A long time ago, I remember standing on top of my garden shed and thinking - just for that brief moment in time - what it would be like to be Superman. I closed my eyes tightly and thought that maybe, if I really believed I could do it, I might be able to jump off the shed and take off into the beautiful starry night skies. I didn't try it, thank God; and now that those days of getting blind drunk and taking acid are a distant memory, I much prefer to re-live my superhero fantasies sober in front of the big screen or playing a video game.

Over the years there's been dozens of games released based on famous superheroes, most of which have been useless. However, among them a few gems shine brightly.

Here's my top five. Counting down from the number five...

5) X-Men Legends
Release Date: 2004
Platform - Xbox

I loved the storyline and cel-shaded graphic look, but what I remember most about X-Men Legends is co-op mode and teaming up with our various abilities to deliver superhero punishment on a massive scale. Being able to jump into the role of each of the X-Men and use their abilities in battle, and even mix them together, is extremely entertaining. I was totally hooked on upgrading their abilities and seeing how their various fighting styles progressed.



4) Marvel Ultimate Alliance
Release Date: 2006
Platform - PC

Boasting the largest roster of comic book characters in a single game ever, I love the freedom of choice in Marvel Ultimate Alliance. Being able to forge together a team of superheroes fit to save the world is infinitely entertaining. There's depth to the gameplay and lots of variety, plus some very enjoyable and chaotic combat sequences and boss battles. I played this game for an obscene amount of hours.



3) Spiderman 2
Release Date: 2004
Platform: PS2

Some memorable locations with the freedom to explore, plus some great game mechanics makes Spiderman 2 an accessible and fun game to play. The animation of Spiderman as he swings across the cities and sprints up walls is superb and the large variety of crimes to stop provides hours worth of entertainment. Didn't everyone have a pair of Spiderman pants when they were a kid?



2) Batman Arkham Asylum
Release Date: 2009
Platform: PS3

Not only is Arkham Asylum the best looking superhero game of all time, but it's an enjoyable story-driven game that captures the world of The Dark Knight tremendously. Atmospheric locations, finely detailed character models and great voice acting all lend a hand in bringing the comic book hero and his foes to life. This is a movie-like experience and one of the finest super-hero adventures of all time.



1) Freedom Force
Release Date: 2002
Platform - PC

The unique comic-book style of Freedom Force is part of its charm, but it's also clear that the developer, writers and artists love working on this game - the attention to detail is incredible. You can interact with everything. It's a quality production, introducing you to the super-heroes with perfectly drawn and often funny comic-book vignettes that capture the humour of comic books superbly. Even now, with its style, brilliantly implemented combat system and fine attention to detail, there isn't a superhero game that can compete with it. It brings back some fine memories.



There were a few games that narrowly missed out on my top five. Did I miss out your favourite game?