Video game franchises have been some of the most popular materials to be adapted for the silver screen. While there was assured doubt when it was first announced, The Super Mario Bros. movie proved many of its critics wrong.
Now that Hollywood recognises the potential of films based on video game franchises, many studios seem eager to try their take on the IPs. The famous first-person looter shooter Borderlands, which is slated to release later this year, will try to capture the same success as Super Mario Bros.
Many other video game franchises could find the same success on the big screen. As Borderlands nears its premiere date, we examine other cool video game titles that could benefit from film adaptations and why they could be fun to watch!
Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell
There was once a time when a release from this stealth-action franchise from Ubisoft was highly anticipated. Many held Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell in high regard because of how immersive it was when conducting espionage.
The high-tension atmosphere crafted in every Splinter Cell game makes it perfect for another media adaptation. The ever-crafty, calm, and collected Third Echelon operative Sam Fisher is fully equipped with elite skills that help him adapt to any situation and can often be trusted by his superiors to make the right decision.
However, there are times when plans don't go his way, so he'll have to use drastic measures to achieve exact success. And when the tension breaks from Fisher's silent moments, that's when the action begins. Translating his textbook movements into coordinated stunt work would be a sight to behold on the big screen.
Shadow of the Colossus
Shadow of the Colossus is a game that stands out in the crowd. Perhaps it's the simplicity of the plot: a boy saves a girl by slaying monsters. However, an ominous mystery surrounds this, as the boy suffers an untold affliction after every monster he slays. Paired with intuitive platforming and puzzle-solving, a breathtaking world and gorgeous monster designs, it possesses all the components of a true classic among video games.
One caveat in adapting this for the silver screen is the game's lack of dialogue. But that's the challenge! Writing a screenplay for it and executing it successfully has to be one of the best cases of "show, don't tell." And with the kaiju films being well received recently, showing the challenges the boy would have to go through while scaling a colossus should be seen in IMAX!
Crash Bandicoot
Crash Bandicoot was once considered an equal to franchise mascots like Sonic the Hedgehog and the Super Mario Bros. during the late 90s. However, there is a glaring difference today between those names. That's right, Crash and the gang still don't have a movie!
There is tons of material to get out of Crash's games that could translate well into a fun family feature. From the hilarious slapstick ways that Crash suffers defeat by his enemies to Dr Neo Cortex's bumbling monologues and frustrations about catching the menacing marsupial, it would be a riot to see Crash spinning his way to cinemas!
Mass Effect
Choosing between two Bioware titles to adapt as a movie is very difficult. While Dragon Age certainly has the components for a video game film adaptation, Mass Effect seems like it's already meant for the movies. On the surface, it might look like every space epic or opera anyone has seen in the past few years, but the concepts laced in the plot and gameplay alone make it timeless.
Think about it. There's a conspiracy led by humans, ancient aliens out for destruction, cool weapons, fast spaceships, and awesome alien designs. Above all else, however, Mass Effect stresses the emphasis on relationships formed among friends, enemies, and even the self. It is a science fiction film fan's ultimate dream.
Red Dead Redemption 2
While Red Dead Redemption 2 plays out like a film disguised as a video game, its arcs are still breathtaking to experience in multiple playthroughs. However, one arc in the story that is left unexplored would probably benefit from a screenplay adaptation.
Throughout the events of the Western game from Rockstar, the characters allude to a heist in Blackwater. Wouldn't it be nice to unveil the mystery behind this plan gone wrong by adapting it into a movie? Even better is that it will be a heist film in a Western setting, and those are always fun!
Disco Elysium
A man wakes up in his hotel room and can't remember a thing, feeling the worst hangover in the world. As he looks around the room, he pieces together clothes that could belong to him—tacky clothes, a cheap tie, and a grimaced face that only tells of despair. But apparently, he's there to be a hero if he chooses to be and if he is reminded of his duty.
The ominous mystery in Disco Elysium, set against the dense harbour district of Revachol, is a fascinating journey for its title character. His conflicting thoughts speak multiple voices despite being housed inside one mind. After all, it's not every day that a video game resembles the themes of surrealist filmmaker David Lynch's films, which is high praise. Disco Elysium might be unpopular when adapting a video game into a movie. Yet, there is an exciting challenge ahead should a production arise, both for its filmmaker and its audiences.
The Elder Scrolls
The lore and creativity behind The Elder Scrolls franchise is ripe for an adaptation to the big screen. Most of the main instalments feature the aftermath of political fallout, whether it's the assassination of a royal or the end of a war. Adding to the conflicts are tensions between the races of the world.
And finally, the legends become real, as the existence of dragons has been confirmed and confronted. These rich fantasy elements are held together by fascinating lore, which makes it perfect for a grand-scale fantasy epic that could rival the likes of Warcraft or The Lord of the Rings.
The resounding success behind video games adapted into films will likely continue, at least for a few more years. But so long as quality games are coming out, the possibility of enjoyable adaptations will continue to soar!