Superman is one of the most recognizable names to come from comic books. As the first hero to ever be featured in DC Comics, Superman boasts global fame. Whether it’s from comic arcs, animated series, or live action film adaptations, Superman has come in many shapes and forms throughout pop culture.
However, the powerful Kryptonian has had a difficult time fitting in one area of the media: video games. Through the years there have been various attempts to develop a Superman game, but none of them have really hit the mark. Injustice: Gods Among Us and MultiVersus are technically the most successful titles to bring Superman into the gaming sphere, but they aren’t full-blown games based solely around the hero. The character of Kal-El is a goldmine for storytelling possibilities, and now that the hero is getting more attention with the upcoming James Gunn film, a proper Superman game needs to finally happen.
Superman is Ready For His Moment in the Gaming Spotlight
A Superman Universe On Par With Arkham is Possible
Fellow DC hero Batman has fared far better in gaming. Rocksteady’s Arkham 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 is likely a lot of fear surrounding another attempt at a Superman game. Games like Superman: The New Superman Adventures have gone down in history as notoriously awful titles, and there may not be many studios willing to take a chance on the iconic hero due to fear of repeating a similar commercial failure.
On the other hand, though, there is now plenty of history for studios to look back on in order to avoid the same mistakes. Also, if a Superman game ever becomes reality, it needs to be its own thing instead of existing in the Arkham universe. Looking to Arkham as a blueprint would be understandable, but there are other superhero-based video games that could be just as inspiring. Although not a DC hero, Marvel’s Spider-Man demonstrates how a colorful open world superhero title can succeed. Superman is a more positive figure than the gloominess of Batman, and it would likely be better if his in-game world reflected that.
Superman’s debut was in
Action Comics
#1 in 1938.
Metropolis and Gotham showcase opposite sides of city life, so a Superman game that approached its world like Arkham does Gotham wouldn’t work. A more positive take on superhero life, like Marvel’s Spider-Man, is the tone a Superman game would be in need of. The character is a beacon of hope, so a Superman project has to properly capture that, which can be easier said than done.
Exploring Deeper Aspects of Kal-El/Clark Kent
An Iconic Character That is Worth Exploring
While the contrasts between Bruce Wayne and his Batman persona offer compelling narratives, the difference between Kal-El and his Clark Kent persona are even more fascinating. An alien god among mortal humans trying to hide undercover as one of them is a story that continues to inspire adaptations. For the character to be such an important fixture in pop culture, Superman has received the short end of the stick in gaming. Batman’s gritty crime-fueled Arkham titles land so well because they lean so hard into the essence of the comics. Now, it’s time for a Superman game to do the same with Kal-El.
A deep dive into the differences between Kal-El, the hero, and Clark Kent, the man, is rife with interesting themes to balance.
Thankfully, it seems as though James Gunn’s Superman movie is taking the essence of Superman to heart. If the upcoming James Gunn movie succeeds next summer, then it could hopefully 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 like Batman, The Suicide Squad, Green Arrow, Wonder Woman, and many more.
