The Top 10 Video Games Based on 90s TV Shows!

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Summary

  • 90s television made a lasting impact on video games with quality adaptations.
  • Power Rangers, The X-Files, Star Trek: DS9, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Superman, & The Simpsons influenced gameplay.
  • Quality adaptations translated the charm and essence of iconic 90s TV shows into video games.

The 1990s were not only a prosperous era for video games but also marked a significant improvement in television content and production. Television was undergoing an unprecedented boom, a surge that wouldn’t be equaled for some time, and it found itself in a tough fight with video games. As the gaming world continued to evolve, it eventually became a prime destination for TV adaptations, offering fertile ground for such collaborations over the subsequent years.

90s television significantly impacted the gaming world by producing a diverse range of shows that appealed to various age groups. These video games, modeled after 90s TV programs, have been evaluated and ranked based on their overall quality and success in translating the original shows into a video game format.

6. Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Rita’s Rewind

Rita’s Rewind Is A Thrilling Throwback To The 1990s

Back in the 90s, I was hooked on “Mighty Morphin Power Rangers,” a show that perfectly blended teen drama with superhero action against monsters. It was a hit among us kids. Nowadays, the franchise is going through some changes, but that didn’t stop Digital Eclipse from creating an outstanding “MMPR” game – “Rita’s Rewind.” This beat ’em up brings back the original Rangers in all their glory!

Delving into the style of retro beat ’em up games from back then and boasting stunning pixel art, Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Rita’s Rewind offers a fantastic experience for those who cherished the legendary TV show. The fighting feels responsive and impactful, as Digital Eclipse ensures players receive immediate feedback with each punch, all while leveraging superb sound effects and music. It’s evident that Rita’s Rewind was crafted with deep affection and devotion towards the massively popular series, effectively conveying its endearment.

5. The X-Files: Resist Or Serve

The Truth Is Out There

In the ’90s, there might not be a TV show more synonymous than The X-Files, given its exploration of FBI agents Fox Mulder and Dana Scully delving into the dark realm of conspiracy theories and government secrets that were so prominent in that time. Although a captivating point-and-click adventure game based on the series emerged in 1998, what fans had been eagerly anticipating was The X-Files: Resist or Serve. This game offered players the chance to immerse themselves fully into the roles of Mulder and Scully, experiencing their thrilling adventures in a third-person survival horror setting.

In its third set of episodes, the captivating project titled “Resist or Serve” was produced during the seventh season of The X-Files. This remarkable work was one of David Duchovny’s most intriguing projects following a disagreement with Fox that eventually led to his departure from the show. The strategic positioning of this story within the seventh season is commendable, as it seamlessly blends into the series without any noticeable gaps, effectively maintaining the original tone and aesthetic style of the TV program. The survival horror gameplay complements the essence of an X-Files game perfectly, and the authenticity of “Resist or Serve” is reinforced by the return of series leads Duchovny and Anderson to their respective roles.

4. Star Trek: Deep Space Nine – The Fallen

To Boldly Go

Even though it debuted in the late 1960s, Star Trek truly flourished during the 1990s, as it became an unstoppable force. During this decade, the franchise was successful across three live-action TV shows and blockbuster movies, and a number of video games based on these shows were released, with Star Trek: Deep Space Nine – The Fallen being one of the standouts. Given its popularity, Deep Space Nine was an ideal candidate for a video game, and developers The Collective rose to the challenge admirably.

As a dedicated gamer who’s always on the lookout for immersive experiences, let me share my thoughts about “The Fallen”. This game draws inspiration from the intriguing Deep Space Nine novel series, delving deep into the rich mythology of the Bajorans and the destiny that surrounds Captain Sisko. Unlike other games in the series, Deep Space Nine was known for its thought-provoking philosophical discussions and metaphysical ponderings, and “The Fallen” brilliantly leverages this unique lore.

With three playable characters – Captain Sisko, Worf, and Kira – at your disposal, “The Fallen” is a gripping shooter that doesn’t disappoint when it comes to thrilling phaser combat. The game also presents an intricate narrative about destiny, keeping you hooked right from the start.

3. Buffy The Vampire Slayer

Following their success in crafting captivating action games with immersive combat mechanics, The Collective was chosen to introduce the widely acclaimed WB series “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” into the gaming world. Employing their fittingly-named Slayer Engine, The Collective breathed life into Sunnydale in stunning detail, mirroring the tone, aesthetic, and atmosphere of the show with remarkable skill.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer skillfully blends hand-to-hand fighting against vampires and assorted monsters with puzzle solving and exploration, all while maintaining a narrative that seamlessly ties into the TV series. The plot was penned by various writers from the show, who expertly connected it to significant events within the series. Boasting impressive combat sequences and an authentic atmosphere, Buffy the Vampire Slayer remains an exceptional journey, offering the most immersive way to engage with the captivating supernatural teen drama in video game form.

2. Superman: Shadow Of Apokolips

Following the spectacular success of their animated Batman series, Bruce Timm and his team chose to breathe life into Superman next. Taking inspiration from the Fleischer cartoons of the 1940s, Superman: The Animated Series represented a daring, contemporary reimagining of the Man of Steel that skillfully modernized numerous aspects of the character in remarkable ways. Two years following the series finale, this iconic show received a premium adaptation into a video game titled Superman: Shadow of Apokolips.

In “Shadow of Apokolips,” the experience feels remarkably lifelike, with the art deco cityscape of Metropolis being a visual treat. The voice cast from the original series has returned, including Tim Daly and others, lending authenticity to the characters. Flying is exhilarating, as pressing a shoulder button propels Superman into the sky in a manner that no other game featuring Superman has quite matched since. “Shadow of Apokolips” remains the finest Superman game ever produced, and its connection to the beloved animated series only enhances its allure.

1. The Simpsons: Hit & Run

As a dedicated gamer, I’ve been hooked on “The Simpsons” ever since it first graced our screens in the ’90s. This iconic animated series has not only captivated millions worldwide but also sparked a yearning to see the Simpson family in video games. From brawling games to wrestling matches, they’ve made appearances across various genres. But among all these adaptations, “The Simpsons: Hit & Run” stands out as the absolute best for Springfield’s unforgettable residents. This open-world game feels like a charming spin-off of “Grand Theft Auto,” making it an experience I always look forward to revisiting.

In the creation of the series “Hit & Run”, its writers played a significant role and even reassembled the original voice cast, infusing an air of authenticity and genuine wit that might have been absent otherwise. The dialogue is both outlandishly funny and hilarious, with the signature humor and sharp satire still in full swing. At the time, driving around a three-dimensional version of Springfield was quite novel, as it had previously only been depicted in two dimensions. With its enduring charm, laughter, and brilliance mirroring the show, “The Simpsons: Hit & Run” is long past due for a remaster or remake.

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2025-04-11 13:54