As a child of the ’80s and ’90s, I grew up playing countless hours of board games with my siblings, friends, and family during those long winter evenings when we were stuck inside our cozy homes. The thrill of strategizing, the excitement of rolling the dice, and the satisfaction of claiming victory over your opponents was a universal bonding experience that transcended age and cultural differences.

When I first heard about the Netflix series “Squid Game,” I couldn’t help but reminisce about those cherished moments spent around the game table with my loved ones. However, as a parent now myself, the concept of a high-stakes competition with deadly consequences is something that fills me with both nostalgia and a sense of unease.

The games featured in “Squid Game” are ones I’m familiar with, having played them countless times during my childhood, but the dark twist on these innocent pastimes makes for a gripping and thought-provoking series. The show serves as a stark reminder that even the simplest of games can have far-reaching consequences, and it encourages us to examine our own relationships and priorities in life.

That being said, if I were ever given the chance to participate in a real-life “Squid Game,” I’d probably be the first one to back out, citing a busy schedule or some made-up excuse about having to pick up my kids from school. But hey, maybe one day I’ll find myself with nothing better to do and decide to give it a shot – just for old time’s sake, of course! After all, who wouldn’t want to relive the excitement of playing “Ddakji,” “Red Light, Green Light,” or “Tug-of-War” with millions of dollars on the line?

Just don’t expect me to play “Glass Stepping Stones” – I have enough broken bones in my body as it is!

The highly acclaimed Korean horror-drama series “Squid Game” is once again dominating pop culture, with the second season now streaming on Netflix. If you haven’t been following along: “Squid Game” has evolved into a full-fledged media empire. The original TV show has spawned a popular reality series on Netflix (“Squid Game: The Challenge”), and there are also real-life gaming events, video games, and plans for a third season in development. It’s no surprise that Netflix is also producing an American remake of “Squid Game”, with Academy Award-winning director David Fincher (“The Game”, “Se7en”, “Fight Club”) at the helm.

As an observer, I’ve noticed that the title “Squid Game” beautifully encapsulates the distinctly Korean cultural elements presented in the series. It’s only natural to assume that a US version would similarly emphasize American childhood games and shared cultural symbols. In light of this, I’ve selected some classic American games that could be reimagined as lethal survival games for the potential remake of “Squid Game.

Games I Need to See In the Squid Game (US) Remake

Dodgeball

Every child recalls the classroom or camp tension experienced while standing in line for a game of dodgeball, facing fellow students or campers. The fierce and predatory nature of this game provided an outlet for children to release their surplus energy and frustrations. Often, adults employed it as a means to address group conflicts and resolve disputes. Essentially, dodgeball serves as much a psychological test for groups as it does a physical one – its unique blend of characteristics makes it ideally suited for the setting of Squid Game.

There are numerous methods to elevate dodgeball to a lethal level: perhaps players compete while standing on some sort of raised platform or transform the balls into potentially harmful objects. The blend of team tactics and individual skill would result in an exhilarating and intense showdown – just as the defensive moves, such as catching or deflecting, can dramatically alter the outcome in a heartbeat. If a humorous film can be extracted from this game, it wouldn’t be surprising if a captivating episode similar to Squid Game could be achieved easily.

Four Square

Four-square is a classic game with roots dating back to 12th century France, but it’s particularly resonated with children, especially those in cities, in American culture. All you needed was some chalk, a bouncing ball, a street, and at least four players. It symbolizes urban America in many aspects, reflecting its socio-economic experiences.

In this game, a significant square is broken down into four smaller squares (labeled 1 to 4). Each participant takes up a position in one of these squares. The aim of the game is straightforward: hit the ball towards another player’s square, who then must redirect it towards still another player’s square, ensuring that the ball doesn’t bounce more than once within their own square. If a player fails to return the ball or lets it bounce excessively within their square, they are eliminated from the game, and either a higher-numbered player moves into their square, or a new participant takes over square “1.

Four Square could undeniably fit perfectly in the context of Squid Game. The competitive nature of the game encourages players to strategically target each other, revealing hidden conflicts and deceptions among them. It could serve as an equivalent to the “marble game” episode in the original series, where alliances are tested and players must confront difficult decisions about whom they truly trust, if anyone at all.

Hopscotch

Among all possibilities, this connection might be the strongest between the original “Squid Game” and its U.S. adaptation. In Episode 7, titled “VIPs”, the original series unveiled one of its scariest games: a colossal glass bridge with both breakable and indestructible glass panels. Interestingly, this idea can be adapted to fit a version of Hopscotch for the U.S. reboot.

In the style of “Squid Game,” hopscotch takes on a deadly twist as players compete in a life-or-death version. Instead of just a game, each move involves tossing a “lagger” and jumping through numbered squares to retrieve it. However, these seemingly harmless blocks hide lethal traps for those who lack agility or swiftness, turning the familiar grid into a terrifying path to peril.

Seesaw

In its initial two seasons, the show “Squid Game” presented scenarios challenging the concept of democracy, allowing players to make crucial decisions through voting. The American adaptation of “Squid Game” should delve into the condition of democracy compared to capitalism, and a game called Seesaw could symbolize both this exploration and a decisive move against the competitors.

The scenario is easily imagined: all players find themselves in the center of a massive teeter-totter, but as safety measures are progressively removed, they must pick a side – each side is required to accommodate roughly 75% of the players, whose collective weight causes them to descend safely, while the remaining 25% are lifted into the air, ultimately meeting their fate at the hands of a deadly device (perhaps a giant pendulum blade).

As a social scientist who has spent years studying American politics and culture, I can attest that even the simplest of activities can hold profound meaning when viewed through the lens of society. One such example is the playground seesaw. Growing up, I never gave it much thought beyond its recreational value; however, upon deeper reflection, I’ve come to see it as a metaphor for American society.

In this game, players must choose to either balance on one side or the other, representing the constant struggle between opposing viewpoints in our country. This choice is not made lightly, as it often hinges on personal, political, and spiritual factors that can deeply impact one’s loyalties. It’s a stark reminder of how Americans are constantly faced with difficult decisions that require us to weigh competing priorities and values.

The seesaw serves as a microcosm of the complexities inherent in American society, where cooperation and compromise are essential for progress, yet can be elusive due to deeply ingrained beliefs and ideologies. It’s a powerful reminder of the challenges we face as a nation and the need for open dialogue and understanding if we hope to maintain balance and move forward together.

Uno

As someone who grew up playing games like Squid Game, I can attest to the thrill of physically-challenging competitions and the strategic mind games that kept us hooked. Now, when I think about introducing a game to my own kids, I want something that captures the essence of both elements, and I believe Uno is just the ticket. This card-based game has been a staple in American households for years, offering an engaging blend of luck and strategy that keeps players on their toes. Plus, with its simplicity, even the youngest kids can pick it up quickly, yet it still offers enough depth to challenge older players. All in all, I think Uno would make a fantastic addition to any Squid Game-inspired gathering.

Similar to other games I have on my list, Uno offers players the chance to form alliances or secretively keep their cards hidden until the perfect moment strikes. The element of luck comes into play as players randomly draw from a deck that can bring unexpected turns. With four-player groups leading to only one winner, the tension and excitement are guaranteed to captivate viewers. After playing Uno, you’ll never approach the game in quite the same way again.

Battleship

In a fresh twist, the reality show “Squid Game: The Challenge” has incorporated novel games among them, one being an oversized adaptation of the classic game, “Battleship.” It would be a clever homage to “Squid Game: The Challenge” for the American version of “Squid Game” to introduce a deadly variation of “Battleship” within its lineup of games.

Transforming that into a more conversational style: “Imagine a miniature ocean battle where players navigate mini-warships and fire actual ammunition at each other’s boats! If executed skillfully, it could not only be incredibly thrilling but also serve as thought-provoking commentary on the challenges of military service – the courage required to fulfill one’s duty despite facing danger.

Mouse Trap

The board game called “Mouse Trap,” which was created in the 1960s, plays a significant role in many children’s initial forays into tabletop gaming. This game stands out because it initially tasks players with collaborating to construct an intricate Rube Goldberg device, followed by competing against each other and using that very device to catch their rivals.

In the style of “Squid Game,” the Americanized version of the game “Mouse Trap” could be likened to its “cookie episode.” This means that players would collaborate in constructing the machine, and then small figures (representing mice) would navigate a deadly series of traps to reach the end of the game board. If the creators successfully incorporate the intricate Rube Goldberg machine aspect of how the traps are activated, it transforms this “Squid Game” adaptation of “Mouse Trap” into a high-stakes obstacle course race, where the players must maintain pace ahead of each subsequent trap to survive. This concept promises an even more exhilarating experience.

Squid Game is streaming on Netflix.

2025-01-02 01:42

Squid Game: I Need These 7 Crazy Kids Games to Be in the Remake