Games That Make You Feel Like A Superhero

Becoming more powerful has been a staple of video games since the very beginning. Whether it's adding that second ship in Galaga, leveling up in Final Fantasy, or grabbing the Master Sword in Zelda, games have always been fantastic at making you feel more powerful than a mere human. Some do it better than others. Titles like Prototype have tried and failed thanks to factors like unlikable protagonists, shoddy controls, or countless other factors. However, a select few have managed to truly deliver on their promise of the superhero experience. Here are our picks for the best.

The Incredible Hulk: Ultimate Destruction (PS2/Gamecube/Xbox, 2005)

Bruce Banner had never been done video game justice until Ultimate Destruction released five years ago (and he hasn't gotten it again since). With this insane title, Radical Entertainment put you squarely in the ripped shorts of the Incredible Hulk as you leapfrogged buildings, ripped vehicles in half, and basically just wrecked *** for the entire duration of the title. Needless to say, it was pretty awesome. Unfortunately, we never got a good game based off the Ang Lee movie. I'd have loved to play a boss fight based on that part where Nick Nolte turned into a cloud, then turned into a lake (or whatever the hell happened at the end of that movie).

Infamous (PS3, 2008)

While this was an entirely new IP, Sucker Punch managed to present the superhero experience like few other developers could. After Cole MacGrath unknowingly agrees to deliver a massive, city-destroying device called the Ray Sphere, he gains many electrical powers. Soon enough, you're grinding across power lines and train tracks, shooting lightning from your fingertips, summoning storms, and peppering gang territory with sweet electrical grenades. Cole may have started the story as an average man, but you feel like an unstoppable *** by the time you confront Kessler at ground zero.

Spider-Man and Spider-Man 2 (PS2/Gamecube/Xbox, 2002/2004)

In the first half of the 00's, Spider-Man and its sequel let us loose in Manhattan with the first titles to really emulate the feeling of being Peter Parker's alter ego. Web-slinging (especially in 2) was intuitive, responsive, and most importantly, an absolute blast. In fact, it was so entertaining that many gamers spent more time aimlessly swinging around the city and exploring than they did with the comparatively less-thrilling story missions. Going after Dr. Octopus was alright, but it couldn't compare to the feeling you got when you dove off of the Empire State Building, only to shift into a ludicrously fast swing just before you hit the street.

Crackdown - (Xbox 360, 2007)

Many criticized Crackdown for its repetitive mission structure, short length, and one-note gameplay (all of which were made worse in the sequel). However, there was one aspect of the title that everyone could agree on - jumping around the city was awesome. Not only was your agent gifted with ridiculous jumping ability, but you could level it up via one of the most addicting features in open-world gaming. Agility orbs were everywhere you looked, and each one you collected brought you closer to an even more absurd vertical leap. By game's end, you were leaping across rooftops in a manner that would make even Ultimate Destruction's Hulk jealous.

Psi-Ops: The Mindgate Conspiracy (PS2/Xbox, 2004)

This particular title managed to fly under the radar of many gamers, despite the fact that it's completely awesome. Basically, this Midway game got Force powers right long before any Star Wars game. You could maneuver objects and enemies with your mind, and it provided ample opportunity to gruesomely off your opponents by tossing them into furnaces or throwing giant wrecking balls at their crotches. It even provided a Danger Room of sorts, in which you could spawn hapless scientists to your heart's content for the sole purpose of throwing exploding barrels at them. To give yourself an even more ridiculous experience with this game, try the code that allows you to play through the entire story mode as Scorpion from Mortal Kombat.

Batman: Arkham Asylum (PS3/360, 2009)

One of the most perfectly-made licensed titles of all time, Arkham Asylum really made you feel like Gotham's Dark Knight. Batman titles from the past misrepresented the character by making the games resemble basic beat-em-ups, but this one finally got the character right. Sure, you do your share of breaking goon's faces in, but you'll also be silently stalking prey while perched on gargoyles, following clues with your detective vision, and utilizing Bruce Wayne's extensive gadget collection to make your way around the madhouse. With a new title on the way, we can't wait to get back in the shoes of the Caped Crusader.

Just Cause 2 (PS3/360, 2010)

Like Bruce Wayne, Rico Rodriguez doesn't possess any superhuman powers. That doesn't stop him from swinging from helicopters, skydiving from absurd heights, hopping from car to car, or surfing 747s into enemy bases, however. Thanks to his ridiculous (and physics-defying) grappling hook, Rico can grab on to anything he pleases, and can even tether enemies to moving vehicles, exploding barrels, or each other. He's no genetically enhanced mutant, but even the Hulk or Spider-Man would probably think twice before doing some of the stunts Rico's capable of.