Superman Returns follows the movie of the same name, where you control Superman as he saves citizens and fights natural disasters, fires, and supervillains in Metropolis. The game focuses on saving others from harm, with Superman's powers including heat vision, freeze breath, invulnerability, and flight at supersonic speeds. These powers are limited by a stamina bar for the former two abilities.
Gameplay involves melee combat, using Superman's heat vision and freeze breath to defeat enemies, as well as picking up objects to throw at villains. You can also use everyday objects like lampposts as clubs.
The game features an open-world Metropolis where you can fly anywhere and complete side missions at any time. Besides the main story, there are 200 kittens to rescue and fires to put out.
The gameplay is broken up by two different sequences: a race around the city against Myxyzptlk and a Bizarro mode, where you must destroy the city.