There are a lot of video games out there and in this era of mobile and home-based gaming, the choices have never been greater. So how do you cut through the noise and find the “Best of” for any chosen topic?
Well, we’re here to help celebrate and shine a spotlight on some of the latest, greatest and unforgettable games through the years.
For our ongoing series of articles depicting the best video games, our attention this time turns to video games that were based on movie properties. From Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man 2 to Disney’s Aladdin, there’s a good choice to whet your appetite.
Of course, if we’ve missed any of your favorites, feel free to comment below and we’ll get them added on when we can!
Goldeneye 007
Everyone was overjoyed to see Goldeneye 007 get announced for Nintendo’s Online Service months ago. This is one of Rare’s finest gems as it set the stage for movie-based games moving forward. Although its graphics aren’t on par with today’s shooters, it delivers satisfying gameplay and a decent storyline.
This game features a vast weapon variety, split-screen multiplayer, and epic combat for its time. Goldeneye 007 made fans feel like James Bond with its handling of spy-like scenarios and activities. You couldn’t rush into this game firing weapons. Instead, Goldeneye 007 made players ponder their moves carefully.
This gave the title more depth and intrigue. Each level contains a variety of missions where players can shoot enemies non-stop though. It also offers some missions where you’ll search for clues. The AI in the game was vastly intelligent and daunting too. While it may be a relic of the past, Goldeneye 007 is a genre-defining gem.
Scarface: The World Is Yours
Goldeneye set the stage for many movie-based games. Unfortunately, some games got sent into stores lacking deepness and integrity. Fortunately, some gems escaped the mediocrity trenches and became an enjoyable products. One of these is Scarface: The World is Yours.
Developed by Radical Entertainment, this game feels like a genuine clone of Rockstar’s Grand Theft Auto. This game retained some of GTA’s notable aspects but introduced slight improvements. These include a better targeting and weapons stocking system. The game’s visuals were adoring to the eye for its time too.
This game immerses players in its world by making everything its protagonist Tony Montana deals with integral to the plot and Tony’s benefit. Tony’s character in the game exhibits the same energy as he does in the films. From his accent to his inflections to how he animates, it feels like he was ripped straight from the movies. If you’re looking for a GTA clone where you can play as a famed criminal, check this game out.
Spider-Man 2
Although most superhero-themed games wowed players, there was some doubt about superhero movie games offering similar enjoyment. Treyarch’s Spider-Man 2 changed fans’ perceptions with its phenomenal gameplay and remarkable retelling of the events that occurred in Sam Raimi’s 2004 Spider-Man sequel film.
Although this remarkable title would be overshadowed by Insomniac Games’ Spider-Man game, many people hold Treyarch’s Spider-Man 2 to a high caliber. This game features decent graphics, fun missions, and immersive gameplay that helped fans walk in Peter Parker’s shoes.
While it replicates events from Raimi’s film it adds new scenarios and characters like Mysterio to spice things up. The combat is well-versed as you can shoot webs, swing across New York City, and perform superhero-like stunts to defeat evildoers.
The game’s music evokes a sense of heroism and charm that’ll elevate one’s immersion. As stated earlier, the game’s graphics are decent but pale in comparison to later Spider-Man games. However, they hold up well enough to warrant your time. Give this game a try after you’ve finished your playthrough of other notable Spider-Man games. You won’t regret it.
Peter Jackson’s King Kong
Giant monster-themed games weren’t anything new. From the classic Godzilla beat-em-up games to arcade classics like Rampage, there was a slew of fun titles for fans to play at home or in public. The video game version of Peter Jackson’s King Kong was a surprising hit for most fans.
No one expected this game would turn out a satisfying product since most movie-based games felt like cash grabs. This game offers non-stop action from beginning to end and throws its character into the intense atmosphere of Skull Island faster than the film.
The game’s graphics are surprisingly gorgeous and it has an adventurous storyline and FPS gameplay. Players shouldn’t expect to wield heavy artillery as the game wishes to retain the scale and feel of Peter Jackson’s adaptation.
Expect to wield spears, rifles, and pistols as you defend yourself against prehistoric and humanoid enemies. The gameplay offers some challenging puzzles for you to complete. The puzzles vary between collecting keys to open doors and transporting fire to specific locations. Unfortunately, the puzzles don’t expand further than that. Nonetheless, the FPS gameplay should keep fans preoccupied and entertained.
Alien: Isolation
Alien Isolation is a solid movie-based video game. This title evokes strong tension from start to finish. With its incredible stealth-like gameplay, astonishing visuals, and remarkable sound design, it captures the thrills and chills that are on par with Ridley Scott’s classic Alien films.
Our title takes place 15 years after the first Alien movie. At the center of it all is Amanda Ripley. She embarks on a mission to uncover what happened to her mother while traversing a decrepit space station. Little does Amanda know that she’ll be fighting the same creatures that caused her mother and others much dread.
In this game, you’ll aid Amana in finding resources, fleeing from foes, and hiding from the terrifying Xenomorphs that inhabit the area. This game’s darkened environments evoke great intensity and will make many players freeze in fear. You’ll be supplied with weapons, but don’t expect those to last forever.
If you’re in need of a spooky horror game that pays homage to Ridley Scott’s beloved sci-fi films, check out Alien Isolation.
X-Men Origins: Wolverine
Considering the travesty that was X-Men Origins: Wolverine, many gamers expected the game it’d be based on to provide similar results. In a twist of fate, they’d learn that the game was far better than it had any right being. This game revels in violent gameplay, better movie tie-ins, and some puzzle-solving elements.
Players control Wolverine and watch as his story unfolds similarly to the 2009 film. However, this game expands on specific story elements. You’ll be traversing through various facilities and locales that harbor groups of aggressive enemies aiming to defeat you. Some locales have less-challenging puzzles to complete.
They feature favorable bosses from the Marvel universe for Wolverine to fight. The game doesn’t introduce these characters well, but their fights are thrilling enough to hold your attention. The game’s combat has you slicing your way through enemies via light and heavy attacks and combos.
This game features an RPG-like system where you can unlock new combos and moves as Wolverine reaches new levels. Don’t expect to button-mash your way to victory, though. This game forced players to change their tactics numerous times by introducing enemies that require different attacks to defeat. If you were disappointed with the 2009 film, this game will please you.
The Thing (2002)
Many people enjoyed John Carpenter’s 1982 film The Thing for its creepy imagery, chilling tension, and mind-numbing premise. Like all movies, The Thing would receive a video game adaptation in 2002 by Computer Artworks. This game was released on PlayStation 2, Xbox, and PC that year and sought much praise.
Computer Artworks’ title is rather peculiar. Instead of retelling the events from Carpenter’s film, it acts like a sequel. It places players right where the movie concludes and has them investigate the film’s Antarctic research stations. Players will encounter many survivors and investigators who’ll team up with them.
You can hand your allies weapons and ammo, heal them, and give them commands at any time. Due to The Thing’s parasitic nature, your teammates have a fear and trust level that you must manage. Low fear or trust levels could result in your teammates not responding to your orders, attacking you, or developing suicidal thoughts.
This title offers some shooter aspects that blend well with its moody survival horror set piece. Unfortunately, creatures aren’t challenging, and keeping your teammates alive can feel like a nuisance. Nonetheless, the game features well-staged bouts and intelligent AI that can hold its ground during battles. Check out this game if you’re searching for an old movie-based shooter game with an Among Us-styled formula.
The Warriors (2005)
Rockstar is known for creating exciting and original worlds like Red Dead Redemption and Grand Theft Auto. However, some may not be aware that the studio worked on a beat-em-up title based on a cult classic film. In 2005, Rockstar released The Warriors for PlayStation 2 and Xbox, a game based on Walter Hill’s 1979 film by the same name.
Like others on this list, Rockstar went above the call of duty and added more background details for the movie’s cast and their situations. The game’s 20+ story missions allow players to grow attached to the cast and witness another side of them not found in the movie. The game’s vulgar dialogue and hard-edged atmosphere add a layer of character to the game too.
The gang battles were visually stunning for their time and fun to play through. You’ll find yourself robbing establishments, strolling streets for lady companions, and building up your street credentials. Each character fights roughly the same, and the game allows you to form satisfying combos to subdue your opponents. While its visuals may appear dated by today’s standards, it’s a rambunctious brawler that’s worth your time.
Mad Max (2015)
Mad Max (2015) is a film-based video game that flew under the radar. This title featured an immersive setting and epic combat. Many critics and fans thank this title for providing a satisfying depiction of the film. It made players feel like its protagonist Max as he’d roam through desserts and enchanting wastelands.
Several locations to explore, various activities to engage in, and a deep narrative made this game worth playing. Mad Max adopts a similar formula to open-world exploration as The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.
Players will grow fond of discovering new locales while exploring the game’s numerous barren landscapes. For instance, you might drive around the area looking for resources and come across a beautiful outpost or town. You’ll never know what you’ll encounter on your travels.
The game’s combat feels as violent as presented in the films. You’ll be overcoming numerous obstacles in this game’s universe. The challenge never decreases, and you may get into a pickle regarding the game’s hazardous environments. If you’re searching for a gritty open-world game–on par with the film it’s based upon, check out Mad Max (2015).
Aladdin (1995)
Disney’s become a huge staple in many families lives. It’s hard not to know anyone that’s never heard of classics like The Lion King, The Little Mermaid, and Aladdin. Eventually, Disney dipped its toes into the gaming market and had games created based on their beloved films. Enter Aladdin (1995) a 2D platform game developed for the Sega Genesis.
Although the Genesis was on its final legs, Aladdin proved that the system could churn out games with phenomenal visuals and gameplay. Developed by Virgin Interactive, Aladdin (1995) loosely follows the classic Disney film’s premise and includes memorable locales like the royal palace and the Cave of Wonders. The sprite animations retain fluidity from Aladdin’s clothing to the way enemies react to his attacks.
This game utilizes Sega’s Genesis controls to its advantage. Instead of hopping on enemies to defeat them, you can perform slashes with Aladdin’s sword or throw apples at his enemies. Giving players access to different forms of attacks led to some satisfying combo potential. The game includes some fun carpet flying scenarios to break up the platforming, though. It also contained mini-games worth playing.
While a SNES version was developed, it doesn’t hold a candle to the 1995 Sega Genesis release. If you’re a retro game hunter, I’d recommend seeking this game out.
So, there we have it, our pick for the best video games based on movies through the years!
What do you think of our picks? Do you agree? Are there any notable omissions? Let us know in the comments below!