What do films like The DaVinci Code, Battleship, Saw and Harry Potter have in common? They were all “blessed” with their own video game adaptations, and all of them were mediocre at best. We live in a day and age where video games based on popular movies are all too common, and despite the major dread towards them, most terrible game adaptions still end up making a large profit. Are we willing to put up with those dreadful titles to get to the cream of the crop? Not only is it possible for a movie inspired game to be great, but it’s already happened, numerous times to be exact.
It was here, in the year 2000, that film inspired games started pouring out faster than ever, and it is where we begin Part 2 of our look into movie based games that don’t actually suck. (Read Part 1 here.) In a place of time where 99% of movie based games go straight to the Walmart bargain bin, we give you a list of film adaptations worth checking out.
10. Quantum of Solace
(PS3, 360, Wii, PS2, Windows, DS)
Honorable Mention: Goldeneye 2010 (Wii, PS3, 360)
Most audiences would agree that out of all Daniel Craig’s adventures as James Bond, Quantum of Solace (2008) is the weakest. While not a bad movie, most critics note that it failed to capture what made Casino Royale such a great introduction for Craig’s rendition of Bond. However, alongside experienced game developer Treyarch, Activision published a title that managed to do more justice to the Bond series than the actual film it was based off did. Thanks to a blend of smooth shooting mechanics, fun stealth sections and satisfying melee take-downs, this often overlooked title is definitely a fit for Bond fans.
9. Scott Pilgrim Vs. the World: The Game
(PSN, Xbox Live)
Based on the movie that was based on the series of graphic novels, this download-only experience encompassed the silly, ’80s spirit that made the series so great. While it was a shame the film failed to turn a profit in theaters, the cult following it has garnered would be asinine to skip over this funny treat.
8. Peter Jackson’s King Kong
(PS2, 360, Gamecube, Xbox, PSP, GBA, Windows)
Even with its bumps, Peter Jackson’s remake of the classic King Kong was definitely one worth making. While the film brought about many awards for its state of the art effects, who would have guessed it would also bring about a great video game to boot? There’s sections playing as the island’s survivors, fighting against dinosaurs and dangerous wildlife alike. However, if that’s not enough to sell it, you also get to play as Kong himself. Need I say more?
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7. Spider-Man 2
(PS2, Xbox, Gamecube, Windows, GBA, DS, PSP)
In my opinion, Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man 2 remains the pinnacle of what a great Spidey movie is. Fantastic villain, emotional heft and that climax still gives me chills. It would only seem fitting that a great movie receive an equally great game, as many critics and players praised the game for making you truly feel like Spider-Man swinging around New York City.
6. The Bourne Conspiracy
(PS3, 360)
Did you know that Jason Bourne was originally envisioned to look more like Ben Affleck? Despite Matt Demon taking on the film role, game developer High Moon Studios decided to keep Robert Ludlum’s original vision in mind when creating Bourne’s first outing in a game. While it certainly has flaws, “The Bourne Conspiracy” is a more than satisfying tribute to the film series, thanks to the excellent espionage and combat mechanics.
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5. Mad Max
(PS4, Xbox One, Windows)
Developed in response to the acclaimed Mad Max: Fury Road, this open world action adventure title gave players one of the best game experiences in the Mad Max universe to date. With incredibly fun car combat and post apocalypse scavenging, this next generation game managed to plant itself as a great expansion into the world of Max.
4. Ghostbusters: The Video Game
(PS2, PS3, Wii, 360, PSP, Windows, DS)
Original Ghostbusters cast as the voice actors? Check. Boss battle with Mr. Stay Puft himself? Check. An original and funny adventure that Dan Aykroyd deemed “essentially Ghostbusters 3?” Why wait for that unnecessary reboot when you can play this ghoul busting adventure instead?
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3. X-Men Origins: Wolverine
(PS3, PS2, 360, Wii, PSP, DS)
I can hear all the disappointed Marvel fans groaning at the mere mention of this film. What was supposed to be a deep revelation into Wolverine’s character, ended up being a giant waste of its potential. However, in the end, one great thing did come out of that film’s existence: the video game adaptation. Not only was this one of the most fun superhero games I remember playing, but the surprising amount of blood, gore and execution moves made it stand out even further. Don’t let the association with the film fool you, this is actually a blast just waiting to be had for any X-Men fan.
2. Back to the Future: The Game
(PS4, Xbox One, PS3, 360, Wii, Windows)
Telltale Games is well known for expanding film/TV universes past their original run, whether it be The Walking Dead, Game of Thrones or Jurassic Park. Even with this reputation, it came as a surprise when Telltale announced the continuation of Back to the Future through a video game adventure. Reuniting Christopher Lloyd with his Doc Brown character, and even throwing in a few Michael J Fox cameos, “Back to the Future: The Game” does great service to both fans and the franchise.
(PS4, PS3, Xbox One, 360, Windows)
After the heavily panned Aliens: Colonial Marines, fans of the franchise didn’t expect much when Sega announced “Alien: Isolation” a couple years later. Yet, to the shock and awe of players, this survival horror title finally achieved what Colonial Marines failed to do: create a genuinely creepy survival experience set in the world of Alien. Thanks to the intelligence of the xenomorph A.I, nowhere feels safe in this game, perfect for the masochists in us. With the survival horror genre becoming a dying breed, “Isolation” gives hope that not only will the genre live on, but that the Alien franchise still has a lot to offer its followers.
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