wrong with the comic art-style either. If you can dig some dated titles, this one is worth trying for hardcore Superman fanatics.
13. Superman: Countdown To Apokolips (2003)
If you’re on the lookout for a passable Game Boy Advance title that doesn’t overstay its welcome, then Countdown to Apokolips might be the one for you. In all seriousness, this isometric action game is truly fine & dandy. You fly around, punch some thugs, and make use of your few powers. Occasionally a boss will turn up looking for a fight. And to be fair, those battles can be pretty interesting. Though a little bit more variety to the fighting system would’ve been appreciated. Thankfully the game is short enough that it ends before the repetitiveness sends you crazy. Also, it’s a GBA game so you can’t expect everything.
12. Superman: The Man Of Steel (1989)
Are you big into scrolling levels? Because Tynesoft sure did a lot of them with this old-school title. As they put three different types of them in this game. There’s 3D forward scrolling levels, vertical flying ones, and sideways beat ‘em ups. The variety is welcome, sure. As is the lovely music and nice comic strips that appear throughout the adventure. If only it controlled a lot better, then we’d be onto something really good. It still ranks this high mostly for nostalgia factors.
11. Superman (1988)
Beat ‘em ups used to be all the rage. This Superman game was in no way the reason for the genre’s popularity. Yet, it’s not a bad game either. Just dated. Like in most arcade beat ‘em ups, each level you punch and kick your way through groups of enemies before tussling with a boss. There’s also some shoot ‘em up sections where you use Superman’s classic heat vision to take out anything or anyone in your way. It’s simple, yet fun.
10. Superman (1992)
“Simple” is also the perfect word to describe this Superman game. It doesn’t have a deep story or a lot of gameplay mechanics. Yet there are worst ways to spend your time than avoiding obstacles and fighting robots in this arcade side-scroller. Especially as it feels a lot smoother to play than some of the lesser Superman titles – looking at you, Superman 64. It also earns bonus points for including The Prankster as a boss, as he’s rarely represented in the video game world.
9. Justice League Heroes (2006)
Have you ever wanted Marvel Ultimate Alliance, but without those pesky Marvel characters? If so, then Justice League Heroes might be your thing. It’s a top-down dungeon crawler where you control all of your favorite Justice League members: Superman, Batman, Zatanna (surprisingly), and many more. No one would ever claim that’s it’s the most refined game in the world. And the characters don’t feel as different compared against eachother as they should. But still, going around stopping evil plots and beating up bad guys is fun. Especially with a buddy or two.
8. Mortal Kombat Vs. DC Universe (2008)
Pairing up the DC Universe with a series where even the good guys rip out their opponent’s spines? Yes, an odd choice. Against all odds, though, Mortal Kombat Vs. DC Universe is actually pretty good. Yes, if you’re a Mortal Kombat fan, you might miss all the gore that the franchise is known for. But those who are simply excited at the prospect of Superman battling the likes of Sub Zero, well you guys are in for a treat. Especially as the game uses Kombat’s fighting system! Which is so well refined here that the addition of super-beings doesn’t ruin it.
7. LEGO Batman 3: Beyond Gotham (2014)
From the name alone, you might think this is on the wrong list. But while Batman is the only superhero to get title privileges, he’s joined by an abundance of his DC brethren, including Superman. If you’ve played any of the many Lego games then you know what to expect from Lego Batman 3:
Clever references Non-strenuous gameplay Many characters to play as.
It might not reinvent LEGO gaming as we know it. Yet that doesn’t make it any less enjoyable for true fans.
6. Superman Returns (2006)
The words “movie tie-in” probably sends a cold shiver down your back. And really, is that surprising? These movie tie-ins have failed to deliver the goods on so many occasions. Thankfully, Superman Returns is one of the better ones. You fly around the giant Metropolis using your many powers to keep the city safe. I mean those last words very literally because as the invincible Superman, you don’t take damage, the city does. This aspect really makes you feel like The Man of Steel. Unfortunately, the developers don’t give you a lot to do with said powers in said giant Metropolis. But if all you want is to play as Superman, then this is a good option. It’ll keep you busy for hours.
5. The Death And Return Of Superman (1994)
Beat ‘em ups are known for a lot of things. But engaging narratives aren’t one of them. The Death and Return of Superman is the rare exception. That’s because it adopts the classic Death of Superman storyline from the comics. Which means you get to play as five different heroes over the course of the game, all with their own unique powers. Neat! Although combat can be a little odd, as it takes the super hero multiple punches to take down some ordinary goons. That’s video game logic for ya.
4. LEGO Batman 2: DC Super Heroes (2012)
You may remember that in the LEGO Batman 3 entry, I mentioned that it didn’t reinvent LEGO games. Well, this one did. It was the first of TT’s LEGO titles to include voices for the characters. And traversing a fully open world in the series seemed like a fantasy before DC Super Heroes let you loose on a LEGO Gotham City. While the originality of these aspects has faded, their quality has not. The voice acting is still top-notch. And flying around a LEGO world as Superman is still fun as anything.
3. Injustice: Gods Among Us (2013)
Storytelling isn’t usually a big selling point for fighters. But when you deliver a tale as great as the one in Injustice: Gods Among Us, then it becomes the selling point. And our old friend Superman plays a huge part in the compelling narrative. Don’t worry, though, there’s still a lot to offer anyone who just wants to beat up their friends in a virtual world. The gameplay is as excellent and definitely as fluid as pretty much any other fighter on the market. Well worth a try if you’ve never played this one before.
2. Injustice 2 (2017)
A perfect sequel? That’s hard to say. But Injustice 2 does everything a great sequel should. It takes what made the first game work, and builds upon it. The story mode is a perfect example of that. It’s just as compelling and well-written as the first one. The visuals, however, have taken a giant leap forward here. Particularly when it comes to the facial animations in cutscenes. Seriously, try to find faces in any game that look as good as the ones in Injustice 2. Add to that the little tweaks that have been made to the gameplay and all of the new fighters. And you’ve got yourself an awesome fighting game to keep you busy for quite a while.
1. Superman: Shadow Of Apokolips (2002)
This GameCube & PS2 release may have slipped under your radar in the early 2000s. But it’s arguably one of the most fun Superman games out there. Let’s see, it’s got: Amazing flying mechanics. Some decent level design (even the Clark Kent stealth sections). And plenty of genuinely fun combat. Superman: Shadow of Apokolips has everything you need for a great Man of Steel game. And it’s easy on the eyes, too. As its beautiful cel-shaded art style holds up surprisingly well even 20+ years later. Granted, it may not be perfect. But if you want a Superman game that really makes you feel like you’re in control of the iconic “S”-chested hero, Shadow of Apokolips is the way to go.
