Could a LEGO Game Rejuvenate a DC Hero With a Troubled Gaming Past?

Highlights

Superman has struggled to find success in video games despite his huge reputation as the world's greatest superhero.

Lego has the potential to offer Superman a much-needed gaming rehabilitation, providing players with an enjoyable and varied gameplay experience. With Superman's amicable and hopeful demeanor, he aligns perfectly with Lego's family-friendly approach, eliminating concerns about the destruction and hazards typically associated with a more intense Superman game.

Superheroes have experienced a significant surge in popularity over the past two decades, with Marvel movies, DC TV shows, and other nuanced properties like The Boys and Invincible taking the spotlight. Gaming has followed a similar trend, with critically acclaimed titles such as Batman: Arkham, Spider-Man, and Guardians of the Galaxy making their mark over the last ten years and beyond. Even lesser-known characters from comic book pages have received adaptations. However, despite Superman's immense fame, he hasn't garnered as much public appreciation as one would expect, particularly in the virtual realm. This is where Lego could come in and help him regain his rightful place.

Lego is also on an upward trajectory, both in terms of video games and physical sets. It has been a well-established brand for years, and its accompanying games, featuring popular franchises like Indiana Jones, Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, and Batman, have gained a solid foothold in the collections of most players. While Lego has extensively explored the superhero genre, creating a Lego game centered around Superman could be the ideal opportunity to revive his gaming presence after a considerable time in obscurity.

Superman’s Gaming History Has Proven to be Turbulent

Superman, the world's greatest superhero, has struggled to find success in the gaming world despite his global popularity. While games like InFamous and Spider-Man have shown that superhuman abilities can be incorporated successfully, the challenge lies in creating a well-balanced game due to Superman's extensive list of abilities. Although his rich history and engaging stories could be the basis for a high-budget game, developers have found it difficult to find the right mechanics. As a result, Superman has often taken on a secondary role in games such as Injustice, DC Universe Online, and the upcoming Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League.

While these games have given Superman a significant role, they rarely take advantage of the unique side characters, settings, and storylines associated with him, which adds to the character's charm. Traveller's Tales could utilize Metropolis as an enjoyable playground, similar to how Lego Marvel Superheroes utilized New York City, and include personalities like Lois Lane, Jimmy Olsen, and even Krypto the Superdog to bring diversity to the gameplay and character interactions. Unlike Batman and Gotham, the style of the Lego developer suits Superman and Metropolis perfectly.

Superman’s Friendliness is Perfect for Lego

Though Batman has been popular in Lego form, the contrast between the dark setting of Gotham City and the more mature themes created an inconsistent tone. The Arkham games showed that Batman is best suited for a serious and gothic atmosphere, rather than a comedic and family-friendly experience. On the other hand, Superman's nature is more friendly and welcoming. Clark Kent is a modest and clumsy man, and his heroics as the Man of Steel are always driven by the greater good. Metropolis has a lighter tone, side characters are more upbeat, and Superman's villains are more stereotypical compared to Batman's. Therefore, developing a Lego series for Superman seems like a perfect match. Additionally, players wouldn't have to worry about Superman being too powerful, causing environmental damage, or civilian casualties in a Lego setting.

The Lego games have proven their ability to faithfully and carefully recreate beloved characters, such as the Avengers and Indiana Jones, among others. Superman, being the most hopeful and inspiring hero ever created, needs to balance the recent gloomy portrayals in media with something more optimistic. Lego could provide the catalyst for this balance. Despite his prestigious reputation, Superman has had a string of unfortunate luck in the gaming world. Instead of taking a high-risk approach with a new AAA title, leveraging Lego's quality and positive tone could finally give the Man of Steel the game he truly deserves.