The Best Superhero Games Ever

Due to being synonymous with quick licensed cash-grabs for the longest time, superhero games used to have a pretty negative reputation. However, that has changed considerably over the last decade or so, and we nowadays tend to get high-quality projects featuring Marvel and DC's most famous faces. Even before the likes of Rocksteady and Insomniac perfected the formula, the gaming industry was more than capable of producing a solid superhero romp every other year.

More than 100 superhero adventures have come out over the last three decades, and roughly half of those feature Batman or Spider-Man. While those characters have historically hogged the limelight, nearly every major hero or heroic group has starred in a good game; therefore, let's celebrate the history of Marvel, DC, and others by highlighting the best superhero games ever.

Here are some criteria and notes:

One game per hero or team-up. That said, a character can appear in a solo and group outing.
As there are a lot of good superhero games, honorable mentions for a hero or group will be included if relevant. Other worthwhile games that do not fit any category will be mentioned in a separate section at the end of the article.
We are going to be a bit strict with the definition of "superhero" stories. That's why something like The Darkness is not included, as it is based on a comic but is not a superhero game.

Batman: Arkham Trilogy

The Best Batman Games & The Best DC Games & The Best Superhero Games

Well, might as well get the most obvious inclusion out of the way. Rocksteady's Batman Arkham is one of the greatest trilogies ever, and that goes beyond video games. While everyone has their favorite, Arkham Asylum, Arkham City, and Arkham Knight are all fantastic works of art that redefined the scope and quality of what a superhero game could be.

Despite arguably not reaching the same heights as the main trilogy, Batman: Arkham Origins and Batman: Arkham Shadow are also very good.

The combat system is reactive, smooth, and fun, and it has proven to be incredibly influential, with quite a few developers copying parts of its playbook. The open-worlds in the latter games are just big enough to be immersive without becoming overwhelming, and they are both dripping in atmosphere and style. Arkham Asylum is a more linear experience, and it is just as brilliant as its successors. If Arkham Asylum never came out, we might not have gotten Injustice or Marvel's Spider-Man.

Honorable Mentions: Great Batman Games

Batman Begins
Batman: Rise of Sin Tzu
Batman: The Telltale Series
Lego Batman

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By Mark Hospodar

Marvel's Spider-Man

The Best Spider-Man Game & The Best Marvel Game

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Marvel's Spider-Man

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Released: September 7, 2018

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Genre(s): Action, Adventure, Open-World
Platform(s): PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5

Out of all superheroes, Spider-Man has the best video game resume by far. Even back in the 1990s, the wall-crawler was punching and kicking his way through great beat 'em ups, and he transitioned pretty well to 3D adventures on the PS1. 2004's Spider-Man 2 was a groundbreaking achievement that set the standard for the hero's future outings, many of which were, at least, decent.

In 2018, Insomniac crafted the ultimate Spider-Man game, blending storytelling, exploration, and combat seamlessly to create a complete experience. Although not flawless, Marvel's Spider-Man is just relentlessly enjoyable, as the simple act of swinging through New York is a pleasure. This is a rare example of an open-world game where manual travel is nearly always preferred to fast-travel. You are Spider-Man. Miles Morales and Marvel's Spider-Man 2 are also awesome, but the first game has a certain charm that sets it apart.

Honorable Mentions: Great Spider-Man Games

Spider-Man (2000)
Spider-Man 2 (2004)
Spider-Man and Venom: Maximum Carnage
Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions
Spider-Man: Web of Shadows
Ultimate Spider-Man

X-Men Legends II: Rise of Apocalypse

The Best X-Men Game

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X-Men Legends II: Rise of Apocalypse

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Released: September 20, 2005

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Developer(s): Raven Software, Vicarious Visions, Beenox, Barking Lizards Technologies
Genre(s): Action RPG
Platform(s): N-Gage, GameCube, PC, PS2, PSP, Xbox (Original)

For a time, X-Men video games had a habit of being consistently good. Marvel's mutants had a rock-solid '90s thanks to the arcades and Capcom, and they started the next decade with a bang. Raven Software's X-Men Legends was the best team-up superhero game at the time of its release, and it is still among the most memorable more than two decades later.

As incredible as the first entry is, the sequel fine-tunes the formula just enough to warrant the spot, even above the spiritual successor series, Marvel Ultimate Alliance. An addictive co-op action RPG with a great roster of playable heroes and villains, X-Men Legends 2 is essentially a 3D beat 'em up, albeit with leveling up, character swaps, team synergy, and a lengthy campaign.

Honorable Mentions: Great X-Men Games

Deadpool
X-Men (Arcade Game)
X-Men: Mutant Academy
X-Men: Mutant Apocalypse
X-Men vs. Street Fighter
X-Men Wolverine Origins

Injustice 2

The Best (In) Justice League Game

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Injustice 2

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9 /10

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Released: May 11, 2017

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Genre(s): Fighting
Platform(s): PS4, Xbox One, PC, Android, iOS

There are not many Justice League games, but they are usually decent. However, DC's famous team features in arguably the greatest superhero fighting game of all time, and half of them just had to turn evil for it to happen. Building on its predecessor's foundations, Injustice 2 is NetherRealm Studios' best release, one that combines Mortal Kombat's viciousness with DC's diverse heroes and villains.

The campaign offers roughly 5 hours of intense cutscenes and fights, with the story revolving around the arrival of Supergirl and the aftermath of Superman's fall as the world's dictator. Injustice 2 is an absolute blast to play, with the gameplay being satisfying and challenging in equal measures. The characters are true to their comic selves, at least in terms of their move sets, and fittingly imbalanced but still generally fun to use. While not extremely active nowadays, Injustice 2's multiplayer was huge for a long time.

Honorable Mentions: Great Justice League Games

DC Universe Online
Justice League: Cosmic Chaos
Justice League Heroes
Lego Batman 2: DC Super Heroes
Lego Batman 3: Beyond Gotham

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By Robbie Mitchell

Marvel vs. Capcom 2: New Age of Heroes

The Best Marvel Heroes Game

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Marvel vs. Capcom 2: New Age of Heroes

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Fighting

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Released: June 29, 2000
ESRB: T For Teen // Blood, Suggestive Themes, Violence
Developer(s): Capcom

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Genre(s): Fighting
Platform(s): Arcade, iOS, Sega Dreamcast, PS2, PS3, Xbox (Original), Xbox 360

The only reason Injustice 2 is not unquestionably the greatest superhero fighting game is due to the existence of Marvel vs. Capcom, which has two entries that qualify as candidates. Nowadays, newcomers should pick up Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3, as it is a fantastic all-around experience that has aged well despite being more than a decade old.

However, historically, Marvel vs. Capcom 2: New Age of Heroes is the most important entry in the franchise, along with being one of the most long-lasting and beloved superhero releases of all time. A staple of arcades and the competitive scene, these games not only shine but also have unique identities. Capcom did not rely solely on its Street Fighter expertise when crafting these games, instead opting to take full advantage of its expansive roster to craft an over-the-top celebration of both its own IPs and Marvel.

Honorable Mentions: Great Marvel Team-Up Games

Lego Marvel Super Heroes
Marvel's Midnight Suns
Marvel Rivals
Marvel Ultimate Alliance

Infamous 1 & 2

The Best Original Superhero Games

Although not particularly common, we have received a few original superhero games not based on existing Marvel or DC IPs. Before heading to Japan with Ghost of Tsushima, Sucker Punch spent 5 years on Infamous, producing one of the most consistently good superhero series in gaming. While Second Son and the shorter spin-offs are good in their own right, Cole MacGrath's main PS3 games define Infamous' legacy, and they are still an absolute blast to play.

Both games have satisfying OP powers that enable you to really engage in some destructive vigilantism, and the Karma system adds a degree of player freedom and accountability. Story-wise, Infamous is stronger than its successor, but they work best when enjoyed in unison.

Honorable Mentions: Great Original Superhero Games

Freedom Force
Freedom Force vs the 3rd Reich
Saints Row 4
Viewtiful Joe
The Wonderful 101

Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy

The Best MCU-Esque Game

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Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy

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Released: October 26, 2021

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Developer(s): Eidos Montreal
Genre(s): Action-Adventure
Platform(s): PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S

When it comes to games, the MCU produced almost nothing worthwhile, and it is mostly synonymous with wasted potential and rushed projects. So, if you are craving something that can scratch a similar itch, your best bet is to look adjacent to the franchise. Due to Square Enix's handling of Marvel's Avengers, Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy had little in the way of hype, only to launch to mostly rave reviews. Unlike its sibling, GOTG pushes its characters and story into the forefront, chronicling the group's world-hopping journey as they try to stop a universe-changing disaster they helped instigate.

GOTG's brilliance comes down entirely to its writing and presentation, both of which are among the best in the superhero genre. The gameplay is enjoyable enough as well, although it gets a bit samey and struggles to remain interesting for the whole duration of the campaign. However, the story, banter, and characters are so incredible, they more than make up for the passable combat.

Honorable Mentions: Good MCU Games

Captain America: Super Soldier
Lego Marvel's Avengers

Dispatch

A Fresh Take On Superheroes

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Dispatch

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Released: October 22, 2025

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Genre(s): Strategy, Point-and-click, Adventure
Platform(s): PlayStation 5, PC

Putting aside some recency bias, Dispatch is a refreshing change of pace from the typical superhero romp, all the while serving as a stellar throwback to Telltale's glory days. Although not completely devoid of interactivity, the episodic game is essentially an interactive adventure movie that follows a retired hero who is nowadays working as a dispatch operative for active crime fighters.

The concept is marvelous, and Dispatch runs with it by prioritizing character-focused writing and player-driven choices that shape the narrative's tone and participants. Incorporating slice of life elements to complement high-stakes situations, AdHoc Studio has put together an experience that should stand the test of time as one of the best superhero games ever.