Summary
The magic of going to the movies is an experience that no streaming service can duplicate. Film buffs can experience bombastic action, compelling characters, and epic romances. Unfortunately, the sequels normally don’t fare as well, and some stories do not continue in the theaters.
Some video games, though, continue these theatrical narratives. They are a chance to stand in the shoes of films’ greatest characters, and to go on grand adventures with them. They may also answer some burning questions about what happens in the films’ respective universes. Either way, movie lovers should not overlook these titles.
Ghostbusters: The Video Gamefollows the Ghostbusters two years after the events ofGhostbusters 2, and puts aspiring paranormal investigators in the shoes of a new recruit meant to test the Ghostbusters' experimental new equipment. Franchise fans dub this title asGhostbusters 3, thanks in large part to the return of the original cast to provide voice work, as well as a story co-written by Dan Aykroyd and Harold Ramis.
Red Fly Studio developed the Wii version of the game. While not as technically impressive as its counterpart on more powerful systems, it does enough to make it a worthwhile experience. The art style echoes theReal Ghostbusterscartoon, providing nostalgia for 80s children. The Wii motion controls are also well implemented, using the Wii remote to point and shoot the Proton Pack, as well as to wrangle ghosts into Ghost Traps. It also hassplit-screen co-op, so busting can make people feel good together.
One of Disney’s few original sci-fi films isTron, which sees programmer Kevin Flynn (Jeff Bridges) beamed into the world of a computer by Encom’s malicious Master Control Program. It would receive a proper cinematic sequel in 2010 withTron: Legacy.
Before that, though, there was Monolith Productions’Tron 2.0.The game follows Jet Bradley, son ofTron’s Alan Bradley, as he explores the Grid in search of his father, who has disappeared in the midst of a hostile takeover attempt by competitor Future Control Industries (fCon). Jet must navigatethis neon universeand avoid getting deleted by antivirus software. It allowsTronfans to do everything they ever dreamed of doing from the movie, including tossing discs at enemies and racing on light cycles.
TheRoboCopfilms, which follow human cop turned walking tank Alex Murphy, have had a couple of iterations in video game form, which yielded mixed results. One game for the Commodore 64 had a level thatwas completely broken, so the difficulty of the preceding level was increased to prevent anyone from progressing there.
RoboCop: Rogue City,however, is the game longtimeRoboCopfans have desperately hoped for. It includes first-person shooting segments where Murphy lumbers through building hallways, shooting every criminal in sight. Between these moments, Murphy is able to do somepolice procedural work, investigating crime scenes and interviewing citizens.
What’s this? Why, it is a game based on one ofthe most celebrated Christmas/Halloween moviesof all time by Disney. In Halloween Town, living skeleton Jack Skellington performs every Halloween as the Pumpkin King but starts to grow tired of the same act year after year. When he stumbles into the doorway to Christmas Town, Jack has the idea to bring a new holiday to his home.
The Nightmare Before Christmas: Oogie’s Revengetakes place one year after the events of the film. Mischievous children Lock, Shock, and Barrel have resurrected the Oogie Boogie Man, the villain from the film, and it’s up to Jack to stop his chaos. Gameplay includes whipping enemies with Jack’s green, elastic soul robber, as well as summoning his abilities as the Pumpkin King.
Disney’s lowest-performing movies have tended to be some of their most original and imaginative. One example is 2002’sTreasure Planet, a loose retelling of author Robert Louis Stevenson’sTreasure Islandin a science-fiction/steampunk setting. The film has beautiful animation and a heartwarming relationship between protagonist Jim Hawkins and the pirate Silver.
Disney’sTreasure Planet: Battle of Procyonis the closest Disney will likely ever get to making a true sequel. It follows Jim as a member of the Royal Navy, as a new threat faces the galaxy. Fans of naval combat will appreciate this title, even if it is slower than they might prefer. For those who want tocatch up with Jim and company, this game is for them.
Director Ridley Scott’sAlienis hailed as a horror masterpiece, with an unknown threat picking off the crew of the USCSSNostromoone by one, until Ellen Ripley is the last woman standing. Taking place 15 years after the first film,Alien: Isolationfollows Ellen’s daughter, Amanda Ripley, as she joins an expedition toa derelict space stationto find out what happened to theNostromoand her mother.
Alien: Isolationfits perfectly within theAlienuniverse, including retro-futuristic technology, androids, and the dangerous Xenomorph itself. The title is known for the Xenomorph’s advanced AI, making it difficult for players to predict its next move.
A fan-favorite character of theStar Warsfranchise is Galen Marek, also known as Starkiller, Vader’s secret apprentice from the gameStar Wars: The Force Unleashed.While it is not part of Disney’s officialStar Warstimeline, the title’s story was meant to beon the same level of canonas the films, exploring the origins of the Rebel Alliance.
The late Krome Studios created the Nintendo Wii version of the game. While the story plays out a little differently from its console counterparts, Galen Marek’s journey from Sith apprentice to hero of the Rebellion is still a compelling tale. The Wii motion controls helped bridge the gap between player and character as well, allowing forForce pushes and lightsaber strikeswith the flick of a wrist.
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