While there are numerous superhero video games available, their adversaries often go unnoticed. However, it is important for these comic book supervillains to have their own spotlight in the world of video games.
Among the greatest video games ever made are those featuring nefarious characters. The main characters of GTA V are even more ruthless than many typical video game antagonists, and the Dark Urge in Baldur’s Gate 3 allows players to indulge in their violent impulses and enjoy themselves immensely.
However, it is not common for comic book villains to have significant playable roles in superhero games. Typically, well-known supervillains are only playable as part of a larger group, such as in the fighting games Marvel vs. Capcom or NetherRealm DC.
It is possible for superhero games to achieve great success without following the live service model. As a result, it is now the perfect opportunity for villains to take center stage in the gaming world. While these villains may have once been portrayed as heroes, these games would center on their villainous escapades before their eventual redemption.
10. Types of Poison Ivy
In video games, it is uncommon to see plant-based abilities, particularly for main characters. However, this niche has great potential. A hero with nature-based powers could use vines to ensnare enemies, manipulate their thoughts with toxic fog, and summon sentient plants to attack their opponents, similar to the game Pikmin.
With her near-complete mastery over plants, Poison Ivy would be an ideal candidate for this powerset. Additionally, her ultimate objective of eradicating humanity in order to protect the environment could present intriguing ethical dilemmas, particularly when it comes to potentially harming her romantic partner, Harley Quinn.
Although superheroes are a clear nemesis for Poison Ivy, another approach could be portraying her as an eco-terrorist who takes on destructive corporations, similar to Avalanche in Final Fantasy VII or the characters in Werewolf: The Apocalypse – Earthblood. This would result in her facing numerous adversaries, as these businesses hire mercenaries to thwart her efforts, while she utilizes her abilities to defeat them.
9. Legion
David Haller, who is also recognized as Legion, is the offspring of Charles Xavier and is considered to be one of the most dominant mutants in existence. Upon his introduction, Legion’s powers were divided among his numerous personalities, each one battling for dominance over the host body.
A Legion game would be well-suited for a title that heavily incorporates the idea of “hallucinations within the protagonist’s mind,”similar to the fear gas sequences involving the Scarecrow in the Arkham games. The game could depict Legion fighting to regain control of his body during these stages, while the villainous sides carry out their own sinister plans in the real world.
Despite his beginnings as a villain and his involvement in various nefarious acts (including inadvertently triggering the Age of Apocalypse timeline), Legion’s story in a video game could allow players to choose their path, whether it be embracing the darkness or unifying all of his personalities.
Similar to The Lord of the Rings: Gollum, but with a positive twist.
The Hood
Despite being the king of crime, Kingpin may not be the most captivating character to portray in a video game.
The arrival of Parker Robbins, also known as The Hood, brought about the emergence of a powerful criminal organization. Utilizing his enchanted cloak and boots, he gained a multitude of superhuman abilities and quickly established himself as a formidable threat to both heroes and fellow villains.
A potential video game centered around The Hood could follow a strategy/X-COM approach, where players must form teams of supervillains to complete criminal missions and gradually expand their empire. As the difficulty increases, players will face more formidable opponents such as The Avengers and the X-Men, requiring strategic thinking as they send lower-tier villains to face off against powerful heroes like Wolverine and Thor.
7. Arcade Games
This X-Men villain has made appearances in multiple video games, and his unique tactic of constructing deadly theme parks for superheroes to navigate through proves to be highly effective for a level.
However, what if the player was the mastermind behind the creation of Arcade’s Murderworlds?
While this concept may not be entirely original in the video game industry, the Deception series has previously utilized it in a fantasy environment. In these games, players strategically place trap combinations in arenas to defeat troublesome invading heroes.
In an Arcade game, the concept would involve superheroes, requiring the design of lethal theme parks in order to counter their abilities and strengths. It can be compared to Rollercoaster Tycoon, except the main goal is to hit the Hulk with a rollercoaster.
6. Prometheus
It’s a no-brainer to have a Batman Arkham Asylum game featuring a supervillain. Unfortunately, we have yet to see one, despite the numerous potential candidates for the protagonist role.
In my opinion, the most suitable option would be Prometheus, an antagonist from the Justice League and Batman comics who lacks supernatural abilities but serves as a twisted version of the Caped Crusader. Prometheus possesses extensive combat training, advanced gadgets, and a cunning intellect, but what makes him well-suited for a game is his ability to mimic others.
In his initial significant appearance, Prometheus possessed the unique ability to duplicate the physical capabilities of others and store them on compact discs within his helmet. This concept is well-suited for a Metroidvania style game (which the Arkham games are categorized as), as Prometheus acquires both heroic and villainous abilities, storing them in his database.
So, what is the concept? Prometheus is an antagonist determined to defeat the Justice League despite lacking superpowers. The task at hand entails utilizing your cunning and acquired abilities to defeat each member individually, starting with Green Lantern, Martian Manhunter, the Flash, Wonder Woman, and others. The ultimate showdown will be with Batman, who, although lacking powers, possesses exceptional fighting skills and no vulnerabilities to exploit, just like you.
This premise is reminiscent of the Suicide Squad, with the exception of the unnecessary multiplayer live service components.
5. The Mandarin
Despite not being able to engage in combat with Tony Stark in the MCU, Iron Man’s archnemesis has numerous chances to do so in the gaming world.
I must admit, Mandarin has made it onto this list solely because of his ten remarkable magic rings. They possess the perfect qualities for a video game, as their abilities can gradually evolve alongside his mastery of their mysterious powers. The potential for skill trees with these rings is endless.
What was Mandarin’s objective in his game? Clearly, to use his rings to shoot people.
Developers simply need to remove the problematic Orientalist elements of his character and portray him as a formidable supervillain who has arrived in America to build a criminal empire and engage in explosive action.
4. Mystique
The ability to shapeshift is not commonly utilized in video games, particularly in the stealth genre.
Among the abundance of shapeshifter villains who could take center stage in a video game, Mystique stands out as one of the most beloved. Her desire to see Magneto’s vision of mutant domination realized offers a wealth of captivating narrative opportunities.
Mystique possesses the qualities necessary for a Hitman-style game focused on stealth and assassination. In this game, you must shapeshift and gather intelligence to successfully eliminate high-profile targets, careful to select the perfect disguise for each mission.
This would result in a level inspired by the events leading up to the infamous “Days of Future Past” X-Men comic. In this level, players must assassinate Senator Robert Kelly while also facing the X-Men, who are aided by Wolverine and his powerful sense of smell that can reveal any disguises.
3. Venom
Venom has been on the verge of crossing the line, as he has co-starred with Spider-Man in various games, as their powers are very similar. Despite having his own movies, a solo game for Venom has not yet been released.
A game featuring Venom would be a natural fit for Insomniac Games due to the character’s similarities to Spider-Man. Players could swing around the city and engage in criminal activities instead of stopping them, making for a simple and exciting experience. Just as fans eagerly lined up to watch the first Venom film, they would undoubtedly line up to play this game as well.
Fortunately, it appears that there will eventually be an opportunity for us to wear the symbiote suit. This is due to the recent leak from Insomniac Games, which disclosed that a Venom game is currently in the works, even though it has not yet been officially announced.
2. Dr. Doom
Despite initial surprise, Dr. Doom’s role as the main villain in the Fantastic Four may actually lend itself well to a video game format. Such a game would provide the perfect opportunity to delve into his backstory and showcase the events that led to his rise as the ruler of Latveria.
Although most recognize Dr. Doom as a supervillain, sorcerer, and leader of a nation in the present, he had a lesser role in the past. A video game that portrays the ascent of a young Victor von Doom, as he conquers a nation, would provide a unique perspective on the character.
Dr. Doom utilizes a combination of science and magic to achieve his objectives, making it a crucial aspect of the gameplay. Focusing on only one would result in missing out on the benefits of the other. As a result, Doom must strive to dominate both the mystical and technological realms while solidifying his position as a leader, all leading up to the eventual confrontation with four superheroes who dare to challenge his plans.
1. The Joker
A potential video game concept with immense potential for a supervillain storyline – a game modeled after Grand Theft Auto where the player assumes the role of the infamous Joker.
The Joker’s persona makes him a perfect candidate for a GTA protagonist. He possesses a wicked nature that allows him to carry out heinous acts without feeling any remorse, and his dynamic personality adds depth to the character. Additionally, players can choose from various interpretations of the Joker, such as the darkly humorous Mark Hamill Joker or the ruthless and strategic Heath Ledger Joker.
Despite being Batman’s most formidable foe, the Joker is not comparable to the likes of Juggernaut or Darkseid as he is still a mortal. This implies that one cannot depend on superpowers to triumph; instead, they would have to utilize the Joker’s gadgets and minions to achieve success.
The Joker is able to be played in the Suicide Squad game, but it is evident that he thrives in the limelight, as shown by the success of his solo movie in theaters. An open-world game featuring the Joker, where players can climb the ranks and ultimately face off against Batman, would be an exhilarating experience.
For all aspiring supervillains, stay updated on your superhero foes by viewing our HeroFest schedule here.
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