Seeing as it is Halloween, everybody is hyping themselves up by watching their favorite horror films. Gamers indulging in this tradition probably think of ways these terrifying experiences could translate to the gaming medium. Some horror classics have already jumped into the gaming space, while a select few would undoubtedly make incredible interactive experiences.
The following list will highlight franchises with worthwhile adaptations, and also ones begging for a video game companion. Games based on licensed properties don’t have the best history, but more recent attempts have seen success, as the following list will show. It’s doubtful most of the wishes will become realities, but gamers are accustomed to dreaming the impossible.
10 Would Be Great: The Cabin In The Woods
If anybody still hasn’t seen this unique horror jaunt, immediately put it on your watch list. It is best going in completely ignorant of the plot, so beware of spoilers below. A potential adaptation could go a number of ways, such as an asymmetrical multiplayer game. one player is in the facility, controlling which threats to send to the others who must work together for survival. Adversely, a more traditional, puzzle-oriented survival horror experience could be just the thing for it too. The settings have a logical build-up from a small cabin to an underground science facility, which would work perfectly for a small scale horror title.
9 Already Is A Game: Friday The 13th
This isn’t referring to the notorious NES game, but to the more recent multiplayer title. In it, one player controls Jason Voorhees as he hunts down everyone else. Other players are tasked with escaping the map or simply surviving until the time runs out.
The unique idea garnered success. IllFonic planned to regularly update the game, but a lawsuit prevented further content. The developer is still going strong, however, and are currently working on a Predator game due out next year.
8 Would Be Great: The Silence Of The Lambs
Because of all the different interpretations of this series, a video game would not necessarily have to be beholden to the movie, the Hannibal television show, or Michael Mann’s Manhunter. Like the aforementioned works, it could take the source material and do something new with it. It is always difficult to make investigation engaging in a video game, but the recent surge of more story-driven titles is a good sign players are able to handle more cinematic experiences. At the same time, a Silence of the Lambs game doesn’t have to feel like an interactive movie or a TellTale game. People’s lives are still at stake and even the player would often be in danger.
7 Already Is A Game: The Thing
Not only is 2002’s The Thing a solid translation of the movie’s paranoia and unease, but it also serves as a direct sequel to John Carpenter’s cult classic. The legendary director also gave his blessing and voiced a character. Along with typical survival horror mechanics, players also have to pay attention to a fear and trust system, which both determine NPCs’ combat prowess and their willingness to follow orders. Teammates can also get infected by the alien during gameplay, potentially causing them to attack others later on.
6 Would Be Great: Ready Or Not
This is the newest film on the list, but its hide-and-seek concept would be perfect for a video game. In the movie, a bride must hide from her new rich family until dawn. The superstitious aristocrats believe her sacrifice will please the devil and prolong their fortune. If adapted into a game, think the Mr. X portions of the Resident Evil 2 remake, only with several people hunting the player throughout the mansion instead of one. Despite its extreme violence, Ready or Not also has a twisted comedy bend, which would help it stand out from the crowded genre.
5 Already Is A Game: Sweet Home
Some are perhaps asking just what in the world is Sweet Home, but hardcore Resident Evil fans already know. The video game adaptation of this Japanese horror film was made in close relation with the source material, and they both released within close proximity to each other.
Some even prefer the game over the movie. Unfortunately, SweetHome has never made its way out west. As for the Resident Evil connection, the legendary survival horror series started life as a new version of Sweet Home, before Capcom lost the license and had to make it an original IP.
4 Would Be Great: 28 Days Later
Danny Boyle’s 28 Days Later came at a different time when cinemas, television screens, and game consoles weren’t overflowing with zombie fiction. Even with this in mind, the intense horror experience is far from a run-of-the-mill story. Zombies run in this world and they don’t let up. To respect this, a game would have to be fast and vicious. It couldn’t be like Resident Evil, but it also couldn’t be like World War Z, because the movie focuses on a small group of survivors just barely scraping by.
3 Already Is A Game: Evil Dead: Fistful Of Boomstick
Evil Dead: A Fistful of Boomstick is a sequel to the decently received Evil Dead: Hail to the King for the PlayStation and Dreamcast. Unlike its predecessor, which was a slower Resident Evil-inspired title, A Fistful of Boomstick is an action-packed, hack and slash romp featuring Bruce Campbell as the voice for the character whom he made so iconic. The gameplay can get repetitive, but it is worth it for the actor’s participation alone.
2 Would Be Great: Shaun Of The Dead
If Edgar Wright’s classic zombie comedy were turned into a game, the main plot would have to be changed somewhat. The movie is short and much of the action takes place in a single bar once the outbreak occurs. Adaptations straying from the source material is fine, though, as long as it retains the original’s spirit and message. An open-world game just as dedicated to making people laugh as it is to making them shriek dealing with the stresses of oncoming adulthood and relationships would be a weird combination, but it is just crazy enough to work.
1 Already Is A Game: Alien
Plenty of games exist within the Alien universe, whether it be the Alien Vs. Predator franchise or focused solely on Xenomorphs. Nobody seemed to get it right until Alien: Isolation, a title which often ranks among the scariest video game experiences of the decade.
Players take control of Ellen Ripley’s daughter, Amanda, as she tries to learn more about her mother’s disappearance and ends up dealing with an Alien of her own. Not only is it a great title, it’s arguably the best thing to come from the franchise since Aliens.
Next: The 10 Lamest Horror Games (According To Metacritic)
