Created forBatman: The Animated Series, and debuting all the way back in 1992,Harley Quinnhas quickly become one of the most beloved characters in all the DC universe. Originally depicted as the Joker’s crazed love interest, Harley Quinn has since grown into her own character, almost entirely independent of her origins. From being one ofthe Suicide Squad’s core members, to working alongside Batman and the Justice League, to heading out on her own adventures with the Birds of Prey, Harley Quinn is an incredibly versatile character and easily one of, if not the best addition to the DC universe in the last three decades.
Rising to prominence during the dawn of the modern era of gaming, it’s only natural thatHarley Quinnhas also had her fair share of video game appearances. While the vast majority of these video game appearances sideline Harley as just a secondary villain, there are a few truly great portrayals in the mix, with some rivaling even the greatest Harley Quinn comic book and animated stories.
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Every Harley Quinn Video Game Appearance
As of July 2023, Harley Quinn has had a major role in a total of 26 video games. Harley’s very first video game appearance was all the way back in 1994, in the gameThe Adventures of Batman and Robin, atie-in with theBatman: Animated Series, where she acts as a final stage boss, flying on a jet-powered armchair and throwing projectiles at the Caped Crusader below. Harley Quinn then continued to appear in other Batman animated show tie-ins, including the Game Boy titleBatman: Chaos in Gotham, and the PS2 gameBatman: Vengeance.
Of course, some of Harley Quinn’s most iconic and beloved video game appearances are inRocksteady’sBatman: Arkhamseries, where she appears in every game in the series, including its lesser-known mobile spinoffs. In most of theArkhamgames, players face off against Harley as a boss, and inArkham Knight, players get to control Harley for a bonus level and some challenges. TheArkhamgames give Harley Quinn plenty of screen time, and Tara Strong’s portrayal of the character is still considered to be one of the most iconic.
Harley Quinn also played a prominent role in both of NetherRealm Studios’Injusticegames. Both entries in the fighting game series let players control Harley Quinn, complete with a moveset that utilizes the character’s trademark gymnastics and staple weapons, includingHarley Quinn’s trusty oversized mallet. Harley is also represented as an alternate costume for Cassie Cage inMortal Kombat 11. Harley has also been present in every DC LEGO game, appearing as a playable character in everyLEGO Batman, and having a major role in the story ofLEGO DC Super-Villains.
But that’s far from the only games Harley Quinn has appeared in over the last few decades. Harley has cropped up in a number of DC multiplayer games over the years, most notablyDC Universe Online, which featured the last appearance of Harley’s original voice actor Arleen Sorkin. More recently, Harley has appeared asa crossover skin inFortnite, with several different styles based onSuicide Squad,Birds of Prey, and the Rebirth DC comics.
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