Video games based on film franchises have often been hit or miss, with some titles failing to capture the essence of their cinematic counterparts. But when done right, they can bring the cinema to a game by immersing players in the worlds they’ve seen on screen.
If the upcoming release of Alien: Romulus has gotten you interested in video game adaptations then you’re in luck because the franchise has a great game. Here are 8 great games based on film franchises
8. Alien: Isolation (2014)
Alien: Isolation is a game that truly understands the essence of the franchise. Set 15 years after the events of the original 1979 film, the game places players in the shoes of Amanda Ripley, daughter of Ellen Ripley, as she searches for her missing mother.
The game’s design, with its lo-fi 1970s aesthetic, nails the atmosphere of Ridley Scott’s original film, making it a must-play for fans of both horror games and the Alien franchise.
7. GoldenEye 007 (1997)
GoldenEye 007 for the Nintendo 64 is based on the James Bond film of the same name. The game offers a campaign that closely follows the movie’s plot, along with a multiplayer mode.
The split-screen multiplayer deathmatch in the game became a cultural phenomenon. Its innovative design makes it not only a great movie adaptation, but also one of the most influential games in history.
6. The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003)
The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King is a hack-and-slash game that faithfully adapts the epic battles of Peter Jackson’s film. Players can choose from several characters, including Aragorn, Gandalf, and Legolas, as they fight through hordes of enemies in iconic scenes from the movie.
The game’s seamless transitions between film footage and gameplay, along with its cooperative multiplayer mode, make it a standout in the realm of movie-based games.
5. Chronicles of Riddick: Escape from Butcher Bay (2004)
Chronicles of Riddick: Escape from Butcher Bay is a rare case where the game outshines the movie it’s based on. The game follows Riddick, voiced by Vin Diesel, as he attempts to escape from a high-security prison.
It offers a mix of stealth, melee combat, and first-person shooting within the grim corridors of Butcher Bay prison.
4. The Thing (2002)
Based on John Carpenter’s 1982 horror classic, The Thing serves as a sequel to the film. Players lead a team of soldiers sent to investigate the aftermath of the events depicted in the movie, only to discover that the threat is far from over.
The game incorporates a unique trust system, where characters can become infected by the parasite. This uncertainty, combined with the game’s creepy atmosphere, makes it a fitting tribute.
3. Batman: Arkham Asylum (2009)
Batman: Arkham Asylum (2009) redefined what a superhero game could be. Developed by Rocksteady Studios, this title plunges players into the dark and claustrophobic world of Gotham’s infamous Arkham Asylum.
The game’s combat system was an innovation at the time. Coupled with its exploration and puzzle-solving elements, it set a new standard for superhero games.
2. Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic (2003)
Star Wars: Knights of The Old Republic (KOTOR) is a role-playing game that explores the Star Wars universe in a way that few other games have managed.
Set 4,000 years before the rise of the Galactic Empire, KOTOR allows players to forge their own path as either a Jedi or a Sith, with choices that impact the story’s outcome.
1. Spider-Man 2 (2004)
Before the critically acclaimed 2018 Spider-Man game, there was Spider-Man 2. The game set the standard for superhero games at the time with its open-world design and web-swinging mechanics.
Based on the movie directed by Sam Raimi, the game allows players to explore a fully realized New York City.
These games pay homage to their cinematic origins but also stand on their own. They showcase that when handled with care and creativity, video game adaptations of films can offer fans a new way to engage with their favorite stories.
Have you played any of these games? Let us know in the comments!
