Review Shooter: Superman Returns (Xbox 360)
Making a game starring Superman is a difficult task (or so we’ve been led to believe). The first and perhaps hardest problem to overcome is the fact that very little actually harms Superman. How do you craft a game around a man who is nearly indestructible? Various games have tried different methods from normal damage to a city covered in a Kryptonite fog. Superman Returns takes a novel approach by not placing Superman in danger, but the city of Metropolis. Â The twist is perhaps the most novel thing about the game, as it forces the player to focus on specific targets/areas so the city isn’t wrecked too much.
Other than that, the game is a fairly generic beat-em up with a Superman coating. You are allowed to upgrade Superman’s powers and abilities throughout the course of the game, but of course that doesn’t make a lick of sense, but what can you do? One thing that I do love is the sense of freedom flying gives you. I love nothing more than just flying high up into the sky and waiting for that pop when Superman reaches top speed.
Recommendation: Avoid It– This game is several years old at this point, was never the prettiest looker, and really isn’t that deep. The enemy designs offer little variations, and while the hook is novel, it can only take the game so far. Sadly, this is also perhaps one of the better Superman games….