The debate on whether a movie based on a book can ever match up to the OG is a longstanding one. But a new trend — where online games based on books are making all the noise — could perhaps ignite another endless debate. Whether they are as descriptive and nuanced as the books they are inspired by or not, a lot of these online games are known for taking their players through extremely visually rich worlds and for creating immersive realities that people could spend hours and hours exploring.
Black Myth: Wukong
Based on the 16th century novel Journey to the West, a classic in Chinese literature, this recently released video game has caused quite the quiver. Developed by Game Science, a company based in Shenzhen, the game offers players a close insight into the Chinese landscape, culture, and mythology, clubbed with the thrill of action packed role-playing. Black Myth: Wukong, work on which started back in 2018, crossed $56 million in presales by July this year. It’s available on PS5, Steam, Epic Games Store, and WeGame for gaming enthusiasts to try out.The Godfather: Family Dynasty
Multiple adaptations and formats later, Mario Puzo’s 1969 crime novel The Godfather continues to inspire creative folks. The online game — The Godfather: Family Dynasty — released in 2017, follows the Underboss, who has been summoned by Don Vito Corleone (or The Godfather) to the criminal underworld to be his second in command and do his dirty work in New York city.The gang war simulation allows you to build a city, hire goons, engage in criminal activities, while you figure out how to survive the mafia. The mobile game is available on the Play Store.
Dante’s Inferno
A 2010 game whose story goes back to a narrative poem written in the 14th century, Dante’s Inferno is loosely based on Dante Alighieri’s Inferno. Developed by Visceral Games, the game follows the titular character, a knight from The Crusades. In order to rescue his wife from Lucifer, Dante has to cross the nine circles of hell… but only with a scythe. Controlling Dante’s every move from a third person perspective, you can exchange souls to get ahead in the game, with some magic abilities supporting you through hell.The game is available on PS3, Xbox 360, and PS Portable.
The Inquisitor
Based on the Inquisitors series by Jacek Piekara, this 2024 online game is based in an alternate history. The protagonist Mordimer Madderdin has to investigate reports about a vampire in medieval Europe, and punish those who sin. Developed by Kalypso Media, the game opened to mix reviews from seasoned gamers who felt that though the concept and strategy that helped build the game were top notch, the execution could have been potentially better.The game based on the Polish book series by Piekara is available on PS5, Windows, and Xbox Series X/S.
The World War Z: Aftermath
Max Brooks’ 2006 novel World War Z: An Oral History of the Zombie War inspired a 2019 video game based on the same name. Aftermath is the 2021 edition of the game where post a zombie apocalypse, four survivors in multiple capital cities engage in a confrontation campaign to take back the space. A new episode in the game, stationed in Vegas, called ‘Sin City Apocalypse’ is set to drop in the first week of December too. The game is available on Steam, Epic, and Humble.