Released on November 22, 2006, for the original Xbox (and other platforms) serves as an open-world action-adventure tie-in to the film of the same name. Developed by EA Tiburon , the game attempted to solve the long-standing "Superman problem" in gaming by making the character invulnerable and shifting the "health bar" to the city of Metropolis itself. Gameplay Mechanics and Setting
While the game was praised for its sense of flight and the innovative "city health" mechanic, it received mixed reviews due to repetitive combat and technical issues like frame rate drops. It is often cited as a significant, if flawed, attempt to create a definitive Superman experience. Superman Returns Review (Xbox 360) - by Richard Alexander Superman Returns [Xbox Classic]
: The game utilizes a combo-heavy combat system with over 40 unlockable moves, allowing for sophisticated brawling against enemies like Metallo and Bizarro. Story and Content Released on November 22, 2006, for the original
The narrative loosely follows the 2006 film plot but expands significantly with original content to fill out the 12–14 hour story mode. It is often cited as a significant, if
: The game features the likeness and voices of the film's main cast, including Brandon Routh (Superman), Kevin Spacey (Lex Luthor), and Kate Bosworth (Lois Lane).
: Players have access to Superman's full suite of iconic abilities, including heat vision, freeze breath, and super strength. These powers are upgradeable throughout the game.
: Since Superman cannot be killed by conventional means, the player fails if Metropolis takes too much damage from enemies or Superman's own collateral damage.