IGN just posted this article a few hours ago where they discuss (cult) classic films that should be made into brand new video games. It's pretty fun in a nostalgic sort of way. But I think they got it wrong, or maybe played it just a little too safe. Almost all of their choices fit neatly into a pre-established genre of game. Would a Lethal Weapon game really fare much better than all those failed Matrix games? Nearly every pick they have would be made into just another generic action game with a new coat of paint (not a better coat, just a different one). They wouldn't do anything new, taking away from the uniqueness off the license. The only films on this list that I think could make good games are Escape From New York and Equilibrium. If those were handled correctly, I could see them offering a unique gaming experience.
But can we put together a better list?
I have two nominations for this proposed old-movie-new-game treatment. The first is The Great Escape. I imagine this would be like something like Batman: Arkum Asylum mixed with a puzzle game. You'd be stuck in this one location for basically the whole game, but as you gain new tools and information, you unlock new areas of the POW camp. They could also make it reactive, so if you screw up on one interaction with the guards, they find your secret tunnel, and you have to move on to a new plan. Of course, the final level would end up as a motor cycle chase across the German countryside.
My second pick is Gladiator. Sure, it's not that old, but it's still a classic. I'd like to see this as a kind of RPG with elements of both real-time strategy and 3D fighter mechanics. The game would basically be broken down into two kinds of "levels" or phases, preparation and battle. Since I'm all about decision-making in games, the actions you take in the preparation phase can have a dramatic influence on the course of the battle. And the reputation you gain in the battle will garner you new abilities for both on and off the field. And . . . maybe make it open ended? Give the player the chance to conquer all of Rome!
So, those are my ideas. What do you think? What old movies would you like to see made into a game?
Dude... one of your wishes came true!
ReplyDeletehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Great_Escape_%282003_video_game%29
I've actually heard this was a decent game. If you ever find it, let me know how it plays!
I'd like them to make a game based on all of David Lynch's work. Each level could be based on one of his films and the hub world could be Twin Peaks. It would be awesome!
Oh man! Didn't even realize there was a 'Great Escape' game. Wonder if it's any good.
ReplyDeleteA David Lynch game would be crazy! I can't even imagine what a 'Mulholland Dr.' level would look like. Maybe you enter the blue box and have to fight your shadow?