Summary
When it comes to games based onDCcharacters, most people think of single-player action games with an engaging story, like theBatman: Arkhamseries or even theLEGO Batmangames. However, with the popularity of multiplayer games rising over the years, Warner Bros. and DC have attempted to tap into that niche for their properties.
Multiplayer may not always work, but occasionally, some stand out more than others thanks to their effective execution. Some remain classics to this day, while others were forgotten or defuncted for one reason or another. The games range from PvP action games to co-op adventures that can be enjoyed with friends or strangers online.
While controversial in many ways,Suicide Squad: Kill The Justice Leaguedid bring a new multiplayer experience that is unlike other DC games. With hundreds of guns to loot from bosses, three skill trees per character, and an open world map to explore with up to four players, each with their special skills and ultimate attacks, it is noticeably similar toBorderlandsgames.
The main story and its DLC expansions can be played solo or online with friends and strangers, with eight different characters to choose from. It may not be the most belovedentry in the Arkhamverse timeline, but it does have its dedicated players who stuck through for four seasons before support was pulled for the game.
In the realm of 1v1 DC fighting games, most people think of theInjusticegames, but it was not the first game to attempt such a concept. That honor goes toJustice League Task Force, which was developed by Blizzard Entertainment of all companies. Instead of aMortal Kombatclone, it came closer to the likes ofStreet Fighterbut with DC characters.
Justice League Task Forcefeatures many classic characters, including Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, The Flash, Green Arrow, and Aquaman, with a few villains. A smaller roster, but it was one of the first DC games to feature more than one famous hero, withfamous DC locations like Gotham Cityand Metropolis as venues, making for a fun gem from the 90s that is often forgotten.
Before Injustice was made by Netherrealm, the developers first experimented with DC viaMortal Kombat Vs. DC Universe, which is technically the eighth mainlineMortal Kombatgame. On top of featuring a cheesy butmemorable Mortal Kombat story mode, it has the classic arcade mods, and the opportunity for players to fight each other locally.
While there is a noticeable lack of content, especially since the online servers are defunct, the concept ofMortal Kombat Vs. DC Universemakes it worth the time. It is as simple as a fantasy can get, with so many potential matchups, such as The Flash fighting Shang Tsung and Superman fighting Raiden.
In 2006, Marvel and DC competed in the samegenre of dungeon-crawler action RPGs. Marvel had theirUltimate Alliancegames, while DC presented the world withJustice League Heroes, featuring the titular superheroes going up against a convoluted plot featuring many villains, including Brainiac, Gorilla Grodd, and Darkseid.
Similar to its competitor,Justice League Heroescan be played with one other player, and depending on the level, there can be many versions of a dynamic duo, especially with the unlockable heroes. Though it might not be as polished as theUltimate Alliancegames, it is considered a hidden gem for its time.
Anyone familiar with MMORPGs will quickly adjust toDC Universe Online, but it is alsoeasily accessible to newcomers to the genre. It’s arguably the ultimate superhero fantasy, with players tasked with creating their own original superhero and choosing to be mentored by a famous hero or villain in the DC universe, going on an adventure through an alternate take DC universe.
As DC Universe Online is the standard affair of an MMORPG, not only is there the typical open world filled with missions that can be played with co-op, but the player can unlock PvP modes as they level up. Superheroes and supervillains battling for dominance is an appealing bonus to the game that can lead to exclusive rewards and memorable experiences.
IfMortal Kombat Vs. DC Universewas the planted seed, thenInjustice: Gods Among Usis the flower that bloomed into its own franchise. With the servers still available for any players to enjoy,Injustice: Gods Among Ustakes theMortal Kombatformula and tweaks it a bit with unique mechanics such as the Clashes and Power button to create a just as fun and addictive fighting game.
There is the option to play with friends locally or strangers in online matches, but the most famous aspect ofInjusticeis its story mode, telling a completely original version of the DC Universe. It tells a story of what happens when Superman becomes a tyrant of Earth, helping cement the trope of evil superhero archetypes in modern media, like Omni-Man and Homelander seen today.
Most people do not go to theBatman: Arkhamgames for multiplayer action, butBatman: Arkham Originsfeatureda short-lived but well-made PvP mode. It was essentially a third-person shooter similar toGears Of Wargames, with the Joker and Bane gangs fighting each other, with Batman and Robin as a third party to add a unique twist.
The multiplayer forBatman: Arkham Originswas not the hit that it deserved to be, since the main game itself was not a major success. However, over the years, asArkham Originsgained a cult following, so did the multiplayer, which can still be played on PC thanks to a dedicated community and modding.
With Batman gone, Nightwing, Batgirl, Robin, and Red Hood take up the position of Gotham City’s protector inGotham Knights, which was unfairly treated due to its stark differences from theBatman: Arkhamgames. It is stilla fun open-world superhero gamethat delivers on making the four Knights play uniquely with individual personal stories throughout the campaign.
Gotham Knightsis an action RPG, with weapons and accessories to create builds for characters as well as a collection of suits to equip. However, its biggest gimmick is that two players can play together online in the open world, while up to four players can work together in the dungeon-crawler mode known as Heroic Assault, which makes the superhero romp even more fun.
Gotham City Impostersis a concept that would get so much hatred today, being a purely multiplayer first-person shooter with no famous superheroes in sight. Instead, the players take control of crazed fans of Batman or the Jokerz Gang and compete in Team Deathmatch and other standard modes for the genre.
The free-to-play first-person shooter used to have a large following, praising it for providing a silly but addictive shooter adventure akin to classic Call Of Duty games. Sadly, Gotham City Imposters is another defunct game that was delisted from Steam and other services, leading to some hoping that DC will greenlight a sequel or at least bring the game back.
Sometimes less is more, butInjustice 2is a prime example of that bigger can be better, taking everything that worked with the first Injustice game and amplifying it. There were more characters, better visuals, and an even bigger story that feels on par with some of the best DC movies out there.
The online multiplayer was, and still is, a big reason to playInjustice 2, with many rewards unlocked through the online gameplay. Said rewards, allow players to create their dream versions of DC characterswith a deep customization systemthat very few games have matched, with the chances of finding a similar suit being minimal.
