Superman Deserves Better Than Video Games Have Given Him

by

Superman, one of the most legendary superheroes ever created, is known for embodying human virtues as a demigod from another world raised by loving parents. For almost 90 years, he’s captivated audiences through movies, countless comics, and unfortunately, not many memorable video games. Despite his renown, video game developers have had difficulty conveying Superman’s distinctive charm. With the upcoming DC film reboot by James Gunn, it’s high time for Superman to receive a game that does justice to his legendary status.

Cyborg, Steel, Eradicator, and Superboy. Many superheroes were made into similar fighting games at that time, including Batman, Spider-Man, Punisher, etc. However, even this game didn’t fully capture what makes Superman unique.

The initial games based on Superman largely fell short of embodying the true spirit of the character. While some were slightly superior, they generally relied on popular genre frameworks. The game designs often made Superman seem less powerful than expected, but more importantly, these early storylines struggled to accommodate the inherent goodness that defines this iconic figure. Even though he could demolish solid steel with a punch, the question remained as to why he risked his own life for an alien world or showed such deep concern for humanity. The ability of Superman to recognize the good in us and strive to embody our highest ideals is just as crucial to the character as his immense strength and indestructible hide.

In the transition to the 3D gaming era, issues with video games became more prevalent. A game often criticized as one of the worst ever made is Superman: The New Adventures, or Superman 64, due to its numerous bugs, thick fog, and poor design. Another game, released alongside the Brandon Routh movie, was Superman Returns, a mediocre open-world game with little engaging content. However, it stood out by addressing a common challenge developers face: since Superman is seen as invincible, how can we make playing him exciting when losing isn’t an option? In Superman Returns, the son of Krypton was nearly indestructible, but instead, Metropolis had a health bar. This change in focus from self-preservation to protecting the city at least captured an essential aspect of Superman’s character.

In recent times, it appears that instead of creating an exceptional Superman video game experience, developers have mostly chosen to utilize the character, with his god-like powers, as an unbeatable adversary in games like Injustice and Suicide Squad. These games explore the concept of “What if Superman were evil?” in various ways, which seems effective for their purpose. However, this approach often means that Superman’s roles in video games contradict his established character traits and the qualities that have made him a lasting hero, as he is frequently criticized for being overpowered. In essence, they are capitalizing on Superman’s perceived overpowering nature by making him the main antagonist in their games.

Why is Superman so hard to get right?

Initially, there’s some merit to the argument that Superman appears overpowered when considering game design. Given his status as one of DC Comics’ most powerful characters, he serves as a benchmark for other strong characters. His extensive history and ever-evolving power levels make creating game mechanics challenging. If Superman is made too powerful, the resulting game becomes monotonous. Conversely, making him weak seems to contradict his character and leaves players feeling unfulfilled. The strategy used in ‘Superman Returns’, where Metropolis is the vulnerable element, is intelligent, but it can be tough to keep players engaged in an open world that feels empty.

Incidentally, it’s important to mention that while Superman is incredibly powerful, he is not invincible or immortal. His strength surpasses human limitations, making him appear virtually indestructible, but advanced technology, magic, or extraterrestrial beings can harm him. Kryptonite, a radioactive mineral that poses as his primary weakness, might seem like a convenient plot device, but it’s not the only means to weaken him. Characters such as Doomsday and Darkseid are capable of inflicting injury on Superman without any need for Kryptonite.

Perhaps the answer lies in finding a balance between both methods. A game designed to evoke Superman’s potent abilities might start off in Metropolis, allowing you to soar freely throughout the city, saving citizens and preventing disasters. This open-ended exploration could be supplemented by a gaming aspect similar to Superman Returns’ Metropolis health meter, which would indicate how effectively you’re fulfilling your role as Earth’s protector. As the game progresses, challenges might emerge from Lex Luthor’s technology or alien invasions, gradually making the game more difficult until you face a threat capable of killing Superman and leaving Metropolis vulnerable. Overcoming these obstacles would satisfy the desire for a power fantasy and provide opportunities to adapt to new challenges.

As a devoted fan, allow me to rephrase that in my own words: At the heart of Superman’s character lies an essential goodness that sets him apart. Alternate stories depicting him as a ruthless ruler might serve to amplify the drama for other heroes, but they don’t truly capture who Superman is. The Man of Steel embodies sincerity and kindness, serving as a beacon of aspiration and inspiration. He wields power beyond our comprehension, yet he chooses never to inflict pain or suffering. Instead, he selflessly gives his time and affection for Earth and its people. He pours himself out for the greater good. Simply put, that’s who Superman is.

In any tale focusing on Superman, it’s crucial to emphasize a key aspect – his inherent goodness. The query, “What if the world’s strongest individual was malevolent?” might not spark the same connection as before, given the presence of powerful, harmful individuals in reality. Instead, a far more groundbreaking concept has been embodied by Superman for many years: what if the most powerful person were also the kindest?

Read More

2025-07-10 21:10