5 Best & Worst Video Game Adaptations

Once a video game achieves a significant level of popularity, it’s common for screen adaptations – both movies and TV shows – to follow shortly after. Yet, there’s an ongoing humor that such adaptations are jinxed. Many of these productions are deemed below par, frequently due to a dull narrative or inferior visuals. More often than not, the flaws from the game seem to manifest in the film version as well.

Previously, storytelling in gaming adaptations wasn’t as good. However, the quality of these adaptations has significantly improved, with productions like Arcane receiving rave reviews, and more high-quality adaptations being added to the list every day. Consequently, this collection presents some of the best and worst examples of video game adaptations – movies and shows that you should definitely watch if you’re a video game enthusiast, as well as those you should avoid.

Best: Cyberpunk Edgerunners – Cyberpunk 2077

The Cyberpunk universe stands out for its ability to convey intense, emotional narratives. While the video game presented its narrative intermittently amidst gameplay sequences, the anime adaptation, Cyberpunk: Edgerunners, offers a continuous, exhilarating animation ride. In this series, we follow David’s journey from an average high school student to a mercenary, after his mother’s tragic death.

In this captivating narrative, we’re introduced to intriguing sidekicks such as Lucy, a gifted hacker; Maine, a formidable mercenary leader; and Rebecca, a mysterious cyberware genius – each character adding an unexpected twist. The ominous presence of menacing adversaries and the vibrant, neon-lit metropolis of Night City provide a chilling backdrop. David’s life unfolds through a series of twists and turns, some favorable and others less so. As he triumphs in certain battles and faces defeats, we find ourselves right alongside him in every episode.

The animated series “Cyberpunk: Edgerunners” stays true to the gritty nature of a cyberpunk universe. It remarkably captures the atmosphere of “Cyberpunk 2077“, but with entirely unique characters. Few studios can achieve this, making “Cyberpunk: Edgerunners” genuinely exceptional.

Worst: Assassin’s Creed Movie – Assassin’s Creed

Contrarily, the lesson on how not to adapt a video game could be summarized as follows: The movie version of Assassin’s Creed, although set in the same universe as the games, chose to tell an entirely new story. In this narrative, Callum is captured by Abstergo and compelled to experience the memories of his ancestor in search of the Apple of Eden. This plotline, which seemed ripe for success given its Assassin’s Creed roots, unfortunately fell short.

The main issue stems from a weak storyline structure and underdeveloped characters. These characters lacked depth and originality, and there weren’t any standout scenes that left a lasting impression post-viewing. It seemed like key aspects of the movie were rushed or incompletely developed, leading to a generally negative response.

The film lacked enough depth to compensate for the excitement derived from parkour stunts or fighting adversaries in video games. Essentially, it was a watered-down version of the thrilling characters and dynamic action that defined the Assassin’s Creed series. Regrettably, two follow-up films were scrapped, and nowadays, conversations about the Assassin’s Creed movie are few and far between.

Best: Arcane – League of Legends

Apart from being hailed as one of the finest examples of video game adaptations, “Arcane” also ranks among the greatest television series ever produced. By drawing heavily from the lore of “League of Legends”, this production developed a rich cast of both original and established characters, setting them in a believable environment and delving into their personal histories and motivations.

In a groundbreaking manner, Arcane redefined video game characters by portraying them in ways that were once considered unattainable. Each episode carried a profound emotional resonance, with relationships evolving dynamically and significantly impacting their surroundings. The world at the beginning of the series is strikingly different from its ending state, demonstrating the pinnacle of narrative excellence that Arcane embodies.

Arcane reveals the depth of characters found in various types of video games, be it single-player adventures or multiplayer strategy games. The impact Arcane has made on the gaming industry is remarkable, as it presented a captivating story derived from a video game, paving the way for numerous similar creations in the future.

Worst: Persona 5: The Animation – Persona 5

What stands out about Persona 5: The Animation is its ability to keep a constant level of average quality throughout. Just like the game, it features Joker and the Phantom Thieves battling against morally corrupt adults in Shibuya. Unfortunately, the anime doesn’t measure up.

In the “Persona 5” video game, the story wasn’t the only captivating element. It offered mini-games, dialogue, cutscenes, exceptional gameplay, and a wealth of other features. Unfortunately, these elements can’t be replicated in an anime. Without something to fill their place, watching the show can become quite dull. Due to the limited material in the adaptation, it essentially boils down to a 26-episode series where high school students successively battle various enemies. This leads to a repetitive storyline that fails to develop beyond predictability, and some might even call it one of the most disappointing video game adaptations in recent times.

Best: Castlevania, Castlevania: Nocturne – Castlevania Series

2017 saw the debut of Castlevania: Season 1, a period when quality video game adaptations were scarce. Consequently, it was not highly anticipated. Yet, this series exceeded expectations, proving to be an exceptional production. The visuals, character designs, engaging plot, and thrilling action scenes were all expertly crafted.

In a captivating manner, Dracula (also known as Alucard), Trevor, and their respective characters were skillfully crafted with distinct personalities. One was portrayed as gruff, another as sharp-witted, while the third appeared juvenile. The side characters were equally well-developed. However, what truly stood out was the intricate world creation. The atmosphere was somber and it was evident that this place was home to monstrous creatures and vampires just by a glance at it.

Over time, many people came to see Castlevania as one of the finest video game adaptations ever made. In fact, a subsequent series entitled Castlevania: Nocturne has been launched, focusing on Richter Belmont’s tale. Consequently, you can get an idea of just how exceptional the adaptation of Castlevania truly is.

Worst: Tekken: Bloodline – Tekken

Throughout the years, numerous attempts have been made to adapt the popular series, Tekken. Regrettably, none have truly succeeded, with the most recent Netflix adaptation, Tekken: Bloodline, falling far short of expectations. In this version, Jin Kazama embarks on a journey within the King of Iron Fist tournament, seeking vengeance for his mother’s death at the hands of a monster. Unfortunately, both the narrative and visual quality of Tekken: Bloodline are so disappointing that they establish a new standard for poor video game adaptations.

Bloodline disappointingly joins the list of unsuccessful adaptations of the popular Tekken video game series.

Best: The Super Mario Bros. Movie – Mario

The reason why The Super Mario Bros. Movie stands out is its close adherence to the original video games. For instance, it features a lengthy race scene reminiscent of the iconic Rainbow Road from the Mario Kart series. Additionally, there’s a battle between Mario and Donkey Kong that echoes the combat in Super Smash Bros.. Yet, this movie doesn’t merely replicate the games; it creatively pays homage to them, stirring up feelings of nostalgia.

Beyond its appeal to fans, The Super Mario Bros. Movie offers enjoyment right off the bat. Its vivid color scheme creates an inviting environment, while the dialogue and character interactions are amusing. Some characters have comical designs, and there’s no shortage of exhilarating scenes featuring Mario, Luigi, and other beloved game characters, packed with action.

The film adaptation of The Super Mario Bros., titled simply as “The Super Mario Bros. Movie,” is crafted to captivate audiences of all ages, from long-time enthusiasts of the games to newcomers. This movie is ideal for a family’s movie night, reflecting what makes one of the best video game adaptations: appealing to both children and adults alike.

Worst: Bayonetta: Bloody Fate – Bayonetta

The movie titled “Bayonetta: Bloody Fate” is based on the popular video game series, Bayonetta. However, its standout feature seems to be making viewers consider stopping it midway. To explain its issues more clearly, the script is disorganized and suffers from pacing problems. Crucial details from the game are either excluded or changed negatively. The storyline can appear nonsensical at times, leaving you bewildered if you’re not already familiar with Bayonetta. In essence, it’s a confusing jungle without proper guidance for newcomers.

In simpler terms, the movie’s plot and voice acting deviate significantly from the original video games, often being criticized as weak and inferior to the Bayonetta game. While the film boasts impressive visuals, its problematic storyline overshadows these positives, resulting in a disappointing adaptation of the game.

Best: Netflix’s Devil May Cry (2025) – Devil May Cry

Netflix’s “Devil May Cry” represents an exemplary approach to creating a high-energy adaptation. While the “Devil May Cry” series presents an original narrative, influenced by the games, it stands independently. Despite the differences, it remains faithful to its roots, with characters developed as if they were game personas.

Dante exhibits a carefree, risk-taking demeanor, finding humor even in perilous situations, getting knocked down but always coming back with a clever quip. Characters like Lady and Vergil remain faithful to their game personas. However, it’s not just the characters that mirror the originals; the series closely replicates the video games themselves, with demons lurking around every corner, Earth frequently under siege, action sequences that are intense and frequent, and an abundance of extraordinary powers in each episode. In essence, _Devil May Cry_ 2025 stands out as one of the finest video game adaptations ever made, unlike its 2007 counterpart.

Worst: Devil May Cry: The Animated Series (2007) – Devil May Cry Series

2007’s adaptation of “Devil May Cry” didn’t sit well with me as a fan. By then, we had already seen three installments of this iconic series. The first game and the third introduced us to Dante, a character who was cocky, immature yet witty, while the second portrayed him as cold and distant. However, it’s the second game that is considered canon. Despite its status, it’s often criticized for being the weakest “Devil May Cry” game, and its events are rarely referenced in subsequent games. From “Devil May Cry 3” onwards, Dante reclaimed his cool persona as the demon hunter we all know and love.

The issue with the 2007 “Devil May Cry” series lies in its poor portrayal of the game franchise. To begin with, it lacks a cohesive main plot and seems aimless. Moreover, the characters are poorly developed. Dante, who is typically charismatic, is presented as cold and detached, similar to his portrayal in “Devil May Cry 2”. Key figures from the series barely make an appearance, leaving viewers feeling that the story is unfinished, as if it never truly existed in the first place. It appears that the 2007 adaptation drew the wrong lessons from the video games. However, on a positive note, we now have a decent “Devil May Cry” adaptation, though it came eighteen years later.

2025-07-21 22:13