Retro Hits: The Superhero Games That Paved the Way for the Arkham Series
Yes, there were great superhero games long before Batman: Arkham Asylum set a new standard. Here’s a look at some of the best…
It’s not an exaggeration to say that Batman: Arkham Asylum changed the superhero gaming landscape forever. Rocksteady Studios didn’t just make a great game—they redefined what a superhero game could be. It delivered a gripping story, top-tier gameplay, and a richly detailed world that outshone most superhero films of its time.
But let’s not forget: the superhero genre had some impressive entries before Arkham raised the bar. Sure, many were simpler and more focused on pure action—lots of punching, kicking, and shooting—but they still had charm, energy, and heart.
So I dug through my old game collection and picked ten standout superhero titles that came before Rocksteady reshaped the genre. These are the games that laid the groundwork.
Batman: The Video Game (NES – 1989)
This wasn’t just another licensed title slapped together to ride the movie’s hype. Sunsoft created a tightly designed action-platformer that was stylish, moody, and remarkably well-made. It was pricey back in the day (luckily, my brother got it for his birthday), but it delivered. Sharp controls, thrilling combat, satisfying platforming, and a dark, moody soundtrack made this one of the NES’s best action games. I almost included Batman for the Commodore 64, but this version was the standout.
Batman Returns (SNES – 1992)
In some ways, this was Arkham before Arkham. Instead of overcomplicating things, Konami delivered a classic beat ‘em up reminiscent of Final Fight. It was stylish, brutal, and surprisingly cinematic. While Sega’s Batman Returns on the Mega Drive was an entirely different game, the SNES version won the debate for best adaptation. Throwing enemies into walls was never not satisfying.
X-Men (Arcade – 1992)
It took until 2010 for most of us to play this at home, thanks to its PS3 and Xbox 360 ports. Originally an arcade gem, it allowed up to six players to take on iconic X-Men roles in colorful, chaotic beat ‘em up action. Each hero had unique powers, adding variety and team synergy. Though limited by its arcade roots, this game perfectly captured the spirit of the X-Men.
Spider-Man and Venom: Maximum Carnage (SNES/Mega Drive – 1994)
Based on the popular comic storyline, Maximum Carnage offered explosive side-scrolling action with a bold, 90s comic book flair. The graphics were vibrant, the soundtrack packed a hard rock punch, and while the gameplay was relatively straightforward, it had style and energy. For fans of Spidey, this was a must-have.
The Adventures of Batman and Robin (SNES/Mega Drive – 1995)
Dark, fast-paced, and packed with creative bosses, this game did justice to the animated series it was based on. With its art deco design, fluid animation, and intense action, it stood out both technically and artistically. Batman’s gadgets and brawling skills were front and center. Criminally underrated, this one deserves a modern revival.
The Punisher (Mega Drive – 1995)
One of the most brutal beat ‘em ups of the era, The Punisher let players unleash Frank Castle’s rage in all its gritty glory. Developed by Capcom, it had the same tight mechanics as Final Fight but with more guns, explosions, and dark humor. It cemented Sega’s reputation for edgier, more adult-oriented action games. Colorful pixel art and hard-hitting gameplay made it a cult favorite.
Marvel vs. Capcom 2: New Age of Heroes (Dreamcast – 2000)
I wasn’t an instant fan, but after watching seasoned players unleash chaos with characters like Cable and Mega Man, I saw the light. It was unbalanced, chaotic, and brilliant. MvC2 encouraged creativity and experimentation, with tag team mechanics and over-the-top specials. It wasn’t for everyone, but for those who “got it,” it was gaming bliss.
Spider-Man 2 (GameCube/PS2/Xbox – 2004)
This game laid the foundation for the open-world superhero format. Its web-swinging mechanics were revolutionary, making it genuinely fun to just move around. New York felt alive, and the story balanced Peter Parker’s life with superhero duty. Spider-Man 2 set a new standard and offered a glimpse of what superhero games could evolve into.
Marvel: Ultimate Alliance (PS2/Xbox – 2006)
Before Call of Duty, Raven Software gave us this co-op action-RPG marvel. Assemble a dream team of Marvel heroes and dive into a custom adventure filled with fast-paced combat, team combos, and rich lore. Whether solo or with friends, the game delivered hours of superhero spectacle. It’s still a fan favorite and deserves a proper sequel.
X-Men Origins: Wolverine (PC/PS3/Xbox 360 – 2009)
A movie tie-in game that outshined the film? That’s rare—but Wolverine pulled it off. Developed again by Raven, this game embraced the brutality of Logan’s world. Combat was intense, gory, and deeply satisfying, with dynamic healing mechanics that made you feel truly feral. It launched just months before Arkham Asylum—and while it couldn’t compete in depth, it was a bold final chapter in pre-Arkham superhero gaming.
Final Thoughts
While Arkham Asylum rewrote the superhero playbook, these games were the stepping stones. They experimented with gameplay, narrative, and tone—some with success, others with style. Each one helped push the genre forward in its own way. If you’re a fan of superhero games, it’s worth revisiting these classics to see where it all began.