There’s something special, even nostalgic, about flipping through the pages of a comic book. The hand drawn styles of times (largely) gone by, the smell of the glue holding the whole thing together. It’s evocative, in a way that video games would struggle to be. However, there are some studios that have managed to make the leap from page to controller a positive one.
Rocksteady’s – Batman: Arkham Series
Rocksteady’s Batman: Arkham series is often held up as the gold standard for comic-inspired gaming. How couldn’t it be? These games go beyond recreating Gotham City. Instead, they transform it into more of a living, breathing character. From the eerie, rain-slicked streets of Arkham City to the claustrophobic, nightmarish halls of Arkham Asylum, it’s clear in every second of the gameplay just how deeply the art team inhabited this world.
The combat system (now emulated across countless games) isn’t just about looking cool (though it does), it’s about completely embodying Batman’s precision and resourcefulness. In terms of combat, it’s one of the best games out there. Add in the psychological depth of this series and you’ve got a recipe for deep, delicious, triumph. Scarecrow’s fear toxin sequences in Arkham Asylum play out like a surreal fever dream, putting you right in Batman’s confused shoes. Then there’s the exploration of Batman’s fractured psyche, using the Joker as a literal voice in his head. These games are brilliantly clever journeys into what makes Bruce Wayne tick – and sometimes crack.
Gaming Realm’s – Slingo’s Cosmic Clusters
Slingo’s Cosmic Clusters is a kitsch space-themed Slingo game that’s so reminiscent of Space Jam it should almost have a licence from them! For those who aren’t in the know about all things casino, Slingo combines the worlds of bingo and slots, offering a pretty unique experience. For those interested in exploring Slingo for real money, numerous online casino platforms provide this option, while demo modes are available for free play to get a feel for the game.
The colourful cartoon fonts when you score a ‘Big Win’, the purple and pink constellation behind the grid, it’s so brilliantly 90’s. The strange little aliens and the combination of games makes this a lighthearted and playable favorite – perfect if you need a break from the darkness of Gotham.
Telltale Games’ – The Walking Dead
Robert Kirkman’s The Walking Dead comics are brutal, somehow less about zombies and more about the human condition under pressure. Telltale’s episodic game captures this essence perfectly. One of the driving forces in this is the unrelenting faithfullness to Charlie Adlard’s illustrations from the comics.
One of the attributes of this game that can’t be ignored is its masterful emotional manipulation. Not in a cheap way either, but rather in how it forces you to confront impossible choices. Do you save the person who’s useful to the group or the one who’s more vulnerable? Every decision feels heavy, and the consequences linger. By the time the final credits roll, you’re left questioning your own morality.
When done right, games give fans a chance to actually inhabit the gritty, layered worlds their bookworm brains imagined. In some cases, it’s all about doing justice to their comic roots — and in others, there’s even the chance to add entirely new dimensions to beloved heroes – and antiheroes along the way.
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