How Superman’s New Vulnerability Could Revolutionize DC Video Games

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Currently, there’s no upcoming Superman video game in development. One possible reason for this might be the challenge of balancing Kal-El’s character, who is often portrayed as incredibly powerful in DC media, for a AAA, full-length title. It could prove tricky to make him satisfyingly less overpowered in a game. On the other hand, a sneak peek clip from James Gunn’s Superman, recently unveiled, has sparked divided opinions among viewers, which could be creatively utilized in an engaging way within the context of a video game.

In this scene, Superman is severely hurt and cries out as intense beams of yellow sunlight rapidly heal his wounds. It’s currently unknown who or what inflicted such severe damage on Superman, causing “fourteen broken bones, damage to the bladder, kidney, large intestine, lungs,” but if Superman is capable of withstanding such punishment and showing signs of physical trauma, video games have a lot of creative freedom in designing his gameplay mechanics.

The Superman Movie’s Sneak Peek Holds the Key to Making Clark Kent Endearing

In this brief sneak peek, Superman appears noticeably more fragile and sensitive to pain compared to most previous portrayals. It’s plausible that he was affected by kryptonite poisoning, making him susceptible to injuries such as broken bones and deep cuts, which might explain why Krypto had to carry his injured body in the scene.

Instead of appearing overly powerful and potentially boring for Superman’s character on paper, the introduction of an exceptionally formidable adversary who can inflict such severe injury on Superman without using kryptonite would instantly add intrigue and depth to his storyline.

It appears that it wasn’t the battles against giant monsters like Superman that caused most of the damage, as his costume seems soiled or burnt afterwards, while it remains clean when he’s taken to the Fortress of Solitude. However, the fact that Superman can break bones and feel pain during healing processes adds a necessary level of vulnerability to make a video game version of him relatable and engaging.

His costume gets damaged in fights with kaiju monsters, but it’s clean at the Fortress of Solitude. Yet, his ability to break bones and feel pain during healing makes him vulnerable and interesting for video games.

A Superman Game Shouldn’t Be Afraid of Bloodying the Smallville Orphan

In a video game, it could be plausible for Superman to appear unwaveringly noble without experiencing constant physical pain, save for instances when fragments of his home planet arrive on Earth as he did. Notably, numerous Superman video games have managed to portray the Kryptonian character in diverse and unique manners.

Instead of constantly requiring kryptonite or a vulnerable Metropolis in every combat scenario for Superman, it might be more practical for game designers to portray him as capable of being harmed and taking damage. This approach could provide developers with greater creative freedom, inspiring them rather than limiting or hindering their ideas about developing a Superman game.

In terms of video games, especially superhero games like a new Superman game, realism might not be essential, but it’s crucial that the creators avoid overdoing the portrayal of Clark Kent being harmed excessively. If they can logically justify and link these instances to Superman’s background, such as depicting his discomfort during self-repair when exposed to the yellow sun’s enhanced energy, then any risks or threats designed to make players aware of Superman’s wellbeing should be considered.

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2025-04-09 00:34