Superheroes are among the biggest properties right now. Despite that, video games seem to focus on the same set of characters over and over again. This is particularly true on the female side. Like with movies and TV shows, game studios don’t want to take a chance on superheroines. The few times they did, they churned out terrible products like 2004’sCatwoman. However, that’s no reason to give up.
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The entertainment sphere has several heroines whose adventures would make great games. Oftentimes, their diverse power sets have already proven themselves in other titles. If developers show the same dedication, then they could create a game that satisfies hardcore gamers, casual players, and devoted fans alike.
6Catwoman
This feline felon started inDC Comicsas a thief and adversary toBatman, but she’s also aided the Caped Crusader on several occasions. She’s not out to kill anyone. That conscience sometimes makes her a reluctant hero in her own right. She’s since become a valuable ally, thanks in no small part to her acrobatic prowess and misdirecting gadgets.
TheArkhamgames have already put these to excellent use. When controlling Catwoman, players feel lighter and more agile. At the same time, her abilities fit the established free-flow combat and strategic stealth segments. Any further video game escapades should use these titles as a template. Catwoman’s handful of sections here are better than her entire solo flick and its accompanying game. Granted, that’s not saying much, but it’s true nonetheless.
5Raven
Thedaughter of a demon, Raven is the darkest member of theTeen Titans. Her past makes her very withdrawn, but it also grants her mystical abilities. Among these are telekinesis and generating portals. This should make the inspiration obvious for a game.
Namely, developers could take notes from thePortaltitles. Here, players generate vortexes for navigation and puzzle-solving. With Raven, though, they may redirect enemy attacks and cause them to destroy each other.
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On top of the obvious gameplay uses, the character’s demonic roots are an excuse for a horrific aesthetic. As fans explore her home of Azarath, for instance, developers could take cues fromBloodborne,Dante’s Inferno, orother Lovecraftian works. The finished product encourages players to think on the fly while making it difficult through atmospheric scares.
4Jessica Jones
Jessica is one of many heroes to boast super strength, butthat’s far from her best asset. Instead, her greatest gift lies in her sleuthing skills. She makes her living as a private investigator, solving theMarveluniverse’s more gruesome crimes with her uniquely sardonic wit. Sadly, it often takes a psychological toll, as she’s just as damaged as those she helps. In that way, she’s similar to the hardboiled detectives of film noir.
This is why her solo game should emulateLA Noire. Not only does this game nail the atmosphere of its genre namesake, but it involves gathering clues and interrogating suspects. The methodical pace of that gameplay would suit Jessica Jones yet set it apart from the more action-oriented superhero games.
3Black Widow
Though predominantly a S.H.I.E.L.D. agent and anAvenger,Natasha Romanov has had many identities before these. She was part of a Russian program of female assassins called “Black Widows.” These spies performed covert ops around the globe, carrying out political hits and other dirty deeds at her bosses' behest. This lays the foundation for a suspenseful game.
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The resulting title would naturally prioritize stealth and espionage. TheHitmanseries would be a good source of inspiration. Not only do these games have the globe-trotting aspect down, but the protagonist shares Black Widow’s penchant for infiltration. Agent 47 routinely adopts disguises and personas to get close to his targets. It wouldn’t take much to retool this mechanic for Romanov.
2Vixen
Starting as a humble village girl in Africa, Mari lost her parents to unscrupulous individuals seeking a mystical amulet. Said amulet once belonged to the great warrior Tantu,who passed it through his family until it finally reached Mari. With it, she can channel the powers of any animal–a gift she uses to fight crime as Vixen.
The possibilities are endless with a move set like that, but games like theShantaeseries recognize the potential for platforming. The half-genie hero of these irreverent titles can morph into any animal through belly dancing. These forms sometimes benefit the combat, but they mainly serve the traversal and puzzles. The developers know the simple satisfaction of accessing a fresh area with newly-acquired abilities. It’s worked incountless Metroidvania games, and it could work similar magic for Vixen.
1Xena: Warrior Princess
This Greek heroine may not come from a comic book, but she’s no less impressive. Xena originated on the cheesyHercules: The Legendary Journeys, but she proved popular enough for her own show. Using her mighty chakrams, she defends the downtrodden fromthreats of Greek mythand good, old human cruelty. This helps her find some redemption for her own past as a conqueror, giving the adventures pathos beyond their cheesiness.
This means Xena would be right at home in a game likeGod of War. These titles show the potential of hack-and-slash combat in Ancient Greece. Further,Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoningproves how perfect chakrams are for that gameplay style. If Xena dives into this genre, fans would feel the “warrior” aspect like never before.
