With Comic-Con 2019 recently wrapping up along with the very recent release of Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3: Black Order, we decided to take a look at the top 10 video games based on comic books. The games on this list can be based on any comic book property, so Marvel, DC, or otherwise. If the property originated in a comic book it can be on this list. There can also only be one game per game series on this list, so only the best game from the Lego series of comic book games, only one Arkham game, only one Ultimate Alliance game and so on. So what are our top 10 video games based on comic books and is yours on this list? Let’s find out as we countdown the top 10 video games based on comic books.
10. Lego Marvel Super Heroes
While there have been a few games in the Lego Super Heroes series, Lego Marvel Super Heroes remains the best one as it has been the first and only one that has dropped players in a lego version of New York and has allowed them to play as any of their favorite Marvel characters. Later Lego Marvel games removed characters from the X-Men and Fantastic Four franchises and the Lego DC games while good never quite reached the level that Lego Marvel Super Heroes did. The open lego world of New York in combination with the vast amount of Marvel characters and their different powers make Lego Marvel Super Heroes a solid video game for anyone to play.
9. Scott Pilgrim vs. The World: The Game
While most people know of the Scott Pilgrim movie fewer people know of Scott Pilgrim vs. The World: The Game and even fewer people probably know that both the movie and game are based on the Scott Pilgrim vs. The World comic book series. That’s right, Scott Pilgrim was originally a comic book series and the game actually captures the same art style that is found in the comic book but pixelates it. If the art style of the game won’t win you over the fact that the game plays like a classic arcade beat ’em up and includes a ton of homages and easter eggs from other video game series should win you over and make you want to play this.
Up to four players can play cooperatively as they control members of the Sex Bob-Ombs. As they fight their way through seven levels and defeat Ramona’s evil exes. With the classic beat ’em up gameplay and chiptune soundtrack, if you’re a fan of video game culture and comic books, Scott Pilgrim vs. The World: The Game is a game you will enjoy.
8. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Turtles in Time
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Turtles in Time is one of those licensed game where the developers clearly had a lot of knowledge about the property it was working on. and combined it with their own ideas and creativity to make something truly special. It’s not just the gameplay, memorable soundtrack, and the fact that there is four-player co-op that makes this game so good. It’s also the time-traveling aspect that makes this game so great.
When the turtles get sent through time by Shredder, they must fight their way through both the past and future in order to get back to the present. Seeing the Foot Clan ride around on dinosaurs and fighting almost the entire lineup of villains from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles in time periods that are perfectly suited for them is great. Just going to different time periods every level makes the game constantly feel fresh and never boring. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Turtles in Time and the variety of gameplay it brings to the beat em’ up genre will forever make this game a timeless classic.
7. Marvel vs. Capcom 2: New Age of Heroes
If there is one game on this list that will take you for a ride, it’s Marvel vs. Capcom 2: New Age of Heroes. With 56 characters to choose from and a 3v3 fighting system that still holds up to this day, you can’t go wrong with Marvel Vs. Capcom 2. Choose from some of Marvel’s most popular characters like Wolverine, Captain America, Thanos, Iron Man, and Thanos all rocking their looks from the 90s. You can also choose from a variety of characters from some of Capcom’s most popular franchises like Megaman, Resident Evil, Street Fighter, and Darkstalkers. While not every character and series represented in Marvel vs. Capcom 2 is popular today, it’s interesting to see what the popular comic characters and popular Capcom video game series’ were in the late 90s.
The 3v3 fighting system and its mechanics like the snapback mechanics are still used in other video games today, like Dragon Ball FighterZ but this is the originator of that fighting system and is just as polished as games today. Although some of the characters are overpowered like Magneto and Cable, this game is still a fun time to play with any team of characters and is definitely worth the play if you’re ever in an arcade with Marvel vs. Capcom 2: New Age of Heroes.
6. Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3: Black Order
Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3: Black Order is not only the newest game in the Ultimate Alliance series, but it is also the newest video game on this list being released only a week ago. However, only being out less than a week though is more than enough time for this game to establish itself as the best game in the Ultimate Alliance series. The Marvel Ultimate Alliance series is a four-player action-RPG series that started way back in 2004 with X-Men Legends. Each new game in the series would include more characters eventually including other characters from other Marvel series outside of the X-Men. This started with Marvel Ultimate Alliance which also aimed to have more realistic graphics. This has changed though with Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3 though, as the graphics of the game embraces its comic book origins making the visuals and characters easier to see and more stylish.
The graphics aren’t the only thing to improve as the gameplay itself is now more stylish and the roster is far more diverse than it has ever been. No matter how limited or vast your knowledge of Marvel is you’ll be able to hop right in and play as a character you’re familiar with and know what’s going on. This is because of all the different corners of the Marvel Universe that are represented in this game.
If you’re someone who has only watched the Netflix Marvel shows, you’ll be happy to know that the Daredevil and Luke Cage are playable. If you’re a Marvel movie buff you’ll find plenty of characters from both the MCU movies and Fox Marvel movies in this game. There are even playable characters that haven’t made their big or small screen appearance yet. Both huge and minor fans of Marvel will enjoy this game as it is a true celebration of all things Marvel.
