Best Universal Monsters in Video Games

Key Takeaways

Universal Monsters in video games range from point-and-click adaptations to action adventures.
Frogwares faithfully portrays Dracula as a scary yet tragic figure in
Dracula: Origin
.
Van Helsing
allows players to fight iconic monsters in a
Devil May Cry
clone.

As a seasoned gamer who has seen his fair share of monster-filled adventures, I must say that these games have managed to breathe fresh air into some classic horror icons.

For over a century, literary monsters such as Dracula, the Mummy, and Frankenstein’s monster have thrilled and chilled audiences, especially when adapted into films by Universal Studios. This has coined the common term: Universal Monsters, which has been adapted into many movies from the 1920s to the 2020s.

As a passionate gamer, I’ve always been captivated by the timeless charm of the Universal Monsters, a cultural phenomenon that’s stood the test of time for decades. From blockbuster movie reboots to inspiring Marvel comic books, and even making their way into video game adaptations, these monsters have left an indelible mark on various forms of entertainment. Interestingly, while the Gothic horror monster genre has primarily been confined to video games as antagonists, some of these creatures have managed to excel in the digital realm, showcasing their versatility by donning both heroic and villainous roles.

8 Count Dracula in Dracula: Origin

Point-And-Click Adaptation From Van Helsing’s Perspective

Developer: Frogwares
Release Date: May 29, 2008
System: PC
Genre: Point-And-Click Adventure

Generally, Count Dracula is often portrayed as an imposing, almost divine antagonist, but in the game Dracula: Origin, Frogwares chose to deviate from this norm. Akin to their renowned Sherlock Holmes series, Frogwares stays true to the original story, painting Dracula as a sorrowful yet menacing character who is on a quest for his long-lost love reincarnated as Mina Harker.

In this point-and-click adventure, much like the classic novel Dracula, it isn’t me, the player character, who is the center of attention, but the shadowy presence of Count Dracula that lingers throughout the game. My role here is not one of direct confrontation, but rather a detective, piecing together clues and evidence about this elusive vampire.

7 Victor Frankenstein in Frankenstein: Through The Eyes Of The Monster

Tim Curry Steals The Show As The Mad Doctor

Developer: Amazing Media
Release Date: October 3, 1995
System: PC, Sega Saturn
Genre: Point-And-Click Adventure

Instead of the traditional Monster from the story, players take on the role of Victor Frankenstein’s newly formed creature in “Frankenstein: Through The Monster’s Eyes“. Throughout the game, the player is persistently harassed and mocked by a more malevolent portrayal of the mad scientist, skillfully played by Tim Curry. His character delights in an over-the-top yet menacing performance.

In this classic tale of Frankenstein, there’s a recurring debate about which character embodies the true monster: the reanimated creature itself or the scientist, Victor, who brought it to life. The game, much like Hammer Productions portraying Victor with Peter Cushing, leaves no doubt that Victor is indeed the villain of the story.

6 Various Iconic Monsters in Van Helsing

Crossover Of Many Famous Monsters In A Devil May Cry Clone

Developer: Saffire
Release Date: April 27, 2004
System: PlayStation 2, Xbox, Nintendo GameBoy
Genre: Third-Person Action-Adventure

In the fashion of the 2004 film titled Van Helsing, this character unites several legendary monsters such as Dracula, Frankenstein’s Creature, the Werewolf, and even Jekyll and Hyde. Much like the movie, it offers an exaggerated gothic action-adventure to vividly portray these creatures, mirroring a cinematic universe similar to that of Marvel movies.

The game, in essence, imitates “Devil May Cry” without shame, adhering to the blockbuster-like atmosphere of the film. Notably, Hugh Jackman, known for his portrayal of Wolverine, reappears in this role, enhancing the authenticity to the movie. Fighting various Universal monsters results in an underestimated PS2 experience, although it doesn’t necessarily bring anything fresh to the gaming genre.

5 4 Ahmanet in The Mummy: Demastered

A Silly Metroidvania That Is Better Than The Movie

In an unusual instance where a video game surpassed its cinematic counterpart, The Mummy: Demastered diverged from the reboot of The Mummy by developing a Metroidvania-style game in which players assume the role of a soldier belonging to the Prodigium organization headed by Henry Jekyll. Their mission is to confront Princess Ahmanet, who was the primary antagonist in the movie, although this is the only significant link between the game and the film.

Despite its unpredictable and seemingly chaotic nature, “The Mummy: Demastered” surprisingly offered a thrilling journey that presented a more captivating portrayal of The Mummy compared to the film. Ahmanet, much like Dracula in the “Castlevania” series, controls an army of monsters throughout the game and ultimately serves as the final boss.

3 Frankenstein’s Monster in Frankenstein: The Monster Returns

The Monster Becomes The Main Villain Of The Story

Developer: Tose
Release Date: July 1991
System: NES
Genre: Action-Adventure

Among the overlooked treasures on the initial NES, “Frankenstein: The Monster Returns” shares similarities with the original “Castlevania.” In this game, instead of Dracula being the antagonist, he becomes one of Frankenstein’s monsters, with the Frankenstein’s Monster taking on the role as the main villain. The monster’s design, a square-headed character, is inspired by Boris Karloff’s portrayal but endowed with extraordinary powers.

In the game titled “Frankenstein: The Monster Returns“, players assume the role of an anonymous hero, embarking on a challenging yet enjoyable journey where they confront adversaries such as Dracula, Death, a Werewolf, Medusa, and various other creatures. This experience is particularly appealing to fans who wish to immerse themselves in the realm of Universal monsters.

2 Lycans in The Order: 1886

Werewolves At Their Most Terrifying

In various video games such as Skyrim, Werewolf The Apocalypse: Earthblood, and Altered Beast, werewolves are frequently depicted in a romanticized manner, sometimes favorably but other times not. However, in The Order: 1886, werewolves are portrayed as terrifying monsters that ravage Victorian-era London, with a clandestine group tasked to eradicate them.

In “The Order: 1886”, werewolves, or Lycans, are terrifying entities, with their affliction appearing more like a contagious disease that transforms a human into a beastly creature. These creatures are not simple to eliminate, as the player takes on the role of Sir Galahad, who faces numerous challenges in killing these monsters using various weapons such as knives, firearms, and unique devices.

1 Count Dracula in The Castlevania: Lord Of Shadows 2

Playing Through The New Dark Origin Story Of Count Dracula

Initially, the tale of Gabriel Belmont in Castlevania: Lords Of Shadow appears to be just another installment in the established series. Yet, it takes an unexpected turn as the primary adversary isn’t Dracula; instead, we discover that Gabriel himself has transformed into Dracula in the revamped timeline, portraying a heartbreaking transformation from a valiant warrior to the feared villain of lore.

The tale unfolds further with “Castlevania: Lords Of Shadow 2,” a game that delves deep into the character of Dracula, the vampire lord. Players can experience Dracula’s transformation from villain to anti-hero, utilizing his divine power. This unique representation of Dracula stands out among other portrayals in the Castlevania series and may have even influenced Universal films like “Dracula Untold.

2024-10-03 09:06