Superhero video games have always had a complicated reputation. For every standout like Batman: Arkham City or Marvel’s Spider-Man, there are dozens of mediocre adaptations that fail to capture the essence of their comic book roots. But in between those extremes, there are some hidden gems—games that delivered exciting mechanics, creative storytelling, or faithful comic book vibes, yet slipped under the radar.
These underrated titles often got overshadowed by bigger franchises, poor marketing, or the release timing of more hyped games. Still, if you’re a fan of superheroes and action adventures, they deserve a second look. Let’s dig into ten of the best superhero games that nobody really talks about anymore, but absolutely should.
1. Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy – A Space Adventure With Heart
When Marvel’s Avengers left players underwhelmed, expectations were low for Eidos-Montreal’s Guardians of the Galaxy. But in late 2021, the studio delivered a single-player experience full of charm, humor, and heart.
Instead of chasing the “live service” trend, the developers focused on storytelling and character development. You step into the boots of Star-Lord, guiding the Guardians through battles, witty banter, and emotional moments. The “Team Huddle” mechanic adds a unique layer to combat, letting you rally your squad for power boosts while blasting an 80s-inspired soundtrack.
Unfortunately, sales didn’t match the quality, and the game faded into obscurity. Still, if you’re a Marvel fan craving an underrated gem, this one is a must-play.
2. Infamous: Second Son – Powers Beyond Electricity
Before Ghost of Tsushima, Sucker Punch Productions built its reputation with the Infamous series. While the first two entries starred lightning-wielding Cole MacGrath, 2014’s Infamous: Second Son introduced a fresh protagonist: Delsin Rowe, a rebellious street artist with the ability to absorb different powers.
Instead of sticking to a single ability, Delsin cycles between smoke, neon, video, and concrete powers. Each ability changes how you traverse the open world of Seattle, making exploration as fun as combat. Players also face moral choices, deciding whether to use powers for good or evil, unlocking different skill trees depending on their decisions.
Despite its creativity, Second Son rarely comes up in conversations about great superhero games. Yet it’s one of the most satisfying open-world experiences of its generation.
3. Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2 – Teamwork Done Right
The Marvel Ultimate Alliance series is beloved by RPG fans, but its second entry doesn’t always get the recognition it deserves. Released in 2009, Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2 built on the teamwork-focused mechanics of X-Men Legends and delivered a story based on Marvel’s Civil War arc.
Players could choose sides in the conflict—supporting government regulation of superhumans or standing for freedom. This branching path added replayability, while the ability to create dream superhero squads gave players endless combinations of team-ups. Fusion attacks, where heroes combined their powers for devastating effects, brought comic book-style spectacle to life.
It might not be as flashy as today’s games, but Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2 is still one of the most satisfying superhero RPGs you can play.
4. Prototype 2 – Superpowers With a Dark Edge
If Infamous was the light, then Prototype was the shadow. Radical Entertainment’s Prototype (2009) introduced players to Alex Mercer, a man with symbiote-like powers in a plague-ridden Manhattan. But it was the sequel, Prototype 2, that really refined the formula.
Instead of Mercer, players controlled James Heller, a U.S. Marine infected with the same virus. Heller’s powers included shapeshifting, brutal melee attacks, and the ability to consume enemies for information and disguises. Unlike most superhero games, Prototype 2 embraced its dark, violent tone, letting players unleash chaos in a sandbox filled with military forces, monsters, and civilians.
Though divisive, Prototype 2 remains a thrilling reminder that not all superhero stories need to be about capes and morals.
5. Gotham Knights – The Bat Family’s Time to Shine
After Rocksteady concluded its Batman: Arkham trilogy, WB Montreal carried the torch with Gotham Knights in 2022. Instead of Batman, the spotlight shifted to Nightwing, Batgirl, Robin, and Red Hood after the Dark Knight’s supposed death.
The game let you swap between these heroes, each with their own combat style and traversal abilities. The RPG-inspired leveling system and co-op play gave it a different flavor from the Arkham games. While critics compared it unfavorably to Rocksteady’s polished work, Gotham Knights offers a refreshing look at Gotham City through the eyes of its supporting heroes.
It might not be perfect, but it’s better than its reputation suggests—and worth revisiting if you want more Bat Family action.
6. Ultimate Spider-Man – Swinging in Style
In 2005, Treyarch followed up its beloved Spider-Man 2 tie-in with Ultimate Spider-Man. Unlike other Spidey games, this one leaned heavily into comic book aesthetics with cel-shaded visuals that looked straight off the page.
The story let players switch between Spider-Man and Venom, providing two very different playstyles. Swinging as Spidey felt fluid, while rampaging as Venom was chaotic and destructive. The game struck a balance between lighthearted fun and darker tones, perfectly reflecting the Ultimate Marvel comics it was based on.
Though overshadowed by Insomniac’s modern Spider-Man games, Ultimate Spider-Man remains a cult classic.
7. Batman: Arkham Origins – A Forgotten Prequel
While Rocksteady created the legendary Arkham trilogy, WB Montreal handled Batman: Arkham Origins in 2013. Set before the events of Arkham Asylum, this prequel followed a younger Batman facing off against Black Mask and a lineup of assassins on Christmas Eve in Gotham.
Despite its strong story and classic Arkham gameplay, the game was criticized for feeling too similar to its predecessors. As a result, it became the “forgotten child” of the Arkham series.
Yet for fans of Batman lore, Arkham Origins delivers plenty of atmosphere and tension. It’s a holiday-themed superhero game that deserves more recognition than it gets.
8. Spider-Man 2: Enter Electro – A PS1 Classic
Before open-world swinging became the standard, Spider-Man 2: Enter Electro (2001) gave PS1 players linear but exciting levels filled with villains, puzzles, and combat.
It was the sequel to the first Neversoft Spider-Man game and added new abilities like ice and taser webbing. The story pitted Spidey against Electro and a conspiracy of villains aiming to harness powerful technology.
Though primitive by today’s standards, Enter Electro helped lay the groundwork for modern Spidey games. It’s often forgotten, but longtime fans remember it fondly.
9. X-Men Origins: Wolverine – The Rare Movie Game That Worked
Most movie tie-ins are forgettable cash grabs. But X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009) surprised everyone by being far better than the film it was based on.
Developed by Raven Software, the game leaned into Wolverine’s violent nature with brutal hack-and-slash combat inspired by God of War. Players unleashed claws, combos, and finishers while watching Logan’s healing factor regenerate gruesome wounds in real-time. Hugh Jackman even reprised his role, adding authenticity to the experience.
It’s one of the few licensed games that exceeded expectations and still holds up as a great superhero brawler.
10. Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 – A Modern Marvel Already Overlooked
Insomniac’s Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 launched on PS5 in 2023 to critical acclaim, yet conversations about it have already quieted compared to its predecessors.
Featuring both Peter Parker and Miles Morales as playable characters, the game refined swinging mechanics, combat, and storytelling. New abilities, gadgets, and suits kept gameplay fresh, while its emotional plot gave fans plenty to discuss.
But with so many superhero titles constantly hitting the market, Spider-Man 2 risks being overlooked too soon—even though it stands as one of the best superhero games in recent years.
Why These Games Deserve More Love
The superhero genre has exploded in film and television, but in gaming, it’s often reduced to a handful of juggernauts. While Batman: Arkham City and Marvel’s Spider-Man are undeniable masterpieces, they shouldn’t overshadow the games that experimented, innovated, or just plain delivered fun experiences.
From the team chemistry of Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2 to the emotional storytelling of Guardians of the Galaxy and the gritty chaos of Prototype 2, these overlooked gems offer unique takes on superheroes that fans shouldn’t miss.
If you’ve only played the mainstream hits, diving into these underrated titles will give you a whole new appreciation for how diverse and creative superhero games can be.
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