Can Licensed Games be Entry Points for Newbies?

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Initially, the movie’s preview didn’t pique my curiosity. However, I was pleasantly surprised by the latest Game of Thrones: Kingsroad trailer. The new trailer emphasizes gameplay, depicting three character classes defeating enemies in less than a minute. This emphasis on action has sparked my interest in the game, but I’m unsure if it will draw me into HBO’s high-end television series.

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The movie’s trailer didn’t grab my attention. In contrast, I was quite taken aback by the captivating new Game of Thrones: Kingsroad preview. The focus is mainly on gameplay, with three character classes fighting enemies in just about a minute. This combat-centric approach has rekindled my interest in the game, but I’m uncertain if it will make me invest in HBO’s premium TV show.

Could we say that perhaps Kingsroad didn’t effectively serve as a starting point for newcomers to the franchise? On a more significant note, is it advisable for these licensed games to function as an introduction or gateway for players to explore the source material?

In many instances, these licensed games do not simplify achieving their objective. More often than not, these games assume that players are already fans of the original show, making it easier for them to appreciate the cameos within the product. However, some titles effectively introduce newcomers to the franchise, typically captivating them through engaging gameplay.

As a passionate gamer, I can’t help but point out that Marvel Rivals stands as a testament to the power of video games. This superhero-themed shooter has brought heroes like Luna Snow, Squirrel Girl, and even Jeff the Shark into the limelight for fans worldwide. It’s not uncommon to hear about comic book stores selling out after its release, which only adds to the game’s appeal among enthusiasts.

CyberConnect2’s Naruto Ultimate Ninja Storm series is highly appreciated not only for its engaging gameplay but also for its accessibility. This collection of games (Naruto Shippuden: Ninja Storm 2, 3, and 4) narrates the storyline of the anime’s Shippudden arc in an understandable manner. Even those who haven’t seen the anime can follow the narrative effortlessly. Moreover, the game features a user-friendly combat system that’s easy to grasp and visually thrilling due to its Ultimate Jutsu attacks.

It’s a pity that One Piece video games don’t have as much accessibility as we’d like, often assuming a high level of fan knowledge. The games that come closest to summarizing this massive manga are Koei Tecmo’s Pirate Warriors series, although they tend to overlook some story arcs in favor of the engaging Musou gameplay. Hopefully, things will change when the manga concludes, but it’s not over yet.

Game of Thrones: The Kingsroad could be an enjoyable hack-and-slash game adaptation, however, familiarity with the series is crucial due to the trailer’s content. Fans may not object if the combat is satisfying, but it might not entice them to watch the show. On the other hand, should new viewers consider diving into this series after its controversial ending and incomplete books? That could be a challenging decision.

Fans might find the licensed game enjoyable if its gameplay is good and user-friendly, though this could be in contrast to what’s being promoted. The top Wolverine video game is X-Men: Origins Wolverine, which we wouldn’t dream of suggesting to our sworn enemy. Similarly, the Green Lantern licensed game is a reasonable God of War copy, but the movie isn’t impressive.

Ultimately, the success of a licensed game is decided by its sales figures. My Hero One’s Justice might not be an ideal starting point for new enthusiasts, but the high-quality arena combat was sufficient to warrant a follow-up. Regardless of whether it attracts fresh fans or appeals to those already devoted to these franchises, more games in this series will undoubtedly be produced.

Still, everyone involved will benefit if the licensed game sells well and attracts new fans.

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2025-03-12 17:42