The 10 best superhero games that you should play today
Oct. 16, 2023From Batman: Arkham to Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, here’s our pick of the best superhero games that you should play today
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The best superhero games will give you no end of action and adventure, oftentimes with some of the most beloved characters from the Marvel and DC universes. Whether you’re looking for expansive single-player games, brawlers to play with your buddies, retro classics pulled from the archives, or even smart strategy games, the best superhero games offer something for everybody.
Ranking for a spot on our list is only going to get more competitive, too, what with plenty ofupcoming Marvel gameson the near horizon, as well as new DC games like Warner Bros’Wonder Woman game. And while the newly releasedMarvel Rivalsdidn’t make our list, it’s just the newest example of how this genre is still growing and thriving today.
So, while we wait for all of those upcoming titles, I’m going to help you find one of the best superhero games that you should dive in and play today.
10. The Punisher
Developer: VolitionPlatform(s): PC, PS2, Xbox
Looking back to the early ’00s, The Punisher should be considered amongst thebest PS2 gamesandbest Xbox games– at least as far as superhero antics are concerned. Developer Volition stepped away from its Red Faction franchise to make what is effectively a continuation of (low-key) one of thebest Marvel movies, with actor Tom Jane returning to the role of Frank Castle.
The studio absolutely nailed the gritty brutalism that surrounds The Punisher, with action hinging around quick kills, stomach-churning interrogations, and horrendously violent executions. The Punisher game is a riot for those looking for some anti-hero action.
Developer: NetherRealmPlatform(s): PC, PS4, Xbox One
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NetherRealm is known for building heavy, brutal brawlers – some of thebest fighting gamesof all time, via the immutable Mortal Kombat franchise. Here, the studio applies that expertise to an absolutely brilliant superhero fighter in Injustice 2, a sequel that builds smartly on its predecessor’s foundations with deep character customization and a far broader roster.
With plenty of nods to thebest DC comics storiesof all time, a really premium visual presentation, and well-balanced combat systems, Injustice 2 remains the go-to option for fighting game fans looking to settle long-running debates around character power levels.
Developer:UbisoftSan FranciscoPlatform(s):PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch
South Park is the king of parodies and didn’t hold back on the laughs when they decided to take a spin on the superhero trend. Following the wildly successful The Stick of Truth (a take on fantasy franchises like The Lord of the Rings and Game of Thrones), The Fractured But Whole sees the kids of the small Colorado town leading their own Marvel/ DC franchises. Like the first game, you play as the mysterious new kid with a farting ability that will knock the socks off of any six-graders that try to mess with you.
Not only is this game funny as heck, but as you progress, you unlock powers and a backstory. It feels like you are playing pretend with your friends again (adult jokes and all the gore aside). The turn-based combat system also lets you use other characters' superpowers, making sure you get to witness all the unhinged and humorous ultimates on offer. If you love The Boys (aka one of thebest Amazon Prime shows), then you are going to love South Park: The Fractured But Whole.
Read ourSouth Park: The Fractured But Whole review.
Developer: TT GamesPlatform(s): PC, PS4, Switch, Xbox One
Lego Marvel Super Heroes may be a decade old, but there’s no question that it remains one of thebest Lego gamesout there. It’s a big adventure full of silly superheroics and a window into some of thebest Marvel comic storiesthat can be enjoyed by kids of all ages.
With over 100 of thebest Marvel charactersto unlock and play as, and with support for local and online co-op, Lego Marvel Super Heroes is one of those experiences that is endlessly enjoyable. If you’re looking for pure fun and accessible action, you won’t be disappointed with this one.
Developer: Rocksteady StudiosPlatform(s): PC, PS4, Xbox One
Arkham Knight smartly built on the innovations of its predecessor, Batman: Arkham City, introducing a wider Gotham City to explore and secure. It is in many ways the ultimate Batman fantasy, allowing you to really hone in on your desired caped crusader power fantasy while drawing from some of thebest Batman storiesto help inform its core narrative and crunchy combat.
Read ourBatman Arkham Knight review.
Developer:Insomniac GamesPlatform(s): PC, PS5, PS4
An original adventure that only draws lightly on thebest Spider-Man stories, Insomniac delivered what is undoubtedly one of the best PS4 games of all time. Smart, fast, and fun – Marvel’s Spider-Man is one of thebest Marvel games, and it shouldn’t be missed.
Read ourMarvel’s Spider-Man review.
Developer: Firaxis GamesPlatform(s): PC, PS5, Xbox Series X
You have to respect developer Firaxis for attempting to push boundaries. While a great many superhero games are contenders for thebest adventure gamesof any given year,Marvel’s Midnight Sunsis a strategy experience that attempts to provide a new perspective on superheroes.
Drawing on its experience with the XCOM series – not to mention its love of competitive card games and other turn-based battlers – Firaxis pushed a pretty delightful strategy game that’s full of heart and character. Come for the massive story, stay for the tactical combat, and fall in love with the surprisingly intimate moments between heroes.
Read ourMarvel’s Midnight Suns review.
Developer: Rocksteady StudiosPlatform(s): PC, PS4, Xbox One
Batman: Arkham City may have delivered a more comic book faithful story, and Arkham Knight a far wider adventure, but there’s something special in the sharper focus of the video game that started the trilogy.
Batman: Arkham Asylum is arguably one of thebest Metroidvania gamesof the late ’00s, a stealth-action experience that does an unbelievably incredible job of making you feel like the caped crusader. With its heavy combat and authentic movement, Batman: Arkham Asylum set a new standard for superhero games – a benchmark that only Rocksteady was able to raise for years to come.
Developer: Eidos MontrealPlatform(s): PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X, Xbox One
Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxyis an easy game to fall in love with. It’s undoubtedly one of thebest single-player gamesof the new generation, an adventure that is full of heart, humor, and a fair amount of carnage.
An original narrative distinct from the MCU films, which brushes smartly against some of thebest Guardians of the Galaxy comic stories, developer Eidos Montreal delivered a generous experience that strikes a delicate balance between expansive combat encounters and calming moments of downtime, giving you the time to appreciate the characters and world which surrounds you.
Read ourMarvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy review.
Developer: Insomniac GamesPlatform(s): PS5
Insomniac hasn’t just delivered thebest Spider-Man gameof all time, but the best superhero game available right now.Marvel’s Spider-Man 2is a triumph, one of thebest open world gameswhere you’re never far from something to catch your attention. Peter Parker and his young protege, Miles Morales, go up against some of the most formidableSpider-Man villainsin an adventure that never seems to waver.
With utterly sublime web-swinging and exploration, countless cinematic setpieces and invigorating combat encounters, and a smart approach to character customization, Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 should not be ignored. It’s one of thebest PS5 gamesaround and is a must-play for every superhero fan.
Read ourMarvel’s Spider-Man 2 review.
For more picks, check out our guides for all thenew gamesheading our way.
Josh West is the Editor-in-Chief of GamesRadar+. He has over 15 years experience in online and print journalism, and holds a BA (Hons) in Journalism and Feature Writing. Prior to starting his current position, Josh has served as GR+’s Features Editor and Deputy Editor of games™ magazine, and has freelanced for numerous publications including 3D Artist, Edge magazine, iCreate, Metal Hammer, Play, Retro Gamer, and SFX. Additionally, he has appeared on the BBC and ITV to provide expert comment, written for Scholastic books, edited a book for Hachette, and worked as the Assistant Producer of the Future Games Show. In his spare time, Josh likes to play bass guitar and video games. Years ago, he was in a few movies and TV shows that you’ve definitely seen but will never be able to spot him in.
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