5 Best Comic Book-Inspired Video Games

Pulling off an adaptation is like walking on eggshells; staying true to the source material is a must, yet you have to marry that consideration with fun gameplay, technical limitations, and a demanding fan base. The fact any studio would put themselves through such an ordeal is amazing in itself, but then again the guaranteed sales and the purchasing power of a devoted fan base is nothing to scorn at. The following 5 games have found the perfect balance and stand as the best comic-book inspired video games.

Batman: Arkham City

This entry is a no brainer for anyone who’s sampled Batman: Arkham City

and is hands down the most convincing Batman game and even comic book adaptation we’ve seen. Carrying over the gloomy atmosphere of a crime-ridden Gotham from the comic, Batman: Arkham City excels with a fluid combat system, a range of convincing abilities, a vibrant open-world, and giving players the sense that Batman has never been so badass.

Marvel’s Spider-Man

Only just released this month, Insomniac Games’ effort is a stellar take on the lovable web-slinging hero. If anything the mechanics are among the best ever bestowed to a superhero with slinging around town feeling incredibly smooth and responsive. Add to that a compelling story, stunning graphics, and an arsenal of creative combat options, Marvel’s Spider-Man is a fluid action-packed adventure that fully merits its current triple A price tag.

Marvel vs. Capcom 2: New Age of Heroes

A mainstay of the fighting game genre for many years, Marvel vs. Capcom 2: New Age of Heroes

has been overtaken by successive releases in the series, however it still stands tall as a defining game in Marvel and Capcom’s crossover library. The frantic pace and finessed-feel made it a treat to play.

The Walking Dead

Most would assume the game is inspired by the hit TV show, but they’d be mistaken as Telltale’s episodic storytelling adventure finds its roots in a comic series of the same name. Telltale are the master of gripping narrative storytelling and The Walking Dead is the game that put them on the map so to speak. The sad demise of the studio is at odds with what is to be remembered as a seminal entry in the genre.

Spider-Man 2

Before this year’s worthy reboot of the franchise, Spider-Man 2 was by far the best Spidey game. The open-world New York setting added a GTA feel to the experience, which worked well with the ability to grapple from building to building taking out errant criminals and helping out civilians in distress. For many it set the tone for successive superhero games that borrowed heavily from Spider-Man 2’s strong foundations. Though based on Sam Raimi’s rather lackluster second attempt at a Spider Man movie, the game didn’t lower it standards to match and was a genuinely good video game.