In the evolving world of entertainment, a fascinating crossover is taking place: online games inspired by books are becoming a significant trend. These games bring literary classics and modern novels to life by transforming their narratives into immersive gaming experiences. Here’s a look at some standout book-based games captivating audiences:
1. Black Myth: Wukong
Based on the 16th-century Chinese literary classic Journey to the West, this game reimagines ancient Chinese mythology and landscapes in a visually stunning role-playing format. Developed by Game Science, it became a sensation in 2023, racking up $56 million in presales. It is available on PS5, Steam, Epic Games Store, and WeGame, offering a perfect blend of action and storytelling.
2. The Godfather: Family Dynasty
Mario Puzo’s 1969 masterpiece, The Godfather, makes its mark in the gaming world through The Godfather: Family Dynasty. This 2017 mobile game allows players to step into the shoes of Don Vito Corleone’s underboss, engaging in city-building, strategic battles, and mafia intrigues. Available on the Play Store, it merges crime drama with interactive gameplay.
3. Dante’s Inferno
Visceral Games’ 2010 creation, based on Dante Alighieri’s Inferno from the Divine Comedy, takes players on a perilous journey through the nine circles of hell. In this action-packed adventure, the player, as Dante, must battle through hellish terrains to rescue his wife. The game is playable on PS3, Xbox 360, and PSP, offering a dark, mythological experience.
4. The Inquisitor
Adapted from Jacek Piekara’s Inquisitor series, this 2024 release presents an alternate history where the protagonist Mordimer Madderdin investigates a vampire in medieval Europe. While the game’s concept and strategy impressed many, its execution left some players wanting more. Available on PS5, Windows, and Xbox Series X/S, it combines historical intrigue with investigative gameplay.
5. World War Z: Aftermath
Max Brooks’ 2006 novel World War Z: An Oral History of the Zombie War inspired this post-apocalyptic game series. The 2021 edition, Aftermath, sees survivors reclaiming global cities from a zombie apocalypse. A new chapter, Sin City Apocalypse, set in Vegas, is set to release this December. The game is accessible on Steam, Epic, and Humble, making it a must-play for zombie genre enthusiasts.
6. Assassin’s Creed
Inspired by Vladimir Bartol’s 1938 novel Alamut, Assassin’s Creed takes players into the intricate world of assassins and political intrigue. The game borrows ideas from the novel’s plot, set in the Persian fortress of Alamut, offering players a historical and philosophical gaming experience.
7. BioShock
Deeply influenced by Ayn Rand’s objectivist philosophy, BioShock creates the city of Rapture, built on principles of pure self-interest. The game references Rand’s works through character names and thematic parallels, like Atlas Shrugged and The Fountainhead. It critiques objectivism’s extremes while delivering an engrossing narrative.
8. Cyberpunk 2077
Though not a direct adaptation, Cyberpunk 2077 draws heavily from William Gibson’s Neuromancer, a cyberpunk classic. The game mirrors Gibson’s exploration of technology’s impact on identity, society, and morality, immersing players in the sprawling, dystopian Night City.
9. Discworld Noir
Based on Sir Terry Pratchett’s Discworld series, this 1999 game blends the whimsical satire of the books with a noir detective storyline. Players step into the shoes of Lewton, Ankh-Morpork’s first private investigator, navigating a new story that honours Pratchett’s humour and creativity.
10. Metro 2033
Dmitry Glukhovsky’s novel Metro 2033 served as both the inspiration and script for the game of the same name. Set in post-apocalyptic Moscow’s subway tunnels, the game follows Artyom on a survival horror adventure faithful to the book’s essence.
11. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
Based on Andrzej Sapkowski’s The Witcher series, this game masterfully expands on the source material. While not a direct adaptation, it incorporates characters, themes, and plotlines, offering players a morally complex and visually stunning open-world experience.
12. S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chernobyl
Inspired by Arkady and Boris Strugatsky’s Roadside Picnic and Andrei Tarkovsky’s film Stalker, this game explores the eerie Zone near the Chornobyl disaster site. It blends science fiction with survival elements, creating a haunting atmosphere.
13. World War Z: Aftermath
Based on Max Brooks’ World War Z: An Oral History of the Zombie War, this game takes the zombie apocalypse to new heights. Players work together to reclaim iconic global locations, including Rome’s Vatican, fighting diverse zombie types in thrilling co-op gameplay.
Bridging Literature and Gaming
These games represent a remarkable fusion of storytelling and technology, offering fans a new way to experience their favourite books. Whether delving into mythical realms, historical settings, or apocalyptic landscapes, these titles provide endless hours of immersive gameplay, ensuring that literature finds its place in modern digital entertainment.
