Games You Didn’t Realize Had Movie Adaptations

Summary

Video game adaptations into film have a history of negative reception but TV series adaptations have improved the trend.
Double Dragon (1994) film adaptation may not have faithfully followed the game and received criticism for writing and acting.
Need for Speed (2014) had a star-studded cast and made back its budget, but failed to leave a lasting impact or become a cult classic.

As a longtime enthusiast of video games, I must say that the transition from digital worlds to the silver screen has not always been a smooth one. Having spent countless hours immersed in these virtual universes, it’s disheartening to see adaptations that fail to capture the essence that made us fall in love with them in the first place.

Adaptations of video games into films have existed for quite some time now, but they’ve generally carried a negative image until quite recently. More often than not, these film adaptations have faced criticism for failing to capture the essence of the original game, an issue that some claim has been addressed more effectively by television series adaptations.

Less contemporary film versions of video games aren’t always well-received by critics, but they often fare better with the fanbase of the original source material. Nevertheless, there are numerous video game adaptations that have been buried due to poor reception, limited success, and the passage of time. These relatively little-known ventures into the world of video game movies are still overshadowed by even other poorly received adaptations.

5. Double Dragon

An Earlier Entry

The game Double Dragon, while it may appear to be an antique from a bygone era to some, with its popularity peaking between the 80s and 90s, has surprisingly been revived, updated, and kept alive in different forms as late as 2023. Contrastingly, if you’re seeking something that perfectly encapsulates the 90s vibe, I’d point you towards the 1994 film adaptation of Double Dragon.

In this movie, we see Scott Wolf portraying Billy and Mark Dacascos playing Jimmy, two rebels taking on a ruthless gang that dominates a re-named Los Angeles, now known as New Angeles, under the rule of the formidable Koga Shuko, played by Robert Patrick. Unlike in the games, the enigmatic Willy, the final boss and leader of the Black Warriors Gang, remains unseen. Instead, the character of Marian, previously a captive and love interest in the games, is reimagined as another rebel, played by Alyssa Milano, who plays a more significant role in the storyline. Notable enemies from the games, such as Abobo and Linda, also make appearances in this film.

In simpler terms, although some might say the movie isn’t an exact copy of the game, its basic storyline, which had the brothers battling a gang, may not have been as appealing as a more accurate adaptation. However, the criticism seems to focus more on the script and acting rather than the adaptation itself. Despite some film elements being seen later in the series, such as Marian fighting or Shuzo’s appearance, this appreciation doesn’t seem to extend to the movie itself.

4. Dungeon Siege

In The Name Of Boll

Uwe Boll is a movie director whose film versions of video games have often been met with criticism from fans of both mediums. His interpretations of games like “Postal”, “Far Cry”, and “Alone In The Dark” (among others) have all received negative feedback. However, it’s possible that his 2007 adaptation of the 2002 game, “Dungeon Siege”, may have slipped under the radar due to a change in the title for the movie. Instead of being called “Dungeon Siege”, it was marketed as “In the Name of the King: A Dungeon Siege Tale” (2007).

In the game, the main storyline (which actually clashes with certain aspects of the gameplay) isn’t strictly adhered to.

As Camden Konreid, I’ve experienced my share of heartache when I lost my son to the ruthless Krug, under the control of the sinister magus Gallian (Liotta). However, this tragedy led me to uncover my true royal lineage with King Konreid (Reynolds), which explains why he kept me away from the palace for safety reasons. Unfortunately, Gallian has an accomplice in Konreid’s treacherous nephew Fallow (Lillard), who desires the throne and sees my existence as a threat to his plans. With the support of my loyal friend Norick (Perlman) and the wise royal magus Merick (Davies), among others, I embark on a mission to stop Gallian and the Krug from claiming any more innocent lives. Despite being released in theaters, the film unfortunately failed to recover much of its budget at the box office.

This movie shares some fundamental aspects with the game, but it significantly alters many others. The film specifically creates a storyline about the royal bloodline that doesn’t exist in the original material. Interestingly, In the Name of the King had a sort of separation from Dungeon Siege for its two straight-to-video sequels. Uwe Boll’s subsequent films, like Two Worlds (2011) and The Last Mission (2014), bear no resemblance to the series they were originally based on. They introduce time travel elements and a stronger emphasis on overthrowing corrupt rulers. If we consider The Last Mission as a movie adaptation, it would be Boll’s last work in this subgenre.

3. Elf Bowling

A Gutter Ball Of A Movie

Based On: Elf Bowling (1998-2008)
Directed By: Dave Kim and Rex Piano
Genre: Sports-Comedy

Despite the common stereotype that video game movies are expensive live-action flops, Elf Bowling: The Movie – The Great North Pole Elf Strike (2007) demonstrates that an animated video game film can be equally, if not even more, disastrous.

In simpler terms, let’s discuss the game “Elf Bowling,” a title that may not be familiar to many. While it might seem straightforward, the game has a storyline. During the holiday season, elves are on strike, and Santa steps in, not with negotiation, but with a bowling ball, aiming for a different kind of work stoppage. The series evolved over time, introducing remasters and various sports involving real elves. Characters like Santa, Mrs. Claus, Santa’s brother Dingle Kringle, and an elf named Elliot appeared throughout the games, offering multiple character options. The series had a somewhat edgy sense of humor that softened in later versions but never completely vanished. The franchise was last seen in the late 2000s, but it did make its way to the big screen before its apparent end.

In a peculiar twist of the game’s narrative, this rendition appears surprisingly tame given its origins. It functions as a prequel tale, tracing Kris Kringle’s journey from a pirate bowler to the beloved figure of Father Christmas. After being stranded in the North Pole with his idle brother, Dingle, they encounter elves and a human woman living among them. This encounter triggers Santa’s transformation, as well as the introduction of elf bowling. While elf bowling was once a punishment in the original game, here, the elves generally seem to enjoy it. Regrettably, Dingle falsely accuses Santa of his own misdeeds to provoke the elves into turning against him. This manipulation aims to hypnotize the elves and make them follow Dingle’s commands instead of Santa’s, leading to a series of events where Dingle sings about how “slavery drives the world” and forcing the elves to work in a sweatshop. Eventually, Santa uncovers Dingle’s deceit and rectifies the situation once more.

Although boasting renowned voice actors like Joe Alaskey and Tom Kenny, the Kringle brothers’ performances couldn’t save the movie from its less-than-stellar reputation. Some critics argued that the humor in the game and the film catered to vastly different demographics, with the movie aiming at a much younger audience compared to those who once played Elf Bowling. It appears that, much like the game itself, Elf Bowling the Movie has largely faded from public consciousness. However, surprisingly, it experienced a remarkable revival in 2021 through a stage show produced by Chapman University’s performing arts group, The Player’s Society.

2. Need For Speed

At The Pace Of A 2-Hour Movie

In the cinematic interpretation of the “Need for Speed” video game series, known for its multiple installments with diverse, inconsistent storylines and racing mechanics, the movie had the liberty to take creative liberties. The film, boasting an illustrious cast, revolved around a car mechanic and proficient driver who was falsely accused of murdering his friend. In an attempt to clear his name, he embarked on a journey towards redemption, which included high-speed racing. This ensemble featured actors like Aaron Paul, Imogen Poots, Dominic Cooper, Rami Malek, and Michael Keaton. The production budget was reportedly $66 Million.

Despite earning more than double its production cost at the box office and being critically panned, Need for Speed doesn’t seem to have left a lasting impact. Critics compared it unfavorably to the Fast & Furious series, with Betsy Sharkey of the Los Angeles Times suggesting that it was striving to mimic the franchise in an article for her publication.

As a devoted movie enthusiast, I must admit that there’s nothing quite like seeing a film that initially falls flat but then gains a dedicated following over time, becoming a beloved cult classic. Regrettably, it appears that such a transformation hasn’t occurred in the last ten years since this particular movie hit the screens.

1. Monster Hunter

Fairly New, But Not Any More Remarkable

Paul W. S. Anderson is recognized for creating movies based on video games. He directed the 1995 film “Mortal Kombat”, which was both a financial hit and gained cult status, earning praise from numerous fans of the violent combat game. Additionally, he played a significant role in the financially successful but critically derided “Resident Evil” movie franchise (2002-2016), during which his wife, Milla Jovovich, starred prominently.

Towards the close of 2020, another movie by Anderson was unveiled, titled “Monster Hunter.” Milla Jovovich reprised her role this time as Natalie Artemis, a U.S. Army Ranger who is unexpectedly transferred to the realm where the Monster Hunter games are set. As a result, Natalie takes on the role of a monster hunter herself, joining forces with others in this strange new world. Anderson mentioned that he intended the outsider character to embody the feeling of exploring the series and its creatures for the first time, drawing inspiration from his personal experience of discovering the game.

As a die-hard fan of video games, I must admit that the film adaptation of Monster Hunter didn’t quite capture the same level of success or appreciation as the original series. Despite its recognition today, the movie underperformed commercially and received mixed reviews from critics. To make matters worse, a joke made by the character Axe, played by MC Jin, was met with criticism from Chinese audiences. The joke, where Axe referred to his knees as “chi-knees,” was seen as reminiscent of a racist playground chant.

To put it simply, although I was initially thrilled about Anderson’s involvement in this project, it didn’t quite capture the magic of his past video game adaptations. As a result, it seems to have faded from the limelight not long after its debut, almost as if it had been quietly forgotten.

2024-12-23 07:34