The Best Games Based On Books

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Key Takeaways

  • Video games offer a perfect platform for book adaptations to thrive due to their ability to tell massive stories.
  • Middle-Earth: Shadow of Mordor broke expectations by building upon Tolkien’s world, offering a unique experience.
  • The Witcher novels serve as a fantastic prequel to The Witcher 3 game, laying the foundation for the iconic characters and story.

As a seasoned gamer with a penchant for tales spun from the pages of books, I must say that this list has truly struck a chord within me. It’s as if these games were crafted to cater to my very soul, which seems to be perpetually entangled in the web of stories spun by the written word.

Video games have an incredible ability to draw from numerous forms of media as their basis, yet often overlooked is the rich potential that books hold as a source of inspiration. Given that both books and video games can weave intricate narratives over extended periods, it’s plausible that video games might offer the ideal environment for book adaptations to flourish.

Exploring innovative spins on timeless literature, as well as catapulting lesser-known books into the limelight, numerous intriguing video games based on books are definitely worth exploring – even graphic novels make an appearance in this list!

Honorable Mention – Spec Ops: The Line

Although the game isn’t named “Spec Ops: The Line,” it is undeniably influenced by Joseph Conrad’s work, “Heart of Darkness.” Just like this novel served as inspiration for films such as “Apocalypse Now” and “Aguirre, The Wrath of God,” it has played a significant role in shaping the game’s narrative.

The story unfolds in the late 1800s, with Charles Marlow embarking on a voyage up the Congo River in pursuit of the ruthless Kurtz, who is exploiting laborers throughout the region. Paralleling this, players assume the role of Captain Walker in Spec Ops: The Line, tracking down Colonel Konrad (a veiled reference) and subsequently experiencing a descent into madness. This game serves as an engaging introduction to the novel’s themes and remains one of the most impactful ever created due to its lasting influence on gaming culture today.

7 Middle-Earth: Shadow of Mordor

Celebrimbor Cuts Through

2014 saw a good deal of skepticism when Middle-Earth: Shadow of Mordor was released, with many doubting the potential of a game based in the Lord of the Rings universe. However, Middle-Earth: Shadow of Mordor defied expectations, expanding on J.R.R. Tolkien’s world, delving into an under-explored aspect of the story, and setting a remarkable standard for the franchise.

In this game, players assume command over Talion, a Gondorian Ranger initially slain at the outset but who forges an alliance with Celebrimbor, a maker of the One Ring. After their union, Talion transforms into a spectral entity driven by vengeance. This game offers an exhilarating action adventure with a renowned rivalry system that other games haven’t quite matched yet.

6 Rainbow Six: Siege

Tactical Action Made Visceral

Some players might be astonished to learn that “Rainbox Six” originates from a collection of Tom Clancy books, and “Rainbow Six: Siege” follows suit in this regard. Over the years, Clancy’s name has transcended storytelling and become more synonymous with a brand, but “Siege” embodies the strategic gameplay that made his novels iconic for tactical action.

As a gamer, I can confirm that Rainbow Six: Siege might not be directly based on any single Tom Clancy novel, but it sure does borrow heavily from his works to create its characters, settings, and storylines. Though the recent characters in Siege have become quite eccentric, for those gamers seeking a more authentic take on similar themes, diving into the original Tom Clancy novels is definitely recommended.

5 The Wolf Among Us

This Is No Fairy Tale

2010s’ early period saw Telltale Games at their peak, and following the phenomenal success of The Walking Dead adaptation, another masterpiece titled The Wolf Among Us made its appearance. This game might even surpass The Walking Dead as players delve into and engage with the extraordinary universe of Fables, a creation by Bill Willingham.

In this game, players assume the role of Bigby Wolf, who is not only the big bad wolf but also a detective/sheriff in a secret town named Fabletown. This town is inhabited by characters from fairy tales and folklore. The environment is filled with gritty, noir elements, making it an ideal choice for fans of Telltale’s gaming style, enthusiasts seeking a fresh twist on the noir genre, or gamers eagerly awaiting the sequel, as it promises to be thrilling and engaging.

4 Parasite Eve

Christmas In Hell

Originating from the 1995 novel of the same title by Hideaki Sena, “Parasite Eve” has earned a cult following since its PS1 days, with its enduring popularity stemming from its distinct setting, gameplay style, and the intriguing blend of science-fiction and horror elements.

In this action-packed sci-fi adventure, you assume the role of Aya Break, an NYPD officer celebrating Christmas. Your mission is to confront Eve, a malevolent entity able to detonate humans on command, who aims to give birth to an alleged Ultimate Being intended for human annihilation. This thrilling ride combines elements from classic B-movies with genuine jumps that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

3 I Have No Mouth, and I Must Scream

A Special Kind Of Horror

In contrast to many books adapted into video games that typically conclude on a positive note, the game adaptation of “I Have No Mammoth, And I Must Scream ” deviates from this pattern by intensifying the misery portrayed in the original story, leaving players with an overwhelming feeling of desolation.

According to Harlan Ellison’s short story, this game depicts a post-apocalyptic world where a powerful supercomputer named AM governs, keeping the last five humans alive solely to inflict various agonizing torments upon them. Players assume command of each character, delving into their past in one of the grimmest adventure games ever created. However, it remains engaging due to the profound thoughts and questions it raises.

2 Metro: Exodus

Hell Is Other People

The great thing about books as source material is that there are so many brilliant stories told in languages other than English. That’s exactly the case with the Metro games, based on the novels of the same name by Dmitry Glukhovsky.

The Metro series, including its novels and games, depict a post-nuclear Moscow where survivors live in the underground metro system, coexisting with mutated creatures. In the latest installment, Metro: Exodus, the storyline ventures out of the confined metro and into the dangerous open world, serving as both an extension of the original books’ narrative and a fresh innovation.

1 The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Steel For Men, Silver For Monsters

Without a doubt, nothing surpasses this list. First published in 1993 by the Polish author Andrzej Sapkowski, “The Witcher” novels serve as an excellent introduction to Geralt’s narrative and act as a prequel to the primary trilogy of video games, setting the stage for the captivating tale that follows.

The foundations for all future events in the games were established, encompassing Geralt’s clever inner dialogues as a monster hunter (and his formidable allies), along with the discrimination he encounters. Reading these is crucial to fully appreciate the scope of the story that the games build upon and conclude, culminating in one of the most remarkable trans-media stories told within the fantasy genre.

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2024-10-26 07:05