I mean, sure, some of these movies based on games are shameless cash grabs. The games they pick, while popular, don’t always lend themselves well to the silver screen. But perhaps film makers are just choosing the wrong games. Here’s a list of games and franchises that might actually make for good, if not interesting, films.
Bioshock
I’ll admit that a big part of Bioshock’s twist relies on the fact that the player has autonomy. But the way the game builds a compelling world and slowly pieces together a history renders it one of the most engrossing narratives in all of media. A twist surrounding identity is almost always rewarding, if the clues are present, but the surprise is still there. Bioshock is full of hints, as is the movie Fight Club. It really seems like something that could work.
Or, hey, use the world of Bioshock Infinite . That might make for a good action movie that also thoughtfully explores complicated themes.
Kirby
At first, it seems like a Kirby movie won’t work, because the titular pink ball of cute is mute in the games. But so was Wall-E, and that movie was undeniably successful. In the hands of a company like Pixar and with enough thought, the character could really be used as the center of a movie that appeals to kids and parents alike. If this were to happen, though, I would like to see the story start off with a silly, almost innocent, conflict that builds into something catastrophic. That’s how the games tend to work, after all.
Uncharted
Surprise, Uncharted made the list! The idea of this game being adapted into a movie has been the center of a lot of conversations, most of which emphasized that it has to star Nathan Fillion, even if he isn’t considered a “big name.” The charm of Nathan Drake, the action, exploration, discovery, and grand sense of adventure all serve as ingredients for a blockbuster film.
Gears of War
Gritty, dark, and macho, this tale of humanity potentially making its last stand is perfect for the disaster film genre. The chainsaw mounted on the front of a gun called the lancer is also a novel concept that a lot of filmgoers may not be familiar with. I can imagine a movie based on Gears of War capturing the hearts of people who love The Expendables or Armageddon.
Grand Theft Auto IV
People play Grand Theft Auto IV for a ton of different reasons. One of the them is the plot. This game tells an amazing story, and tales from the criminal perspective have received amazing reviews in the past from both critics and normal consumers. What would really help sell this would be the ability to weave the stories of multiple characters in a larger narrative. But it can’t sacrifice the fast paced action that comes from heists, desperation, and the car chases. Can you imagine how people would feel if they went to a movie called Grand Theft Auto that didn’t have people stealing cars?