There was a time when superheroes rocked their signature dances and had the meanest catchphrases. But gosh, have the times changed. These days the caped and capeless titans alike have other matters of concern, often not involving truth or justice. While the American way or a better tomorrow may be far out of their way, some do still like Pizza. Since the silver screen superheroes are too busy with homecomings and such, we have to look to video games for inspiration.
So, here are a few of the best superhero games on PS4 that let you step into the shoes of your favorite crusaders of justice.
Quick Links: Marvel’s Midnight Suns | Marvel vs. Capcom Infinite | Saints Row IV | Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot | Injustice 2 | Gotham Knights | Infamous Second Son | Batman: The Enemy Within | Marvel’s Spider Man | Batman Arkham Series
Marvel’s Midnight Suns
Release Year: 2022 | Platforms: PS 4/5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Microsoft Windows
This release by Firaxis games is a fresh addition to superhero themed game with the introduction of tactical RPG elements. Midnight Suns allows you to get as close to your superhero avatars as possible and make the best of what some of Marvel’s superheroes are capable of.
From character customization to relationship-building, this game offers plenty in terms of gameplay. The challenging turn-based battles, of course, require careful strategizing and focus on the abilities of various characters.
Marvel vs. Capcom Infinite
Release Year: 2017 | Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows
The result of this epic showdown has always been obvious enough. But this is a worthy franchise that deserves to be kept alive. This last installation in the Marvel vs. Capcom series takes the familiar arcade style battles to newer heights with the addition of some impressive new features.
Apart from the use of infinity stones, this game also offers features such as auto-combo and some additional multiplayer modes. There is also a beginner’s league where low ranking players can compete with each other to move up to higher ranks.
Saints Row IV
Release Year: 2013 | Platforms: PS 3/4, Xbox 360/One, Microsoft Windows, Linux, Nintendo Switch, Google Stadia
What started out as a GTA copy with better graphics, turns into something surreal with this title. Saints Row IV takes you on a wild roller coaster ride that also involves becoming the President of the United States. Of course, considering how demanding this job is, it is inevitable that you’ll need some superpowers to execute the powers of your office.
The game also features an alien invasion which, for those that favor a certain red hat, is not that farfetched a concept. Superpowers work way better at expelling invasions than walls though, great or otherwise.
Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot
Release Year: 2020 | Platforms: PS 4/5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Microsoft Windows, Nintendo Switch, Google Stadia
Everyone’s favorite Super Saiyan is back, and he is bringing the heat to Sony’s console. This game lets you relive some of the most epic battles from the Dragon Ball Saga. Explore the dragon world like never before with the game’s open world which allows you to live the normal life, whatever that is for Saiyans. Apart from the titular hero, you also get to step into the shoes of some of the series’ prominent characters such as Vegeta, Gohan and Piccolo.
Battles in Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot are quite enjoyable with some familiar fighting-game mechanics that allow you to harness the Saiyan powers well. Training is rewarding with a steady progression to unlock various abilities. The game’s main story is split into four— the Saiyan Saga, the Frieza Saga, the Cell Saga and the Buu Saga where you get to face off against the antagonists in an epic showdown. As engaging as the game is in its entirety, its appeal would be lost on gamers who are not familiar with the franchise.
Injustice 2
Release Year: 2017 | Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, Xbox Cloud Gaming, Microsoft Windows, Android, iOS
Following the success of the first title, NeatherRealm Studios decided to improve upon its more likable elements and add a few that the fighting game desperately needed. Injustice 2 is a step-up from your regular fighting games with emphasis on story-telling and visual elements which complement the combat-based gameplay as well.
The game features a unique dystopian universe where Superman has turned rogue and taken control of the entire universe. This, of course, means a lot of trouble for anyone who thinks that great power should come with great responsibility. Well, this is the wrong universe (and franchise) for such thinking in every way imaginable. Nonetheless, you get to play epic battles with some new fighting mechanics which will be worth the hassle of saving the universe if you feel like it.
Gotham Knights
Release Year: 2022 | Platforms: PS 5, Xbox Series X/S, Microsoft Windows
This is an official game by Warner Bros. and is based on the popular comics of the same name. While the storyline is non-canonical, the application of the original series’ character elements is tastefully done. The game is set in the city of Gotham which can now be explored in open world. There are many things to do in the city apart from serving out justice, although the game is better if you follow the story progression.
Gotham Knights lets you step into the shoes of the late Batman’s former sidekick Robin and his friends, as they try to bring order to a world that is in chaos in the absence of the caped crusader.
Infamous Second Son
Release Year: 2014 | Platforms: PS 4
Monopoly even for video game releases is strictly against the ethos of being a superhero, especially if the company in question is Sony. But, Infamous Second Son gets a huge pass, because of the unparalleled visual quality it brought to the PS4, and the role developers Sucker Punch Studios played in the development of the console.
This game is a direct sequel to Infamous 2 and improves greatly on the franchise’s already impressive gameplay. Deslin’s Conduit abilities are quite remarkable with even better combat application to complement and justify the Karma system in the game. The choices that the game’s story offers are worth pondering over and ends up emphasizing the fact that no matter what you choose, Deslin always seems like the bad guy.
Batman: The Enemy Within
Release Year: 2017 | Platforms: PS 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows, Android, Mac OS, Nintendo Switch, Android, iOS
Telltale Games bring their unique brand of story-based gameplay to DC’s iconic Superhero franchise with this title. Batman: The Enemy Within follows a unique story where the menacing Riddler’s appearance is just an omen of greater chaos that follows. Batman has to face odds like never before to subdue an enemy that is greater than any supervillain – a government agency.
This game gives life to the Joker’s classic quote, “If I’m going to have a past, I prefer it to be a multiple choice.” The backstory revolving around Batman’s greatest nemesis is splendidly done with plenty for hardcore fans to relive and rewrite which alone would make this a great game to add to your collection.
Marvel’s Spider Man
Release Year: 2018 | Platforms: PS 4/5, Microsoft Windows
This Marvel original is arguably the best game from the now tiresome franchise/multiverse. Marvel’s Spider Man lets you step into the shoes of the friendly neighborhood web-slinger. Peter Parker is now a master crime-fighter with over eight years of experience, which had he been working for DC would have made him eligible for cape along with a license to wear your undies outside your tights. While his powers have changed, his sense of justice still remains the same as it was instilled by his uncle Ben.
Set in Marvel’s version of the Big Apple, the game offers a remarkable open world experience, as Spidey slings from one crime scene to another often in the chill of the night. The game offers much-improved physics and movement-related mechanics, which take the Spiderman experience, especially web-slinging, to heights that games have never reached before.
Batman Arkham Series
Release Year: 2009 (Arkham Asylum) | Platforms: PlayStation, Xbox, Microsoft Windows, Mac, Nintendo Switch
This iconic series lets you step into the shoes of the Gotham’s dark knight like never before. More than anything, the Arkham series gives us a glimpse of how difficult it actually is being Batman. Whether it is the technical stuff with the gadgets and devices or the endless psychological rollercoaster ride that is Bruce Wayne’s life, this series lets you understand aspects of this superhero that have otherwise been hard to explore.
The series features arguably the best unarmed combat mechanics outside of pure fighting games. For superhero games in particular, the combat is something that has set an unparalleled benchmark. The game’s combat has inspired several fighting games as well. Then, of course, there is all the other stuff with the Batmobile, the Batarang and what not, all of which is tastefully executed. The series also has an intricate story which delves deeply into various prominent antagonists of the franchise. All that aside, what really sets the Batman Arkham Series apart is the fact that it features the real Joker Mark Hamill.
