With so many movies coming out this year based on comics, you might be wondering: where can I get my comic book video game fix? If you’re a comic book junkie like me, look no further – I can have you playing as Superman, Captain America and Deadpool in no time.
Disclaimer, there is no preference amongst the games chosen.
1. Injustice: Gods Amongs Us (2013)
Ever wondered what would happen if your favorite super heroes became tyrannical Gods who ruled over us? Developed by Warner Bros Interactive Entertainment in 2013, Injustice: Gods Among Us gives players a chance to live in this sort of world. Although specifically a fighting game, Injustice does no injustice (haha) to it’s plot. It has an interesting storyline that allows for the player to feel like they need to fight in order to set the universe right. It has all the gameplay characteristics of a Mortal Kombat game, with a great use of DC characters. Did you miss your chance to battle the DC Gods? No worries, you can find a way to play on Playstation 4 & 3, XBOX 360, Wii U and more.
2. Batman Arkham City (2012)
Batman: Arkham City was developed by Rocksteady Studios in 2012, becoming a widely acclaimed video game. Bruce Wayne is trapped within Arkham City, a new superprison holding the most deadly of Batman villains – all out to get him of course. A fantastic setting for an equally fantastic game, it is full of different challenges (Riddler Challenges) and gives you many different choices to develop your abilities. Throw that all in with some excellent voice-acting from the likes of Mark Hamill as the Joker and Tara Strong as Harley Quinn and you get a great game still worth playing for PS3, Xbox 360 and Microsoft Windows.
3. Deadpool (2013)
Couldn’t get enough of Deadpool this past month from just the movie alone? High Moon Studios has your back with their 2013 video game, Deadpool. Gameplay is relatively simple – a beat’em up with a platforming feel. Players enter one room, murder a group of thugs in a chaotic sequence and then enter another room to find another group of thugs. However, what made this game memorable for me was how true they stayed to the character of Deadpool. In true Wade Wilson fashion, the game is as brutal as it is funny. Players will find themselves killing their enemies with some swords, some guns and hammers, all while listening to an array of insanely crude jokes. Playable on Playstation 4 & 3, XBOX One & 360 and Microsoft Windows.
4. Batman Arkham Knight (2015)
Fans of Rocksteady Studios Arkham City (did you play it? You should) were thrilled to learn of the studio’s newest installment in that franchise: Arkham Knight. Players find themselves, once again, in the city filled with evil villains. Similar to City, Knight focuses on Batman and how he must save Gotham from its terrifying villains – including Mark Hamill’s Joker. As well, this game gives players the chance to explore the “open-world” Gotham in the Batmobile, which you can use to attack, drive around and solve puzzles. If you complete the “Most Wanted” side quests within the main story, you will see the game’s true ending! Find this game for Playstation 4, Xbox One and Microsoft Windows.
5. Lego Marvel Superheroes (2013)
Developed by TT Games Publishing, Lego Marvel Super Heroes combines the characters of the Marvel Universe with iconic storylines, powers and adorable cut-scenes, all in brick form. The forefront of this game is having the capacity to roam the streets as any Marvel character you want. Don’t want to fly through the sky as Iron Man? Well how about storming through the streets as the Incredible Hulk? The gameplay, while simple, is extremely fun and will keep you playing well past the story mode. You unlock different characters, scenes and extra pieces. Lego Marvel Super Heroes is playable on the PlayStation 4 & 3, Xbox One, Xbox 360, Wii U. (Also, the new Lego Marvel Avengers is out too!)
6. The Walking Dead: The Game (2012 – ongoing)
The Walking Dead first came into comic book stores in late 2003 and quickly became one of Image’s bestselling comics – and is still producing new issues to this day! Then came the AMC television series in 2010 (another hit) and in 2012, Telltale Games developed an episodic video game based on the two. But what makes the game amazing to fans (and non-fans) is that it is different to the comic/tv world. It takes place during the same time, shortly after the apocalypse begins, but (most of) its characters are unique to the game! Players are also given choices throughout the game which further relationships within the game and help complete the story bit by bit. And believe me, completing the story is worth it! The Walking Dead: The Game seasons 1&2 are on pretty much any gaming console, even iOS! Telltale Games have also released The Walking Dead: Michonne, out earlier this year.
7. The Wolf Among Us
Another hit from developer Telltale Games: The Wolf Among Us>! The video game is based off of Vertigo’s best-selling series, Fables, which is based off of…? You guessed it! Those fables you know and love. The gameplay requires you to “choose” what the character, Bigby, will say and do. Much like other Telltale games, players will become more invested in both the characters and the plot. But don’t expect it to be a happy story – The Wolf Among Us, and the Fables comic, place a dark twist on your favorite fairytale stories. Despite choices players make in the game, Bigby goes through fantastic character development that makes this game on worth playing! Find it on PlayStation 4 & 3, Xbox One, Android, Xbox 360, PlayStation Vita, iOS, Microsoft Windows and Mac OS.
8. Scott Pilgrim Vs the World: The Game (2010)
The beat-em up game developed by Ubisoft in 2010 follows closer to the graphic novels rather than the movie itself. The foursome takes over THE WORLD… of Ontario, Canada and battle anyone who gets in the way of Ramona and Scott’s love. For starters, the game is absolutely adorable (seriously, watch some gameplay), with simple backgrounds that maximize the arcade style graphics. Players can fight as Scott Pilgrim or any of the other four characters – but the game truly shines when you play as a group. You can revive your friends, give money to buy upgrades and essentially, it’s just way more fun! As well, the game has an amazing soundtrack to go along! Scott Pilgrim V The World: The Game is playable on PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360.
9. Spider-Man Shattered Dimensions
Did you cry when Spider-Man appeared in the new Captain America: Civil War trailer? I know I did. And what better way to keep us calm until the movie than to play a little Spider-Man video game? Developed by Beenox, Spider-Man Shattered Dimensions follows not one but FOUR Spider-Men across the Spiderverse. Essentially, it is these different dimensions that provide the game with interesting gameplay. Each Spider-Man, as they come from around the Marvel Universe, have their own style, world and villain. And what different worlds indeed – a true credit to the developers and writers for making each Spider-world unique. Thanks to this, the boss battles are great! Playable on PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Wii, Nintendo DS and Microsoft Windows, Spider-Man Shattered Dimensions will be sure to tie you down until the movie’s release May 6th!
10. Wonderful 101 (2013)
For fans of giant-robots, fighters, and action games, Platinum’s The Wonderful 101 has got everything you need. Confusing gameplay style? Yes. Ridiculous premise? Yes. Addicting? Hell yes. As a member of the Wonderful 100 (including you, so you know, 101), you must help defeat an alien race from destroying the world. It’s true, the controls of the game are a bit off-putting at first but once you get the hang of it, you will never be able to put the game down! Using the other members of the team, players will be able to combine moves to become a larger-than life hero, as the bosses in this game are difficult to defeat otherwise. However, making the game difficult provides players with a greater sense of accomplishment! The Wonderful 101 is playable only for the Wii U.
Any others you feel should be on this list? Let us know!