The Best Video Game Novelizations

Key Takeaways

Video game novelizations expand game lore and character depth beyond the original storytelling.
Novel adaptations enhance player engagement by delving into the universe and backstory of popular video game franchises.
Renowned authors like Karen Traviss and John Shirley bring depth and detail to video game tie-in novels, enhancing the gaming experience.

As a voracious reader and gaming enthusiast with a penchant for unraveling the intricacies of both mediums, I find myself utterly captivated by the intertwining tales that emerge from the nexus of literature and video games. Each of these novels stands as a testament to the creative prowess of their respective authors, weaving narratives that not only complement but often surpass their source material.

One could contend that the realm of video games delivers a multifaceted, immersive experience surpassing traditional forms of artistic expression. While video games have significantly advanced in many aspects of storytelling compared to literature, they frequently reintroduce their narratives into the game world through books known as game adaptations, which are based on the game’s universe and characters.

Video game novels offer fans unique opportunities to delve deeper into their beloved game series. They expand on existing storylines, enrich pre-existing lore, and often provide insights into the universe that surpass what was initially offered within the video game itself.

8 Crysis: Legion – Peter Watts

The Novelized Interpretation Of Crytek’s 2011 FPS Sequel

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but share my excitement about diving into the gripping urban combat narrative of Crysis 2’s campaign. The official novelization, penned by Peter Watts, masterfully weaves hard science-fiction elements into this thrilling tale. This captivating storyline was unveiled simultaneously with the game itself, making it an integral part of the Crysis 2 experience for all of us enthusiasts!

In the vein of its video game origin, Crysis: Legion follows the military adventures of its main character, Alcatraz, as fighting spills over onto U.S. soil. This novel, nominated for the BSFA award, skillfully leverages Watts’ intricate and detailed writing style, rather than diluting it in a popular FPS series. Instead, it goes beyond merely recounting the storyline of the game, enriching the universe of Crysis with new lore and seamlessly connecting to the narrative of Crysis 3.

7 Halo: The Kilo-5 Trilogy – Karen Traviss

A Three-Part Expansion Of A Post-Halo 3 Universe

Karen Traviss is widely recognized for her literary accomplishments in the realm of novelizations based on video games, as she has explored various science-fiction universes, encompassing works like Halo, Gears of War, and LucasArts’ Star Wars: Republic Commando series.

Delving into the delicate balance of power between humans and various alien species in the Halo universe, author Karen Traviss pens a trilogy about ONI Task Force Kilo-5 in her novels titled “Halo: Glasslands”, “Halo: The Thursday War”, and “Halo: Mortal Dictata”. This series, known as the “Kilo-5 Trilogy”, mirrors covert intelligence operations undertaken by the FBI in the 1960s, and examines the fracturing Sangheili culture while revealing the questionable measures humanity is willing to take to preserve its existence.

Despite Traviss’ undeniable knack for storytelling being evident in the Kilo-5 Trilogy, it’s worth noting that some apprehension arises when reading her work as an extension of the Halo universe due to deviations from established lore. Yet, when viewed as video game novelizations, her works rank among the finest.

6 Cyberpunk 2077: No Coincidence – Rafel Kosik

A Multi-Protagonist Character Study In Night City

Due to the well-known status and common cultural background between Rafal Kosik and CD Projekt Red, it’s not unexpected that the novelization of Cyberpunk 2077 would be entrusted to Rafal Kosik’s capable hands.

No Coincidence,” assuming readers were already acquainted with CD Projekt Red’s 2020 creation, “Cyberpunk 2077.” Instead of retelling the game’s storyline, “No Coincidence” serves as an extension of the “Cyberpunk 2077” universe. The novel follows several characters as they pursue a blackmailer in a failed heist narrative. It delves deeper into the world and inhabitants of Night City, providing additional insights beyond what was presented in the original game title.

5 Gears Of War: Coalition’s End – Karen Traviss

A Retrospective Literary Culmination Set Before Gears Of War 3

In summary, Karen Traviss’ four-part Gears of War novel series concludes with Gears of War: Coalition’s End. This final installment ties up the narrative threads from Gears of War 3 by presenting the grim events of E-Day via flashback sequences.

Traviss’ background in science fiction and video games is evident, with her work on Microsoft projects like Halo and contributions to the Batman: Arkham universe. The game Coalition’s End, which allows switching between multiple members of Delta Squad, offers a deeply personal and human perspective on the Gears series’ war against the Locust and Lambent. Given Traviss’ role as one of the main writers for Gears of War 3, the themes and characters she introduced in her tie-in works take on new significance for fans wanting a fully immersive Gears of War experience.

4 Assassin’s Creed: Forsaken – Oliver Bowden (Anton Gill)

Assassin’s Creed 3’s Initial Protagonist Is Given A Literary Backstory

In the case of “Assassin’s Creed: Forsaken,” it’s worth noting that the author credited, Oliver Bowden, could potentially be a shared pseudonym for both Andrew Homes and Anton Gill. However, the acclaim for this book is rightfully due to Anton Gill.

Known for his work as a prominent historian during the Renaissance era and recipient of the H. H. Wingate Award for non-fiction, Gill has written numerous adaptations based on Ubisoft’s historical stealth series over the years. In his novel entitled “Assassin’s Creed: Forsaken“, Gill delves into the backstory of the father character from Assassin’s Creed 3. Unlike most video game novelizations, Gill’s take on the series does not simply replicate the game’s plot but instead expands upon a beloved character who raises intriguing and often-overlooked questions about the Templar and Assassin orders.

3 Ico: Castle In the Mist – Miyuki Miyabe

An Initially Episodic Interpretation Of The 2001 Puzzle-Platformer

First published as a serial in the Japanese magazine Shūkan Gendai back in 2002, the graphic novel titled “Ico: Castle in the Mist” was eventually compiled and re-released in English on August 16, 2011.

In the same vein as the leisurely platforming and unfolding enigma presented in the 2001 adventure game, “Ico”, comes the literary creation, “Castle in the Mist”. Penned by renowned author Miyuki Miyabe, who has garnered prestigious awards like the Naoki Sanjugo Prize and is known for her influential works in detective fiction, it’s fitting that she was chosen to emulate the distinctive style of “Ico” over other potential authors. While “Castle in the Mist” might at first appear as a mere replication of Team Ico’s debut title, Miyabe herself has acknowledged that her work is more of a creative interpretation or variation on the world of “Ico”, rather than a direct replica.

2 Halo: The Fall Of Reach – Erik Nylund

The Curated Backstory Of The Master Chief That Predates Halo: Combat Evolved

Before the launch of the original Xbox and prior to the release of “Halo: Combat Evolved” by Bungie, Erik Nylund was assigned to write a novel prequel focusing on the game’s main character, the Master Chief. Consequently, numerous human-centric aspects of Spartan John-117, as portrayed in “Halo: The Fall of Reach”, have since become enduring elements within the series.

Working within Xbox Game Studios, Erik Nylund was instrumental in creating comprehensive game manuals for teams to use when crafting the narrative for video games. His meticulous approach and extensive knowledge found expression in the first Halo novel, “The Fall of Reach.” This book, which pre-dates the storyline of “Halo: Combat Evolved,” has been widely recognized as a cornerstone of Halo literature. Bungie, in their efforts to humanize the Master Chief character, aimed to make him appear less like a machine and more like an ordinary person wearing a suit. This theme has since become a significant focus in 343 Industries’ Reclaimer Saga.

1 BioShock: Rapture – John Shirley

A Detailed Literary Account Of The Rise And Fall Of BioShock’s World

2007’s popular game, BioShock, is often praised as one of the best in the gaming industry. However, John Shirley’s extensive skills in horror writing make the prequel novel for the title, BioShock: Rapture, just as impressive as Ken Levine’s original work.

As a die-hard fan of cyberpunk literature, I can personally vouch for John Shirley’s masterpiece, “BioShock: Rapture.” This gripping narrative delves deep into the genesis and dramatic downfall of Rapture, a city unlike any other, all seen through the eyes of its residents.

Reading both the underwater realm of BioShock and the works of author John Shirley are equally captivating. The British Fantasy Society stated that appreciating either one of these elements guarantees a delight for readers in BioShock: Rapture. In their review, they explain that if you’re already a fan of BioShock, this book is indispensable, and if this is your first encounter with John Shirley’s dark imagination, more intriguing pieces await you.

2024-10-06 02:34