Summary
One of the two big comic companies,DCnaturally has countless games based on its superheroes. Granted, most of these are surface-level escapades. They mainly portray the most popular heroes or tie into a recent movie release. This lack of risk makes these titles feel cheap, both creatively and financially. Luckily, not all of them are so hollow.
Certain DC games demonstrate immense passion. They pay special heed to the lore and characters established over several decades. Even the most obscure faces get lip service in these titles. Such deep cuts lend commendable authenticity to the experience. Truly, these games are love letters to DC devotees.
TheBatman: Arkhamgames are some of the best superhero titles on the market, and they succeed by deep-diving into one of the greatest costumed crime-fighters. Playing through this series is like experiencing Batman’s most intense capers. The gameplay deftly captures all aspects of his nightly escapades: intuitive detective work, satisfying stealth, and free-flow combat.These are as smooth as butter. What’s more is that they take place in a grimly stylized Gotham straight out of a gritty graphic novel. These games aren’t just style, though.
TheArkhamseries is also rife with substance. A wealth of detail lies beneath the surface. Throughout the adventures,players interact with countless heroes and villains from Batman’s lore. Even those who don’t physically appear get a tip of the hat through puzzles or references. Solving their brain-teasers unlocks bios outlining their comic history, complete with debut dates. It’s no mystery why the World’s Greatest Detective reigns supreme in fans' hearts.
TheInjusticeIP offers an alternative take on the DC Universe, and that means the whole Universe. This fighter title juggles the lore and histories of its massive cast. Though the plot threatens to tear apart at the seams, it ultimately weaves these elements organically into an ensemble adventure. Every Justice League member–both major and minor–has a role to play at some point. During these instances, their personalities shine throughas much as their powers, especially when confronted with their alternative versions. Aquaman, for instance, is disgusted by his counterpart surrendering Atlantis to Superman. Of course, that’s not to say that their powers have no part to play.Injusticepicks its respectable roster from across the DC spectrum. The characters' abilities inform their move sets, aiding in variety while fitting snugly into the genre. The second game goes even further in this respect.
Injustice 2brings in several faces who rarely share the spotlight with the heavy-hitters. Examples include Gorilla Grodd, Atrocitus, Firestorm, Blue Beetle, Doctor Fate, and Swamp Thing. Not only do they mix up the gameplay, but their presence makes the story utterly unpredictable. They all have their own agendas in this Elseworld tale and sport unique gifts to turn the tide. Such a free-for-all can only come from a thorough understanding of the comic mythos.
Why not let die-hard fans build their own teams?Justice League Heroesis a top-down beat ‘em up where players select a squad of characters to fight through various enemies. They beef up those heroes through RPG elements. The formula is essentially the same asX-Men LegendsandMarvel Ultimate Alliance, and it excels in many of the same areas. The game offers simple, arcade-style fun while adding depth through stat boosts and unlockables. That approach would be enough on its own, but the larger appeal comes from how the writing ties it all together.
The script comes courtesy of Dwayne McDuffie, the man behind several acclaimed comics as well asanimated gems likeStatic ShockandJustice League Unlimited. He’s great at making character dynamics feel witty and relatable. He doesn’t just portray the Justice League as heroes; he shows them as people. That remains the case here, as the League members bounce off each other in a way seldom seen. Their effortless chemistry is difficult to achieve in any medium, but McDuffie makes it look easy inJustice League Heroes.
TheLEGOgames are famous for including even the most obscure characters in their rosters. Thus, they take Injustice’s love for lesser-known figures and boost it tenfold. Their DC titles - theLEGO Batmantrilogy andLEGO DC Super-Villains- are veritable playgrounds for fans. These silly stories don’t just involve the Justice League or Legion of Doom, instead including a slew of forgotten faces from other teams. The Outsiders, Teen Titans, Crime Syndicate,numerous Lantern groups, and even Detective Chimp are available. Plus, they’re all over the place.
These guys run rampant in iconic locations like Gotham, Metropolis, Smallville, Oa, Apokolips, and the Justice League Watchtower. The multi-tiered hubs are rife with cheeky Easter Eggs, puzzles, and side quests. Finding these goodies unlocks more characters along with their specialized vehicles. Ever wanted to drive Lobo’s space bike through Smallville?TheLEGOgames make that bizarre dream possible. Granted, these portrayals are utterly ridiculous, but poking fun at popular properties is where the Lego series shines. Suffice it to say, avid DC readers will get every joke.
This title takesample advantage of its medium.DC Universe Onlinelets players create their own characters and train under famous costumed icons. Taking missions from these icons sees them solve various crimes, evolve their abilities, and net better gear. The latent lore informs that progression. One mission might see them round up a rampaging Solomon Grundy while another could help Poison Ivy spread her monstrous plants around Gotham. Each hero or villain has a niche, and their tasks stem from that niche. These goals take fans to seemingly every corner of the DC Universe. They visit not just the mainline cities, but also other planets and time periods. Destinations could be as close as Central City or as far as Thanagar. These aspects carry the far-reaching appeal of the Lego titles, the role-playing depth ofJustice League Heroes, and the Elseworld wackiness ofInjustice. That said, an MMO carries the potential for even more content.
As such,DCUOhas seen continuous support for over a decade. The developers keep adding to the world (or worlds), using decades of fictional history as inspiration. New storylines draw from classic comics likeBlackest Night,The Judas Contract,Justice League Dark, andBirds of Prey. In essence, fans can play through their favorite superhero exploits and be personally involved in their most pivotal events. It’s every devotee’s dream, which is exactly whatDCUOsets out to be.
