9 Best Modern Licensed Games

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Growing up as a gamer, I’d often hear this piece of advice: “Avoid licensed games, they’re usually not worth your time.” Mostly, it was spot-on. They were quick, low-quality money grabs that we rented from Blockbuster for the weekend, only to forget about them soon after.

In the majority of cases, most games didn’t stand out as particularly good during this period, but there were a few exceptions that demonstrated some merit. However, by the end of the 2000s, the number of high-quality licensed games noticeably decreased.

Since the situation has settled, there’s been a significant change in approach. Fewer licensed games being released have led to more attention and refinement in those that are still being produced.

There might still be some mediocre productions, but the successful ones tend to excel beyond being merely acceptable. They span various platforms, such as popular films, TV shows, and even anime.

My preference for these games could potentially stem from my fondness for the properties themselves, however, they are some of the most notable ones that have emerged in recent times for me.

In relation to this catalog, we consider a game “contemporary” if it’s been officially launched during the most recent two console releases.

9.
LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga

More Bricks, More Fun

From around the mid-2000s, LEGO games based on popular movies and TV shows have generally been quite enjoyable. They may not offer deep artistic value or intense gameplay, but they’re entertaining, adorable, and filled with witty humor for enthusiasts. If there were a LEGO game that truly maximized the concept, it would undoubtedly be LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga.

Initially, it appeared to me like just another money-making sequel, given that we’ve already played LEGO Star Wars games before. One might wonder why they felt the need to revisit the same territory again.

Instead of simply rehashing the old LEGO Star Wars content, The Skywalker Saga offers a refined, comprehensive overhaul and enhancement. Unlike the sequential stages mirroring the movie plotline, this game provides an expansive LEGO-constructed Star Wars universe for you to explore freely, filled with various Star Wars characters and locations.

Translating that into simpler, more conversational language: Instead of trying to do too much like some Star Wars games, going with a LEGO-style approach keeps things manageable. This way, you can still experience all the cool moments and locations from the movies in gameplay, but with easier controls and graphics for a more streamlined experience.

8.
RoboCop: Rogue City

Surprisingly Spry For A Metal Man

In contrast to several popular movies from the 1980s, RoboCop didn’t make a significant impact in video game adaptations. There were a few basic versions for NES and SNES, followed by a series of games that were quickly forgotten during the early 2000s, and that was essentially it.

The initial authentic endeavor to bring RoboCop to life in a playable format can be traced back to RoboCop: Rogue City.

After so many years, it’s simple to overlook, but RoboCop was indeed a rather brutal film, and Rogue City mirrors that in its graphic detail. The character of RoboCop is nothing short of a powerful natural element, withstanding even common gunfire and possessing the ability to grasp thugs by their throats and slam them into walls. To partake in this game isn’t merely about assuming the role of RoboCop; it’s about embodying a force of nature, as it truly should be.

On top of that, you occasionally handle typical police duties such as manning the station desk and handing out citations. It might not be as thrilling, but I find it adds authenticity to the job setting. Just like RoboCop, even a constant action hero needs downtime sometimes.

7.
Dragon Ball FighterZ

The High Speed Dragon Ball Experience We Always Wanted

I’m about to express an opinion that might upset some fans, but I didn’t enjoy the Dragon Ball Z Tenkaichi games as a child. Despite its accuracy in capturing the acrobatic elements of the series, it felt too floaty and imprecise for my taste.

The allure of Dragon Ball combat lies in its rapid pace, as it showcases the number of attacks, including punches and energy blasts, that characters can exchange within just a few minutes.

One significant element that likely contributed to the success of Dragon Ball FighterZ was its unique fighting mechanics, in addition to the reputation of Arc System Works. Unlike other Dragon Ball games where characters are simply collided like action figures, FighterZ is a true fighting game, characterized by speed, precision, and an emphasis on combos. Moreover, it possesses a genuine learning curve that separates casual play from advanced gameplay.

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but appreciate how this game embodies all the elements I adore from Dragon Ball – the epic beam duels, transformations, sneaky teleports, and intense power-ups accompanied by thunderous screams. It has proven that Dragon Ball isn’t just a great fit for a fighting game circuit, even with Goku making up nearly half of the roster!

6.
South Park: The Fractured But Whole

Fun Game, Topical Humor

2014’s South Park: The Stick of Truth was an unexpected success, primarily because before that, there had never been a decent South Park game. In fact, it hadn’t existed at all. It masterfully combined the humor from the show with classic RPG gameplay reminiscent of Paper Mario. Regrettably, it’s a bit outdated for this compilation, but fortunately, we have a follow-up that maintains the same style.

South Park: The Fractured But Whole expands upon the game mechanics and battle systems introduced in Stick of Truth, while also immersing players in the contemporary atmosphere of the popular TV series.

Straight after the events depicted in Season 21’s episode, the game continues, as the team struggles over the structure of their fresh superhero empire – a clever spin on the Marvel Cinematic Universe turmoil during the latter half of the 2010s.

In Fractured But Whole, you’ll delve into all the town alterations since your Stick of Truth exploration, creating a sense of coherence throughout the game. Plus, you’ll pick up magical flatulence tricks from Morgan Freeman and then confront him – an achievement I proudly showcase on my Steam profile!

5.
One Piece Pirate Warriors 4

The Ideal Spin-Off Musou

It seems quite likely that my preference for One Piece may be influencing me, but I believe the One Piece: Pirate Warriors series provides exceptionally engaging gameplay among all the spin-off Warriors games based on other licenses.

One Piece’s appeal lies in watching Luffy and his crew demolish hordes of common enemies, which could be seen as the core concept of the Warrior series.

In essence, Pirate Warriors 4 delved into some of the most thrilling contemporary storylines from the series, namely the Whole Cake Island and Wano arcs. It also introduced enhanced character development and gameplay mechanics compared to its predecessors.

In this version of Pirate Warriors, players were able to witness the entire range of Luffy’s power transformations for the first time, encompassing both versions of Gear 4, and subsequently, Gear 5 was introduced through DLC at a later stage.

In my opinion, the major flaw in the game lies in the fact that since the Wano arc was not yet completed when it was launched, they had to create an improvised conclusion for it temporarily. However, I am confident that when they produce another installment, as they likely will, this issue will be addressed.

4.
Indiana Jones And The Great Circle

Swashbuckling, Tomb-Plundering Action

Despite being highly popular, the Indiana Jones film franchise hasn’t produced an abundance of blockbuster video games. One possible reason might be that the earlier games were closely tied to the narratives of the initial movies.

It seemed that what was required, as evidenced by Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, was a fresh take on things while maintaining that unique Indiana Jones style.

Beyond offering an incredibly accurate and attractive portrayal of a young Harrison Ford in exotic settings and enigmatic tombs, I believe Great Circle successfully encapsulated what truly defined Indy. He’s tenacious, cunning, and clever; it could have easily turned into just another run-and-gun game, but instead, the focus is on stealth, environmental problem-solving, and classic hand-to-hand combat.

In simpler terms, many of the earlier Indy games seemed as if they were created solely for a paycheck. On the other hand, Great Circle appears to be a production that passionate franchise enthusiasts have crafted, striving to authentically and engagingly represent the series.

3.
Marvel’s Spider-Man

One Of The Best Spider-Man Games, Period

From a gamer’s perspective, when it comes to Marvel-based games, none can boast a more successful win-to-loss ratio than Spider-Man. And let me tell you, those classic PlayStation 1 games of his still hold a special place in my heart.

To put it another way, only a few video games so far have fully captured the essence of what it’s like to be Spider-Man, with particularly smooth web-swinging across Manhattan. The Spider-Man 2 movie game and Marvel’s Spider-Man for PS4 are two examples of these exceptional titles.

Beyond the web-slinging action that’s superbly done in this game, what truly sets it apart from others is its unique narrative – not being linked to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. While the Spider-Man from recent movies carries a significant amount of baggage, this one maintains a stronger connection with the “neighborhood hero” persona.

As a gamer myself, I can tell you that this game isn’t simply about swinging and punching; it’s about lending a helping hand to the city and forging connections within New York’s vibrant community. The intricate details, such as Spidey casually waiting on the subway for quick travel, really resonate with me – it feels like the Spider-Man I grew up admiring, the everyday New Yorker juggling responsibilities beyond his capacity.

2.
Marvel’s Guardians Of The Galaxy

Kickstart My Heart

Similar to how Marvel’s Spider-Man exists within its unique storyline instead of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy also features an independent continuity, despite being heavily influenced by the MCU’s success.

Different from Spider-Man, the Guardians didn’t have much of a blueprint in terms of games, which made the decision to create a game about them somewhat daring. Fortunately, this gamble proved successful.

Guardians of the Galaxy was, in my opinion, “refreshingly uncomplicated.” Unlike many games with sprawling open worlds, endless trivial collectibles, and obligatory online features, this one simply offered an enjoyable space-set action adventure without being overly complex. What sets it apart is arguably its fantastic soundtrack, which might just be the best any video game has ever featured. Essentially, it harks back to the simpler days of gaming, whether licensed or not.

To be honest, I’m not entirely convinced it deserved the Best Narrative award at the 2021 Game Awards, but for its category, it was an enjoyable and captivating tale, serving well to introduce the Guardians as compelling characters without the weight of Marvel Cinematic Universe associations.

1.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge

A Loving Throwback To The Arcade Age

As a die-hard Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (TMNT) fan, there’s no denying the allure of the arcade classic, Turtles in Time. If I were to dream up a new TMNT game, it would only make sense to draw inspiration from this timeless gem, which is exactly what they achieved with Shredder’s Revenge.

Shredder’s Revenge isn’t just a blast from the past for classic arcade brawler games; it’s also a heartfelt homage to the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles franchise.

In an effort to keep the authenticity, they managed to bring back a significant number of actors from the original animated series to reprise their characters’ roles. Additionally, they broadened the initial roster by introducing new characters such as Casey Jones, Splinter, and April O’Neil, who won’t require rescue this time around.

This could be referred to as a strategic use of nostalgia, but it’s more than just that. It’s the kind of nostalgia that improves upon the original, blending the charm of the classic with contemporary enhancements in gameplay quality and content. Compared to the subpar Xbox Live remaster of Turtles in Time, this is a significant improvement.

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2025-05-23 18:41