Through the years,LEGOhas evolved past its initial building-block toy concept and has become a full-blown media empire. From movies to video games, theLEGOname can be found all over pop culture. The company has been an exciting avenue for some of the world’s biggest franchises to be adapted in unexpected ways, especially when it comes to comic book heroes.
LEGO has featuredcollaborations with both Marvel and DC, but the latter has been more prevalent in these crossovers overall. Ever since LEGO and DC joined forces, there have been several video games based around DC Comics characters. DC boasts an iconic roster of names, but Batman has mostly led the charge throughout its LEGO partnership. From theLEGO Batmangames to a successful movie spin-off, Batman has continued to have a massive presence in the media. However, LEGO could finally be the right stage to present a satisfying Superman game, as well.
LEGO Could Bring DC Fans the Superman Game They Have Been Waiting For
Superman Has an Unsatisfying Track Record in Gaming
There have been attempts to bring Superman to gamers, but many of these adaptations have fallen flat. One of the few satisfying attempts from a gameplay perspective has beentheInjusticefranchise, but its alternate, dark take on Superman still doesn’t offer the iconic version of the character so many are familiar with. A story focused solely on Superman has been difficult to achieve, and a lot of these hurdles have to do with approaching combat in a fun way that doesn’t stray too far from Superman’s canon morality.
InInjustice, Superman has gone mad. The Joker tricks him into killing Lois Lane and destroying Metropolis, causing Superman to become a tyrant who forces the world under his rule.
Superman’s Strong Moral Code Presents Challenges
The biggest issue is addressing how to properly make a superhero game that features dynamic and satisfying combat while also avoiding killing enemies. Throughout DC Comics' many storylines,a lot of stories focused around Supermanmostly keep in line with his belief in avoiding killing, except for the most necessary of circumstances. Insomniac’sSpider-Mangames have done this really well, so it’s not impossible. However, for some reason, adapting one of DC’s most noble heroes has failed to stick.
Thankfully, a LEGO version of Superman sidesteps these combat hurdles. The cartoonish and comedic violence of the LEGO formula make it a perfect work-around for such an adaptation. It’s also worth noting that Superman has appeared in DC’s LEGO games before, so it wouldn’t be too far from a stretch to finally put him in the spotlight.He’s featured as a playable character in bothLEGO Batman 2and3, and while his sections are fun, he can be taken much further with a standalone game.
Superman’s home city of Metropolis is a well of untapped potential for a LEGO game setting. From fun building destruction mechanics to flying around protecting citizens, Metropolis could be a perfect location to get the LEGO treatment.
Now is the Perfect Time For a LEGO Superman Game
Reignited interest in Superman sincethe first look at James Gunn’s live-action adaptationpresents LEGO and DC with the perfect opportunity to join forces once again. While Batman has been the cornerstone of DC’s gaming ventures, Superman’s more cheerful disposition could be fun to explore through the LEGO lens.
The dynamic between Superman and Batman inLEGO Batman 2is one of the highlights of the game, and seeing how Superman holds up on his own could present a fun challenge. The fact that Superman hasn’t been able to find solid footing in the world of gaming is confusing, butjoining forces once again with LEGOfor a standalone story could prove to be the perfect recipe for a proper adaptation.
