Hardest Superman Games

Key Takeaways

Superman games have challenged players by introducing a variety of villains to prevent Superman from feeling too invulnerable.
Injustice: Gods Among Us provided a challenging experience through a wild story and difficult controls that tested players.
Superman games from the ’80s and ’90s were known for their high level of difficulty due to old-school controls and varied level design.

As a seasoned gamer with decades of experience under my belt, I can confidently say that these Superman games from yesteryears were quite the challenge, even for someone like me who thrives on tough gaming sessions. The first one, released way back in 1992, was a testament to the era when developers purposefully made games harder to beat. The fact that I couldn’t fly as Superman added an extra layer of difficulty that kept me hooked!

Despite an abundance of content created around the iconic superhero, Superman’s extraordinary powers have often posed difficulties for comic book authors, filmmakers, and game developers alike. Balancing his immense power to prevent him from appearing too routine has proven a significant challenge.

Despite the hurdles, numerous game creators have persistently endeavored to let gamers experience life as the illustrious Kryptonian. A plethora of Superman games have marked the annals of the video game world, offering a multitude of gaming options that even die-hard Superman enthusiasts might struggle to recall (even though they can recite every movie). Ranging from battles with his most formidable adversaries to party games, collaborations with the Justice League, and even antagonizing his closest allies in Elseworlds series, Superman games have presented a myriad of challenges throughout the years. However, some of these challenges have proven to be more daunting than others.

8 Superman: Shadow Of Apokolips

GameFAQs Difficulty Score: 3.1/5

Despite fewer games exploring fresh tales about Kal-El, fans greatly appreciated how Shadow of Apokolips shaped the Man of Steel. Modeled after the beloved Superman animated series, this game depicted Superman battling a gang of robots, who were manipulated by Intergang to create havoc in Metropolis.

The genius behind the bots is in fact Lex Luthor, who hired various other Superman villains, such as Parasite and Metallo, to take him on while he enacts his master plan, working alongside Darkseid. This game was ambitious in terms of its story, but it also greatly challenged players as it introduced so many different villains capable of maiming the Man of Steel. This ensured that the game did a good job of not making Superman feel “too invulnerable,” which has been a common complaint for many easier Superman games over the years.

7 Injustice: Gods Among Us

GameFAQs Difficulty Score: 3.24/5

One of the most popular Superman-themed games launched in recent times, Injustice, introduced an alternate universe that has since become one of the most iconic Elseworlds in DC Comics. In this game, Superman falls into madness following Lois Lane’s death and seizes control over Earth, eliminating the Joker and numerous other characters. The series is renowned for its compelling narrative, but the first installment, which essentially functions as a fighting game, also tested players with high levels of challenge.

The game titled Injustice, set within the expansive DC Universe, was quite an exhilarating journey, with controls requiring some familiarization and diverse fighter styles posing challenges. Just when players thought they had mastered the art of victory, a more formidable adversary would emerge, finally culminating in the formidably strong villainous version of Superman.

6 Superman: The Man Of Steel

GameFAQs Difficulty Score: 3.5/5

Platform: Xbox
Released: November 12, 2002
Developer: Circus Freak

It’s not uncommon for different ‘Superman’ video games to vary significantly in quality, and this was certainly the case when ‘Superman: The Man of Steel’ was launched in 2002. This game received mixed reviews from many fans due to its less-than-favorable reception. In ‘Superman: The Man of Steel’, Superman confronted Brainiac in a futuristic version of Metropolis, offering an unusual setting and an engaging narrative that was more reminiscent of the comic books than most other ‘Superman’ games.

In numerous aspects, “The Man of Steel” remained true to its comic book roots, but the primary hurdle encountered during this gameplay was the strict time constraints imposed on various segments. These constraints required players to complete multiple objectives within tight deadlines, adding an additional layer of difficulty that left some fans feeling it was excessive for such a game.

5 Superman

GameFAQs Difficulty Score: 3.77/5

Platform: Arcade game
Released: May 20, 1988
Developer: Taito

1980s-originated Superman arcade game, it’s not surprising that this beat-em-up style game delivers a tough gaming experience. In this arcade game, players take on the role of Superman battling against the original villain Emperor Zaas. The game also boasts the iconic 1978 film soundtrack playing in the background, enhancing the classic gaming experience.

In this latest installment, gamers faced numerous hurdles via the retro battle format, and the vintage control system might have added to the difficulty. Consequently, the game was incredibly tough, a challenge that used to deplete many coins in arcades during its time.

4 Superman: The Man Of Steel

GameFAQs Difficulty Score: 4/5

Platforms: Acron Electron, Commodore 64, BBC Micro, Amstrad CPC, DOS
Released: 1989
Developer: Tynesoft

Back in the day, another classic game known as “Superman: The Man of Steel” was playable across multiple platforms. This PC game followed a straightforward narrative reminiscent of old comic books, featuring Superman battling arch-nemesis Lex Luthor, along with other adversaries like parademons and terrorists who had kidnapped Lois Lane.

Each new level in this game presented a unique challenge, causing some players to feel as if they were playing entirely distinct games. Mastering the game proved tricky due to its complexity, which was particularly challenging given that game difficulty was typically greater during that era.

3 Superman

GameFAQs Difficulty Score: 4.02/5

Platforms: Sega Genesis, Game Gear, Master System
Released: 1992
Developers: Sunsoft, Thinking Rabbit

A classic Superman game from the early days of gaming, this side-scrolling title was particularly popular on the Sega Genesis. It offered a high level of difficulty that gamers found enjoyable back then, and it still makes for an entertaining addition to any modern collection of Superman games.

Each stage commenced with a Daily Planet news report announcing another villain causing chaos, and the main hurdle in the Superman game was that Superman couldn’t fly. Players could use his strength for physical actions like jumping and kicking, but flying wasn’t an option. Games from earlier eras often employed such limitations to boost the challenge level, and the final stage featured a series of random boss battles that made completing this game incredibly tough.

2 Superman

GameFAQs Difficulty Score: 4.06/5

Platform: Game Boy
Released 1997
Developed By Titus Software

Back in the day, I was utterly captivated by the Game Boy – a colossal platform that revolutionized portable gaming. Many games designed for it have endured as timeless classics, and one such game is the “Superman” title from 1997. This game boasted ten unique levels and followed the storyline of “Superman: The Animated Series.” It was a groundbreaking moment, marking the debut of a handheld Superman game, and it left an indelible mark on my gaming memories.

In this game, the difficulty level was immense. Though Superman has the ability to fly, an overwhelming amount of obstacles, continual bomb attacks directed at the player, various enemies, and rudimentary Game Boy-style controls made for an exceptionally tough game that still poses a challenge to play even today.

1 Superman: The New Superman Adventures

GameFAQs Difficulty Score: 4.41/5

Platform: Nintendo 64
Released: May 29, 1999
Developer: Titus Interactive SA

Frequently known as “Superman 64”, this game gained notoriety for several causes. Developers’ disagreements with Warner Bros. resulted in numerous development problems for this game, causing it to be criticized as unfinished and difficult to play due to various issues that were not necessarily intentional.

The platforming approach might have been suitable for a Superman video game, and the hero’s abilities were wider in scope compared to past games in the series. Regrettably, however, The New Superman Adventures proved to be an extremely challenging game to play, making it not only the most difficult Superman game but also in multiple ways.

2024-08-30 11:34