Feature: Comic Relief: Anticipating the Superhero Subscribe to this RSS feed
In Part 2 of Comic Relief, we look to the future and offer a glimpse of superheroes to come.
Be sure to check out Part 1 of Comic Relief -- Superheroes that Made the Game
An ode to the comic book superheroes of yore, Comic Relief celebrates the games that have made these legends come alive in a virtual world.
Part 2 highlights upcoming games that feature our favorite comic book superheroes. From the Justice League to 100 Bullets, these heroes have already made a mark for themselves in the comic world--and we're anticipating the same in the gaming universe.
100 Bullets
PlayStation 3, Xbox, Xbox 360, Wii
Target release date: Q3 2007
Based on the DC graphic novel written by Brian Azzarello and illustrated by Eduardo Risso, 100 Bullets is "part crime story and part espionage thriller. It tells the interrelated stories of people who are given the chance to take deadly revenge against those who have done them wrong with no strings attached." Not much else is known about the game, but if the gameplay reflects the noir and often-dark ambiguous story of the popular comic, then we're truly anticipating 100 Bullets.
Justice League Heroes
PlayStation 2, Xbox
Target release date: November
Play alone or team up with a buddy in this action game with RPG elements. Through an upgradeable system, JLH will enable you to customize and enhance superpowers, which will result in unique and personalize controls and fighting styles for each player. You'll be able to play with seven super heroes including Superman, Batman, The Flash, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, Martian Manhunter, and Zatanna in an effort to fight your way through puny cronies to stop the evil Brainiac from destroying the universe. Already this game looks super nice.
Marvel: Ultimate Alliance
PlayStation 3, PlayStation 2, Xbox, Xbox 360, Wii, PC
Target release date: November
Marvel: Ultimate Alliance expands on the X-Men Legends series, letting you play with over 20 of your favorite Marvel comic characters including Spider-Man, Wolverine, Blade and Captain America. Unique to Ultimate Alliance is the ability to shape the Marvel universe as you play; your actions determine the fate of Earth. The game's combat system will plot out your battles in the air, underwater, and on the ground where you can use everything from grappling, blocking, dodging, and, of course, your superpowers. A robust multiplayer component for both on- and off-line play will ensure a Marvelous time.
Super DBZ
PlayStation 2
Target release date: July
Super Dragon Ball Z is being developed by Namco Bandai, as well as the creative force behind the mega-hit Street Fighter II. Super Dragon Ball Z will include a massive character roster -- 18 fighters in all. And Namco Bandai and Atari are promising a new, more complex fighting system, which will allow players to use new combos on both the land and in the air. The developers are intent on delivering a more hardcore and mature experience with Super Dragon Ball Z, but are focused on remaining true to the core DBZ property. What's more, the game will feature a large degree of environmental damage and large-scale special effects. Are you ready for a ball of a time?
Superman Returns: The Videogame
PlayStation 2, Xbox, Xbox 360
Target release date: Fall 2006
Based on the movie of the same name, you take control of one of the most prolific and admired superheroes of all time. Of course, there have been many Superman game incarnations in the past, but we're hoping this will be the best Superman game yet. You'll be able to use all of the Man of Steel's powers including X-Ray Vision, Heat Vision, Super Hearing, Super Strength, Super Speed, and Super Breath to battle the criminals of Metropolis. Indeed Metropolis is teeming with hoodlums of all sizes and shapes, and it's an expansive city where your actions will affect future city events.