Stories based on comic books are widely popular in cinema, so naturally, they are popular in video games as well. Graphic novels and comic books alike are rarely given the recognition they deserve. Did you know that Metroid's Samus Aran almost appeared in Marvel: Ultimate Alliance but Nintendo refused the offer? Comic books or "manga" can provoke thought and inspire readers to emblemize the heroes they're based on.
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Posts By PJ MolloyArguably, Marvel Comics is the biggest name in comic books. Under the leadership of Stan Lee, the publishing company has created famous characters like Spider-Man, Thor, Captain America, the Green Goblin, Black Panther, Captain Marvel, the Punisher, Daredevil, and more. Stan Lee has since passed away, but his legacy lives on in his life's work. You may be a fan of Marvel Comics, DC Comics, or a different set of comics. These are the best video games based on comic books. Enjoy!
Updated on October 22, 2024, by Mackenzee Hardyk: With recent movies from Marvel and DC, like Joker: Folie à Deux, Venom: The Last Dance, and the absolute success of Deadpool & Wolverine, not to mention Marvel’s Rivals, the excitement and hype is running high for products based on comic books. So, whether you enjoyed the comic books or movies, or wanted to get to know a few of your favorite characters better, we’ve decided to update this list with a few more games based on comic books for you to enjoy.
13 Marvel’s Guardians Of The Galaxy
Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy
4.0/5 Released October 26, 2021 Platform(s) PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S Powered by Expand CollapseMarvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy, which is based on the comics of the same name, is a beautiful game. You will play as Peter Quill, also known as Star-Lord, while leading the other Guardians in fights and missions. Your decisions matter and will affect your relationships, so you shouldn’t be careless with what you choose if you don't want Rocket Raccoon and the gang to not like you.
Square Enix had reportedly worked closely with Marvel to incorporate some of the lesser-known characters from the comic book series, which are a delight. There are some interesting differences when comparing the game with the comics, like the Mantis' origins or the Galactic War.
12 Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World: The Game
Scott Pilgrim vs. the World: The Game
3.5/5 Released August 10, 2010 Platform(s) PC, PS3, PS4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Switch Powered by Expand CollapseWhile many have seen the live-action Scott Pilgrim vs. the World movie and the animated series, only a few know it's based on a graphic novel series simply called Scott Pilgrim.
Scott Pilgrim vs. the World: The Game is a side-scroller game with a pixelated art style, and it loosely follows the story of the graphic novels. You will play as Scott Pilgrim, or a few other unlockable characters, who have to survive through seven different levels, each having to deal with one of Romana Flowers’ Seven Evil Exes. An effective formula of easy-to-learn gameplay and fun levels.
11 Lego Batman
Lego Batman: The Videogame
Released September 23, 2008 Platform(s) Nintendo DS, PC, PS2, PS3, PSP, PS Vita, Wii, Xbox 360, Xbox One Powered by Expand CollapseLego Batman is a silly but fun take on the seriousness of Batman, putting the vigilante, his sidekick Robin, and all of his villain counterparts in Lego form. It is up to our protagonist to recapture all of the villains who have teamed up to escape Arkham and cause mayhem in Gotham.
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Posts 1 By Bobby MillsAlternatively, as you progress in the game, more characters become playable, and eventually, you can play as the villains, crashing around Gotham. It’s a charming and casual game to play, especially if you enjoy a more light-hearted superhero game.
10 Marvel: Ultimate Alliance
Marvel Ultimate Alliance
Released October 24, 2006 Platform(s) Xbox (Original), PC, PS2, Xbox 360, Nintendo Game Boy Advance, PSP, Wii, PS3, PS4, Xbox One Powered by Expand CollapseMarvel Comics is still recognized today for introducing many of the most prominent comic book characters, originating during the "Golden Age" of comic books. Although the sequel was lackluster, Marvel: Ultimate Alliance was a big hit with players. In this case, Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2 pales in comparison to the original.
Play Marvel: Ultimate Alliance if you want more appealing environments, a captivating story, and a more extensive character roster. The experience of Marvel: Ultimate Alliance provides one of the best ways to play as your favorite Marvel Comics heroes.
9 Lego Marvel Super Heroes
LEGO Marvel Super Heroes
Released October 22, 2013 Platform(s) PC, PS3, PS4, Nintendo Wii U, Xbox 360, Xbox One Powered by Expand CollapseLego Marvel Super Heroes stood out when it was released around the launch of Xbox One and PlayStation 4. Even today, few Lego games can top the cleverness of Lego Marvel Super Heroes.
Switching from character to character is seamless and intuitive. We can't forget that epic scene with Spider-Man and Hulk against the Sandman (yes, sand can be made out of Lego blocks). It's a Lego game that is worthy of a playthrough for anyone who is a fan of the Marvel comics.
8 Ultimate Spider-Man
Ultimate Spider-Man
Released September 22, 2005 Platform(s) PS2, Xbox (Original), GameCube, PC, Nintendo Game Boy Advance, Nintendo DS Powered by Expand CollapseThe video game Ultimate Spider-Man is based on a comic book series of the same name. Its close ties and faithful adaptation to the comic book series make Ultimate Spider-Man an adaption that needs to be played.
Because Ultimate Spider-Man allows players to play with Venom, it could be considered the best Spider-Man game available. Without a doubt, future generations can take inspiration from the leap and bounds that Ultimate Spider-Man made.
7 The Incredible Hulk: Ultimate Destruction
The Incredible Hulk: Ultimate Destruction
Released August 23, 2005 Platform(s) PS2, GameCube, Xbox Powered by Expand CollapseBruce Banner is well-known in comic books for being an idiosyncratic character. His peculiar origin story puts him at odds with his lover's father. The Incredible Hulk: Ultimate Destruction lives up to its name by containing a significant amount of destruction.
Stomping from location to location feels natural in the game. The Incredible Hulk: Ultimate Destruction stays true to the comic books by including characters like Thunderbolt Ross, Emil Blonsky, and Devil Hulk.
6 Spider-Man: Web Of Shadows
Spider-Man: Web of Shadows
Released October 21, 2008 Platform(s) PS2, PS3, Xbox 360, Wii, PC, PSP, Nintendo DS Powered by Expand CollapseAfter people found out how thrilling the Marvel's Spider-Man series was, we can't forget the classics like 2008's Spider-Man: Web of Shadows. It might not be as visually impressive that what you can find on PS4 and PS5, but there's still plenty of charm with this Peter Parker.
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Posts By Dan ConlinThe combo chains of Spider-Man: Web of the Shadows made it a highly enjoyable, action-packed game. Facing off against villains like Venom is too awesome, but being able to play as Venom, Carnage, or another Spider-Man character could have made it surpass expectations. Despite its flaws, it remains one of the best open-world Spider-Man games to date.
5 Injustice 2
Injustice 2
Released May 11, 2017 Platform(s) PS4, Xbox One, PC, Android, iOS Powered by Expand CollapseFor casual gamers, Injustice 2 is an adequate choice. In relation to competitive fighting games, however, it is not as strong as other games like Tekken 7, Street Fighter V, or Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.
At the same time, it is still one of the best comic book games ever made and a top contender for best fighting games of all time. The transition between cutscenes and mind-blowing fighting action seemed to blend well in Injustice 2.
4 The Wolf Among Us
The Wolf Among Us
Released October 14, 2013 Platform(s) PS4, PS3, PS Vita, Xbox One, Xbox 360, PC, Android, iOS Powered by Expand CollapseThe Wolf Among Us is an episodic dark fantasy game from Telltale Games. Many don't know this, but The Wolf Among Us is based on a comic book series of the same name. It is a canon prequel to Bill Willingham's comic book series.
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Posts By Ben JesseyIn The Wolf Among Us, players play the part of Bigby Wolf, the sheriff of Fabletown. Its world is beyond fantasy with characters such as Snow White, Beast, and Ichabod Crane as the main characters of the game. The Wolf Among Us has a little something for everyone since it is a fantasy tale, a mystery, an episodic adventure, an adventure game, a comic book, and more.
