Video games and comic books go hand in hand. They both feature incredible action, fantastic and immersive storytelling, and both aren’t afraid to explore fantastical elements. That’s why it’s always fun when video games are made based on comic books. Let’s take a look at some of the best video games that were inspired by comics.

The Walking Dead

Robert Kirkman’s zombie epic has found its way into a variety of mediums, including a long-lasting TV series, novels, and board games. The video game, by Telltale Games, tells a unique and emotional story set in that world. It’s probably one of the most memorable stories in all of video games, and the characters are phenomenally well-written. It’s gone down as one of the best point-and-click games out there, and for good reason.

Batman: Arkham Series

The Batman: Arkham series truly allowed players to feel like they were the Caped Crusader who leaped from the pages of the comic books. The ability to actually explore source material accurate locations around Gotham City was an absolute treat for fans. The combat system was so great that it influenced other action video games that were released afterward. This is one of the most exciting action games around, and it fully immerses gamers into the world of Batman.

PlayStation’s Spider-Man

PlayStation’s Spider-Man series hits a lot of the same notes as the Batman: Arkham series, but with everyone’s favorite web-slinger. The writing is top-tier and the action is phenomenal. Swinging from building to building makes you really feel like the iconic Marvel hero. Perform epic combos, unlock different suits and abilities, and explore the Marvel version of New York City.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Beat ‘em Ups

There are quite a lot of beat ‘em ups within the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles franchise, most of which are fantastic. Each Turtle plays uniquely from the rest, and the combos can get insane. Battling ninjas and evil mutants can get addicting in these games. The boss fights are always a ton of fun, and the stories of each game feel like they’d exist in the cartoons or comics.

Scott Pilgrim vs. the World: The Game

The Scott Pilgrim graphic novel series introduced folks to a colorful version of Toronto filled with brilliant characters. The side-scrolling beat ‘em up brings players into that world to rack up combos, bash enemies with a variety of objects they can find laying around, and listen to one of the greatest video game soundtracks ever thanks to the amazing Anamanguchi. Whether you play single player or multiplayer, you’ll have a great time with this one.

Marvel Ultimate Alliance

For lovers of Marvel Comics, you don’t really need to look much further than the Marvel Ultimate Alliance series for video games that immerse you in that world. Mix and match your team of heroes from the Avengers, Fantastic Four, X-Men, and other superheroes to battle your way through a variety of levels and defeat powerful enemies. The stories of each game feels like something that would be found in the original comic books.

Marvel Rivals

If you love Marvel but are looking for a competitive online game, there’s also Marvel Rivals. Play as your favorite heroes and villains from Marvel Comics to capture points or push vehicles in order to be victorious. There are a lot of characters playable in the game already, falling into classes like Vanguard, Duelist, and Strategist, and they all play uniquely from each other. Plus, they’ll be adding more as time goes on. It’s exciting, chaotic, and action-packed.

Injustice

Injustice and Injustice 2 are some incredible fighting games made by the same folks behind the Mortal Kombat franchise, and it takes place within the DC Universe. Play as Batman, Wonder Woman, The Flash, Superman, The Joker, and a slew of other iconic comic book heroes and villains. All the moves and combos are fun to pull off, and the story is one of the best when it comes to fighting video games. 

Guardians of the Galaxy

2021’s Guardians of the Galaxy is an underrated gem of a game. Take control of Peter Quill, a.k.a. Star-Lord, as you command the rest of the Guardians and use your element guns to battle foes and explore each level. It’s an exciting action-adventure game, but also allows the player to make decisions for dialogue when interacting with the rest of the team in order to choose how their relationships evolve over time. Plus, you get to pilot the Milano, which is just plain awesome.

The Wolf Among Us

Based on the Fables comic book series, The Wolf Among Us is often considered to be one of the best “choose-your-own-adventure” games ever made. Developed by Telltale Games, the game has the player control Bibgy Wolf in order to investigate mysterious murders in a world where fairytale creatures are everyday people. The worldbuilding is incredible, the choices matter, and the story is riveting.

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