Top 7 Must-Play Games Based on Movie Franchises

Movie-based games often carry a negative image, likely due to film tie-ins – these are games created primarily to convert a motion picture experience into a video game format, capitalizing on the movie’s popularity at the box office.

Beyond what we’ve discussed, there exists a broader category known as “video games based on movie franchises.” These games are not directly linked to any specific film, but rather serve to expand the universe or storyline of the franchise. Here are some examples that complement existing movie series by offering something distinct and enjoyable:

1. Alien Isolation (Alien Franchise)
2. The Hobbit: Kingdoms of Middle-earth (The Lord of the Rings/The Hobbit)
3. Jurassic World Evolution (Jurassic Park/World)
4. Batman: Arkham Asylum (DC Comics / Batman Franchise)
5. Injustice 2 (DC Comics)
6. The Godfather (The Godfather Franchise)
7. Terminator: Resistance (Terminator Franchise)
8. Mad Max (Mad Max: Fury Road and the Mad Max franchise)
9. Mortal Kombat X (Mortal Kombat franchise)
10. Resident Evil 2 (Resident Evil franchise)

7. Star Wars: Republic Commando

Giving Clones Some Spotlight

In the time when Clone Wars merchandise was generally well-received, the “Clone Wars Adventures” comics were popular and an animated series titled “Star Wars: The Clone Wars” was about to debut. Although clones had already appeared in the prequel trilogy, their presence wasn’t extensive, providing ample opportunities for storytelling within this era of Star Wars. In this context, the game “Star Wars: Republic Commando” places players in the role of a commanding officer of a Republic Commando unit, specifically referred to as “Boss.

The game has a resemblance to “Halo: Combat Evolved“, however, unlike the original, only three marine escorts can accompany the character at once. Contrarily, in “Republic Commando“, some modifications are needed on PC for it to run in widescreen. Despite this, the game is exceptional; ironically, even after 10 years, Halo couldn’t emulate this game’s concept with “Halo 5: Guardians“.

6. Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora

Become Na’vi

The video game titled “Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora” is a map-marker driven open-world adventure, taking place after James Cameron’s initial “Avatar” film. Like games such as “Far Cry” or “Assassin’s Creed”, it shares similar themes but customizes these elements to fit the world of Pandora, introducing fresh mechanics to deepen player engagement.

This develops a game that carries the essence of a worthy successor to Far Cry, breathing new life into the series by incorporating numerous mechanical adjustments tailored for the environment of Avatar. If the concept of experiencing a Far Cry game on an extraterrestrial planet intrigues you, I’d recommend giving it a go.

5. Robocop: Rogue City

Alternative Take on FPS gameplay

Robocop: Rogue City is a first-person shooter role-playing game developed by Teyon, known for creating Terminator: Resistance. Unlike being based on any specific movie, this game offers a loosely alternate interpretation of the third film. The developers have cleverly replicated Alex Murphy’s methodical mechanical movements, creating a game that is distinct and unusual compared to most first-person shooters, as it blends elements of gallery shooter and traditional first-person shooter styles.

In contrast to many games where players seek shelter, Robocop: Rogue City primarily encourages players to operate in open areas for maximum effectiveness in combat. This creates a gaming experience that deviates from the norm found in most shooter games, yet remains true to the game’s original content.

4. Alien: Isolation

A Return to Horror

Alien: Isolation was crafted by Creative Assembly, known for developing Total War and Halo Wars 2. Unlike their strategy games, Alien: Isolation falls squarely within the horror genre. The game is particularly lauded for its sophisticated AI system that learns player habits and seeks to counter them, making each playthrough a unique challenge. For instance, the alien adversary may dodge expected attacks or set traps in frequented areas, keeping players on their toes.

This action was taken to re-establish the mood similar to the initial ‘Alien’ movie, as the series introduced more action aspects in its subsequent sequels. Remarkably, the game faced some disputes due to its challenging nature.

3. Indiana Jones and the Great Circle

A Triumph and Surprise

2024 saw an unexpected success with the release of “Indiana Jones and the Great Circle”. Initially, there was a hint of apprehension about its arrival, given that the “Uncharted” series already thrives in the adventure genre. However, Machine Games, primarily recognized for their first-person games, managed to create a compelling experience for Indiana Jones’ franchise, even from a distance. Remarkably, they pulled it off splendidly.

The game offers a mix of puzzle-solving, stealth, hand-to-hand, and long-range fighting. If you imagine something similar to Dishonored, but with added detective aspects, it might not fully capture its distinctiveness. This game is a must-play for fans of the movie genre, along with those seeking an adventure reminiscent of “tomb raiding.

2. The Lord of the Rings Online

Supplementary Material

Indeed, while “The Lord of the Rings” is a book series, this game draws significant inspiration from Peter Jackson’s film trilogy. This can be seen in the designs of characters and monsters. Released four years after the trilogy ended, “The Lord of the Rings Online” leveraged the popularity of these movies and the surge of success in MMO games like “World of Warcraft.

This game shares many characteristics with “World of Warcraft”, being a tab-target MMO that’s relatively newbie-friendly, but it’s set in Middle Earth instead. Remarkably, despite its age approaching 20 years, the game remains fully functional and even receives regular updates with fresh content and system upgrades. This MMO is a fascinating piece of preserved history, making it an excellent choice for those seeking an MMO with a smaller, more intimate community.

1. LEGO: Star Wars Skywalker Saga

A Franchise You Can’t Go Wrong With

LEGO games dominate the movie license market and rank among the top family-friendly games. They offer enjoyable gameplay for both adults and children, with seamless local multiplayer options. These games provide a unique, humorous take on cinema events and expansive universes, while still delivering high-quality gameplay.

LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga stands out among the various LEGO games, earning its place on this list because it encompasses the entire Star Wars franchise in its current form. For those not acquainted with the LEGO game series, they are platformer puzzle games interspersed with action sequences; a delight to play. They’re highly recommended for those yet to experience them.

2025-01-27 02:36