With comic book superheroes slowly taking over both the small and silver screen, we take a look at the characters that most deserve their own video game.
Over recent years, the heroes of comic books have become a huge part of popular culture. The Marvel Cinematic Universe has delivered some of the most successful movies of all time, whileBatmanhas also hit the silver screen to tremendous effect with theDark Knighttrilogy. Meanwhile, shows such asDaredevil,Arrow, andJessica Joneshave shown that super-powers work just as well on television.
Even video games have got in on the action, with Rocksteady’sBatman: Arkhamseries delivering some tremendous comic book hero gameplay to users. However, there are still plenty of deserving superheroes that have yet to make their way into the video game medium, and fans of these super-powered heroes perhaps deserve a chance to play as their favorites. With that in mind, here are our picks of 10 superheroes that should have their own video game.
10Black Panther
Although this hero will have been around for fifty years as of July 2016, Black Panther has been criminally underused in video games and movies alike. Given that T’Challa has cemented his place in theMarvelCinematic Universe throughCaptain America: Civil War, it’s about time that this superhero receive a video game adaptation, away from the previous playable character offerings of other Marvel games.
After all, Black Panther is an extremely malleable character and one that many developers would presumably love to sink their teeth into. Not only an accomplished combatant and athlete, this hero could potentially even rival Batman’s stake as the world’s greatest detective. Now all we need is a video game showcasing Black Panther’s many talents.
9The Flash
Although thisDC Comicshero does have a history in gaming, it is an unfortunately bittersweet story.The Flashactually received a standalone video game release all the way back in 1993, as an exclusive to the Sega Master System. However, by the time the game saw release, the console was no longer supported in either the United States or Japan, leaving the game sinking into obscurity.
Then, back in 2008, another attempt was made to bring The Flash into video games, but after some promising-looking test footage was released the project was cancelled. Given the popularity ofThe Flashtelevision series, why not try to bring the character into gaming once more? After all, what could be better than a high-octane version ofMirror’s Edgestarring this hero?
8Runaways
Comic books are not always about the role of an individual hero. Instead, some super-powered characters find taking on villainous foes much more effective when working together as a team. That’s certainly the case withRunaways, named after a group of teenagers that join up to stop the evil organization known as The Pride.
Although the series eventually ended, Marvel has promised thatRunawaysis going to return. With a strong back catalogue of creative minds, including Brian K. Vaughn and Joss Whedon, there is a wealth of character development for players to immerse themselves in, meaning a video game based onRunawayscould be a wonderful, story-driven experience. Throw in some team management skills and a tactical approach to combat, and a game based on this team becomes an enticing prospect.
7Jessica Jones
This heroine has found huge popularity over recent years, particularly through the acclaimed television show based on the character. Eschewing the traditional story of a superhero fighting costumed villains, however, Jessica Jones’ history instead delves a little deeper into the personality behind the mask.
As such, a video game revolving around this heroine could be a great example of an adaptation done right, either focusing on her super powers or instead (and perhaps preferably) taking aLA Noire-esque focused look at a private investigation. Whether it be fighting crime or unraveling a mystery, aJessica Jonesgame would no doubt pick up a lot of attention.
6Guardians of the Galaxy
This space-faring superhero team made a surprise splash in popular culture thanks to Marvel’s 2014 movie based on the characters. Although the group was not part of Marvel’s top tier of comic characters before the film wowed viewers around the world, the Guardians of the Galaxy are now one of the most beloved superhero groups around.
What’s more, a video game based on the team has all the ingredients for a standout success. Although mobile titleGuardians of the Galaxy: The Universal Weaponhas been released, a full-blooded AAA game is what would really impress. A varied group of heroes with different, complementary powers, a fantastic and vibrant setting, and incredible characters could all come together to make an excellent action game - just as long as we get to play as Groot at some point.
5Blade
This monster hunter truly bucks the trend of Marvel superheroes. Taking a much more violent and gritty approach to fighting evil than the company’s normal heroes, Blade provides something that not many other Marvel characters could. Given the multitude ofPunisher-based video games,Bladealso surely deserves a chance to shine.
In fact, Blade has already appeared in video games, but aside from a range of cameo appearances, the vampiric hero has only had spin-offs from the Wesley Snipes movies. Unfortunately, these games were poorly received, and did not quite do justice to the character from the comic books. Perhaps now is the time to get aBladegame that truly captures this hero’s essence.
4The Tick
AsDeadpoolhas recently showed, there is plenty of room for satire when it comes to superheroes. Initially seen as a parody of traditional heroes,The Tickrose in popularity throughout the 1990s and early 200s, receiving a beloved cartoon adaptation as well as a live-action TV series. There was also anSNESvideo game, although the less said about that the better.
Nonetheless, the concept of a video game based onThe Tickis still sound, and perhaps now more than ever the world needs the unique brand of humor that this hero provides. Theonce-more availableDeadpoolgamethat was initially released back in 2013 gave players a tongue-in-cheek look at both gaming and comics, and no doubtThe Tickcould deliver a similar level of satire.
3Wonder Woman
This founding member of the Justice League has been overlooked in comparison to some of her peers. Although Wonder Woman has appeared in the likes ofMortal Kombat vs. DC UniverseandInjustice: Gods Among Us, there has been a distinct lack of standaloneWonder Womangames.Justice Leaguemay be a great series, but fans of Diana of Themyscira have had little chance to actually play as the heroine.
With Wonder Woman recently appearing inBatman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, and aWonder Womanfilm also on the way, it could be the right time to explore this character’s story in the video game form. With unique abilities, powerful enemies such as Circe, and an intriguing backstory to discover, the sky’s the limit with just how good aWonder Womanvideo game could be.
2Daredevil
Rocksteady Studiosreceived huge acclaim for itsBatman: Arkhamgames, and even though there may be some questions over whether the gaming community trulyneeds a remastered collectionof the games, there is no denying the impact that theArkhamseries had. With that in mind, this developer could be perhaps the perfect fit to bringDaredevilto the world of gaming.
The Marvel hero could fit with theArkhamtemplate incredibly well, with the same dark underworld, taut gameplay, and even the perfect excuse to keep a detective mode in game. ADaredevilgame nearly made it into stores in the 2000’s, but so far the only standalone game based on the hero was the easily forgettable Game Boy Advance title based on the notorious 2003 movie. Let’s hope thatDaredevilcan finally receive a video game worthy of Matt Murdock.
1Green Arrow
Oliver Queen, aka Green Arrow, is sometimes forgotten when compared to some of his DC Comics peers. Unfortunately, Queen is not the only billionaire entrepreneur who spends his spare time dressing up in a costume and beating up thuggish villains, and that does a disservice to his role as one of the most interesting superheroes around.
Where aGreen Arrowvideo game could really shine, however, is in the game mechanics themselves. Queen’s weapon of choice has not always been the most fluid weapon to use in games, but over recent years several games have truly made the most out of the bow and arrow. An adventure title with the same intuitive bow mechanics as theTomb Raiderreboot orFar Cry 3could lead to an incredible adaptation.
So there we have it - our pick of 10 superheroes that truly deserve a game of their own. What do you make of our list? What superheroes would you most want to see have a video game? Let us know in the comments below.
