16 best superhero games available on Xbox
While Microsoft may not have an exclusive superhero game like Sony's Spider-Man, there are still solid Xbox games that embody the superhero experienc...
While Microsoft may not have an exclusive superhero game like Sony's Spider-Man, there are still solid Xbox games that embody the superhero experience.
Games like Gotham Knights and Marvel's Midnight Suns offer compelling stories and gameplay where you can play as iconic heroes.
The Batman: Arkham series, Injustice 2, and Lego Marvel Super Heroes are also great options for superhero games on Xbox. They offer a blend of thrilling combat and engaging storytelling.
Microsoft doesn't have a shining diamond exclusive game that matches Sony's Insomniac Games' Spider-Man game. The success on the PS4 was so significant that Sony acquired the studio in 2019 and made it a subsidiary. This means that Spider-Man fans will likely need a Sony console if they want to play as the Marvel hero in the future.
Nevertheless, there are still plenty of solid Xbox games - both third-party titles and exclusives - that live up to the concept of a superhero game. Some may be a bit far-fetched, but they embody the essence of a superhero in a video game. All these titles are available on Xbox consoles, whether they are native to the platform or supported through backward compatibility.
Updated on August 9, 2023, by Ben Jessey: Although the MCU hasn't quite reached its peak yet, superhero content is still incredibly popular. The best movies continue to make a lot of money, and the Marvel series on Disney Plus are still widely discussed.
Moreover, great superhero video games are still desired and played. If you're an Xbox player, there is a wide range of heroic games for you to enjoy. We have compiled a list of the best ones, and now we have added a few more to it.
16 Gotham Knights
Released |
2022 |
---|---|
Developer |
WB Games Montreal |
It's rare to embark on a journey to the city of Gotham without Batman. However, in Gotham Knights, you can't take him along because he is dead. In his absence, it falls upon Batgirl, Red Hood, Robin, and Nightwing to take care of the city.
This serves as the foundation for a captivating story about the Bat-family, as they confront the Court of Owls without their leader. However, the Court is not the only group terrorizing Gotham. You must also stop all the other major villains and petty criminals in this entertaining action-adventure game.
15 Saints Row 4: Re-Elected
Released |
2015 |
---|---|
Developer |
High Voltage Software (Volition Developed The Original Saints Row 4) |
Traditionally, the Saints Row series revolves around criminal gangs rather than superheroes. However, in Saints Row 4, both elements are present.
That is because the majority of the game takes place in a massive simulation. This allows the protagonist to acquire special abilities like super speed or telekinesis that are not possible in the real world. As a result, players feel like superheroes as they attempt to save the world from an alien invasion. The "Re-Elected" version is the best way to experience the game.
14 Marvel's Midnight Suns
Released |
2022 |
---|---|
Developer |
Firaxis Games |
In Marvel's Midnight Suns, you have the opportunity to create your own Marvel hero named Hunter. As this character, you join forces with various seasoned Avengers as well as some young members of the Midnight Suns. Together, you aim to stop your powerful mother, Lilith, who has evil plans for the world.
During missions, you participate in cleverly designed turn-based battles that require strategy and superpowers. Outside of battles, you explore the central game world, engage in conversations with your allies, and spend time with them to build your relationships.
13 Guardians Of The Galaxy
Released |
2021 |
---|---|
Developer |
Eidos Montreal |
In many ways, Guardians of the Galaxy feels like an apology to the fans who invested in the 2020 video game Marvel's Avengers by Square Enix. Marvel's Avengers wasn't a terrible game, but its best elements lie in the single-player story mode.
As a result, most fans wished for the developers to release a game that focuses solely on the story rather than the multiplayer mode. This is where Guardians of the Galaxy comes into play. It is not only much better than the Avengers game but also a great superhero game in its own right. It is a more focused action game with unlockable abilities, instead of trying to emulate the RPG-like mechanics of its predecessor. With its fantastic 80s music, it is an entertaining title and a valuable addition to the collection of any superhero fan.
12 Batman: A Telltale Series - Shadows Edition
Released |
2019 |
---|---|
Developer |
Telltale Games |
After playing Rocksteady's Arkham games, getting into Telltale's Batman series may feel a bit different. As an episodic graphic adventure series, Telltale's Batman focuses primarily on storytelling and includes occasional quick-time events, but your choices will alter the course of the story.
The Shadows Edition combines the first Telltale Batman game released in 2016 and The Enemy Within from 2017. However, the latter is the superior game, featuring more meaningful choices, a better-scripted narrative filled with twists and surprises, and a fantastic portrayal of the Joker.
11 Guardians Of The Galaxy: The Telltale Series
Released |
2017 |
---|---|
Developer |
Telltale Games |
Released in 2017, Guardians of the Galaxy by Telltale is another graphic adventure game, similar to their Batman and Walking Dead series, that focuses on storytelling rather than action. Once again, player choices are meaningful and can influence the outcome of certain events in the story.
Similar to the Square Enix action game from 2021, the story of this game is not connected to the MCU but rather has a comic book feel. The character designs and animations may not blow fans of the team away, but the story remains captivating and offers some genuine surprises throughout its 5-episode adventure.
10 Batman: Return To Arkham
Released |
2016 |
---|---|
Developer |
Rocksteady Studios |
The entire Batman: Arkham game series is playable on Xbox. Although Batman: Arkham City is from the previous console generation, it is the best game among the three main titles.
This collection includes Arkham City and its predecessor, Arkham Asylum. The latter is an open-world game featuring Batman that stayed true to the license like no previous video game adaptation. It offers immersive combat, a good story, and plenty of references that fans will enjoy.
9 Injustice 2
Released |
2017 |
---|---|
Developer |
NetherRealm Studios |
The studio behind Mortal Kombat has proven that it knows how to incorporate stories into a fighting game. With the first Injustice game and its sequel, NetherRealm has also demonstrated that it can do this with the comic book characters from DC.
The story in this game revolves around Brainiac attacking Earth, and Batman and his friends being the only ones with a chance to stop him. Meanwhile, Superman is imprisoned after adopting a more evil and reckless approach in fighting crime. However, he may be needed to stop this powerful villain. It's a captivating story, and the combat mechanics in the game are also well-executed.
8 DC Universe Online
Released |
2011 |
---|---|
Developer |
Dimensional Ink Games |
This MMO has been running successfully since 2011. The only version that has been discontinued is the PS3 version, otherwise, DC Universe Online is thriving.
You can create your own superhero in the DC Universe and then fight alongside some great ones. Since this is the tenth year, you can be sure that there is plenty of content, even in the free version.
7 Disney Infinity 2.0
Released |
2014 |
---|---|
Developer |
Avalance Software |
This second entry in the Disney Infinity series focused on Marvel characters. It was around the time when the first Avengers movie was released and Guardians of the Galaxy was playing in theaters.
There were so many characters to choose from, and the whole family had fun. Nowadays, it can be difficult to track down the game and the figures, but the search is worth it, if only for the toys.
6 Marvel’s Avengers
Released |
2020 |
---|---|
Developer |
Crystal Dynamics |
Marvel's Avengers is somewhat controversial due to broken promises and frustrating updates. However, it is still a game that deserves some praise.
The majority of it should focus on the main story, where the Avengers must come together again to save the world. It's a captivating story with solid writing. Additionally, the combat is not bad either. Each character plays differently, and some of them are really enjoyable to control.
5 Lego Marvel Super Heroes
Released |
2016 |
---|---|
Developer |
Traveler's Tales |
Lego Marvel Super Heroes is the ultimate Marvel game for the whole family, provided one doesn't mind a lot of blocks exploding.
The biggest selling point of the game is that it features a vast selection of playable heroes and villains. This title is a love letter to the Marvel universe through and through. A sequel followed in 2017, but the first game is considered the better of the two.
4 South Park: The Fractured But Whole
Released |
2017 |
---|---|
Developer |
Ubisoft |
The first South Park role-playing game proved that a good game based on the show could be made. While this game focuses on fantasy aspects, South Park: The Fractured But Whole is a pure superhero parody.
Of the two games, the first game is generally considered the superior one, albeit not by a wide margin. However, The Fractured But Whole is still a good superhero role-playing game with plenty of jokes and references that most fans will enjoy.
3 Crackdown 3
Released |
2019 |
---|---|
Developer |
Sumo Digital |
This is a different approach to the superhero genre, but the Crackdown series overall fits well within it. The entire premise revolves around playing as a super-powered law enforcement officer and dismantling gang territories with extreme violence.
Crackdown 3 did not meet the high expectations of most fans, but it is still a solid game. It offers an exciting open world to roam around in, and the gameplay from minute to minute is chaotic. Therefore, despite its imperfections, one can still have fun with this title.
2 Sunset Overdrive
Released |
2014 |
---|---|
Developer |
Insomniac Games |
Before Insomniac made a big splash with Marvel's Spider-Man in 2018, Microsoft secured their services exclusively for the Xbox One. Sunset Overdrive is also a different approach to the superhero genre, this time exploring a zombie apocalypse.
That being said, it has many of the things you would love about Insomniac's Spider-Man games, including vibrant graphics, humor, and, best of all, crazy gadgets and powers. Sunset Overdrive is definitely an underrated gem for this console.
1 Anthem
Released |
2019 |
---|---|
Developer |
BioWare |
Anthem was another attempt in the style of Destiny. The game by BioWare had a difficult start and was ultimately abandoned, although it is not without its positive aspects.
Anthem has often been described as the best Iron Man game and deserves a place in the superhero universe for that reason. It's like playing as Tony Stark on a foreign planet. Try it out now before the servers inevitably shut down.