As Superman Rises in DC Popularity, So Should the Kryptonian in Video Games

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As Superman Rises in DC Popularity, So Should the Kryptonian in Video Games

As a gamer who’s spent countless hours traversing Gotham’s dark alleys and saving Metropolis in various iterations, I can’t help but feel like Superman has been getting the raw end of the deal when it comes to video games. With his debut in 1938, Superman is older than most of us here, yet he hasn’t had a game that truly does him justice.

Superman, originating from the realm of comic books, is undeniably one of the most prominent names recognized worldwide. Debuting as the initial hero in DC Comics, Superman’s global recognition is unparalleled. Be it through comic book storylines, animated television shows, or live-action movie adaptations, Superman has assumed various forms across popular culture.

Despite his powerful nature, integrating Superman into video gaming has proven challenging in one aspect. Over time, several attempts have been made to create a game centered on him, but none have truly captured the essence. Injustice: Gods Among Us and MultiVersus are arguably the most successful titles that feature Superman, yet they don’t focus exclusively on him. The character of Kal-El holds immense potential for storytelling, and with the upcoming James Gunn film bringing renewed attention to the hero, it is high time a fully-fledged Superman game was developed.

Superman is Ready For His Moment in the Gaming Spotlight

A Superman Universe On Par With Arkham is Possible

In contrast to Superman, Batman has had more success in video games. The Arkham series by Rocksteady is widely recognized as an exceptional representation of a superhero in gaming. It’s puzzling that Superman hasn’t received the same high-quality treatment yet. There might be a lot of apprehension about creating another Superman game, given the poor reception of past titles such as Superman: The New Superman Adventures. These games have become infamous for their poor quality, and there may not be many studios ready to risk repeating a similar commercial flop with the iconic character.

Instead, let me rephrase: On one side, studios have learned from past experiences to avoid repeating mistakes. If a Superman game does come into existence, it should stand on its own rather than being part of the Arkham universe. While Arkham can serve as a guide, there are numerous other superhero games that could provide equally valuable inspiration. For instance, Marvel’s Spider-Man showcases how a vibrant open-world superhero game can thrive. Superman is a more optimistic character compared to Batman’s gloominess, so it would be fitting for his in-game world to reflect this positivity.

Superman’s debut was in
Action Comics
#1 in 1938.

In contrast, Metropolis and Gotham present distinct aspects of urban living. Therefore, a Superman video game adopting the dark atmosphere similar to Arkham’s portrayal of Gotham wouldn’t fit the bill. Instead, the game should embody a more optimistic representation of superhero life, reminiscent of Marvel’s Spider-Man. Since Superman symbolizes hope, it is crucial that the game accurately reflects this essence, which can be quite challenging to achieve.

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.

Exploring the contrasts between Kal-El, the superhero, and Clark Kent, the ordinary man, offers a wealth of intriguing topics to explore in balance.

It appears that James Gunn’s Superman film is staying true to the spirit of Superman. If his upcoming movie does well during its release next summer, it might pave the way for another chance to create a high-quality video game featuring one of the world’s most significant superheroes.

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2024-09-26 15:34