10 Awesome Comics That Deserve Their Own Video Game

2. Superman

Superman No Superman game has ever gotten it right. The video game adaptation of Superman Returns did have an interesting take on it, though, and one that took just a tiny step in the right direction. In Superman Returns, Superman is invulnerable. Nothing can kill him, there is no Superman life bar. But Metropolis, on the other hand, is vulnerable. So not only do you have to fight the villain, but you have to keep the villain from destroying the city. A good idea, but the execution was lacking, because you basically traded a Superman life bar for a Metropolis life bar, but it was still a life bar. But the best way to look at Superman isn't in terms of how powerful he is, but how much he has to do. Superman is the ultimate multi-tasker and that aspect needs to be played up. Superman must make choices and as Superman, you should be faced with those difficult decisions yourself. Do you foil the bank robbery across town, or do you intervene in the hostage crisis at City Hall? If there's a hurricane in Florida and a volcano eruption in Japan, which do you prioritize? And what happens if you focus all your attentions on just one area of the world? But also factor in Clark Kent's persona and find creative uses for his powers. If Clark Kent is eating lunch at a diner and someone tries to rob it, can he stop the robbery without revealing his identity? Because if he does reveal his identity, then everyone is targeting his co-workers at the Daily Planet or his parents in Smallville. A Superman game need not sacrifice Superman's invulnerability to be interesting. You just need to find creative ways to challenge the player other than throwing them up against death.
 
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Contributor

Percival Constantine is the author of several novels and short stories, including the Vanguard superhero series, and regularly writes and comments on movies, comics, and other pop culture. More information can be found at his website, PercivalConstantine.com