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This past weekend saw huge crowds gather in San Diego for Comic Con 2015. The biggest highlights of the convention was the release of trailers for two of the most anticipated DC films; Batman v Superman and Suicide Squad.
As a result, this weeks Four of a Kind will discuss DC’s gaming history. Batman video games will not be included due to The Dark Knight previously featuring in two separate Four of Kind lists, so focus will be on other DC heroes.
1. The Flash (Sega Master System)
Developed by Probe Entertainment in 1993 this was the first video game on Barry Allen’s alter ego The Flash. The game is a 2D side-scrolling platformer wherein players control The Flash across six episodes, each split across two zones. After each second zone, players battle The Trickster, in his Trickstermobile. Each encounter is similar in style but difficulty increases as the Trickstermobile obtains additional weaponry and the speed of game progression.
In regard to the game’s pace it does mirror that of the fastest man alive which can, at times, make it too difficult to control.
However visuals, level design and soundtrack are all positive aspects that make The Flash a good game. Another encouraging element is each level has to be completed within a time limit. Though nothing new to gaming it is interesting as, rather than dying for no apparent reason, once the time reaches zero The Flash is hunted down and killed by FED.
2. Superman: Shadow of Apokolips (Playstation 2, Gamecube)
From the onset Atari’s Superman: Shadow of Apokolips was surrounded by low expectations due to abject failure of Superman 64. Despite uncertainty prior to release this is a decent Superman game.
The graphics are similar to that of the animated series, in which it is based on, and the presentation and simplistic. Gameplay movement is fluid in terms of combat and flying, an element that was awful to control in Superman 64.
The game’s plot is interesting enough to maintain interest and the original voice cast of the animated series reprise their respective roles. One major negative of the game is the control mechanics. Often they are clunky and frustrating resulting in difficulty to utilise the Man of Steel’s many powers one after another.
3. Teen Titans (Playstation 2, Gamecube, Xbox)
Teen Titans is based on a cartoon series of the time. The game features all five of the Teen Titans as playable characters owing to the ability to switch between them in real time. The plot is self-parodying as the Titan’s receive a video game, starring themselves, and ultimately become transported in the world having to discover a way out, containing many imaginative twists.
The game is an action, beat ‘em up meaning players defeat multiple enemies in arena style levels in order to progress. Visuals are okay, retaining the style of the animated series within a 3D environment.
Controls are average with minor collision detections. The more enjoyable aspect of Teen Titans is the multiplayer experience; up to four players can play through the game in co-op or enjoy the in-depth melee arena mode.
4. Justice League Heroes (Xbox, Playstation 2)
Snowblind Studios have a pedigree of creating top-down RPG games and the same formula is applied to Justice League Heroes. Additionally there is enough DC universe lore to keep fans happy. However unlike previous Snowblind games Justice League Heroes’ levels are linear arena to arena set-ups, without any side quests, based on popular locations from the DC Universe. This is fine but at times repetitive. Dialogue and story is consistently strong with an intriguing enough twist to engage players until the end.
Gameplay is varied, owing to multiple special abilities for each controllable hero, though the control scheme is exactly the same. These special abilities are more fulfilling than hand-to-hand combat which often feels slow and sluggish. Justice League Heroes is essentially a mixed game, Snowblind utilise DC source material very well but the game mechanics are average.
That concludes this week’s Four of a Kind. As always feel free to leave a comment discussing any games above or titles that are not on the list.
Honourable mentions: Superman: The Game (Commodore 64), The Flash (Gameboy), Swamp Thing (NES/Gameboy), The Death and Return of Superman (Sega Mega Drive) and Justice League: Injustice for All (Gameboy Advance)