With all the movies that have come out based on games, you’d think the well must have run dry on video games that could fit the movie treatment. But that’s simply not true. Video games have become more and more story-focused and even downright cinematic as the years have gone on. With the success of the recent Mario and Sonic movies that have been released in the last handful of years, it’s clear that video games are prime for great movie adaptions when done right. So here are a few pitches of our own, if the studios are interested, of video games that would do well on the big screen.
Final Fantasy X/X-2
The story of Final Fantasy X and it’s direct sequel, X-2 are prime for a live-action adaption. The story is straightforward and the character work of the narrative lends itself well to audience relatability — two things that are essential to viewer enjoyment. Not to mention that Tidus and Yuna’s relationship is one that’s both heartwarming and heart wrenching at the same time. Depending on which X-2 ending the prospective studio chooses to go with, we’re either looking at a star-crossed lovers situation or an against-all-odds romance that people love to cheer for.
Mortal Kombat: Deception
Have we been spoiled with Mortal Kombat content for the past few years? Yes, we have. But does that mean that there’s no room for more? No, not exactly. Deception has one of the tightest narratives in MK history in the form of it’s Konquest story. Watching Shujinko’s journey from a young martial artist to an experienced elderly fighter who’s determined to right his wrongs is amazing. It’s fun to play through, and it’s the definitive MK story mode. Netherrealm has some great story modes under its belt but it’s hard to beat what Midway was able to accomplish with Deception. If a screenwriter can get the story to a digestible length without compromising the narrative, Mortal Kombat Deception could make a great live-action adaption.
Grand Theft Auto V
I know for many gamers, we’re about burned out on GTA V. But hear us out — it’s got all the bones for an amazing heist film. Think about it. Personal hurdles, inter-team conflict, the desire to better oneself, and a team of people with unique skills and history. Not to mention the story of a young guy in his 20s who is mentored by two career criminals who have one majorly complicated history. It might be harder to swallow if the main characters don’t end up being played by the same people, but the story is good enough that it could still work. Or maybe we get all three to reprise, and it’s a 1 for 1 adaption. Either way, it could be a knockout at the box office if done right.
Heavy Rain
Heavy Rain has all the makings of a perfect crime noir/thriller. With the right casting and script and great cinematography, we could be looking at an Oscar sweep. That might sound like hyperbole, but the emotions and the themes are so universal that it could really be a standout if given the chance. Watching a single father trying to maintain a relationship with his son after a devastating loss and a divorce is so human and touching. Add to that the appearance of a serial killer who targets young boys during heavy rainfall, and it’s a home run. Ethan’s journey during the story is one that could play out beautifully on the big screen.
Dead or Alive
Technically, we already have a Dead or Alive live-action movie but let’s be honest: we need a do-over. The live-action DOA that’s out right now doesn’t do the series justice and that’s sad, especially as the story (pre-DOA5) is so engaging. It has some interesting character work, specifically when it concerns Kasumi and her story of a missing ninja whose instinct to protect her brother led to her being exiled from her village and community. The push and pull of the Mugen Tenshin storyline and how each character attached to that narrative has understandable motivations for what they do and how they react to each other places relatable family issues within the fantastical world of ninjas. This is what you want in a movie: take something familiar and house it in something the audience gets to live out vicariously on screen.
Jedi: Fallen Order/Jedi: Survivor
Cameron Monaghan has been asked repeatedly, and though he’s said it’s more to do with the protectiveness of Cal Kestis’ story, it’s hard not to want a live-action adaption of EA’s hit Star Wars Jedi series. Also, it’s always a treat to see Cameron in anything, so getting to see more of Cameron in this role that he’s inhabited to perfection on the big screen would be a dream. Cal has a character that is so well done and yet easy to sink your teeth into. He’s heroic, he’s giving, he’s funny, and he’s also got a dark side that’s fun to explore. Perhaps if we all chip in and give Monaghan an abundance of ponchos he’ll put in a good word for us.
