9 Best Movie Tie-in Video Games

Over the span of numerous gaming eras, it’s become nearly a universal consensus that “games based on other media sources usually fall short.

It’s quite common for video games tied to new or popular movies to miss the mark, due to some unexplained reasons.

This custom is seldom seen nowadays, likely due to the numerous failures experienced during the early-to-late 2000s by most of us.

Despite the common perception that most tie-in games aren’t good, some have risen above the rest and made a name for themselves over time. This can be compared to the saying, “Even a broken clock is right twice a day.

These tie-ins effectively strike a harmony by crediting the original content while also maintaining an engaging, entertaining experience, making them complete, enjoyable games.

9. X-Men Origins: Wolverine

Lousy Movie, Excellent Game

2009’s X-Men Origins: Wolverine was generally met with negative feedback among viewers. While the action sequences were acceptable, the overall film lacked depth and excitement, and to make matters worse, they inexplicably chose to silence Deadpool by sewing his mouth shut.

Interestingly enough, the poor quality film surprisingly spawned a video game that could well be among the top X-Men games ever created. This high-octane action title resembles a blend between the epic combat style of God of War and the dynamic gameplay of Devil May Cry.

Logan demonstrates exceptional nimbleness, making it effortless for him to dart among numerous opponents. Moreover, his ability to recover from injuries adds an engaging twist to the frequently used cliché of regenerative health.

Beyond the storyline and characters, the game incorporates some additional elements from the X-Men universe, such as cameos by figures like Mystique and confrontations against the Sentinels. In truth, I’d advise you to skip the movie altogether and give the game a try instead.

8. Spider-Man 2 (2004)

King Of Swing

Prior to the Sam Raimi Spider-Man trilogy, Spidey was already a familiar character in the video game world.

The majority of his games were acceptable, yet they failed to fully exploit his distinctive abilities, even the one linked to the initial movie. These games primarily revolved around action combat, with the odd web-slinging chase thrown in for good measure.

Although the connection to Spider-Man 2 extended a bit more than expected, it effectively immersed you deeply into the role of Spider-Man, if I may say so without sounding too trite.

The swinging mechanics were incredibly lifelike, requiring careful adherence to physical laws rather than allowing random directions. This added a greater level of immersion and engagement.

In this gaming adventure, I find myself diving deep into a narrative that mirrors the movie’s storyline quite accurately, from my encounters with Doc-Ock to no end. Yet, it’s not just about the main quest – there are plenty of side activities scattered around the city that keep me hooked! The most unforgettable of these distractions has got to be the pizza delivery minigame, complete with a catchy tune that sticks in your head like glue.

7. The Thing

Actually Got A Remaster

Few movie tie-in games are exceptional enough to earn a cherished spot in gaming lore, and it’s extremely uncommon for one of these games to be so popular that it warrants a remaster in today’s era.

The game based on John Carpenter’s The Thing is one of those rare few.

First introduced in 2002 and enhanced in 2024, “The Thing” stands as a chilling survival-horror video game, set several months following the occurrences depicted in the 1982 movie.

With a complete arsenal of military gear at your disposal, you’re ready to confront any remaining entities. However, you won’t be alone in this mission, as you have several friendly non-player characters (NPCs) joining forces with you.

This game significantly references the film through its trust mechanism, where actions that seem dubious or questionable could lead your companions to suspect you’re actually a disguised entity. Neglecting their well-being might cause them to disregard your instructions or even betray you completely.

6. GoldenEye 007

The King Of Console Multiplayer

Without a doubt, GoldenEye 007 is a classic video game that requires no introduction. If you were around during the ’90s, chances are you either personally owned a Nintendo 64 or had a friend who did, and you’ve certainly given this iconic game a spin – no exceptions!

Many of us were yet to watch the James Bond movie that came out two years before this game, but it made no difference.

The solo mode was entertaining, offering a variety of weapons and devices to utilize, along with some thrilling super-spy scenarios. However, let’s shift our focus to the main event – the multiplayer aspect.

As a devoted gaming enthusiast, I can say that GoldenEye’s four-player deathmatch provided an unparalleled experience of authentic shootout gameplay right at home.

The combat system is both intuitive and adaptable, making it simple to understand and customizable to fit various house rules.

Whether you were sparring using only karate chops or preventing the endless threat of Oddjob, it was your responsibility to arrange and control the game as you wished, and this is what made it the epitome of a fun party game.

5. Peter Jackson’s King Kong

Minimal UI Done Right

For several years, certain games that lean towards artistry have attempted to minimize or entirely remove user interfaces to create a more “filmic” experience.

In this endeavor, outcomes have been diverse, yet some might contend that the first notable step forward was the video game associated with Peter Jackson’s 2005 reboot of King Kong.

In this game, you’ll take turns controlling our main character, Jack Driscoll, during first-person shooting stages, and the giant ape in more conventional brawling sequences.

In both scenarios, there’s a scarcity of Head-Up Display (HUD) indicators; therefore, you must rely on visual perception and intuition to gauge aspects such as health status and accuracy in aiming.

As a devoted enthusiast, I’ve noticed that certain decisions in this game can feel a bit quirky at times, like assigning a separate button for Jack to verbally disclose his remaining ammunition. However, overall, these unique features prove quite functional and enhance the gaming experience.

As Jack, you find yourself deeply enveloped by the heavy, oppressive ambiance of Skull Island, while at the same time, towering above all else like Kong, the colossal ape.

4. The Chronicles Of Riddick: Escape From Butcher Bay

Remarkably Crisp Stealth Gameplay

2004’s The Chronicles of Riddick showcases one of Vin Diesel’s most iconic characters, Richard B. Riddick. However, this film is often criticized, with its reception being even more negative than that of its predecessor, Pitch Black, which also didn’t fare well in the eyes of many viewers.

It seems that making Riddick a film character was the primary error, as he would’ve been more fitting as a video game character instead.

In “The Chronicles of Riddick: Escape from Butcher Bay,” we find ourselves delving into events that unfold before the movies, where the character Riddick endeavors to break free from a high-security penitentiary.

The standout feature of this game is its stealth mechanics, which have been compared to games such as Metal Gear Solid and Splinter Cell. However, if you make a mistake while sneaking, there’s an option to defend yourself. For the most part, the early combat encounters are focused on melee interactions.

The game borrows some elements from the Hitman series, enabling you to conceal or remove enemies who have been either killed or subdued, and surprise unsuspecting foes. In essence, it’s a game that draws inspiration from various other titles, resulting in a more robust experience overall.

3. Shrek 2

Old-School Co-Op Brawler

The category of animated movies often had some of the poorest quality tie-in video games, and this was especially true for those associated with Dreamworks productions.

Let’s avoid discussing the tie-in game for Bee Movie. However, if DreamWorks had an animated franchise they’d pour more effort into, it might just be their classic hit, Shrek.

In the video game that complemented the second Shrek movie, they chose a four-player brawling style game, allowing you and your companions to switch among four storybook characters, each possessing unique attack methods and skills for both fighting and problem-solving scenarios.

The fight scene wasn’t overly complex, but it was filled with exciting scenes reminiscent of the film and some thrilling moments where individual characters showcased their unique abilities in mini-games, often referred to as “their time to shine.

It’s hilarious to play as Fiona for a rhythm game where she sings so loud she makes birds explode.

2. The Godfather

Crime From A Different Time

By the year 2006, I found myself completely immersed in the open-world crime shooter genre, a testament to the incredible impact games like Grand Theft Auto 3 and Vice City had on the public.

the Corleone family.

2006’s Godfather video game follows a narrative that mirrors the original 1972 movie in some ways. In this game, you control a fresh recruit in the Corleone family, navigating your path to power amidst the storyline’s unfolding.

Beyond the standard cruising and gunplay typical of such games, this one offers a deep criminal administration system that lets me strong-arm businesses for protection fees and sort out feuds with competing clans.

The intriguing aspect of the game’s narrative is its occasional overlap with famous scenes from the movie, such as the scene where a horse’s head appears in Jack Woltz’s bed. Guess who was responsible for that? Yes, it was you.

1. LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga

Smaller And More Marketable

Ever since the debut of LEGO Star Wars back in 2005, the company has produced spin-offs based on various well-known movies and franchises, which have generally been met with favorable responses.

Many of these games have a straightforward nature, yet they’re adorable, safe, and enjoyable for playtime with children. Among all LEGO games, the one that stands out as the most engaging and ambitious, derived from a particular movie series, is LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga.

The Skywalker Saga presents a charmingly humorous LEGO adaptation of the nine primary Star Wars movies, complete with Minifig characters and construction block settings.

Although it may seem straightforward in appearance, this game offers an expansive experience by providing vast, playable areas representing all significant planets from the series for exploration.

This new LEGO Star Wars game boasts an extensive collection of characters to discover, surpassing any previous game in the series. Additionally, there are numerous secrets hidden within and beyond the main levels, waiting to be unveiled. If you’re aiming for a swift introduction to Star Wars for a child, this game could be your best bet.

2025-04-02 16:11