Despite having a highly inconsistent record in the movie industry, DC has released numerous exceptional games. Similarly to Marvel properties, many of DC’s existing comic offerings translate well into the gaming world.
While Batman may be the main attraction, there is much more to DC than just The Dark Knight. The universe is filled with fascinating characters and captivating concepts. It is no surprise that the company’s well-known preference for dark, noir aesthetics translates seamlessly into various gaming genres.
It has become increasingly apparent to publishers and developers over the years that there is a high demand for DC games. As of now, there are more than 100 officially licensed DC games available, with a significant portion of those being 52 Batman games.
10. Batman: Arkham Origins (2013)
Upon its initial announcement, Batman: Arkham Origins appeared to have all the makings of a successful game. As the third installment in the Arkham series, it followed closely after the highly acclaimed Arkham City (which will be discussed further). Additionally, the premise was highly appealing, taking place nine years prior to Arkham Asylum and featuring formidable assassins on the hunt for a youthful and daring Batman.
Despite starting with a solid foundation, Origins ultimately felt more like an expansion rather than a standalone game during gameplay. While it did make some slight changes to the brilliant systems of the previous entry, it lacked significant innovation or progress. However, it can still be considered a decent Batman game in its own right.
9. The Wolf Among Us (2013)
Inevitably filled with Batman titles, The Wolf Among Us stands out as a distinct departure from the typical formula. The game, based on the Fables series published by DC’s Vertigo imprint, is well-suited for Telltale’s signature style.
The narrative of the game centers around Bigby Wolf, a detective tasked with solving a string of murders in a section of Manhattan called Fabletown. The game showcases a variety of popular fairy tale characters and a captivating story that strikes a balance between intrigue and darkness. While the straightforward storytelling style of Telltale Games may not appeal to all, this is widely considered to be one of their most impressive works.
8. DC Universe Online (2011)
Despite the challenges involved, Dimensional Ink Games did an impressive job bringing the DC Universe to life in their MMORPG, DC Universe Online. Even after thirteen years since its initial launch, the game continues to have a thriving community, proving that the practicalities of creating such a massive game should never be underestimated.
Despite its flaws, DCUO stands out from the other games on this list by offering players the unique ability to create their own hero or villain and explore the game’s world. While it may have some technical issues and may not appeal to everyone, it remains one of the top choices for players seeking a cooperative and action-packed experience with friends.
7. Batman: The Video Game (1989)
Released in 1989, Batman: The Video Game is both challenging and enjoyable. While it loosely follows the controversial Tim Burton Batman film, this retro release should not be judged solely based on that. The game is a classic side scroller, similar to many popular games of its time.
Despite its technical limitations, the game does an excellent job of capturing the Batman aesthetic. It is worth noting that it is also considered one of the most challenging games ever, as I recently experienced when playing it less than six months ago. It served as a harsh reminder of my gaming skills. I highly recommend giving it a try.
Injustice: Gods Among Us (2013)
Looking back, it’s hard to imagine that it took so long for a standalone DC fighting game to be released (excluding the 2D Justice League Task Force on the SNES). However, when it did finally arrive, Injustice quickly established itself as one of the top entries in the genre during the early 2010s.
The groundwork for Injustice was laid out by 2008’s Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe, which was later picked up and expanded upon by NetherRealm Studios. The story mode in this game offered a unique perspective on Superman’s character, and the various fighting locations quickly became well-known. With the inclusion of super meters and combos, the game catered to traditional fighting game enthusiasts, and Injustice successfully balanced these elements.
5. Batman: The Enemy Within (2017)
The second game from Telltale Games to make this list is Batman: The Enemy Within, which successfully builds upon the already impressive first installment. As a direct sequel, fans of the original can anticipate a similar experience. However, the plot is much more refined and engaging to navigate.
Despite The Joker’s oversaturation in the gaming industry, The Enemy Within manages to bring a fresh and captivating interpretation of the iconic villain. Without revealing too much, the game revitalizes the character with the help of a brilliant performance by Anthony Ingruber. While both Telltale Batman games are worth experiencing, The Enemy Within stands out as the superior one.
Injustice 2 (2017)
The 2017 follow-up to the highly praised Injustice: Gods Among Us enhanced all the elements of the original game. The fighting mechanics are notably more refined and simultaneously more seamless, providing players with a greater variety of techniques to battle as their preferred superheroes.
Injustice 2 largely follows the same path as its predecessor, but there have been notable updates to the game’s online multiplayer. In this installment, players can now enhance their fighters by earning points and purchasing gear. This creates a diverse squad that brings a fresh dynamic to each online battle. Overall, Injustice 2 is considered the ultimate DC fighting game.
3. Batman: Arkham Knight (2015)
The second of the Arkham series to make an appearance on this list, Arkham Knight is undeniably an impressive game. While it may have had more ambitious goals compared to the other two games, it did face some execution issues that prevented it from ranking higher.
The intense combat system continues to impress, and the inclusion of vehicles adds an enjoyable element now that the main problems have been resolved. While the story may not be as engaging as the previous two, it effectively ties together the trilogy and serves as a satisfying conclusion.
Batman: Arkham Asylum (2009)
Despite approaching its 15th anniversary, Batman: Arkham Asylum, the game that started it all, still holds up remarkably well. Although it may be smaller in comparison to the numerous sequels it inspired, it remains incredibly successful in achieving its overall goals.
The narrative is classic Batman, featuring the debut of several of the most legendary villains in the history of the comics. The intense sensation of the battles experienced by the player would come to shape the franchise for many years, with minimal changes. In the realm of action-adventure games, Arkham Asylum is considered a timeless masterpiece.
1. Batman: Arkham City (2011)
Arkham City, barely surpassing the game that initiated it, is an impressive expansion of the initial concept. The inclusion of a vast and intricate portrayal of Gotham catapults it beyond its rivals, reinforcing the notion of Batman as a solitary figure in a corrupt metropolis.
After recognizing the success of the first game, Rocksteady Studios made minimal changes to its winning formula, focusing instead on refining existing systems and introducing new elements where necessary. As a result, Arkham City remains one of the most perfectly executed Batman games to date and is often considered one of the greatest superhero games of all time. Even years later, revisiting Arkham City is still the ultimate way to step into the shoes of the Dark Knight.
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