One Upcoming DC Movie Should Pave the Way for an Overdue Game

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One Upcoming DC Movie Should Pave the Way for an Overdue Game

Highlights

  • Watchmen, created by Alan Moore, broke new ground in the superhero genre, setting a standard for mature, critical storytelling.
  • Previous video game adaptations of Watchmen have fallen short, lacking depth and failing to capture the essence of the comic.
  • With the resurgence of Watchmen in recent years, and an animated movie coming soon, now is the time for a new, fully-fledged video game adaptation.

As a longtime gamer and avid comic book reader, I’ve been following the Watchmen saga since its initial release in the late 80s. The graphic novel’s influence on the superhero genre is undeniable, and it has left an indelible mark on pop culture as a whole. However, despite the countless adaptations of comic books into video games over the years, Watchmen remains the one major exception.

As a dedicated gamer and avid comic book fan, I can’t help but marvel at the rich history of this captivating industry that’s been thriving for over a century. With countless comics flooding the market, some have left an indelible mark on our collective consciousness, becoming iconic masterpieces in their own right.

First published as a monthly comic from September 1986 to October 1987, Watchmen by Alan Moore (writer) and Dave Gibbons and John Higgins (illustrators) is considered one of the most impactful comics in history. This groundbreaking work challenged the superhero genre’s norms with its mature and thought-provoking narrative. By portraying larger-than-life characters in a gritty, realistic world, Watchmen pondered the societal implications of their presence. It’s safe to assume that comics like The Boys wouldn’t exist without Watchmen’s influence. However, despite its enduring impact, fans are yet to see a satisfactory video game adaptation of this influential work.

Fans Still Need A Proper Watchmen Video Game Adaptation

Watchmen’s Video Game Track Record Has Been Disappointing

Over the past nearly 40 years, only two disappointing video game adaptations of Watchmen have emerged, falling short of the mark set by this groundbreaking comic book. Launched in tandem with Zack Snyder’s film version, these two games missed the mark when it came to conveying the wit and social commentary that define the source material. Instead, they offered simplistic superhero adventures lacking depth.

The first to release was Watchmen: Justice is Coming, an admittedly ambitious mobile MMO from developer Last Legion. Launched in March 2009, Watchmen: Justice is Coming saw players create their own superhero and take to the streets of New York, where they’d accept missions, help citizens, and take down thugs alongside other players. Unfortunately, Watchmen: Justice is Coming‘s experimental “cloudMMO” technology wasn’t quite stable, leading to endless server issues.

Prior to the storyline of Zack Snyder’s film, the game titled “Watchmen: The End is Nigh” was launched on Xbox Live Arcade, PlayStation Network, and PC in the year 2009. The game was divided into two parts, with the first part coming out in March and the second part following in July. This game features a straightforward 3D beat-em-up design, allowing players to assume control of Nite Owl and Rorschach as they engage in battles through various 1970s gritty settings such as prisons and sewers. Upon release, critics found issue with the game’s repetitive combat sequences and lack of difficulty.

Watchmen Chapter 1 Should Lead to a New Watchmen Game

Since its debut in the 1980s, “Watchmen” has continued to garner a large following. However, its fan base has significantly grown in recent times due to significant comic book collaborations such as DC’s “Doomsday Clock” limited series (2017-2019), and the 2019 HBO “Watchmen” miniseries. In August of this year, fans can look forward to an animated version of “Watchmen,” with its first installment set to be released.

In light of the enduring popularity of Watchmen in the comic book realm, now appears to be an opportune moment for launching a fully-realized video game based on this iconic series. Fans have long been clamoring for such a project, and there are numerous directions that a potential Watchmen game could take. The game might delve into the era of the Crimebusters’ golden age, transpire prior to the comic’s events, or even mirror the original storyline closely. There exists a wealth of diverse gameplay styles that would harmonize seamlessly with Watchmen‘s universe and characters.

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2024-07-20 21:34