Last time we did a brief overview of some of the best movies that were originally inspired or based on video games. This time, I thought it would be fun to switch things up a bit and do an even briefer overview of some of my favorite games that were inspired by feature films. Now, if you do a little digging, you’ll find that there have been a ton of games released that are based on actual movies, dating all the way back to the 1980s. Think Goonies and Ghostbusters. 

Out of all the movie-based games that I’ve played and heard about, there are only a few that really impressed me with their gameplay and how they went about incorporating all of the elements that made the movies so successful. The four games that I’ve listed below meet that criteria, at least in my opinion, and really made a lasting impression on me over the years.

Let’s take a look!

4. The Godfather (2006)

This game goes all the way back to my first Xbox console and has stuck with me over the years because it was one of those games that you skip dinner and homework for. At least, that’s the effect it had on me at the age of 13. The movie itself is legendary and even ranks #2 on the AFI’s all-time greatest movies list. Now, there had been plenty of games made prior that were based directly from a film, most of which failed to execute when it came to merging the storyline with a fun, engaging gameplay experience. The Godfather: The Game, on the other hand, seemed to break that cycle.

What I like most about this game is how it gives you the original story from the movie, but tells it from a different perspective. It gives the player their own role in the tale of the Corleone Family and their struggle to take back power from the other crime families in NYC. I also enjoyed taking part in some of the movie’s most iconic scenes, which range from sit-downs to shootouts to actual conversations that were taken directly from the film.

3. 007 Legends (2012)

I’ve been a Bond fan since I was a little kid, and to play through some of 007 most legendary missions (based on the films in the series) was pretty awesome, especially when the game first came out back in 2012. While a lot of great games came out that year, I have to say that this one was one of my favorites. In fact, I find myself booting up the 360 from time to time just to relive some of the awesome games that I used to play obsessively...and 007 Legends is one of them. 

There are 6 movie title missions rolled into this game that go from the 1960s all the way to the newest movie at the time, which was Skyfall! Why 6 missions? Because 6 actors, including Daniel Craig, have taken on the role of James Bond and this game allows you to play through each one of their most iconic missions. While the game didn’t get many accolades for its execution, I thought it had a great concept and really hit home with fans like myself. I just wish that the game allowed you to play as your favorite Bond actor as well. Sean Connery will always be James Bond to me!

2. Mad Max (2015)

This is another game that didn’t really impress me the first time I played it, but after recently giving it another try, I came to actually enjoy it. While this is more of a vehicular combat game, I like how it stays true to the movies with its post-apocalyptic setting and other elements that make the franchise so memorable to fans. I enjoyed the look and feel of the game, which sort of thrust you into this fast and fierce environment that the movie (Mad Max: Fury Road) depicts. 

In other words, the feeling you get when you watch some of the action sequences in the movie is somewhat translated into the game as well. There is also a survival element that comes into play that really makes the game more challenging. However, this once again stays true to film series, which is really all about survival in a place with very few resources. Overall, I consider Mad Max a hidden gem that gamers should either try or retry if they get the chance.

1. The Amazing Spider-Man (2012)

I told you there were some great games released back in 2012 and The Amazing Spider-Man only proves my point! Just like the film that came out that same year, the Amazing Spider-Man game revamps the series with a fresh story, style and gameplay that fans desperately craved after Spider-Man 3 landed on its head. This game is packed with awesome action and adventure, as it features a host of side missions and downloadable content that allow you to enhance your experience in every way. 

Through this downloadable content, you can choose from a wide variety of suits (based on other games and movies) and even play as one of Spidey’s enemies if you so desire. After all, it’s good to be a little bad sometimes. And for those of you who know me best by now, you can probably guess my favorite part of this game. It’s an open-world that allows you to free roam and explore at your leisure. Just like Spidey, NYC is your playground and there should be zero restrictions or boundaries when it comes to web-slinging and swinging through one of the world’s biggest and most iconic cities!

So, what’s your favorite movie-based video game? Again, I know that are a wide-range of titles out there, but these four get my vote and now I want to know which get yours, if any. Also, if you’ve played any of the games listed above, be sure to leave me your thoughts in the comments below. Thanks so much for joining me and for taking the time to read through this listicle. More are on the way, so stay tuned!

Until we meet again,

Vince the Prince