It’s pretty common knowledge that TV shows and movies made out of video games rarely live up to expectations. However, converting TV shows into video games is no easy task either, so we wanted to take a look at some of the games which managed to pull it off to great success. Here is our list of the top five video games you can play today based on TV series.
Star Trek Online
There have been many, many, video games based around the Star Trek franchise over the years, to varying degrees of success. Beginning with a text-based strategy game way in 1971, right up to the VR game Star Trek: Bridge Crew in 2017, and mobile game Star Trek Fleet Command in 2018. However, the one which has really stood out above the rest is Star Trek Online, the free-to-play massively multiplayer online game that allows players to explore the Star Trek universe from within. Players can forge their own destiny as Captain of a Federation starship, champion the Empire through the far reaches of the galaxy as a Klingon Warrior, rebuild the Romulan legacy as the commander of a Romulan Republic Warbird or carry out daring missions on behalf of the Dominion as a Jem’Hadar soldier. Captains can also explore iconic locations from the Star Trek universe, make contact with new alien species and battle alongside other players in customizable starships. If you fancy a gamble, you can even play Dabo, although if you fancy trying your hand in real life, check out the new customer offer for Betfred. With constant updates, such as the recent ‘House Divided’ release, there is always something new to do in the game. Star Trek Online is currently available on PC, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One.
The Walking Dead (Telltale)
After some success with the CSI franchise, and reviving video game classic Monkey Island, modern masters of the point and click adventure turned their attention to The Walking Dead, and produced a smash hit, which spawned multiple sequels. In the original game, they avoided the tv characters entirely, opting for an original story set in the same universe. Here, you control Lee Everett, a former professor convicted for killing a state senator who was sleeping with his wife, who finds himself in the middle of the zombie apocalypse. His main companion through the journey is Clementine, an eight-year-old girl who had been left with her (now zombified) babysitter whilst her parents were out of town. Released in an episodic format, the duo forms a father/daughter relationship over the course of the game which comes to a conclusion every bit as heartbreaking as some of the best TV dramas out there. The Walking Dead is available on mobile, PC/Mac, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 3/4 and Xbox 360/One.
South Park: The Stick Of Truth / The Fractured but Whole
Who would have thought that not only would South Park still be around after 23 years, but also would be converted into one of the best RPG gaming franchises out there. Based on Trey Parker & Matt Stone’s animated series, the games see you play the New Kid, joining Cartman, Butters, Stan and Kyle on some crazy adventures. 2014’s The Stick Of Truth is based around a fantasy setting, as the kids act out playing the usual fantasy character archetypes. 2017’s The Fractured but Whole continues directly into the following day, where the kids have switched up their roleplaying superheroes in a superhero franchise. It has the same trademark humour of the tv show, but also some brilliant RPG video game elements, and a fantastic story, which feels like your playing through an episode of the show. Both South Park: The Stick Of Truth and The Fractured but Whole are available on PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One.
Battlestar Galactica: Deadlock
Battlestar Galactica: Deadlock is a game which has flown somewhat under the radar (which is not necessarily a bad thing when you’re trying to escape the Cylons!) The games drops you into the heart of the First Cylon War to fight epic 3D battles that will test your tactical prowess. The player takes control of the Colonial Fleet from the bridge of the mobile shipyard, Daidalos, and attempts to free the Twelve Colonies from the Cylon threat. You build up your fleets, protect the Quorum alliance and prepare to dig deeper into the conspiracies of this heroic conflict. Battlestar Galactica Deadlock is available on PC, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One.
SpongeBob SquarePants: Battle for Bikini Bottom – Rehydrated
SpongeBob SquarePants: Battle for Bikini Bottom – Rehydrated is a 2020 remake of the original 2003 game based on the hugely popular Nickelodeon animated series. You play as SpongeBob, Patrick and Sandy and show the evil Plankton that crime pays even less than Mr. Krabs. Want to save Bikini Bottom from lots of rampant robots with your mighty bubbles? Of course you do! Want to underpants bungee jump? Why wouldn’t you! In addition to updating the original game, they have also added a brand new multiplayer mode, so you can play with your friends. SpongeBob SquarePants: Battle for Bikini Bottom – Rehydrated is available on PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One.