It has been quite a while since the iconic Superman has been the star of his own video game. Despite his notable presence in various titles, including Injustice, the LEGO Batman series, and MultiVersus, fans have not seen a dedicated Superman game since 2006’s Superman Returns.
With Batman having established his own successful game franchise and Wonder Woman gearing up for her solo title from developer Monolith, the gaming landscape is ripe for a Superman AAA title, especially with the highly anticipated reboot of the character by James Gunn on the horizon. While some may doubt the feasibility of a standalone Superman game, there is one formidable DC villain that could very well set the stage for an incredible gaming experience.
Brainiac: The Ideal Villain for a Superman Game
Harnessing Brainiac’s Unique Abilities
Since his debut in 1958’s Action Comics #242, Brainiac has evolved into one of DC’s most recognizable villains and a primary adversary to Superman. Although his character traits, backstory, and powers have shifted across various comic book interpretations, two key devices have consistently defined Brainiac’s menace: an impenetrable personal force field and a powerful shrinking ray.
The shrinking ray allows Brainiac to compress entire cities into glass jars, keeping them safe while he destroys their home planets. In some storylines, this villainous act even implicates his role in the tragic annihilation of Superman’s home planet, Krypton, after capturing the city of Kandor.
Brainiac’s signature shrinking gimmick presents an exciting workaround to a common concern regarding solo Superman games: the challenge of making use of his extraordinary powers. Many fans worry that Superman’s abilities, such as flight and super-strength, could disrupt gameplay mechanics set in a populated world filled with non-playable characters (NPCs).Brainiac’s shrunken cities could provide the perfect context for players to explore Superman’s powers without ethical dilemmas.
By tossing Superman into a lifeless, shrunken city, players would have the freedom to utilize his incredible abilities without the risk of collateral damage to innocent bystanders. Imagine a scenario where players could fly at breakneck speed through a metropolis, demolishing obstacles and maximizing destruction without consequence. This concept echoes the setting of the controversial Superman game for Nintendo 64, where a virtual Metropolis served as the backdrop for Superman’s heroics.
A Challenge for Brainiac’s Future in Gaming
While Brainiac remains a leading contender for Superman’s ultimate foe, the recent release of Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League may have complicated his prospects. Despite being the primary antagonist, Brainiac’s early appearance and narrative execution in that title might overshadow his potential in future games.
Many players left Suicide Squad with a less favorable impression of Brainiac due to his underwhelming role in the plot and a lackluster boss fight experience. Players often encountered Brainiac repetitively throughout the game’s episodes, each battle offering minimal variations to his moveset, which ultimately contributed to a sense of fatigue regarding his character.
The time may come when Brainiac’s storied legacy is revitalized, especially as new narratives develop in the DC Universe, potentially enhancing his appeal as a top-tier villain for the long-awaited Superman game.
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