Comic book characters get a lot of crossover appeal, whether it's TV shows, big-screen Hollywood movies, or video games. There are numerous DC characters who deserve their own side scrolling beat-em-up game in the vein of Double Dragon, Final Fight, or Streets of Rage.
Some of these characters are obvious choices, while others might have been overlooked. Nevertheless, they're all excellent choices to turn into a good old-fashioned platform brawler. Here's to hoping a game company such as Dotemu decides to take them on. DC fans would surely appreciate it.
10 Superman's Powers & Strength Would Make A Great Beat-Em-Up Game
Superman has starred in a few video games before, but it's been a long time since he's appeared in anything related to beat-em-up titles. A lot has changed since then, especially given the character's new lease on life, thanks to a series of DCEU appearances and new comic storylines.
Obviously, Superman would be the most risk-adverse IP of the bunch, and if done correctly with flashy graphics, bone-crunching fight mechanics against his deadliest enemies, it's an easy win. Co-op characters could include Supergirl, Martian Manhunter and Green Lantern.
9 The Flash Could Utilize Speed As A Video Game Mechanic
The Flash might be the trickiest of the characters to convert into a side-scrolling beat-em-up title, but it's not impossible. His blinding speed would need to be creatively implemented to sell the character's trademark ability, without ruining the play experience.
Dash mechanics could play a role here by speeding up the overall gameplay into something more frantic than a traditional fighting title. Also, special attacks could make use of speed in the same vein as classic games like Sonic Blast Man. If his powers were utilized correctly, it could end up being one of the most inventive fighting titles around.
8 Green Lantern Could Take Creative Cues From Battletoads
There's a lot of potential for a Green Lantern beat-em-up title, and it could draw heavy inspiration from the kind of over-the-top attacks seen in classic fighting titles like Battletoads in Battlemaniacs. Instead of gigantic feet, and fists turned into hammers and wrecking balls, Green Lantern could instead see Hal Jordan creating similar weapons using his cosmic powers.
This could open up a wealth of creativity for the developers to take advantage of. It would be nice to see him share the screen with big bosses such as Doctor Polaris, Grayven and Krona, to name but a few.
7 Wonder Woman Could Utilize A Block Bar To Liven Up Combat
There's a great Wonder Woman side scroller to be had here, if someone would take the time. She's a natural combatant with all the right weapons to translate into a great game. The developers could cleverly implement a block button into the game to allow Diana to block attacks with her wristbands, including bullets, energy beams and melee strikes.
Implementing a stamina bar could allow Diana to run out of blocking power if she's not careful, adding a new dynamic to the combat, while the lasso of truth could be used to make enemies drop power-ups and other items. Co-op companions could include Donna Troy, Wonder Girl and Nemesis.
6 Green Arrow Could Use Melee & Ranged Attacks For More Fighting Variety
Up close melee combat and ranged attacks could create an excellent mixture for a Green Arrow fighting game. It would also be an opportunity to implement a Forgotten Worlds-style purchasing system through which Oliver and his crew can purchase upgrades at the end of each level, depending on how much loot was acquired from fallen foes and broken items.
Naturally, the Arrow crew could come along for a 4-player simultaneous co-op ride that adapts elements from the comic's best stories, which would be extraordinary. Black Canary, Red Arrow and Speedy could all make appearances, as well as boss figures like Merlyn, Deathstroke and Count Vertigo.
5 Swamp Thing Could Be A Creative Horror-Themed Beat-Em-Up
This particular beat-em-up title could end up being one of the most eccentric and creative of the bunch, if done right. Naturally, Swamp Thing's very essence would dictate a much different kind of fighting game, and it could incorporate some unorthodox fighting techniques that play into his biological form.
The environments could also be a major highlight of the game, from bogs and swamps, to secret laboratories, and everything in between. Seeing the titular hero going head to head with bosses like Blackbriar Thorn, Floronic Man and King Toad would be positively amazing.
4 Shazam Could Use Laughter To Create A Fun Fighting Game
A little bit of comedy could go a long way in duplicating the critical success of the recent Shazam film, part of the DCEU lineup. A beat-em-up would have to go full on quirkiness and charm in the same vein as the 1989 coin-op arcade adaptation of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
If it's loaded with as much laughs as it is cracked skulls, there's a great game to be had. Shazam can go co-op with other characters like Mary Marvel, Darla Dudley and Pedro Pena.
3 Nightwing Has A Rich DC Universe To Draw On For A Good Fighting Title
Batman has already received top billing in several side-scrolling beat-em-ups, which means it might be wiser to court a different character. Nightwing seems the most logical choice. Not only is he Batman's protegee, but he's heavily embedded in the DC Universe, and has a lot of characters to play off of.
A Nightwing game would no doubt be a straightforward brawler with a few inventive uses of his gadgetry. Co-op players could include Batgirl, Roy Harper Jr., and the redeemed Jason Todd. There are enough baddies in the Rogue's Gallery to act as boss encounters, as well.
2 Deathstroke Could Flip The Script By Making A Villain The Main Character
This particular game could either flip the script, and put a bad guy in the driver's seat, or it could focus on Deathstroke going good in an effort to either accomplish a mission, or redeem himself. Either way, this is one character that deserves his own brawler, and it would be a great one.
Deathstroke may be grossly overused in the comics, but he's still one of the coolest characters in the DC Universe, and one of the deadliest. The censors could take a break on this one, and implement a far grittier and more violent formula for those who want a fighting game with a harder edge.
1 Harley Quinn Could Use Comedy And Quirk To Create A Solid Beat-Em-Up Game
Once again, comedy and quirk would need to be at the forefront of a game featuring Harley Quinn. There's a lot of room to play around with the character in a beat-em-up title, from story, to fight mechanics and character progression.
Allies could include Poison Ivy, Catwoman and the Joker as they go up against DC superheroes posing as boss fights. Again, flipping the script could work here, and give players a reason to root for the bad guys, while having a laugh or two at the same time.