The Superhero genre has far exceeded the pages of comic books to become some of the most profitable films of all time. But in the gaming world, they’ve churned out just as many classics, most of which include either DC Comics’ Batman or Marvel Comics’ Spider-Man.

Even in some of the most popular titles, like Marvel vs Capcom or the Injustice games, Spider-Man or Batman end up being one of the two heroes is in the roster. So instead of highlighting the usual suspects, like the Batman: Arkham and Marvel’s Spider-Man franchise, we’re going to give the rub to the diamonds in the rough, both modern and retro and show you a few games that don’t feature either superhero.

7

Guardian of the Galaxy

A shockingly great game

Guardian of the Galaxy was a genuinely shocking hit from Square Enix, especially following the kerfuffle that was Marvel’s Avengers released just a year prior. This single-player, story-driven adventure game expertly executes the IP’s known staples of laugh-out-loud moments and funny interactions between the titular team.

The game was also praised for its story alongside balanced spectacle, heartfelt moments, and constant banter. Guardian of the Galaxy was able to recreate the dynamic that the MCU was able to achieve with the live-action films, right down to its perfect utilization of licensed music. Not to mention, it’s a breathtakingly gorgeous title with high fidelity; however, it also sometimes highlights the near-Wal-Mart redesign of some of its characters.

6

X-Men Origins: Wolverine

One of the best movie tie-in games ever made

X-Men Origins: Wolverine is a 2009 action-adventure title developed by Marvel: Ultimate Alliance developer, Raven Software, released alongside the much-maligned film of the same name on May 1, 2009. It launched across multiple platforms in the seventh generation of consoles, as well as Windows, PlayStation 2, Nintendo DS, and PlayStation Portable.

The game is a surprisingly solid brawler. If you enjoy button-mashing beat-’em-ups and have a soft spot for Wolverine, or Hugh Jackman’s shredded portrayal, you’ll likely have a blast. It’s like God of War with claws: bloody, brutal, and brainless in the best way. Unfortunately, X-Men Origins: Wolverine remains unplayable on modern PCs and current-gen consoles through standard channels, though that may soon change with a potential re-release on Steam.

5

Deadpool

A Deadpool game for Deadpool fans

Deadpool is an action-adventure game based on Marvel’s wisecracking antihero, developed by High Moon Studios. Originally released in 2013 for PC, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360, the game was pulled from digital storefronts in 2014 due to licensing issues. It made a brief return on November 18, 2015, re-released for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Steam, just ahead of the 2016 Deadpool film, and came bundled with all original DLC. However, it’s now been seven years since fans could purchase the game digitally, leaving physical, secondhand copies as the only option. As a result, the PS4 version has surged in price.

What makes Deadpool stand out is how deeply it taps into the character’s chaotic charm. Written by someone who clearly gets the Merc with a Mouth, the game features chaotic action, signature fourth-wall breaks, the voices in Wade’s head, and hilarious moments like Cable’s intro being scored by the aptly titled “Who The F*** Is That?” song—making it a true love letter to the fans.

4

X-Men Arcade

One of Konami’s greatest beat ’em ups

X-Men Arcade is a classic side-scrolling beat-’em-up released by Konami in 1992, inspired by Marvel’s iconic mutant team. The game’s character designs draw directly from the 1989 animated pilot X-Men: Pryde of the X-Men, giving it a distinctive retro flair.

Originally an arcade exclusive, a home version developed by Backbone Entertainment was made available digitally on PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 in 2010, with later releases on iOS and Android. However, that version was delisted in 2013, making it unavailable for purchase. These days, unless you’re emulating, the only way to legally play this arcade gem is through a 1UpArcade cabinet.

While a big part of the game’s charm lies in nostalgia, X-Men Arcade still holds up as a fun and chaotic multiplayer experience. Sure, it’s not flashy or complex by today’s standards, but there’s undeniable joy in picking Wolverine in his iconic brown suit and slicing through waves of robotic baddies. There’s even an X-Men Arcade-inspired title called MARVEL Cosmic Invasion coming in 2025, showcasing the lasting legacy this title left.

3

The Incredible Hulk: Ultimate Destruction

An underrated gem, even upon release

The Incredible Hulk: Ultimate Destruction is a 2005 action-adventure game developed by Radical Entertainment, set in a fully open world packed with destructible environments that let players truly unleash the Hulk. The game was met with widespread praise for capturing the raw, chaotic power of the Hulk.

Critics highlighted its satisfying combat, responsive controls, deep move set, fluid animations, and immersive audio design. While the story and mission structure earned mixed reactions, and the environments drew some criticism, it’s still hailed as one of the greatest open-world superhero games ever made.

The gameplay keeps things entertaining with missions that showcase what makes the title shine: pure, unfiltered destruction. If you’re a fan of old-school beat-’em-ups like Final Fight or Streets of Rage 2, Ultimate Destruction is a must-play; a masterpiece of mindless mayhem that’s rarely been matched since.

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2

Prototype

An original IP built off the back of The Hulk

Prototype is a 2009 open-world action-adventure game set in Manhattan, developed by Radical Entertainment, the same studio behind The Incredible Hulk: Ultimate Destruction. It plays similarly but trades brute strength for body-morphing abilities like tendrils and shapeshifting.

Players control Alex Mercer, an amnesiac shapeshifter trying to stop the Blacklight virus outbreak while uncovering his past. Along the way, he battles the military and a covert group called Blackwatch.

The game was praised for its originality, story, and chaotic gameplay, though its controls and repetitive environments drew criticism. Released around the same time as Infamous, it was often compared to its rival. Fun fact: a tie-in comic miniseries published by DC Comics explores events leading up to the game, furthering the game’s ties to its inspiration.

1

inFamous

One of the best new IPs for the PlayStation 3

Infamous is a third-person, open-world action-adventure game where players control Cole MacGrath, a bike messenger who gains electricity-based powers after a massive explosion devastates Empire City. These powers are used for movement, combat, and interacting with the city’s people, influencing the game’s morality system through player choices. As Cole navigates the chaos, players decide whether to use his abilities for good or evil, shaping the story and the city’s response to him.

Developed by Sucker Punch as a shift from their stealth-focused Sly Cooper series, Infamous features a comic book-inspired narrative, a gritty atmosphere influenced by titles like DMZ and Batman: No Man’s Land, and a dynamic movement system. The soundtrack, crafted in part by Amon Tobin, was designed to match the game’s tone and setting.