DC Comics is a pop-culture giant. Obviously known as the entity behind comic book characters such as Superman, Green Lantern and Wonder Woman,DC Comicshas an entire gallery of iconic characters and incredible comic book runs. Beyond this, however, DC also has a stranglehold on animated media, TV shows, and movies.
While DC games such asInjustice,Lego Batman,and a myriad of Batman games have all been critical hits and extremely popular, they didn’t have this much success in the 2000s. While there were a few successful games here and there, most have been completely forgotten at this stage. Be it movie tie-in games, completely unique premises, or random handheld console games, there are a ton of interesting titles in the 2000s. Unfortunately, most have been completely forgotten. Regardless, there are some classic games that stand out, and they’re featured here.
TheTeen TitansTV show was extremely popular and ticked all the boxes for a superhero team-up cartoon. It was fairly dark but also full of light-hearted moments and teachable lessons. The series was so well received that fans are still hoping for a reboot or continuation today. The 2006 game followed the same art style and tone as the TV show but featured a somewhat original story centered around Brother Blood.
The game is a classic action beat ‘em up game with some platforming. Players can access all the teen titans; Robin, Cyborg, Starfire, Raven, and Beast Boy. Each character has their own unique abilities and animations. While this game wasn’t anything groundbreaking, it stands as a fun, classic 2000s game.
Superman is the quintessential superhero. The Kryptonian stands out as the most iconic comic book character of all time, and he’s been famous for decades. Unfortunately, Superman hasn’t had many great or memorable games. For some reason, Superman’s powers have been difficult to translate into gaming; consequently, for now,Shadow of Apokolipsis the closest thing to a good Superman game out there.
While most players would never have heard of it,Shadow of Apokolipsis a solid game. It was a tie-in to the Superman TV show and featured the likes of Metallo and Lex Luthor. The game was fairly run-of-the-mill but featured some unique mechanics. For example, players were supposed to avoiddamaging Metropolis, and this would directly affect the game.
A NEW EVIL RISES
Beyond madness, beyond evil, and driven by a single desire: to conquer,Sin Tzuis an enemy unlike andBatmanhas ever faced. Batman calls upon his alliesRobin, Nightwing,andBatgirlto stem the tide of this new evil.
• 4 Playable Characters: Play as Batman, Robin, Batgirl, or Nightwing.
• New Character Debut: Sin Tzu, designed by comics legend Jim Lee, makes history as the first Batman character to debut in a videogame.
• 2-Player Cooperative Gameplay: Play solo or recruit a friend to defendGotham City.•27-minute “Making of a Villain” documentary, featuring comics legend Jim Lee.
Batman has had dozens of different videogames of varying quality,some are amazing, whilst some are just there to make up the numbers. In the early 2000s, most of it was the latter.Batman: Rise of Sin Tzu, was easily one of the best DC games of that era, and it’s a shame it has been forgotten so soon. Not only did it feature a new and unique villain made just for the game; Sin Tzu, but it also focuses on the likes of Scarecrow and Bane.
Batman: Rise of Sin Tzuwasn’t an incredible game by any means, but it featured a unique story, had fun gameplay, and let players use different characters from theCaped Crusader’s allies, including Nightwing, Robin, and Batgirl.
2Mortal Kombat vs DC Universe
Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe
For the first time ever Mortal Kombat Warriors battle with DC Universe Super Heroes in Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe.
It is impossible for aMortal Kombatgame to be forgotten.MK v DCgets pretty close though. This was one of Midway Games’ final releases, andMortal Kombat vs DC Universewas controversial. The biggest drawback was that it didn’t have classicMortal Kombatfatalities and brutalities. While the story was basic, it was fun and the roster had decent additions from both theMKand theDCuniverse.
Some of the game modes didn’t work that well, but overall this game was enjoyable enough for its era. More importantly, it essentially foreshadowed theInjusticeseries, and even later,more acclaimed,Mortal Kombattitles.
Justice League: Heroesis one of the best DC games of the 2000s, and whilst it is forgotten now, it really shouldn’t be. Players are thrust into the DC world and play as the core members of the Justice League to take down the likes of Braniac, Queen Bee, and Darkseid. Players fight through different story chapters featuring members of the League split into duos such as Green Lantern and the Flash.
Justice League: Heroesis a super fun game, it features tons of amazing fights, has a solid difficulty curve, and the unlockable moves and characters are great. It can also be played through in its entirety in two-player couch co-op, something that’s extremely rare today. This is a great game and a sequel could be amazing.
