Following the lukewarm reception to this years Tomb Raider reboot, the souless Assassins Creed flick and whatever Pixels was; it seems that the trend of poor video game adaptions into to the world of film is continuing. To try and make ourselves feel better, we’ve compiled a list of top-notch titles that we think could translate to the big-screen and finally break the slump.
Bioshock
For what feels like forever there have been rumours about a movie set in the beautiful yet disturbing city of Rapture. The game itself is iconic (and one of my all-time faves) because of its consistently creepy atmosphere melded with a compelling story. The underwater, dystopian world is an intriguing character in itself, some the games most captivating moments are found just by exploring and learning about what exactly went wrong in Andrew Ryan’s people’s paradise. It could be the backdrop to an incredibly creative suspenseful thriller of a movie, unfortunately, the big-screen adaptation has now been cancelled – but we can still dream.
Fallout
The Fallout series is one of the most critically acclaimed titles in recent memory, with the third entry in-particular garnering widespread adoration. The actual stories within the games are fairly forgettable; instead it’s the quirky post-apocalyptic world and crazy characters that make the franchise memorable. The premise of a one-day nuclear war between the US and China bringing humanity to the brink of extinction is a fascinating concept to explore, and the alternate history in which an early atomic-age causes a cultural stasis, produces some bizarre imagery where laser weaponry and advanced robotics appear alongside 1950’s computers and a classical jazz soundtrack – sounds like a filmmakers wet-dream.
Red Dead Redemption
In the past, film adaptations have tried used games that have an usual or far-fetched element to them, think Assassins Creed or Doom. Perhaps then the secret to a meaningful video game movie is the use of source material that is rooted in realism relying on strong characters rather than outlandish settings. Enter Red Dead Redemption. Set during an engrossing point in history, the death of the wild west, RDR tells the story of a former outlaw who is forced by the authorities into eliminating his old gang to protect his family. Protagonist John Marston cuts a complicated and troubled character, believably portraying a man who used to be bad but is trying everything to be good. Making these two ideas the driving force for an emotional and brutal western tale could make for an enthralling flick.
Life is strange
Kind of like the butterfly effect, but a lot less Aston Kutcher and a lot less shite. Life is Strange is charming adventure about two childhood friends, Max and Chloe, who reunite by chance after Max discovers that she can rewind time. It sounds a bit naff but bear with me. What gave this game its heart was the relationship between the two friends, the supernatural powers were just a means to an end, it was the back and forth between the two characters who were so different, yet cared deeply about each other, that was so endearing. Casting for this movie would be critical, who would I pick I hear no-one ask? Maisie Williams as Max and Sophie Turner as Chloe (Arya and Sansa from Game of Thrones).
Horizon: Zero Dawn
Yes, a film about robot-dinosaurs roaming the earth. Before you cart me off to be examined, hear me out. Horizons in-game world is absolutely gorgeous, the mystery surrounding the mechanical beats is captivating and the prehistoric aesthetic clashing with the advanced technology on show is unique and leaves a lot of room creative freedom. The game is truly unique, something that is increasingly rare in both gaming and film, the opportunity to produce something unlike anything that has come before it is one not to be squandered. Plus, main character Aloy has become one of the finest examples of strong female characters in recent years, she’s well on her way to being held in the same regard as female icons like Lara Croft. An on-screen adaptation of her, with the right casting, could be a slam-dunk for any studio brave enough to take the chance.
