It’s been quite some time since Superman starred in his own video game. While fans have seen him in numerous titles over the years—like Injustice, the LEGO Batman series, and MultiVersus—Clark Kent hasn’t embarked on a solo gaming mission since the release of Superman Returns back in 2006.
Meanwhile, Batman has been thriving as the hero of a successful video game series, and even Wonder Woman is getting a stand-alone adventure from Monolith. With James Gunn’s new take on Superman on the horizon, it seems overdue for the Man of Steel to land a big-budget AAA game of his own. Although there’s some skepticism about whether a solo Superman game could really work, there’s one infamous DC villain who could set the stage for an exhilarating, no-holds-barred Superman experience.
### Brainiac Would Be the Perfect Villain for a Superman Game
Brainiac stands out as a top-tier contender. Debuting in 1958’s Action Comics #242, he’s long been a nemesis of the Man of Steel. Despite shifting narratives and changing origins over time, Brainiac’s notoriety endures, thanks to his unique gadgets that have become his trademark across various comic book timelines.
His two standout tools are a near-unbreakable personal force field and a powerful shrinking ray, often used to miniaturize entire cities. Brainiac captures these shrunken cities in glass jars, believing their knowledge is his for the taking, then obliterates their original planets. In some versions of the story, he’s even responsible for the devastation of Krypton itself after capturing the city of Kandor.
These shrunken cities provide a solution to a key hesitation around a Superman game. Superman’s overwhelming powers might seem ill-suited to a typical gaming environment, especially one populated with civilian NPCs. Enter Brainiac’s miniaturized cities, spaces where Superman could unleash his full power uninhibited. Players could fly at will, demolish buildings, and create their own path, all without civilian consequences.
> This concept loosely echoes the infamous Superman Nintendo 64 game, where Lex Luthor traps Superman in a virtual Metropolis. However, in that game, Superman still had to rescue virtual citizens.
### There’s One Downside to Using Brainiac Right Now
While Brainiac is a prime choice for a Superman villain, a recent appearance could be a snag. With a boost in profile likely from James Gunn’s DCU, Brainiac is conflictingly part of Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League—though he doesn’t make a splash until the end. Unfortunately, his portrayal in Rocksteady’s troubled game left a lot to be desired, offering fans a lackluster experience.
Despite decent performance, Brainiac’s role in this looter-shooter was delivered with disappointing execution, and his boss battle left much to be desired. Those who engaged with the game’s post-launch have likely grown weary of Brainiac, facing repetitive battles with only minimal changes in his tactics.
It’s high time Superman got the spotlight in an epic game, where fans can savor the experience of his incredible powers without limitation. With the right storyline and a villain like Brainiac to challenge him, Superman’s solo gaming return could truly soar.
