6 Superheroes That Deserve Video Game Franchises
Superheroes and video games have always been a match made in heaven. The best superhero games make you feel like the character, immersing you in their powers, their world, and their struggles. While characters like Batman and Spider-Man have enjoyed stellar video game adaptations, there are still plenty of heroes waiting for their time to shine. Here are six superheroes that deserve their own dedicated video game franchise.
1. He-Man
Do you even lift, bro?
Though not typically classified as a superhero, He-Man and the Masters of the Universe, with a massive universe filled with colorful heroes, villains, and epic battles, is primed for an action-packed video game franchise. Imagine an open-world RPG set in Eternia where players can switch between He-Man and allies like Teela, Man-At-Arms, and She-Ra. Whether it’s a Soulslike experience with brutal melee combat, a Marvel Rivals-style hero shooter, or even an MMO, He-Man’s deep lore and cast of characters offer endless gameplay possibilities. And with a new movie coming out staring Nicholas Galitzine, developers should strike while the iron is hot!
2. Nightwing
You can almost see his religion. How does he pee?
The Batman: Arkham series gave us a taste of what playing as Nightwing could be like, but it’s time for Dick Grayson to step out of Batman’s shadow and into his own game. A third-person action-adventure game focusing on Nightwing’s acrobatics, detective skills, and fast-paced combat would make for a fantastic experience. Players could explore Blüdhaven, solve crimes, and take down gangs using a mix of stealth and combat. Rocksteady, are you listening?
3. Superman
That perfect curl shocks us every time!
It’s wild that we still don’t have a great Superman game (we did get one of the worst ones, though). While Batman has been ruling the superhero video game space, Superman has been relegated to supporting roles. The challenge with a Superman game is making it balanced—how do you create stakes when the character is nearly invincible? One solution could be an open-world action RPG where Superman’s powers gradually evolve. Perhaps enemies infused with kryptonite-based technology could provide real threats, ensuring combat remains engaging. Developers could take cues from God of War to tell an emotionally driven, character-focused story about Clark Kent as much as Superman.
4. Marvel vs. DC
We want to see a Colossus/Hulk matchup SO BAD!
Fighting games have thrived on superhero crossovers (Marvel vs. Capcom, Injustice), but we’ve never seen the ultimate showdown: Marvel vs. DC. A full-fledged tag-team fighting game featuring the most iconic characters from both universes would be a dream come true. Better yet, an “Amalgam Mode” could allow players to combine heroes and villains into new characters, just like the classic Amalgam Comics series did in the ‘90s. Batman and Wolverine? Superman and Captain America? The possibilities are endless. And with a new crossover event just announced, this is the fighting game the world needs.
5. The Punisher
Who is he punishing with that jawline?
We’ve had some great Punisher games in the past, but the character deserves a modern, brutal, M-rated action game. Imagine a God of War-style one-take, ultra-violent Punisher game, where players embody Frank Castle’s relentless war against crime. A deep upgrade system could let players craft new weapons, traps, and interrogation techniques. Think The Last of Us Part II’s combat, but even more intense. Punisher’s dark, gritty world would be the perfect setting for a narrative-driven single-player experience. Capitalize on the new season of Daredevil coming in March; the timing is perfect!
6. The Fantastic Four
The Fantastic Four have had a rough time in the culture (hopefully that will change this summer!), but the team is long overdue for a great title. A co-op action-adventure game could be the perfect way to highlight each team member’s unique abilities—stretching across the environment as Mr. Fantastic, launching fiery attacks as the Human Torch, creating force fields with Invisible Woman, and smashing enemies as The Thing. Picture a blend of Marvel’s Avengers with better combat mechanics and stronger storytelling. Add in space exploration, cosmic villains like Galactus, and an upgradeable Baxter Building HQ, and you’ve got a recipe for an amazing franchise.
Superhero games are at their best when they let us live out the power fantasies of our favorite characters while delivering gripping narratives and exciting gameplay. These six picks have unlimited potential for unique and engaging franchises. Which of these games would you play first? Let us know!
And check out the episode below where we discussed this on the Good Playing With You podcast!