We’ve already discussed when games get turned into these huge motion pictures along with when they work and when they don’t work, but what about when it’s the other way around. What happens when movies and TV shows get turned into games? Sometimes it’s good and sometimes it’s bad, really bad.
So when are these types of games actually good? They’re good when they’re cohesive with the movie / show that they’re taking on. They have to have the same qualities that the movie / show has and branch out to let you play in that already created universe. It also helps if you can get the people in the movie / show to actually voice the characters in the game, if not it’s just a waste of time and really takes away from the experience as a whole. These types of games can be considered bad when they’re just a money grab. The people who decided to make this game based off of a movie / show know that people who watch might also be gamers and might also play the game so they release some half-assed excuse for a game that just adds no value to the movie / show the game is based on.
I know I’ve had some squabbles with Telltale’s version of Game of Thrones, but it is seriously one of the best TV to game adaptations available. I’ve complained about the graphics and the playability in various different reviews along with how some of the original show characters aren’t panning out like they should, yes I’m talking about Daenerys, but the one thing that it has is a story that is most of the times cohesive with the show’s events while telling a completely different story within the same setting. Sounds complicated, which is the definition of Game of Thrones, but it’s not and when you compare it to other movies and TV shows that have been turned into games, it really shines.
Telltale’s Game of Thrones isn’t the only game out there based on a movie / show that is actually good. I did find enjoyment from games like Family Guy: Back to the Multiverse and South Park: The Stick of Truth. I’m even eagerly awaiting the new South Park game that was announced this year at E3. Not to mention that I enjoyed The Godfather on the PS2 as well as The Godfather II on the PS3.
Now when it comes to those bad movie / show games, I would have to say the absolute worst one I have ever played, and yes I might lose some gamer respect, is Desperate Housewives: The Game. Not only did it constantly crash making me lose my save more then once, but it was just bad. I seriously have no idea how IGN gave this game an 8.2, but this game was like The Sims gone wrong and it all took place in the Desperate Housewives universe. The shows characters looked just weird in game, the game didn’t in any way enhance the show nor was it cohesive with the show, and let’s not forget all of the product placement advertisements that were littered throughout the game. This game was a very clear and desperate money grab which sadly I got sucked in because of my love for the show and ended up with a game that is now tucked away somewhere in a closet to hide my shame.
So while I’m all for game adaptations of my favorite movie and TV shows, I would like them to actually be good. I want them to have the actual cast from the movie or the show voice the characters in the game and I want a story that is cohesive and is able to enhance my playing and viewing experience. I know, I know! I’m asking for a lot, but what can I say I usually have high expectations and get disappointed quite a bit. If a game based on a movie / show can do this, then I’m a happy gamer.
1 Broke Gamer Girl 