Top 10 Video Games That Bring Gothic Literature to Life!

Summary

Video games draw inspiration from classic Gothic literature elements like vampires and tragic romance.
Some games, like “Frankenstein: Through The Eyes Of The Monster,” take liberties with source material.
Games like “The Sinking City” and “The Wolf Among Us” introduce Gothic narratives to new audiences.

Video games often draw inspiration from the captivating world of Gothic literature, which serves as a rich source for fascinating tales and chilling experiences. Characters like vampires and werewolves, along with heartrending narratives of love and insanity, are central to Gothic literature, and many video games incorporate these elements extensively.

Some video games borrow a broadly Gothic literary ambiance, while others take their cues directly from particular Gothic source materials. Games inspired by Gothic literature not only build upon the rich heritage of their literary predecessors but also make these stories accessible to new readers. These games are indispensable for enthusiasts of Gothic literature.

Some games on this list may not definitively be derived from Gothic literature, but they’re included because there are hints or connections suggesting a potential influence.

8. Frankenstein: Through The Eyes Of The Monster

An Adaptation Of An Adaptation

Developer: Amazing Media
Release date: 1995
System: PC, Sega Saturn
Genre: Point-And-Click Adventure

Frankenstein: Viewed from the Monster’s Perspective isn’t a standout game, but it’s essential for fans of Gothic literature. This first-person FMV title features an exceptionally chilling performance by Tim Curry as Victor Frankenstein, with players taking on the role of his creation. The game strays significantly from Mary Shelley’s original work, transforming her pioneering sci-fi tale into something quite different.

Instead of calling it a “monster,” Shelley referred to her creation in a different manner, reflecting the influence of classic Universal monster movies. Unfortunately, like numerous other interpretations of Frankenstein, this adaptation has deteriorated over time and deviates from Shelley’s original theme of human hubris. Instead, it presents an unexpectedly erotic-themed adventure game that strays far from her profound examination of mankind’s pride.

7. Call of Cthulhu

Investigating The Cthulhu Mythos

The game known as “Call of Cthulhu” draws inspiration from the writings of H.P. Lovecraft and the wider Cthulhu mythos. Although the name specifically refers to the short story “The Call of Cthulhu“, it delves into the canon in a more comprehensive manner. The gameplay is similar to many story-focused RPGs, but it truly stands out in its intricate branching dialogues.

Call of Cthulhu was the initial game resulting from the unfortunate collaboration between Frogwares and Focus Home Interactive. Although it carries the same title, it bears only a superficial resemblance to the original source. Instead, it shares a significant amount of narrative similarity with The Sinking City, as both games follow a detective unraveling Lovecraftian mysteries in an eerie, secluded setting. Both games, The Sinking City and Call of Cthulhu, are deeply connected and offer unique takes on a nearly identical concept, making them both worth exploring for their distinct perspectives.

6. The Wanderer: Frankenstein’s Creature

Art Game In The Truest Sense

Developer: La Belle Games
Release date: 2019
System: PC
Genre: Puzzle game

Titled “The Wanderer: Frankenstein’s Creature,” this captivating art game offers a one-of-a-kind watercolor journey that delves into the emotional odyssey of the forlorn and misjudged creature from the novel. In contrast to “Through the Eyes of the Monster,” it draws its inspiration straight from the source material, but with a twist – players can influence the course of this tragic being’s fate, imbuing the narrative with a melancholic yet optimistic tone.

Instead of approaching this game primarily for its intuitive gameplay, it’s more about appreciating the stunning visuals and skillful adaptation of the classic work, “Frankenstein or Modern Prometheus.” Although the puzzles are intellectually stimulating and exploring as the creature is enjoyable if you’re familiar with the book, the real charm lies in the 18 paintings that serve as the game’s background.

5. The Sinking City

A Critical Reflection On Lovecraft

Among all Lovecraft-inspired games, it’s plausible that “The Sinking City” stands out as the one that utilizes the expansive Lovecraftian mythos most effectively. The Frogwares production is filled with Easter eggs from the enigmatic author of Gothic and strange fiction, such as “Facts Concerning the Late Arthur Jermyn and His Family”, a story where a man uncovers his lineage leading to a great white ape, and the revelation of his true origins pushes him over the edge into madness.

In this game, you assume the character of detective Charles Reed who is grappling with a Lovecraftian enigma hidden beneath the town of Oakmont. The unique sanity system aims to portray the cosmic insanity found in H.P. Lovecraft’s literature within a video game context.

4. The Wolf Among Us

Ichabod Crane And Co.

The Wolf Among Us is an exceptional game for those who appreciate clever literary allusions. Many of the characters are drawn from classic fairy tales as told by the Grimm Brothers, but it also includes modern folklore creatures and urban legends like The Jersey Devil and Bloody Mary. One character, however, stands out from a Gothic literary standpoint: Ichabod Crane.

In the tale of “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” by Washington Irving, we encounter the detestable and whining character named Crane. This fellow, who’s known for his ambition and cunning manipulations, is forced out of town due to a supposed encounter with The Headless Horseman. However, readers well-versed in the story will discern that there might be a less supernatural explanation behind the event. Although the game based on it is top-notch, those seeking a rich adaptation of Gothic literature may find themselves looking at other sources for a deeper exploration.

3. Dishonored

Reeks Of Poe

In a different phrasing: No, you won’t find any characters like Corvo Attano from Dishonored, a brooding assassin who traverses through gothic literature using parkour, in real life or other works. However, the Dishonored series does incorporate numerous references and elements reminiscent of Gothic literature. From chilling nods to Edgar Allan Poe’s “Masque of the Red Death” that might give you goosebumps, to storylines inspired by the scandalous Penny Dreadfuls, it’s clear that there is a deep appreciation for the Gothic genre in these games.

Although there are evident links to the renowned American Gothic author Edgar Allan Poe, the creators drew inspiration for the visual aesthetic from Victorian-era London instead. This choice may have influenced other eerie elements in Dishonored, as seen by Lizzie Stride being one of the actual victims of Jack the Ripper named within the game.

2. Sherlock Holmes (series)

A Loose Detective Anthology

Sherlock Holmes is often depicted in numerous video games, making him one of literature’s most frequently featured characters. While not all of Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes tales are gothic in nature, stories such as “The Hound of the Baskervilles” and “A Study in Scarlet” are renowned examples of gothic detective fiction that have stood the test of time. The games developed by Frogwares, known for their third-person adventure adaptations of literary greats, are among the most popular Sherlock Holmes titles.

Besides classic Sherlock Holmes-themed games where players can delve into mysteries as the iconic detective, the developers at Frogwares have also incorporated elements from other literary works into these titles. This gives a touch of the mystical to a detective series that was known for its steadfast skepticism.

1. Castlevania (Series)

A Gothic Literature Ensemble Cast

In the world of Castlevania, you’ll find a multitude of creatures reminiscent of Gothic tales. While Dracula is certainly the most renowned vampire character, there exists another, often unrecognized vampire that appeared decades before Bram Stoker’s Dracula. This character is Carmilla, who hails from Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu’s novel by the same name. Carmilla is considered one of the cornerstone Gothic vampire stories, laying the foundation for many conventions that would become defining elements of vampires in Gothic literature.

As a gamer, I can’t help but be thrilled by the abundance of characters drawn directly from timeless Gothic literature. For instance, I’ve come across Frankenstein’s Monster and the enigmatic Hyde, straight from the pages of “Frankenstein” and “The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde,” respectively. It’s like stepping into a world where these literary legends have sprung to life!

2025-03-12 02:38