What are the best superhero games on the PS4? Marvel has dominated the box office for so long that a steady stream of related video games are available on your console.
It might be your dream to be a hero, but which releases actually help you realize your destiny? Which are the best Marvel video games all PS4 owners need to play? Read on to find out.
1. Spider-Man
Spider-Man is one of the most critically-acclaimed titles on the PS4.
The importance of Peter Parker cannot be underestimated. Finally, here was a hero who was worried about everyday concerns. He had acne, girlfriend troubles, and was bullied. He can also climb walls and swing from webs. This game puts you in his shoes.
Spider-Man features an original storyline which starts with a showdown with the Kingpin. It then spirals to include many others from Spidey's villain roster including Doctor Octopus, Electro, the Shocker, Scorpion, and Vulture. DLCs also incorporate Hammerhead, Silver Sable, Black Cat, and more.
This game is so popular that it has spawned its own continuity, including an original novel, multiple comic series, and a sequel with Miles Morales.
2. Marvel's Avengers
Following the success of Spider-Man, Square Enix unveiled this exciting team-up title.
The story actually begins with the Avengers having disbanded five years previously. It's up to new hero, Ms Marvel (Kamala Khan), to bring them back together in order to stop the Advanced Idea Mechanics (AIM).
Rather surprisingly, the lead Avengers take a back seat for much of the early campaign. Fortunately, playing as Khan works beautifully: she's a fun and layered hero with really cool powers. Don't worry: you get to play as Captain America, Thor, Black Widow, and all of your favorites too!
Though it's also available on Xbox, PlayStation users will also get Spider-Man as DLC.
3. LEGO Super Heroes
This is the bestselling LEGO video game of all time.
It's testament to the enjoyability of LEGO Super Heroes that, despite coming out in 2013, it remains popular and addictive. LEGO games have a successful formula, combining fun aesthetics with recognizable-yet-innovative storylines.
This instalment captures the thrill of comic team-ups as heroes from groups like the Avengers, X-Men, and Fantastic Four unite to save the world. Visit distinct locations like the SHIELD Helicarrier, Raft prison, and Times Square, and encounter more obscure heroes and villains.
Most impressively, you can play as over 100 characters. These include: Daredevil, She-Hulk, Kraven, Groot, Moon Knight, Carnage, Phoenix, Kingpin, Howard the Duck---and not forgetting Stan Lee!
4. Deadpool
Break the fourth wall and a CPU's face.
This hilarious title, released in 2015 just prior to the Deadpool movie, went under the radar for many. And that's a huge shame because, as it's written by comic scribe Daniel Way, it perfectly captures the tone of the character. Deadpool hires Nolan North as his voice.
This is a hack-and-slash third-person shooter featuring a smorgasbord of familiar comic characters like Cable, Domino, Mr. Sinister, and a mysterious X-Men hero. I can't tell you who, but it does rhyme with "Pullverine".
Obviously, there are copious amounts of violence, sex, and swearing, so this game isn't suitable for children, DC fans, or anyone who thinks New Warriors is a good idea.
5. Guardians of the Galaxy: The Telltale Series
This episodic game is the most reminiscent of comic books, coming in issue-like instalments with cliffhangers. Each episode spotlights a member of the Guardians of the Galaxy as they steal the Eternity Forge, an immensely powerful cosmic artefact, from Thanos---then must recover it from Hala the Accuser (of the Kree).
It's not an action game; instead, you have to make decisions which affect the overall narrative. It was a speciality of Telltale, which has sadly folded now, whose other franchises include The Walking Dead and Batman. This is one of their best.
This is definitely one for Marvel Cinematic Universe aficionados: its soundtrack, locations, and character designs are directly inspired by the GOTG cinematic brand. Check out our review of GOTG: The Telltale Series on smartphone.
6. Iron Man VR
Ever wanted to be Iron Man? To fly around, save people, and be a hero to millions? Taking away the suit, do you have desires to be a genius, billionaire, playboy, philanthropist? Sorry, but that's not going to happen.
However, Iron Man VR is the next best thing to that impossible dream.
Don't expect HD graphics, but it's nonetheless an immersive and thrilling experience. You're tracking down old Stark Industries weapons that have fallen into the wrong hands. Gameplay isn't extensive, but with VR, that's no bad thing.
Plus, you're encouraged to replay levels like an arcade game to get better. The higher your scores, the more you can customize your armor.
This is a dream for Marvel fans. But you do need extra equipment to play VR on your PS4, including a headset, Move controllers, and PS Camera.
7. Marvel v Capcom: Infinite
Infinite revives the iconic fighting franchise, Marvel v Capcom. X-Men vs. Street Fighter launched the series in 1996 and six further titles were released, although Marvel vs. Capcom Origins seemed like the last in 2012. Then Infinite came in 2017, once more pitching heroes and villains from the two brands against each other.
Though the number of playable characters is limited, there were a further six added just for this game: Captain Marvel (Carol Danvers), Gamora, Ultron, Black Panther, Black Widow, and the Winter Soldier.
It's bright and fun, perfect for fans of classic Street Fighter or anyone who wants to see Dormammu beating up Ryu.
8. LEGO Avengers
LEGO Super Heroes might have had a sequel, but this is its first spiritual successor.
Astonishingly, LEGO Avengers includes over 200 playable characters---a great mix of well- and lesser-known heroes and villains.
More so than LEGO Super Heroes, LEGO Avengers is inspired by the MCU, meaning it's very accessible. The core narrative loosely follows the plots of The Avengers and Avengers: Age of Ultron. Then there are additional levels based on Phase I and II films, Captain America: The First Avenger, Iron Man 3, Thor: The Dark World, and Captain America: The Winter Soldier.
What's the Best Marvel Game on PS4 for You?
If you're on a budget, you need to know which of these is an essential purchase. Here's our advice:
- For replayability: LEGO Super Heroes
- For most playable characters: LEGO Avengers
- For Virtual Reality addicts: Iron Man VR
- For MCU fans: GOTG: The Telltale Series
- For epic fights: Marvel v Capcom: Infinite
- For unadulterated laughs: Deadpool
- For big kids: Marvel's Avengers
- For anyone who wants to be a hero: Spider-Man
Downloads are inevitable and tedious. But they'll be worth it... eventually. At least you can read some comic books and graphic novels while you wait to become one of Earth's Mightiest Heroes.
