Superhero Games That Have Better Writing Than The MCU

The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) began with Iron Man in 2008, but its initial success didn’t guarantee the idea of a connected universe would succeed. The Avengers in 2012 was the true test, and it proved incredibly popular with both audiences and critics. That’s when the MCU really took off and became a cultural phenomenon. Now, watching superhero movies and shows is as common as watching popular sitcoms like Friends or The Office.

While Marvel Cinematic Universe movies are often fun to watch, they sometimes prioritize big visuals over truly compelling stories. Interestingly, there are at least five video games with stronger writing than most MCU films in certain areas. Let’s take a look at these games – without giving away any key plot points!

Marvel’s Spider-Man

A Fully Featured Peter Parker Epic

Insomniac Games’ Marvel’s Spider-Man isn’t another retelling of Peter Parker’s origin story. The game starts with an experienced Spider-Man already protecting New York City in his classic red and blue suit. While players will encounter well-known enemies like Kingpin, the game also introduces new villains. The story particularly shines thanks to its portrayal of Doc Ock, who develops a complex relationship with Peter, initially acting as a mentor figure after the loss of Uncle Ben, before becoming an adversary.

Honestly, seeing Ock’s inventions go too far and having to fight him as Spider-Man was tough – it really got to me! But what this game does best, even more than the awesome action, is Peter Parker himself. It’s not just about being a hero; you see him genuinely caring for MJ and Aunt May, and even working to help people in need, which is how we meet another villain, Mister Negative. Plus, Miles Morales is there too, before he becomes his own hero. It sounds like a lot going on, but Insomniac pulls it all together so well. It’s seriously one of the best Spider-Man stories I’ve ever experienced – better than a lot of the comics and movies, with a perfect mix of heart, humor, and incredible action.

Batman: Arkham City

The Dark Knight Returns

While Batman isn’t a Marvel hero, the story in Batman: Arkham City is often considered better than many Marvel Cinematic Universe films. Following the events of Batman: Arkham Asylum, the villains break out and take over a section of Gotham City, which is then sealed off. This creates a sprawling, contained area where all of Batman’s enemies are free to cause trouble—until he stops them. The game takes place over one intense night, and players will face off against iconic villains like Two-Face, The Penguin, The Joker, Mr. Freeze, and many more who are running wild in the city.

While it might feel like there are too many, each villain in the game has a compelling backstory that adds depth to the overall story. The voice acting is excellent, featuring both familiar voices from the classic Batman: The Animated Series and strong new additions, making these villains truly memorable. Batman: Arkham City successfully balances a large cast of villains without feeling overcrowded – something some bigger Marvel movies, like Spider-Man: No Way Home, struggle with, often giving villains less development. Beyond the story, it’s a really enjoyable and intense action game, and playing as Batman – perfectly captured by the legendary voice of Kevin Conroy, who we sadly lost – is incredibly satisfying.

Marvel’s Avengers

A Better Origin For Kamala Khan

Marvel’s Avengers lets players step into the roles of Earth’s greatest heroes, and it also tells the story of Kamala Khan’s beginnings. The game shows how she helps the Avengers come back together after a tragic event and Captain America’s death. In fact, the game does a better job of portraying Kamala’s character and abilities than any movie or TV show she’s been in within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The MCU does a slightly better job of showing Kamala’s family life, but in the game, the focus is more on how she grows into her role as a superhero.

This game follows Kamala Khan as she discovers her shapeshifting abilities and tries to rally The Avengers for one last mission. While it’s built around collecting items and playing online, it doesn’t quite stand out as a top example of that type of game. However, the story is genuinely enjoyable, filled with exciting moments and impressive set pieces. The game also offers strong portrayals of The Avengers, particularly Nolan North’s take on Tony Stark, which feels fresh and doesn’t rely too heavily on comparisons to the movie version. Though it might not be everything Marvel fans hoped for, the story is definitely worth playing.

South Park: The Fractured But Whole

Silly, But Meaningful

South Park: The Fractured But Whole continues the story started in South Park: The Stick of Truth, and isn’t connected to universes like Marvel or DC. The first game involved the kids pretending to be fantasy heroes fighting over a magical stick. This time, they’re playing superheroes, and you get to customize your character’s powers. Just like the first game, it’s full of hilarious moments that break the fourth wall, making jokes about DC, Marvel, and video games themselves.

If you enjoyed the superhero episodes of South Park, you’ll recognize many characters and jokes in South Park: The Fractured But Whole, including references to The Coon and Mintberry Crunch. Those who like the humor of Deadpool and She-Hulk will also find plenty to enjoy, as the creators weren’t afraid to push boundaries. While the mystery isn’t particularly compelling and the story lacks emotional depth, the game is consistently funny and entertaining from the very beginning.

Dispatch

A Down-To-Earth Superhero Story

While Marvel movies gradually reveal details about their heroes, the game Dispatch lets players quickly connect with them in around eight hours. By actively shaping their growth and even helping them find redemption, players will feel a strong bond with their team. The game centers around Robert, a former hero who now mentors a group of reformed villains. This new team is often unruly and doesn’t always listen, but careful decision-making can keep things under control.

Like games from Telltale or Supermassive, Dispatch centers around a story where your choices have real consequences. It offers more active gameplay than most narrative adventures, with hacking challenges and a simple management system where you assign heroes to different missions. Making good decisions helps your heroes improve and strengthens their bond with Robert, while poor choices can cause friction within the team. It’s a captivating and tense experience, exploring the human side of both superheroes and villains in a way that’s grounded and avoids the extreme violence seen in shows like The Boys or Invincible. Dispatch offers a unique approach, and that’s what makes it stand out.

2026-01-16 06:06