Superman Returns: The Videogame

Game review by Marc Saltzman, Common Sense Media
Superman Returns: The Videogame Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 11+

Super, high-flying graphics, mediocre gameplay.

Xbox 360, Nintendo DS, PlayStation 2, Xbox 2006
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Parents say

age 12+

Based on 3 reviews

Kids say

age 6+

Based on 5 reviews

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A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this game.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that this isn't an overly violent game, but it does contain fighting sequences against villains with wrestling-like moves -- you can grab an opponent and smack him down on the ground (which cracks the cement!).

Community Reviews

PHILL SHIVELY
PHILL SHIVELY Adult
October 25, 2016
age 12+

Superman Returns And I'm Glad he did

Superman Returns is the first Truly open World Superman Game That lets both adults and Children embrace the Fantasy of being the MAN OF Steel by Combating Natural Disasters Robots aliens and Saving injured citizens by taking them to an Ambulance the flying is flawless the combat Combos are fun it's great using heat vision super breath Freeze breath or Running and flying at Super speeds the Storyline is loosely based on Superman Returns the Movie with a few Comic book Cameos thrown in Metropolis Is beautiful Superman LOOKS AMAZING Especially when he MAJESTICALLY Hovers above the Clouds listening for people to Rescue this game has Races with MR.MXYSPICKLIK AND BIZZARO MISSIONS Where you can be less careful and blow up the city instead of saving it if your board being you know Superman the Sound track is a let Down but on XBOX 360 We can rip the Superman Returns AUTHENTIC SOUNDTRACK To our hard Drive and play john ottmans SCORE While playing the game it really makes you feel like Superman In my opinion this game is underrated and a must own for Superman Fans :-)

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
Easy to play/use
Humam
Humam Adult
March 24, 2012
age 11+

superman returns the video game for pc,ps2,xbox 360,nintendo ds

I think it is on.And best for kids to play this video game.There are so many interesting things in this game.

This title has:

Great messages
See all 3 parent reviews

What’s It About?

SUPERMAN RETURNS: THE VIDEOGAME tells of Superman returning to Earth after confirming that his home world has been destroyed. Superman is kidnapped and must fight robots and other enemies on another planet in a kind of televised gladiator match. Then, back on Earth, our caped crusader must take on other villains from DC Comics history (including Metallo, Bizarro, and Parasite), as well as dragons and other enemies.

Superman's powers include flight, super strength, speed, heat vision, super breath, and super hearing to detect trouble that requires his attention. Superman can't be damaged, but he must protect Metropolis -- an on-screen health meter shows the state of the city, which determines whether you win or lose a mission. New fighting moves are unlocked by completing objectives, such as grabbing a flying robot and then smacking it down onto the ground to inflict damage.

Is It Any Good?

While Electronic Arts' latest certainly grabs your attention right from the get-go, the excitement of flying and fighting as the Man of Steel slowly fizzles out. Fans will love the open-ended Metropolis -- you can fly anywhere within 80 square miles by weaving in and out of thousands of buildings and over small lakes and islands. The view from above is breathtakingly gorgeous, especially on the Microsoft Xbox 360 version. The orchestrated music and surround-sound effects are also top-notch.

A storyline not tied to the movie isn't a crime, but repetitive and redundant game play is. Fighting enemies, putting out fires, saving kittens, and protecting the city from tornadoes can get mighty boring after a while. It's too bad the game makers focused more on Superman's flight mechanics and the city scenery over a compelling story and interesting missions. This one's definitely a renter.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the over-the-top nature of this game based on a superhero with superhuman powers. Why would the wrestling moves Superman uses be more dangerous for those of us without super powers? Families might want to discuss what makes a good video game. While this one has great graphics and cool things to do, is that enough? How important are engaging storylines and interesting missions?

Game Details

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