The realm of video games and their adaptations into film and television has often evoked a spectrum of sentiment. Historically, these transitions have yielded mixed outcomes, with many adaptations failing to resonate beyond the initial nostalgia surrounding them.
Yet, a noteworthy shift is occurring. Recent properties such as The Last of Us, Fallout, and The Witcher are setting new standards for live-action adaptations, demonstrating that it’s indeed possible to craft engaging narratives based on beloved games. Similarly, animated series like Castlevania and Cyberpunk: Edgerunners are thriving, proving that animation holds untapped potential for video game storytelling.
This prompts an intriguing question: what will be the next successful adaptation? I propose that animated television is the most suitable format for these adaptations, as it often allows for more creativity and storytelling depth that movies, with their inherent time constraints, simply cannot provide. With that in mind, let’s explore ten game franchises that would greatly benefit from animated series.
10 It Takes Two
…A Case for Animation
While It Takes Two and Split Fiction are heralded as exceptional co-op experiences, their narratives vary in execution. The creativity and enjoyment derived from gameplay are evident, although the dialogue can be a bit cringeworthy at times.
However, a series crafted by an animator with a vision, like Pendleton Ward (known for Adventure Time), could elevate this story into a captivating 10-episode mini-series. Imagine it rendered in Pendleton’s distinctive art style—it would be a visual treat.
At its core, It Takes Two portrays an emotionally charged story of a crumbling marriage, enriched by whimsical world-building and eccentric characters that would resonate beautifully with audiences through a vibrant animated lens.
9 Sly Cooper And The Thievius Raccoonus
Join the Heist Adventure
The PlayStation brand boasts numerous mascot characters that could have transitioned into animated shows—but such adaptations have remained elusive. The 2016 Ratchet and Clank film may have dampened enthusiasm for further ventures, complicating potential adaptations.
At one point, an animated series based on Sly Cooper was in the works, and its absence feels like a missed opportunity. With its ensemble of charismatic characters, a show could easily charm a younger audience.
Imagine embarking on weekly heists with Sly, Bentley, and Murray filled with zany escapades—such a series would be a delightful addition to Saturday morning cartoons.
8 Deathloop
Harnessing 1960s Vibes
Some might envision Deathloop as better suited for live-action, but a retro-inspired animated series steeped in 1960s culture could truly encapsulate the game’s unique essence.
A cartoon following that style would be colorful, stylish, and rife with vivid, psychedelic visuals. The banter and dynamic between Colt and Juliana could unfold over multiple episodes, enriched by creative storytelling regarding the various Visionaries and Eternalists, adding layers of intrigue.
7 Another Crab’s Treasure
SpongeBob Squarepants Meets Adventure
The visual style of Another Crab’s Treasure lends itself effortlessly to a SpongeBob Squarepants-esque cartoon. The game is laced with humor that could translate beautifully into animated storytelling.
Following Kril on his quest to reclaim his shell from the Loan Shark promises rich comedic potential, complemented by a colorful ensemble of sea creature companions to capture the hearts of viewers.
It’s the juxtaposition of the cheerful animation style with the intense, Dark Souls-inspired boss battles that would make this show stand out.
6 Destiny
Inspired by Cyberpunk: Edgerunners
An animated adaptation of Destiny could take cues from the success of Cyberpunk: Edgerunners, bringing a stylish and intense visual approach. While there was once talk of a Netflix series, that project appears to be on indefinite hold.
The game’s vast universe, enriched by intricate lore spanning multiple titles and expansions, offers an almost limitless canvas for storytelling. This animated series could capture the gritty, deep sci-fi narrative that the live-action Halo adaptation failed to achieve.
5 Cult Of The Lamb
A Darkly Humorous Take
With its established visual style, Cult Of The Lamb has a strong foundation for an animated series that could easily capture audiences. This cartoon would employ a deceptively innocent aesthetic while revealing underlying sinister themes.
By exploring the dark and humorous escapades of its cult-driven narrative, a series could expose shocking and violent twists against a backdrop of cuteness and charm, inviting viewers to engage with its macabre yet entertaining storyline.
4 Kingdom Hearts
Navigating the Disney Multiverse
Rumors have circulated about a Kingdom Hearts anime series, but with its complex licensing landscape, a proper adaptation would likely require a Disney production. The potential for a narrative-focused series featuring Sora, Donald, and Goofy could beautifully intertwine the various beloved Disney worlds.
A well-crafted series might even streamline the convoluted plotline of the franchise, providing clarity without needing to navigate numerous game titles to grasp the overarching story. Disney, let’s capitalize on this potential.
3 The Legend Of Zelda: Skyward Sword
Romantic Tensions in Hyrule
Despite not being my favorite entry in the franchise, Skyward Sword harbors an intricate narrative that enriches the overarching lore of the Zelda universe.
Unlike many titles, this game features palpable romantic tension between Zelda and Link, providing a compelling dynamic for television. A series beginning at the roots of Hyrule’s lore has immense potential and could finally fulfill fan desires for a Zelda adaptation.
2 Dark Souls
Grit and Lore Combined
The adaptations of FromSoftware’s series are in the works, with a potential Elden Ring film from A24 generating interest. However, I would personally advocate for an animated series based on the original Dark Souls.
An animation developed by the team behind the acclaimed Castlevania series could capture the dark, gritty atmosphere and classic lore of Dark Souls while incorporating humor through beloved characters like Solaire and Siegmeyer, culminating in thrilling boss battles.
1 The Banner Saga
A Cinematic Animation Experience
The Banner Saga is inherently narrative-driven, with storytelling and character development that could seamlessly translate to television. Its profound emotional weight and detailed lore could resonate strongly with audiences.
Despite its gameplay not being universally loved, the rich storytelling elevates it into a realm that animated television could explore to great effect. The themes of sacrifice, loss, and survival would lend themselves to a mature animated series that could compete for accolades at prestigious award shows if executed proficiently.
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