The Checkpoint 05.05.08: Top 10 Movie Based Games

Posted by John Curry on 05.05.2008

With the release of the Iron Man demo, the Checkpoint takes a look at the Top Ten games based on movies.



In the world of gaming there seems to be some mentality that when a movie is successful in the theaters that it should be transferred to the world of gaming. More times than not the games are horrible representations of the movie, often times bordering on downright embarrassing the film itself. Apparently someone needs to show the makers of these games exactly what a good movie based game looks like. What pissed me off enough to create this list, you might be asking yourself. My answer is simple. Play the Iron Man demo on the Xbox 360 and you will see what I mean. This week I decided to take a look at the Top Ten movie based games of all time….In my opinion.

10. The Nightmare Before Christmas: Oogie's Revenge (Playstation 2): This is one of the only games I am embarrassed to put on this list but the fact of the matter is this is a great game all around that pays homage to the movie in ways that leave you begging for a sequel to the game and the movie. The graphics are stunning, the music is great and the story is delightfully dark much like the film. This is definitely a credit to the mind of Tim Burton.



9. Toy Story (Super Nintendo): The SNES version of Toy Story was one of the most important games for the genre of film based movies. The game was enjoyable, especially when it came to racing the RC car. The game maintained its tradition to the movie while still providing a decent level of interest in the game play. Regardless of how childish the game is there has still yet to be a Pixar game to rival this one.



8. Dick Tracy (Nintendo): No matter what anyone says this is where you begin to see the formation of the original Grand Theft Auto series. Often times the quality of this game is overlooked simply due to the hit or miss liking of the film. The game is actually a great game that in some ways outlives the film itself.



7. Lord of the Rings Return of the King (Playstation 2) : This game brought to life what the film presented. Hoards upon hoards of orcs and beasts coming at you while you try to build up your abilities all while staying true to the films. The castle siege is one of the greatest levels of the entire world of gaming.



6. GoldenEye 007 (Nintendo 64): Simply said this was the game that revolutionized the FPS that we still play today. This is one of the few reasons that I have kept my Nintendo 64 and still break it out every once in a while to play. Good story line, excellent variation of weapons mixed with an acceptable level of challenge makes this game one of the best movie adaptations of all time.



5. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Arcade (Nintendo): As a diehard Ninja Turtles fan growing up I remember saving all my quarters to play this game at the arcade. I always played as Donatello, and remember the challenges of the footclan and the battles with Beebop and Rocksteady. This is one the games that again has held its own against time and will continue to hold its own as long as there are gamers who appreciate the style of gameplay. This is the only TMNT game worth buying or even playing.



4. Batman Returns (Super Nintendo): The graphics and soundtrack are just the beginning of this great game. The storyline, the fight style and the ability to stay true to the film makes this game the best Batman version to date. Here's hoping the Dark Knight will have a game half as good as this one.




3. Lego Star Wars the Trilogy (Xbox 360) : I have placed the complete saga version of the six Star Wars films as the episodic versions of the game are equally as good as the next. The graphics are crisp, the gameplay was enjoyable, and the lego rendition of the story is actually refreshing to play. I mean for the love of life who doesn't smile when they see Lego Yoda? The game is one of the best film based games to be created in years. If it wasn't for the quality of the Star Wars series would anyone be looking forward to the Lego Batman and the Lego Indiana Jones? I highly doubt it.



2. Reservoir Dogs (Playstation 2): This was a hit or miss game for many players. For me it was a hit. This is one of my all time favorite films and moreover one of the greatest films of all time. The game gave you the chance to play as any one of your favorite colors while adding intricate details the story that the film did not cover. If you haven't played this game yet go out and get yourself this game. You will not be sorry. How bad could it be, it was banned in Australia for excessive violence.



1. Aladdin (Sega Genesis): This is the pinnacle of what video games based on films should always strive to be. Aladdin has everything that makes for a great game. Good soundtrack, quality graphics, and enticing gameplay. Was it the most challenging game you have ever played, I doubt it, however this game was challenging enough to keep you playing when you were ten or eleven years old. This game also holds up really well over time.