4. Batman Arkham City
Developer: Rocksteady Studios | Release: 10/18/2011 | Platforms: PC (Steam), Xbox 360/One/SeriesX, PS3/4/5, Wii U, Switch
Few comic adaptations reach the qualitative heights of Batman Arkham City. The successor to the already very good Arkham Asylum raises the stakes in terms of scope. Batman has to deal with an entire army of villains in a sealed-off district of Gotham City. The Joker is just the tip of the iceberg.
In the open world, we fly and run as Batman through lovingly designed scenographies. Whether it’s an old museum where the Penguin is up to no good, the overgrown hideout of Poison Ivy, or the courthouse that is half burned and half intact like Two Face – everything feels like a comic. Dark, atmospheric, and filled with many references to the source material. Comic lovers encounter countless characters from the Batman universe, fighting them in the intuitive combat system or conspiring against common enemies.
The game tells its own story that rivals that of the comics. And in terms of gameplay, the game provides numerous gadgets that fans will recognize from the comics and that serve as useful helpers in the game.
5. Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
The next recommendation comes from MeinMMO author Max Handwerk. He reveals why a certain other superhero can easily keep up with DC’s Bat.
Developer: Insomniac Games | Release: 10/20/2023 | Platform: PS5
Spider-Man has gathered countless adaptations since his first appearance in 1962. Even in the gaming sector, Spider-Man has been represented repeatedly for many years.
The best game about the web-slinger thus far was released in 2023 for the PS5: Insomniac’s “Spider-Man 2”. You step into the shoes of Peter Parker and Miles Morales and just swinging through the canyons of New York is enough to truly feel like Spider-Man. In addition, there are fast-paced fights, great visuals, and an exciting, personal story in which you must face off against Kraven the Hunter and Venom – among others.
This story is also what drives you from mission to mission, as you simply want to know how the characters’ journeys unfold. If you want to take a breather, you can wonderfully spend time swinging around and exploring the beautifully crafted city while preventing crimes here and there or helping people in the neighborhood – just as Spider-Man does.
As for prior knowledge: You can certainly play Spider-Man 2 without having played the original “Spider-Man” by Insomniac and the interim title “Spider-Man: Miles Morales.” However, you’re missing out – because both of them are really, really good.
Bonus Slot: Bioshock
Developer: 2K Boston | Release: 08/24/2007 | Platforms: PC (Steam), Xbox 360/One/SeriesX, PS3/4/5, Switch, MacOS, iOS
A special mention should be made of “Bioshock” at this point. While the game is not directly based on a book or a film, it is inspired by the works of Russian-American writer Ayn Rand, especially her novel “Atlas Shrugged”.
Rapture is a utopia where people can freely express themselves in art, science, and economics without moral boundaries. However, the utopia has failed. By the time the protagonist Jack arrives at the beginning of the game, Rapture is already in ruins. The dream of unlimited individualism among its residents has collapsed.
The game manages to convey Rand’s ideas in a very vivid and unmistakable way within the game world and its story. It shows how Rand’s theories were put into practice – and how they led to the downfall of an entire city and its inhabitants.
Have you played some of these titles? What other licensed games do you think are worth a look?
Conversely, there are many movies based on games. Unfortunately, they are not always successful. Here you can find the top 5 worst video game adaptations.
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