DC Heroes That Deserve A VR Game Like Batman: Arkham Shadow

Key Takeaways

Black Lightning and Superman could allow more experimentation with superpowers in VR form.
Arkham Shadow set the template for similar heroes such as Red Hood, Green Arrow, and Nightwing.
VR allows for unique character development and storytelling, offering fresh experiences beyond traditional video games.

As a die-hard DC Comics fan, I must say that these proposed games sound absolutely fantastic! Each one offers a unique twist on a beloved character and presents an exciting opportunity to immerse ourselves even deeper into the DC Universe.

Virtual reality games are progressing rapidly, as demonstrated by the release of “Batman: Arkham Shadow” on Meta Quest 3. This game offers players an immersive superhero adventure filled with combat, exploration, and a rich narrative spanning numerous hours. It underscores the fact that one need not stick to traditional video games to explore characters within the expansive DC universe.

In a possible new trend for virtual reality, Batman: Arkham Shadow might pave the way for more DC superhero content. With such a vast roster of DC characters, there are countless opportunities to deliver immersive experiences similar to Batman, yet distinct due to their unique collections of villains and extraordinary powers.

9 Red Hood

A VR Game Would Mix Melee And Gun Action Together

Real Name: Jason Todd
First Appearance: Batman #357

Following the occurrences in Batman: Arkham Knight, several members of the Bat-family could benefit from their own standalone series. One intriguing character with a darker yet popular persona is Jason Todd, who goes by Red Hood. Confirmed to be active within Gotham City, this was made clear through a downloadable chapter in Arkham Knight.

Previously, Jason was somewhat playable, but his level could be completed quickly. To enhance his character development and gameplay, a VR experience similar to Batman: Arkham Origins (I mistakenly wrote Shadow earlier) might be beneficial. This would depict Jason grappling with his role as an anti-hero without sliding back into villainy. Moreover, the VR format would emphasize Jason’s gun skills given its first-person perspective.

8 Black Lightning

The Street-Level Superhero That People Deserve

Real Name: Jefferson Pierce
First Appearance: Black Lightning #1

Having the ability to fire lightning bolts from one’s hands would certainly make for an intriguing power fantasy, especially in a VR setting. As demonstrated by Iron Man VR, it is possible to create such experiences using mechanisms like repulsor technology and enabling flight for the superhero character. Black Lightning, on the other hand, offers an opportunity to embody these extraordinary powers while maintaining a more realistic storyline centered around the first black superhero in comic books.

In essence, Black Lightning is essentially Jefferson Pierce, a father figure, striving to improve his urban environment. He assumes this role not only as a school teacher but also as a superhero in Metropolis. His character embodies themes like community, education, family, bias, prejudice, and violence, making him a fitting addition to the action-driven narrative of Arkham Shadow.

7 Green Arrow

Oliver Queen Is Essentially An Archer Version Of Batman

Real Name: Oliver Queen
First Appearance More Fun Comics #73

It’s surprising that Green Arrow, much like Batman in terms of their wealth and nighttime crime-fighting with a collection of tools, hasn’t had his own video game yet. Be it set within the Arkhamverse or standalone, the character, who has starred in eight seasons of his CW series, seems due for more representation.

In the city he calls home, Star City, Oliver Queen takes on the role of a crime-fighting vigilante. His rogues gallery includes characters like Count Vertigo, Merlyn, Onomatopoeia, and Cupid. Unlike some other superheroes, Oliver has a more earthbound approach but maintains a touch of humor to make him unique. Interestingly, his signature weapon, the bow and arrows, would fit perfectly in a virtual reality game setting.

6 John Constantine

DC Could Tap Into The Supernatural Horror Side Of VR

Real Name: John Constantine
First Appearance: Swamp Thing #37

From certain Resident Evil games to Paranormal Activity: The Lost Soul, horror found a nice home in the realm of VR. This potentially has paved the way for more horror-centric DC characters such as John Constantine to join the ranks, seeing him bounce from fighting supernatural entities from other dimensions to performing exorcisms of various demons.

Matt Ryan, known for portraying Constantine in both live-action and animated forms, might reprise his role due to his fondness for the character and past experience with video game characters like Edward Kenway from “Assassin’s Creed: Black Flag.” In terms of gameplay, the VR version could incorporate magic spells, talismans, and weapons in addition to detective-style investigations.

5 Green Lantern

A Superhero With Many Cosmic Opportunities

Real Name: John Stewart, Hal Jordan, Jessica Cruz, Kyle Rayner, Guy Gardner, Simon Baz
First Appearance: All-American Comics #16

Utilizing the Arkham Shadow template, virtual reality (VR) could offer an exceptionally engaging experience for gamers, enabling them to manipulate Green Lantern’s power rings in a highly immersive manner. The motion controls would empower players to hurl, shoot, or smash willpower constructs at adversaries as they journey through the cosmos, capturing and apprehending various alien felons and villains.

The Green Lantern series could follow a linear structure where each case is like progressing through levels, or given their power to travel to any planet in the universe, it offers an opportunity to create an open-world game in virtual reality (VR). Batman: Arkham Shadow demonstrated map exploration, which might serve as a foundation for larger VR games.

4 Zatanna

VR’s Motion Controls Are Ideal For The Mistress Of Magic

Real Name: Zatanna Zatara
First Appearance: Hawkman #4

One uncommon method of expression: DC’s enchantress and one of its most distinguished female heroes often doesn’t make an appearance in DC video games; exceptions being Justice League: Heroes and Injustice. However, with Virtual Reality (VR), Zatanna has the opportunity to take center stage. This is because her magical abilities revolve around speaking words backwards, making VR technology, which supports motion controls and voice recognition, a perfect fit for an immersive experience that emphasizes this unique aspect of her character.

Zatanna frequently explores the more mystical aspects of the DC universe, ranging from Morgan Le Fay to Klarion to Darkseid. Her tales are peculiar, making them intriguing and entertaining, much like a DC-themed version of Hogwarts Legacy, but with a virtual reality (VR) twist. Yet, she maintains a sense of realism through her cleverness as an illusionist and her background in live performance.

3 Nightwing

Batman Gameplay Paved The Way For His Apprentice

Real Name: Dick Grayson
First Appearance: Detective Comics #38

Instead of sticking strictly to Batman: Arkham Shadow, we could consider a game that features Nightwing as the protagonist but with similar elements. Both Nightwing and Batman are secretly vigilantes, utilizing gadgets, martial arts, and detective skills in their work. However, Nightwing has his own rogue gallery, which includes Deathstroke, Blockbuster, Saiko, and Tarantula among others.

In the extensive Arkhamverse timeline, a Nightwing spin-off could offer fans a more detailed view of the city of Blüdhaven, which was previously just a brief glimpse in Arkham Knight. Additionally, if the developers choose to develop Dick Grayson’s character as a police officer, the investigative aspects of the game might focus on the Blüdhaven Police Department, providing a spotlight on Dick’s role as a cop.

2 Superman

Fans Deserve A Modern Game About The Man Of Steel

Real Name: Clark Kent
First Appearance: Action Comics #1

For several decades, Batman has been a star in numerous video games, whereas Superman hasn’t had many opportunities to showcase his abilities in this medium. Just like Green Lantern and Black Lightning, Superman offers an exciting chance for gamers to experience the thrill of flying through the skies and battling various adversaries, from robots and aliens to other metahuman menaces, using his ice breath, heat vision, and more.

During breaks from Superman’s thrilling escapades, players can further progress the narrative by stepping into the shoes of Clark Kent. This can happen at the Daily Planet, Smallville, or various other locations scattered throughout Metropolis. This setup underscores that Superman is not just a strong and powerful hero, but also one who uses his intellect. Additionally, both Clark and Superman segments could incorporate puzzle-solving elements by allowing the character to see through walls and make critical decisions to save lives.

1 The Flash

Virtual Reality Might Be The Best Way To Portay Super Speed

Real Name: Barry Allen, Wally West, Jay Garrick, Jess Chambers
First Appearance: Flash Comics #1

Discussing The Flash, be it Barry Allen, Wally West, or Jay Garrick, poses an intriguing challenge in accurately depicting superhuman speed without compromising the power of a DC speedster. However, Virtual Reality (VR) offers a promising solution through SuperHot VR. This game employs a unique time-freezing mechanic that only advances when the player moves, thereby creating the illusion of moving at extraordinary speeds.

The Flash might incorporate fight sequences akin to those seen in ‘Batman: Arkham Origins’, blending melee combos and takedowns. Given that Barry Allen is a forensic scientist, a game could integrate detective elements, allowing the hero to solve intricate crimes and pursue powerful metahumans like the Reverse Flash or common street-level villains such as Captain Cold.

2024-10-27 17:06