Open-world games are very common in the gaming industry these days, as many titles incorporate some open-world gameplay. While this doesn't work for every game, it suits the superhero genre very well.
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PostsAfter all, heroes in comic books often operate in large cities where they save people and stop crimes. Just think of how much work Batman does all over Gotham or how much Superman helps the people of Metropolis. Therefore, using those same cities as open worlds makes a lot of sense. It's certainly a concept that works well in the following games.
8 The Incredible Hulk: Ultimate Destruction
3 Images 3 Images CloseThe Incredible Hulk: Ultimate Destruction
Action-Adventure Open-World Systems Released August 23, 2005 ESRB T // Language, Violence Developer(s) Radical Entertainment Publisher(s) Vivendi Universal Franchise HulkWHERE TO PLAY
PHYSICALThere aren't a lot of Hulk video games out there, despite him being one of Marvel's most famous superheroes. Yet, one of the few he does have is named Ultimate Destruction, and it's a solid third-person action-adventure title.
As you'd expect, you play as the large, green titular character, and you're free to roam the open world in between missions. Since you're the Hulk, you don't just peacefully wander down streets and hail cabs. You cause plenty of destruction and chaos. You can run up walls, jump great distances, throw things around, and do serious damage to the city.
7 Gotham Knights
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Like Follow FollowedGotham Knights
Action RPG Systems OpenCritic Reviews Top Critic Avg: 68/100 Critics Rec: 42% Released October 21, 2022 ESRB T For Teen // Blood, Language, Use of Alcohol and Tobacco, Violence Developer(s) WB Games Montreal Publisher(s) Warner Bros. Games Engine Unreal Engine 4 Multiplayer Online Co-OpWHERE TO PLAY
DIGITALGotham Knights is one of the more underrated games in recent memory. Yes, it's not up to the level of the Arkham titles, but it still provides a fun Bat Family experience. The whole premise of this one is that Batman is gone, leaving Nightwing, Batgirl, Red Hood, and Robin to protect Gotham City.
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PostsTo do this, you go on nightly patrols as the character of your choosing to beat up criminals, solve crimes, and do missions. It's a fun version of Gotham to roam around. What helps keep it enjoyable throughout the game is how different each character is to play. They all have different moves and gadgets, making each one feel distinct.
6 Infamous Second Son
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LikeinFAMOUS Second Son
Action Adventure Systems OpenCritic Reviews Top Critic Avg: 82/100 Critics Rec: 78% Released March 21, 2014 ESRB T For Teen due to Blood, Drug Reference, Language, Sexual Themes, Violence Developer(s) Sucker Punch Publisher(s) Sony Engine Havok Engine Franchise InfamousWHERE TO PLAY
DIGITALNot every superhero game is based on characters from Marvel or DC comics. The Infamous series, for example, debuted in video games, not comics.
Second Son puts you in the shoes of Delsin Rowe, who gains various superpowers throughout the game that allow him to manipulate different materials, as well as use his superhuman strength, agility, and durability. Not only does he use these skills for fighting, but he also traverses the open world. Unlike most other superheroes in gaming, he can use his powers for either good or evil. That decision is up to you.
5 Lego Marvel Super Heroes
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Action-Adventure Systems OpenCritic Reviews Top Critic Avg: 82/100 Critics Rec: 88% Released October 22, 2013 ESRB E10+ For Everyone 10+ due to Cartoon Violence Developer(s) Traveller's Tales Publisher(s) Warner Bros. Interactive, Feral Interactive Engine Nu2 Multiplayer Online Multiplayer, Online Co-OpWHERE TO PLAY
DIGITALMarvel's biggest heroes come together in Lego Marvel Super Heroes to stop the evil plans of Doctor Doom and Loki. This creates interesting scenarios where small, unique teams are formed. For instance, in one level, you're controlling Mister Fantastic and Captain America, while another one has Spider-Man teaming with Black Widow and Hawkeye.
Outside of levels is where the open-world aspect of the game can be enjoyed, as you have a large New York City to roam around. You do so as any of the characters you have unlocked. This means that if you pick a flying character, such as Iron Man, you can fly around the city, which feels very satisfying.
4 South Park: The Fractured But Whole
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Like Follow FollowedSouth Park: The Fractured But Whole
RPG Systems OpenCritic Reviews Top Critic Avg: 82/100 Critics Rec: 81% Released October 17, 2017 ESRB M For Mature 17+ due to Blood and Gore, Mature Humor, Nudity, Sexual Content, Strong Language, Use of Drugs, Violence Developer(s) Ubisoft San Francisco Publisher(s) Ubisoft Engine Snowdrop Franchise South ParkWHERE TO PLAY
SUBSCRIPTIONSouth Park: The Fractured But Whole is the sequel to Ubisoft's hit The Stick of Truth. A direct sequel starting just a day later, the New Kid must once again team up with Eric, Stan, Kyle, and Cartman, this time taking on superhero personas.
Platform(s) Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One Powered by Expand CollapseOne of the more unusual open-world superhero games is South Park: The Fractured But Whole. As the title suggests, it's based on the South Park TV series. Therefore, it has the same type of outrageous humor.
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PostsThe premise of the turn-based RPG is that the kids are all in their superhero personas and are basically participating in live-action role-play. Throughout the entire game, you wander around the town of South Park, visiting classic locations from the show. It isn't the biggest open world, especially as it's mostly 2D. But the place is filled with life.
3 Saints Row 4
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Third-Person Shooter Open-World Systems 10.0/10 OpenCritic Reviews Top Critic Avg: 75/100 Critics Rec: 56% Released August 20, 2013 ESRB M for Mature: Blood, Intense Violence, Partial Nudity, Sexual Content, Strong Language, Use of Drugs Developer(s) Volition Publisher(s) Deep Silver Engine CTG (Core Technology Group)WHERE TO PLAY
DIGITALSaints Row is a series that has changed a lot over the years. It used to be a GTA-like game about street gangs. However, in Saints Row 4, you're the President of the United States, and you're trying to stop an alien invasion.
For much of this adventure, including while roaming the open world, you're placed in a simulated version of a city. While in this world, you gain all sorts of special superpowers you can use, including superspeed, incredible leaping ability, telekinesis, and more. You utilize these to get around the map and defeat enemies.
2 Batman Arkham City
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Like Follow FollowedBatman Arkham City
Action Adventure Systems 10.0/10 Released October 18, 2011 ESRB T for Teen: Alcohol Reference, Blood, Mild Language, Suggestive Themes, Use of Tobacco, Violence Developer(s) Rocksteady Studios Publisher(s) Warner Bros. Games Engine Unreal Engine 3 Franchise BatmanWHERE TO PLAY
DIGITALThe original Arkham Asylum is a fairly linear adventure. Its sequel, however, is a full open-world action-adventure game. It takes place in Arkham City, a sectioned-off part of Gotham. The area is essentially a big prison, as all of the worst criminals are kept there.
Batman is also in there as there is a darker side to this 'Arkham City' project, and he attempts to find out what it is. Plus, an open prison where criminals and some innocent folks are let loose isn't the sort of justice Batman believes in. So, as the hero, you glide around the city, beating up goons, completing missions, and putting a stop to the more dangerous rogues. You also can complete some of the Riddler's puzzles if you like.
1 Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
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Like Follow FollowedMarvel's Spider-Man 2
Open-World Action-Adventure Superhero Systems 4.5/5 10.0/10 OpenCritic Reviews Top Critic Avg: 88/100 Critics Rec: 90% Released October 20, 2023 ESRB T For Teen Due To Blood, Drug Reference, Mild Language, Violence Developer(s) Insomniac Games Publisher(s) Sony Interactive Entertainment Engine Insomniac Engine v.4.0WHERE TO PLAY
DIGITALSpider-Man gets more open-world games than your average superhero. In fact, you'd be hard-pressed to find a recent Spidey game that isn't open-world. This is because the key to any Spider-Man title is the ability to swing around a city. After all, that is what the character is mainly known for.
In Marvel's Spider-Man 2, there are two versions of the titular hero, as you control both Peter Parker and Miles Morales. The pair have distinct powers from one another, but they both can fling themselves from building to building. Plus, they fight villains and stop crimes. All of it feels very satisfying and fun to play.
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