Superheroes That Would Be Perfect For Open-World Games

Superheroes That Would Be Perfect For Open-World Games

As a long-time comic book enthusiast and video game aficionado, I have to say that the potential for these three iconic characters to shine in their own solo adventures is nothing short of exhilarating!


Marvel’s Spider-Man and Batman: Arkham games raised the bar for open-world superhero games, paving the way for more titles like Marvel’s Blade and the Wonder Woman game by Monolith Productions to emerge in the future, as they redefined what such games should look like.

Open-world superhero games don’t need to end their journey here. Both Marvel and DC universes are teeming with numerous heroes and villains who could be incorporated into fresh gaming experiences. As technology continues to evolve, even classic comic book characters that have previously had games could benefit from a reboot.

10 Thor

God Of War Laid The Ground Work

Superheroes That Would Be Perfect For Open-World Games

  • Real Name: Thor Odinson
  • First Video Game Appearance: Marvel Ultimate Alliance – PS2, Xbox, GC, PC

In terms of a high-budget action game, given his power to fly and nine enigmatic realms to traverse, Thor appears to be an excellent fit. In fact, God of War: Ragnarok demonstrated that a Thor-centric game is feasible, as it delved into Norse mythology. Moreover, while Marvel’s Avengers may not have been successful, the enjoyment of controlling Thor was certainly not in question, making him one of the most entertaining characters to play.

Infuse characters like Loki, Amora, Executioner, and potentially Gorr The God Butcher into the storyline, turning Thor into a captivating solo franchise within the gaming universe. Blending Norse mythology with futuristic elements could lead to visually stunning outcomes.

9 The Flash

Super Speed Games Are Not Impossible

Superheroes That Would Be Perfect For Open-World Games
  • Real Name: Barry Allen, Wally West, Jay Garrick
  • First Video Game Appearance: The Flash (1992) – GameBoy

It’s only fitting that The Flash, be it Barry Allen, Wally West, or Jay Garrick, should have his moment in the gaming spotlight as one of DC Comics’ fastest characters. Given that games like Max Payne and Superhot can convey the sensation of moving at breakneck speeds, it’s not far-fetched to imagine a game about The Flash, particularly set in an expansive open world such as Central City.

In a unique twist, The Flash boasts an integrated quick-movement mechanism, enabling him to dash swiftly across the entire city in just a moment. Moreover, this speedster faces formidable foes worthy of attention within the DC universe, such as Captain Cold and the Reverse Flash.

8 The Punisher

Punisher Is Ripe For An FPS

Superheroes That Would Be Perfect For Open-World Games
  • Real Name: Frank Castle
  • First Video Game Appearance: The Punisher (1990) – NES

Transform a character like the vigilante Frank Castle, who uses guns extensively, into a video game where the gameplay is intense first-person shooting similar to games such as ‘Doom’ or ‘Bulletstorm’, and set it in an expansive open-world akin to the ‘Borderlands’ series. This would likely create a highly entertaining power fantasy game, despite its over-the-top nature.

In a new take on The Punisher’s narrative, the story could delve into his complex and troubled life, revealing striking similarities between him and those he mercilessly targets. Yet, amidst this dark exploration, players will find themselves immersed in thrilling first-person action, as they tear through a city, wasteland, or any other open-world setting of their choice, unleashing relentless violence upon the criminal underworld.

7 Green Lantern

In Brightest Day, In Blackest Night

Superheroes That Would Be Perfect For Open-World Games
  • Real Name: Hal Jordan, John Stewart, Guy Gardner, Alan Scott, Kyle Rayner, Jessica Cruz, Simon Baz
  • First Video Game Appearance: Justice League: Injustice For All – GBA

As part of the Green Lantern Corps, a recruit is tasked with safeguarding all planets within their designated sector. This responsibility opens up opportunities for the Green Lantern to visit countless planets across the sector. For instance, characters like Hal Jordan and John Stewart are from Sector 2914, but in an innovative twist, the player could take on the role of a freshly minted Green Lantern patrolling a novel sector, much like in the game ‘No Man’s Sky’.

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but ponder about the challenge game developers might face when designing mechanics for Green Lantern characters in video games. The true test would be finding a way to let these heroes harness their willpower to craft unique constructs with their Power Rings, just like they do in the comics.

6 Daredevil

Spider-Man Combat Meets Ace Attorney

Superheroes That Would Be Perfect For Open-World Games
  • Real Name: Matt Murdock
  • First Video Game Appearance: The Amazing Spider-Man: Web of Fire – Sega 32X

Following references to Daredevil in the Marvel’s Spider-Man video games by Insomniac Studios, fans anticipated a spin-off for him within that universe. However, it was Wolverine who got the spotlight instead. Yet, there remains hope for Daredevil as his acrobatic combat and movement could draw inspiration from the Spider-Man games while maintaining a distinct, original touch.

Given Wolverine’s darker portrayal by Insomniac, it’s plausible that they would not shy away from creating a Daredevil game with an M-rating. Characters like Kingpin, Bullseye, and Typhoid Mary could serve as formidable adversaries in this game. Additionally, the game could incorporate courtroom drama, requiring decision-making on par with Detroit: Become Human.

5 Teen Titans

DC’s Next Generation Of Heroes

Superheroes That Would Be Perfect For Open-World Games
  • Real Names: Dick Grayson (Robin), Koriand’r (Starfire), Vic Stone (Cyborg), Roy Harper, (Speedy), Rachel Roth (Raven), Wally West (Kid Flash), Donna Troy (Wonder Girl), Jackson Hyde (Aqualad), Garfield Lynns (Beast Boy)
  • First Video Game Appearance: Teen Titans (2005) – GBA

Instead of limiting themselves to a single protagonist, DC could broaden the approach taken by “Gotham Knights” and incorporate a larger cast like the Teen Titans. There’s a rich history of Titans to choose from, but perhaps the most iconic group includes Dick Grayson (Nightwing), Cyborg, Starfire, Speedy, Raven, Kid Flash, Wonder Girl, Aqualad, and Beast Boy.

By adopting the right gameplay style, Teen Titans offers the opportunity for a highly replayable experience. Players can compare the stark differences between a full playthrough as Cyborg and one as Starfire. To enhance this further, Teen Titans boasts a wide array of characters that promise cooperative gameplay to surpass that seen in Gotham Knights.

4 Captain Marvel

Marvelous Galactic Adventures Await

Superheroes That Would Be Perfect For Open-World Games
  • Real Name: Carol Danvers
  • First Video Game Appearance: Marvel Ultimate Alliance – PS2, Xbox, GC, PC

In a previous iteration of Marvel’s Avengers, the most formidable galactic heroine came close to being playable, but the game was ultimately canceled. Given this unfulfilled potential, it would be fitting for her to have another opportunity – this time as the central character, traversing the cosmos, and protecting diverse planets from interstellar menaces, accompanied by a loyal alien feline companion.

As a gaming enthusiast, I can’t help but imagine a Captain Marvel video game that echoes the epic scope of the Mass Effect series. Picture this: You, embodying Carol Danvers, making decisions that shape her dialogue and interactions, forming alliances across various galaxies, and earning trust from diverse civilizations and factions.

3 Aquaman

Ocean Open Worlds Could Break New Superhero Ground

Superheroes That Would Be Perfect For Open-World Games
  • Real Name: Arthur Curry
  • First Video Game Appearance: Aquaman: War Of The Water Worlds – PC

In today’s advanced technological era, underwater games have become quite common, as demonstrated in titles like Subnautica or The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker. Given Aquaman’s success on the big screen and his impressive performance in games such as Injustice, it seems fitting to grant him a solo journey for an exciting standalone adventure.

Beneath submerged metropolises and treacherous watery realms, Aquaman is capable of battling a multitude of menacing creatures and adversaries like Black Manta, Ocean Master, and King Shark. It might be intriguing if DC Comics were to draw inspiration from the immersive open-world games such as Elden Ring and Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, and apply it to an underwater adventure.

2 Venom

Spider-Man 2 Paved The Way For A Spin-Off

Superheroes That Would Be Perfect For Open-World Games
  • Real Name: Eddie Brock, Harry Osborn, Mac Gargan, etc.
  • First Video Game Appearance: Spider-Man Vs. The Kingpin – Sega Genesis

As someone who’s tasted even a bit of the power Venom showcased in Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, I can’t help but get pumped up about the idea of a standalone game that delivers the same caliber of storytelling. Imagine unleashing colossal symbiote weapons or feasting on unsuspecting humans – it sounds like a dream setup for an open-world video game, especially when it comes to an anti-hero like Venom.

The initial concept for the Prototype series was a sequel to Spider-Man: Web of Shadows featuring Venom as the lead character, but this idea was abandoned and reimagined into what we now know as Prototype. This shows that a Venom story could thrive in an open-world environment with the right creative team, a notion further supported by Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 hinting at a possible Venom spin-off in the future.

1 Superman

Decades Overdue For A Proper Game

Superheroes That Would Be Perfect For Open-World Games
  • Real Name: Clark Kent/Kal-El
  • First Video Game Appearance: Superman (1979) – Atari 2600

Superman, often recognized as the pioneer of superheroes, sparked the craze for comic books and their adaptations that continue to thrive today. Although there have been games featuring him in the past, it’s been nearly twenty years since a solo Superman game was released. Given his stature, it seems fitting that he should have another chance to take center stage, much like the Batman: Arkham series did for its titular character.

Regrettably, it seems that Superman spends more time playing the antagonist in video games, as seen in Injustice and Suicide Squad: Kill The Justice League. For far too long, the Man of Steel has been yearning for a game where players can delve into the cities like Metropolis, Warworld, or even Apokolips. If the God of War series lets gamers control an actual deity, then certainly Superman shouldn’t pose any problems.

Read More

2024-08-25 14:34