LEGO Superman: The Key to a Long Overdue Superhero Game?

by

Over time, LEGO has progressed far beyond its original idea as a building-block toy and grown into a multimedia powerhouse. You can find the LEGO brand everywhere in pop culture, from films to video games. The company serves as an innovative platform for some of the world’s most popular franchises to be reimagined creatively, particularly when it comes to comic book superheroes.

LEGO has partnered with both Marvel and DC, but collaborations with DC have been more frequent in these crossovers. Since teaming up with DC, there have been numerous video games centered around DC Comics characters. DC is known for its legendary lineup of heroes, but Batman has largely taken the lead in their partnership with LEGO. From the popular _LEGO Batman_ series to a successful movie adaptation, Batman remains a prominent figure in media. However, it seems that LEGO might be the perfect platform to introduce a well-rounded Superman game as well.

LEGO Could Bring DC Fans the Superman Game They Have Been Waiting For

Superman Has an Unsatisfying Track Record in Gaming

  • The first Superman game launched in 1979 for the Atari 2600.

Efforts have been made to introduce Superman into video games, yet most of these adaptations have underperformed. One of the rare exceptions that provides an engaging gaming experience is the Injustice series, but even this darker interpretation of Superman fails to deliver the classic version of the character that many are accustomed to. Creating a game centered entirely around Superman has proven challenging, and much of this difficulty lies in finding an enjoyable combat system that doesn’t deviate too far from Superman’s established moral code in the canon stories.

In the story “Injustice”, Superman falls under the influence of deceit from the Joker, leading him to believe that Lois Lane has been harmed and Metropolis is in peril. As a result, Superman loses control and turns into a ruthless ruler, imposing his rule on the world.

Superman’s Strong Moral Code Presents Challenges

The main challenge lies in creating a superhero game that offers engaging and fulfilling fight sequences without resorting to killing opponents. Many DC Comics narratives, particularly those focusing on Superman, maintain his stance against taking lives, except under exceptional situations. Games like Insomniac’s Spider-Man have effectively demonstrated this approach, proving it can be done successfully. Yet, attempts to translate one of DC’s most virtuous heroes into a game have consistently fallen short.

It’s fortunate that LEGO has created a version of Superman, which manages to bypass those challenging combat obstacles. The humorous and light-hearted violence typical of the LEGO style serves as an ideal solution for such adaptation. It’s important to mention that Superman has previously appeared in DC’s LEGO games. Given this history, it wouldn’t be a significant departure to give him center stage. He is playable in both “LEGO Batman 2” and “3”, but his character could be developed more with a dedicated game of his own.

The iconic city where Superman resides, Metropolis, has hidden possibilities for a LEGO game backdrop. With exciting opportunities for demolition-friendly building mechanics and soaring through the skies to safeguard citizens, Metropolis seems an ideal candidate for the LEGO makeover.

Now is the Perfect Time For a LEGO Superman Game

Revitalized excitement for Superman following the initial glimpse at James Gunn’s live-action adaption offers a fantastic prospect for LEGO and DC to collaborate once more. While Batman has been central to DC’s gaming endeavors, Superman’s optimistic character could bring an enjoyable twist when viewed through the LEGO perspective.

In the game LEGO Batman 2, the relationship between Superman and Batman stands out as one of its best features. It’s intriguing to imagine how Superman would fare on his own, offering an entertaining challenge. However, it’s perplexing that Superman hasn’t managed to establish a strong presence in video games so far. Partnering with LEGO for a separate storyline could potentially provide the ideal ingredients for a faithful representation of Superman’s character.

Read More

2025-01-23 02:53