I'm gonna say it. I want a standalone Superman video game. I know that this is a heavy request that comes with massive baggage, but I feel that it's time.
Ever since Superman: The New Adventures for the Nintendo 64 way back in 1999, it's as though Clark Kent's gaming repertoire has been doomed. The most recent attempt at a standalone Superman game goes back to 2006's Superman Returns, which was based on the movie of the same name, and he's since been mostly shelved. It's been long enough.
I realize this is not the greatest time in the industry for a call like this to be made, especially as projects are being canceled left and right, dev costs are skyrocketing, and studios are being hit with layoffs and closures just about every month. But Superman is a hero who deserves a shot, especially now that public opinion has swayed back in his favor with James Gunn's Superman movie being received so well. He's even been fun to see and play as in Fortnite.
Warner Bros. Games recently shut down development on a Wonder Woman game and closed the servers for fighting game MultiVersus (which Superman actually appeared in), so confidence in the DC IP when it comes to gaming must not be very high. But with the right developer and DC mind at the helm, I can't help but feel like a Superman game would succeed.
Taking inspiration from other singleplayer-focused superhero titles like Batman: Arkham or Marvel's Spider-Man, Superman should be an open-world title where the focus revolves around the Man of Steel's super flight, speed, strength, laser vision, etc.
For inspiration on Superman's flight, look no further than a game like Anthem. Say what you will about the failed looter shooter, but it nailed flight and in-air combat. Imagine flying around as Supes, using laser vision and icy breath to fight airborne enemies, close in with speed for melee abilities, and then fly back around to the next objective at breakneck speed.
The issue with this hero, as usual, is that he's just overpowered. He's basically unstoppable unless Kryptonite is in the equation, so that would be a necessity. But the trope of losing powers early on and then going on a quest to regain them might also be a requirement to make it work from a gameplay standpoint.
I think the dynamic between Superman and Clark Kent must also be explored, similarly to how Marvel's Spider-Man features segments as both the wallcrawler and Peter Parker. Balancing Superman's responsibilities with Clark's work as a reporter and loved one could be very fun if written well.
Recently, WB Games announced it would be re-focusing on four core franchises: Harry Potter, Game of Thrones, Mortal Kombat, and the DC universe. I think if there's ever to be a chance for the video game that Superman deserves, it's within these next few years to capitalize on his return to the spotlight.
No live service. No battle pass. Just a good, narrative-driven Superman singleplayer adventure with his rogues gallery and Lois Lane in tow, along with maybe some other superpowered friends who are fans of Justice. That just sounds super to me. And it's exactly the kind of game WB should be focusing on.
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