Traditionally, video games have had a rather tempestuous relationship with big and small screen adaptions. Movies and TV series based on games have often suffered in comparison to their playable counterparts, and even some of the most popular properties have failed to make the right kind of impact in a different medium. Video game adaptions are more well-known for their flops, and there’s generally a certain skepticism for announcements of a video game IP jumping to another medium. However, with the financial success of films like 2020’sSonic the Hedgehogand themore recentUnchartedfilm, it doesn’t look like video game adaptions will be drying up anytime soon.
The relationship also goes the other way, with some video game tie-ins to movies and TV series providing some really enjoyable experiences. However, the relationship can also be as disastrous as it often is when video games are adapted, with licensed games lacking substance. Nevertheless, there are still some TV shows and films that appear ripe for a game adaptation. Streaming powerhouseDisney Plushas been very busy of late, churning out a number of original TV series that have proved popular with audiences. There are more than a few series on the platform that also emulate the structure of a video game, and would make the perfect adaptation.
RELATED:New Ms. Marvel Poster Kicks Off 50-Day Countdown With Vibrant Look At The Cast
Action-Packed Adventures on Disney Plus
With Disney’s acquisition of both Marvel andStar Wars, the cultural mainstay has only increased its power and provided fans with more than enough content to consume. While some might argue that people are starting to suffer from franchise fatigue, Disney has continued to push some creative boundaries with its new series, as well as add some interesting canon to long-established IPs. There are a number of bothMarvel andStar WarsTV shows on Disney Plusthat would make excellent video games. While there have already been a number of games from both of those franchises, some newer series could provide interesting new directions.
The newest Marvel show,Moon Knight, breaks the mold in more ways than one. Set slightly apart from the main Marvel timeline,Moon Knightfollows a man with dissociative identity disorder as he acts as the avatar for Khonshu, the Egyptian god of the moon. The series shows Marc Spector flit between his different personalities, as well as hissuperhero forms Moon Knight and Mr. Knight.
An action game that allowed players to change their protagonist at will depending on the situation would work well, especially with each version of the character bringing different abilities and skillsets to the table. Exploring Egyptian tombs and handling more modern threats aligns it with games likeTomb Raider, and perfectly meshes exploration and action.
A Marvel series likeHawkeyewould also transition well, and could emulate both the exceptional bow-focused combat from games likeHorizon Zero Dawn, and thementor/mentee dynamic fromThe Last of UsandGod of War. The elements of investigation, stealth, and more straightforward action lend themselves perfectly to a video game as well. Kate Bishop’s journey from rookie superhero to indisputable badass also has action RPG written all over it, and would translate well to a player’s task of leveling up their character through various missions.
Disney Plus' variousStar Warsseries also seem like perfect video game candidates, even though there are already a plethora of amazingStar Warsgames for players to enjoy.TheBook of Boba Fettexplores the franchise’s unique space western tropes, while also introducing new elements like establishing a foothold in the criminal underworld while facing down other threats. Boba Fett andFennec Shand’s systematic takeover of the Hutt’s dominionwould allow players to balance political maneuvering and decision-based gameplay with high-octane gunfights — a combination not present in many otherStar Warstitles.
Upcoming Releases
While there are already plenty of shows on the streaming platform that would lend themselves perfectly to a video game adaptation, there are also some intriguing upcoming releases that could also fit that category. Marvel showArmor Warsalready seems like it could havestrongAnthemvibes, and while that game might not have ticked all the boxes, it did nail flight mechanics. TheStar WarsseriesAhsokais also set to join Disney Plus at some point in the future, and could feature some ofStar Wars Jedi: Fallen Order’ssatisfying lightsaber combat and Jedi abilities.
There are a few upcoming Disney Plus shows that move away from theStar Warsand Marvel monopoly. Alive-actionGoosebumpsseries is also on the way, which could offer the perfect format for a video game adaptation. R.L. Stine’s iconic series may be aimed at a younger audience, but that doesn’t mean it has a limited reach. A campy, creepy, fun video game where players must investigate a series of different supernatural and macabre goings-on could lend itself to an episodic format similar to Telltale’s narrative games and could also combine scares with elements of investigation along the way.
MORE:Moon Knight Writer Does Not Know Where Series Fits In The MCU Timeline
