The worlds of video games and film or television are closely intertwined, with a history of mutual exploration. However, success in merging these two mediums has often eluded creators. Sadly, up until recent years, the quality of films and TV series inspired by video games has left much to be desired. Naturally, there have been a few standout exceptions, but such productions are few and far between. Today, we’ll be shining a light on five best TV series based on video games, worthy of applause amidst a sea of less than stellar attempts.
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1. Arcane – 2021
Arcane has set an unprecedented standard for TV shows derived from video games. Celebrated for its intricate world-building, stellar voice acting and electrifying action sequences, it skilfully brings the League of Legends universe to life. This success is largely attributed to the collaborative efforts of French animation studio Fortiche and game developers Riot Games.
The series, starring Hailee Steinfeld and Ella Purnell as the popular characters Vi and Jinx, made quite the impression upon its debut, even clinching the title of Netflix’s highest-rated series within a week of its premiere. The show’s reception testifies to its unique blend of game authenticity and engaging storytelling.
Platform: Netflix
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2. The Last of Us
The Last of Us truly brings the game’s story and characters to life. It adds twists that will satisfy loyal fans without losing the essence. Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey play Joel and Ellie respectively. It’s a collaboration between Craig Mazin, creator of the award-winning series “Chernobyl”, and Neil Druckmann, director of the game series.
If you don’t know the story – we got you. The series tells Joel’s story: He’s a smuggler tasked with escorting Ellie, a 14-year-old girl, across a post-apocalyptic United States. Joel is struggling with a painful loss. As he and Ellie fight to survive in this brutal new world, they form a unique bond. You can enjoy the show without having played the game. The perfect ending to the first season may even make it a better experience.
Platform: HBO
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3. Castlevania
Castlevania isn’t your typical adaptation. Originating from Konami’s golden era, this 1986 classic has since become a standout in the realm of video game-based TV series. The narrative revolves around Dracula’s journey for revenge in the town of Wallachia, where his wife was unjustly executed for witchcraft. Standing against him is monster hunter Trevor Belmont. The show, which spanned four seasons, has sparked rumours of a spin-off set during the French Revolution.
Platform: Netflix
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4. The Witcher
The Witcher has emerged as a true spectacle, lauded for its exceptional casting and detailed costume work. Drawing inspiration from CD Projekt Red’s video game, the narrative follows Geralt of Rivia, a soldier and monster hunter portrayed by Henry Cavill. His life is a complex one, finding his place in a world where humans often prove more fearsome than the beasts he hunts.
Fans of the game were particularly drawn to the show’s grim, dystopian aesthetic, which beautifully reflects the game’s world. Although the series is technically based on a series of novels, its association with top-tier video game adaptations is undeniable, largely due to The Wild Hunt’s immense success. As we anticipate the third season, Cavill is set to pass the torch to Liam Hemsworth, adding to the show’s future excitement.
Platform: Netflix
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5. Dota: Dragon’s Blood
Dota: Dragon’s Blood is to the Dota universe what Arcane is to League of Legends. It effortlessly weaves a compelling narrative that captivates not just avid players, but also newcomers to the game. It’s brimming with familiar faces from Valve’s MOBA, notably Dragon Knight, Mirana, Lina, and Invoker, among others.
Launched on Netflix in 2021, the series spans three seasons. Those who find the inaugural season slow-paced are encouraged to persevere, as the subsequent seasons ramp up in quality. Unlike Arcane, this series leans more towards traditional 2D and anime-style visuals, which resonates with Dota’s aesthetic. Hearing Invoker brought to life by Troy Baker’s voice is a true highlight. This show is one of the best tv series based on video games for sure.
Platform: Netflix
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Arcane Getting a Season 2?
Yes – the second season of Arcane is currently in production. The upcoming season promises to pick up where the first left off, introducing an array of characters from the League of Legends universe. Given its status as one of the finest video game adaptations to date, our excitement for the second season is already mounting. Unless there’s an unexpected delay, we expect it to be out in November 2024.
Why Did Henry Cavill Leave The Witcher?
In Netflix’s The Witcher series, Henry Cavill played Geralt of Rivia for the first three seasons. However, ahead of the fourth season’s filming, Cavill announced his departure from the series, driven by the producers’ decision to move away from the original source material. As a fervent Witcher fan himself, this decision prompted Cavill’s exit. Stepping into Geralt’s shoes for the fourth season is Liam Hemsworth.
Who Will Play Abby in The Last of Us Season 2?
Well, that’s a tough one. Following the monumental success of HBO’s The Last of Us first season, anticipation and a dash of trepidation surround the upcoming second season. Particularly, those familiar with the game’s narrative are eager to discover who will be cast as Abby, a pivotal character set to appear after a narrative time jump at the end of the first season. As of now, HBO has yet to announce any casting for Abby.
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- My journey into the world of video games began at four, when I was first introduced to arcade machines in 1996. Over the past decades, I've been fortunate enough to witness the incredible evolution of gaming, as it has grown from a niche hobby to a thriving art. Today, I'm dedicated to creating content that celebrates all genres of games. We will talk about them at Player.me.