Best Metropolis Cities In DC And Superman Games, Ranked

Key Takeaways

Superman Returns introduced an open-world Metropolis, setting the stage for future superhero games.
Suicide Squad: Kill The Justice League showcases a stunning realization of Metropolis, packed with lore.
Superman: Shadow of Apokolips presents a vision of Metropolis based on an animated show, capturing the essence of the city.

As a lifelong DC Comics fan who has spent countless hours immersed in the vibrant world of Metropolis, I can confidently say that each video game adaptation of this iconic city offers a unique and captivating experience. From the open-world exploration in Superman Returns to the gritty beat ’em up action of The Death and Return of Superman, these games have allowed me to traverse the streets of Metropolis like never before.

Over the span of years, I’ve seen the DC Comics universe expand across various platforms. In the ’90s and ’00s, it ruled the animation scene, and it didn’t stop there – it graced both the big and small screens through feature films and TV shows. When it comes to video games, DC hasn’t held back either. Iconic figures like Superman have been a part of titles since the Atari 2600 era, and Metropolis, his home city, has been depicted in countless creative ways.

In various formats like 3D maps akin to those found in games such as “Superman Returns” or “Shadow of Apokolips”, 2D adventures such as the SNES’s “The Death and Return of Superman”, or even adaptations that aren’t tied to any specific medium, DC Comics’ iconic city, Metropolis, has been depicted in numerous ways within the gaming industry. Some representations have depicted a more futuristic Metropolis, influenced by modern comic books, while others have drawn inspiration from different animated and live-action properties.

5 Superman Returns

Open-World Metropolis Is A Joy To Fly Around

Despite Superman Returns (2006) not establishing a prosperous movie franchise for Superman, it did introduce a tie-in video game that offered an open-world Metropolis for players to explore from the ground up and fly around at will. The ability to take off from the ground, ascend into the sky, and view Metropolis freely was a remarkable experience considering the time period.

In “Superman Returns,” the sprawling cityscape of Metropolis is abundant with petty crimes and an impressive scale that surpassed most superhero video games until 2011’s release of “Arkham City.” Uniquely, this game incorporated a system where the city itself had its own health bar, while Superman did not. The game’s ending states were contingent on players ensuring the city’s safety rather than focusing solely on Superman’s well-being.

4 Suicide Squad: Kill The Justice League

A Stunning Realization Of DC Comics’ Famous City

Despite the moderate reception towards “Suicide Squad: Kill The Justice League”, the depiction of Metropolis in the game remains one of the most impressive representations of the city. It’s a vast, intricately designed playground, making it one of the standout features of the game.

Exploring Roaming Metropolis highlights the skillful craftsmanship of Rocksteady, who brimmed it with references and lore from comic books and various other adaptations. Iconic locations such as the Hall of Justice, LexCorp, and Kord Industries effectively portray a vast DC universe and firmly position Metropolis as a crucial element within it.

3 Superman: The Man Of Steel

Sprawling Map Of Metropolis Features Free-Roam Gameplay

The video game titled “Superman: The Man of Steel” was uniquely designed for Xbox and crafted by Circus Freak. This game was significantly inspired by the comic book tale that unveiled Brainiac 13, along with a forward-thinking, ultra-advanced depiction of Metropolis. By blending traditional Superman elements with a modernized interpretation of the city, “The Man of Steel” showcases one of the character’s most robust portrayals of Metropolis.

In the fictional city of Metropolis from “The Man of Steel”, things are noticeably distinct compared to other cities. Instead of traditional means of transportation like buses or trains, people here zip around in flying vehicles, effortlessly navigating towering skyscrapers and hovering train stations. However, due to Brainiac 13’s manipulation and the city being infected with a tech-based virus, it has become overrun with robots and other nefarious elements, adding a layer of tension and danger to the narrative.

2 The Death And Return Of Superman

Fight Through The Darkest Corners Of Metropolis

Developer: Blizzard Entertainment
Platforms: SNES, Genesis
Release Date: August 1994

Drawing heavily from its namesake comic book, “The Death and Return of Superman” features the Man of Steel battling against the villain Doomsday. This exceptional beat ’em up game offers four playable Supermen, reflecting the darker and more intricate comic books popular during that era, with Metropolis serving as the backdrop.

Delving into the grimy heart of Metropolis, “The Death and Return of Superman” offers a grittier perspective, highlighting its perilous districts that are usually overlooked in other Superman narratives. Unlike typical Superman stories filled with vibrant hues and daylight, this action-packed game thrives on nocturnal skirmishes and journeys through shadowy back alleys.

1 Superman: Shadow Of Apokolips

Outstanding Vision Of Metropolis Based On Hit Animated Cartoon

The game titled “Superman: Shadow of Apokolips” is inspired by the widely acclaimed animated TV series, and boasts the original voice actors reprising their roles from the show. Taking cues from the distinctive art style of Bruce Timm and the DC Animated Universe, this game offers a rendition of Metropolis that stands as the most authentic representation of Superman’s hometown in a video game so far.

This architectural design, characterized by sharp, angular structures, clearly draws inspiration from Art Deco style, presenting a blend of retro-futuristic aesthetic reminiscent of Superman’s world. The city exhibits the same vibrancy and distinctiveness as depicted in the animated series. Flying over it uncovers bridges, tunnels, and arches that impart a sense of vertical expansion. This video game version of Metropolis stands out as the most authentic, maintaining its charm from the past and continuing to be an exciting place to explore even today.

2024-09-14 11:04