After Netflix’s Arcane, I’d Love To See Ratchet And Clank And 6 Other Video Game Franchises Adapted Into Animated Series

As someone who has spent countless hours immersed in the vibrant worlds of video games, I can confidently say that the potential for captivating animated series is immense. The games mentioned above, each with their unique narratives and rich characters, have the makings of fantastic TV shows that could rival some of the best animated productions out there today.

As a gamer, it feels like we’ve reached a golden age where video games are not only celebrated in their digital form but also translated beautifully into various media formats. The League of Legends series Arcane on Netflix is a prime example, showcasing the incredible potential when a team has a visionary creative spirit. Unfortunately, after two seasons, Arcane has come to an end, leaving me with a sense of loss. However, I find myself eagerly anticipating other game franchises, like Ratchet & Clank, making their debut as animated series.

At present, there are several video game adaptations in the pipeline, each at different stages of progress. However, information about some of these projects has been scarce, such as the animated series for Assassin’s Creed and Gears of War, which have been under development at Netflix. Given the excitement surrounding the second season of Arcane, it seems an opportune moment to shine a light on other intellectual properties that could benefit from small-screen adaptation. Therefore, let’s delve into those potential gems.

Ratchet & Clank

In 2013, it was announced that a Ratchet & Clank movie was being developed, and this film premiered in cinemas in 2016. Despite its critical reception, I’ve always felt that Insomniac’s popular PlayStation franchise would benefit from a television adaptation. The acclaimed game series has consistently captured the action, offbeat humor, intergalactic madness, and emotional depth reminiscent of beloved Saturday morning cartoons throughout its history.

It’d be amazing to follow the eponymous protagonists through a TV show. A streaming service could be a solid place for such a production, but I wouldn’t mind a children’s network picking it up and airing episodes weekly. While I may sound like something of an old-timer in that regard, I’ll fully accept that since I’ve been hoping for Ratchet and Clank to be TV stars since their debuts in 2002. A number of Playstation games are still in need of adaptations, and the weapon-wielding Lombax and his robotic friend are prime candidates.

Red Dead

The golden age of Westerns has long since passed, but Yellowstone creator Taylor Sheridan has been doing an effective job of reinvigorating the genre over the past several years. And, on the video game front, Amazon Prime Video’s widely acclaimed Fallout series further proved that audiences have a hankering for cowboy-esque characters facing mounds of danger and drama. So why not bring an animated version of Rockstar Games’ Red Dead to the small screen?

For people new to this, the much-loved games are centered around the American Old West and feature protagonists such as John Marston or Arthur Morgan. These characters are often either bounty hunters or outlaws who find themselves in tricky predicaments due to their roles. The more modern open-world installments of this series are highly immersive, making it enticing to envision that depth in an animated show. A skilled team of writers – along with a talented acting ensemble – could also give complexity to characters that might seem murky at first glance, similar to those found in the games.

Sly Cooper

I’ve eagerly awaited the animated “Sly Cooper” movie for a decade, ever since it was first announced. It was disheartening when its production seemed to stall due to the flop of the “Ratchet & Clank” film. Later, news emerged about a TV show based on one of Sucker Punch’s well-known properties, but updates on that project have been scarce for quite some time now.

Sly, a master thief of a raccoon along with his two allies – hacker turtle Bentley and lovable hippo Murray – and the rest of the anthropomorphic characters in their orbit feel tailor made for TV. A cartoon, set within the continuity of the games or in a new timeline, could focus on the Cooper Gang as they pull off heists while evading criminal masterminds and persistent police inspector Carmelita Fox. The fun, madcap vibes of the games and their sleekly animated cutscenes are proof enough that Sly needs a small-screen adaptation.

Metal Gear

scarcely have any video game series made such a significant impact on popular culture as the one spawned by Konami’s Metal Gear. It’s shocking that, despite this, it hasn’t been transformed into either a movie or a television series yet. An endeavor has been initiated for the latter, and reports indicate that a script is still being crafted at present. However, given its rich character development, particularly featuring the enigmatic Solid Snake, Metal Gear would undoubtedly thrive on the small screen.

To ensure a Metal Gear animated series truly stands out, it’s crucial that its creator, Hideo Kojima, takes part in the project. His exceptional storytelling abilities would not only provide a creative link but also elevate the production. The success of HBO’s The Last of Us, with Neil Druckmann involved as showrunner, serves as a testament to this approach. While military-themed shows are common, Metal Gear could outshine them with its dynamic action and storylines laden with incisive social and political commentary.

Dead Space

The thrilling blend of horror and science fiction is vividly portrayed in the renowned game series, Dead Space, which made its debut in 2008. This gripping tale was created by Visceral Games, though they are no longer active. The primary character, Isaac Clarke (accompanied by a few others), grapples with mental instability and grotesque creatures known as Necromorphs aboard a spaceship mining vessel. The narrative is so chilling that it may leave you shivering. Yet, some viewers might ponder whether this concept could successfully transition into a television series.

Sure thing,

Metroid

In terms of Nintendo’s popular game releases, titles like Super Mario, The Legend of Zelda, and Donkey Kong Country are often what people think of first. However, Metroid, another gaming mainstay, should not be overlooked. This series follows the thrilling adventures of Samus Aran, a former soldier turned bounty hunter, across the vast expanse of space. Given her exciting escapades, it’s somewhat astonishing that this classic video game has yet to receive an adaptation.

In the 1980s, there were discussions about creating a TV show featuring Metroid, starring a character reimagined as Samus. However, only concept art was ever made before the project was abandoned. Despite Nintendo currently focusing on the Super Mario Bros. franchise for their feature films, I’d be thrilled if they’d explore Samus too. An animated series could offer an entertaining take and, to be honest, animation – specifically anime style – might be the ideal approach. While it may seem unlikely, it’s still enjoyable to imagine such a project coming to life.

Ghost of Tsushima

In 2020, Sucker Punch delivered an unexpected blow to the gaming world with Ghosts of Tsushima. This vast tale revolves around samurai Jin Sakai, a character who navigates morality and combat as he strives to safeguard Tsushima Island during its initial Mongolian invasion. Essentially, this visually stunning game offers exceptional narrative, intricately developed characters, thrilling action, and a deep respect for Japanese culture. It’s no wonder that Ghosts of Tsushima has garnered so much acclaim to date.

It’s my belief that this game has the potential to become a captivating TV series. While some might question its need given the presence of FX’s Emmy-winning show “Shogun”, I contend there are sufficient narrative variations to warrant a modern take on SP’s period drama masterpiece. The unique qualities of this intellectual property make it seem tailor-made for anime, and I can’t help but envision how visually stunning the production could be. Here’s hoping that one day, we see this adaptation brought to life.

To be totally honest, there are countless video games that would make for excellent animated projects, yet I truly felt the need to shout out the specific titles above. Just how long this upward swing in game adaptations continues is hard to say, at this point. Nevertheless, I’m optimistic that at least a couple of them end up becoming beautifully animated, written and acted TV series. Here’s hoping that they happen and join the ranks of quality offerings like The Cuphead Show, Castlevania and of course, Arcane.

If you’re interested in the series called Arcane, make sure to watch it all on Netflix with your subscription. Take my word for it; you won’t be disappointed!

2024-12-02 01:07