5 Movie-Based Video Games That Went Under The Radar

Admittedly, video game adaptations of iconic movies can be a rather risky area to cover. There's that winding conscience that rests on a shoulder, and it urges for the reputation to be maintained with every nook and cranny during development. Unfortunately, that means it's either a win or lose situation. Build on the foundations of a beloved franchise — or tarnish the very name it managed to create on the silver screen. There's no in-between when it comes to evolving from a movie, nor is there any second chances if the video game flops. Sadly, that's why many aspiring developers tend to stray away from Hollywood and aim for original IP's instead.

Of course, many publishers have managed to crack the code and uphold the genre over the years. Die Hard, Alien Vs Predator, Star Wars — to name but a few. All of these have managed to successfully capture the movie essence that made franchise followers fall in love in the first place. And, it's not very often a video game can build that same energy, either. But besides the obvious adaptations, there are still plenty of hidden gems on the market that have yet to receive full credit for their portrayals. So, in case you missed them — here are five more movie-based video games that'll tick a few of your boxes.

5. Kick-Ass 2: The Game

The great thing about superhero movies is that you can build on the foundations of a video game without having to start from scratch. After all, the heroes are already accounted for and ready to deploy, and you can never really run short on good old-fashioned action sequences, either. Kick-Ass, which pulled an incredible following after the 2010 release, was always destined to port to the consoles. I mean, it might not be as fluid in combat or as celebrated as other Marvel franchises — but it did show a great amount of potential post-launch.

Kick-Ass 2: The Game might be a little on the light side when it comes to story length — but it's still worth taking a look at despite its shortcomings. Whether you're a collector of the gore-fuelled comics or just a lover of the movies — Kick-Ass 2 is definitely worthy of your Sunday afternoon — if only for a moment. Just don't expect triple-A blockbuster material and you won't be disappointed. It isn't perfect — but it is, however, worthy of a place on this list.

4. Blair Witch

If you've seen the movie – then you're probably wondering how on earth a video game could ever be brought to the table. After all, eighty minutes of the production consists of shoddy camera work and a group of campers aimlessly wandering through the woods. So, you're most definitely right in thinking a video game adaptation would be a total flop. And yet, it just so happens that Blair Witch isn't actually that bad. In fact, it's one of the best psychological horror games we've seen in years.

As an ex-police officer on a quest to locate a missing boy in the Black Hills forest, you must face the secrets of the mind-bending woodlands as all points leading home are cut off. With only a camera and a companion aiding your search, you must tackle the eerily vacant surroundings and locate the source of the madness unraveling in the pits of the forest. Are you ready to face your fears?

3. Friday the 13th: The Game

While Friday the 13th did share some level of success after its 2017 release, the game itself did become sidelined after stumbling upon some licensing issues last year. After just three years on the block, the online survival game dropped its official servers, and the game fell from the gaming radar. That being said, developers have confirmed that they will continue to support the peer-to-peer matchmaking system for the game until further notice. So yes – you can still live out your fantasy of being the infamous Jason Voorhees.

Friday the 13th lets you and a team of friends live out the ultimate horror role-playing story. As an innocent camper among a team of six, it is up to you to escape the cursed Camp Crystal Lake and survive the clutches of the dreaded Jason Voorhees. By setting a trap or working as a team, you too can survive the night and emerge victoriously. Just, eh, don't underestimate the hockey-masked killer if you plan on making it through the night. He's sneaky, alright.

2. Mad Max

The fact that Mad Max acquired only a fraction of its target sales still blows our minds even to this day. And, after six years of trying to throw the open-world game into the eyes of consumers — gamers still haven't quite crossed paths with this fantastic little gem yet. And, you know, that's a heartbreaking sight — considering Mad Max is, in fact, one of the greatest action games of its generation. Of course, that's quite a bold statement to make for a game that didn't reach mouthwatering stats — but we have to stand by our word and recognize the game for its true worth.

In a fleshed-out post-apocalyptic wasteland flooded to the brim with treacherous raiders and creatures, you are faced with building your four-wheel “Magnum Opus” in order to survive the death-defying desert. With a war taking place on every patch of road and a thousand miles to the brink of safety, you must buckle up and take the fight to the opposition. The Plains of Silence lay in wait for your trespass. Are you coming?

1. Alice: Madness Returns

If Tim Burton had the opportunity to develop the video game adaptation of Alice in Wonderland and place one of his renowned twists on it — then this would probably be the finished product. Although not a shot-for-shot remake in video game form, American McGee's portrayal of the iconic children's book is probably one of the most creative works of art in the platforming world.

Alice: Madness Returns follows up from the original entry in the American McGee series. Wonderland is on the brink of ruin, and the only way it can be fixed is if Alice herself can understand the roots of her traumatic past. However, with Wonderland crumbling and the population taking a turn for the worse — Alice's quest for answers becomes entwined with the darkness of the once-loved world. Can you see past the madness and reclaim the place everyone once called home?

Are you ready for another five? We'll be digging up even more underrated gems next week. In the meantime, however, how about stashing these in your library? Or, you know — you could just watch the movies again?