It is surprising, given this success across film and television, that the Man of Steel has never had a video game to match his enduring popularity globally, with comics stretching back to 1938.
We have seen in recent years that the superhero genre can cross over successfully into video games, with the phenomenally successful Arkham series for Batman offering a different side to Batman’s lore and removed from the big-screen depictions like Christopher Nolan’s.
Since 2015’s Arkham Knight, the standard bearer for superhero video games has been Marvel’s Spider-Man, with three very commercially and critically successful games.
Rather than the traditional movie tie-ins that a wealth of superhero films have previously received, both the Arkham and Spider-Man games reinvigorated their source material, sticking to it but also putting fresh spins on tried and tested storylines. This offers something new both for long-term fans and newcomers alike.
It’d be remiss not to mention the success of 2021’s Guardians of the Galaxy; while it may not have reached the heights of the other two franchises mentioned, it again showed the range of superhero storylines and aesthetics that can be brought to life in video games. Fans are also excited about Insomniac’s latest game, focused on Wolverine/Logan.
While Rocksteady, the studio behind the Arkham series, had discussed a Superman game, it never came to pass, but with renewed interest in the brand through Gunn’s DC Studios, now is the time to think again about a Superman game, and there are more than a few reasons why it is long overdue.
7 untapped features that prove Superman’s next move should be a video game
1. Metropolis deserves a full open world
We have had our fair share of exposure to Spider-Man’s New York and both Gotham and Arkham, but the city of Lex Luthor and Clark Kent offers a different dynamic, both in terms of its aesthetic but also the threats facing it and its visuals.
It is the polar opposite of the dark and crime-ridden streets of Gotham. There is the real potential for Metropolis to be done justice in game form, both in terms of Superman’s heroic exploits, but also those of the Daily Planet team and the people living in the city.
Although Metropolis did feature in the dismal Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League game, it was pretty much post-apocalyptic, and it feels criminal that we only saw an evil Superman in it! The city deserves the full, living, breathing open-world experience that Spidey’s New York enjoys.
2. The Fortress of Solitude would be an amazing base
While Metropolis is Clark Kent’s main home, the Fortress of Solitude is Superman’s base, and the juxtaposition of the two would bring a unique aesthetic and blend to a video game if done right.
The chilliness and isolation of Superman’s command centre are a far cry from the hustle and bustle of the city, giving the game some nice variety.
Plus, the Fortress would make a pretty cool video game base. It’s easy to imagine your collectables and upgrade menus being seamlessly integrated into the high-tech space.
3. Solo Superman hasn’t been seen in games for years
Superman is more than just a member of the Justice League, so while games like Injustice and the Lego DC franchise have explored the character, it has always been as part of an ensemble.
There is certainly an opportunity to put the last son of Krypton front and centre of a compelling story, given the range of storylines depicted on page and screen that could captivate gamers.
There is no reason why a Superman game can’t bring in numbers like those seen by Spider-Man or Batman. The games focusing on those two characters have found a way to make them work in isolation, away from a team setting, showing a blueprint for how Superman could work as a focus.
4. Superman has a huge roster of villains to play with
Lex Luthor is, of course, the most iconic and persistent villain across adaptations, and could certainly make for an interesting dynamic in a game.
General Zod is another formidable foe that could make for a great video game boss, giving Kal-El a run for his money.
While he’s been overused in films, it could make for an interesting dynamic in a game with his similar power set and a contrast to Lex Luthor in terms of motivations. Darkseid is another villain that would give Superman a real challenge to defeat and could up the stakes.
5. Clark Kent offers a unique additional focus
While fans will be clamouring to see Superman take to the skies, Clark and his investigations for The Daily Planet would add something fresh that can still be gripping in its own way.
A focus on his life away from the suit would allow for a more grounded focus and narrative, broadening the scope beyond simply Superman flying around and pummelling villains.
This is something that’s always captivated lovers of both the comics and various TV and film interpretations.
6. The central relationship(s) could be super
As touched upon, the relationship between Superman/Clark and Lois is unique and something that could be explored in a game from both perspectives.
Peter and MJ’s relationship is at the core of the Marvel Spider-Man games, so this should certainly be a main focus of future Superman games.
With the dual personalities of Clark and Superman, there could even be a persuasion mechanic where both can separately try to build a relationship with Lois (if she doesn’t know the secret identity yet).
7. Superman’s moral compass needs exploring
Superman’s moral compass and dilemma wrestling with his heritage as an alien and the last son of Krypton could make for a captivating story.
This burden and legacy add dynamics that other characters don’t have, and are always something that will be at the focal point of any story, and this should certainly be the case in any video game adaptations of the character.
There is no guarantee of a new Superman game anytime soon, but with David Corenswet’s version set up to be a major part of DC Studios’ plans moving forwards, there will no doubt be discussions around bringing the character to life in games, and there is certainly potential for it to be more than a match for iconic takes on other characters with plenty of iconic stories to tap into.
And, of course, if Superman has taught us anything, it’s to hope. And we’ll be hoping for a Superman video game until he gets one!
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