As a longtime gamer, I can tell you licensed games used to be notoriously bad – seriously, for a long time they were just awful! Thankfully, things have gotten so much better in the last ten years or so. There are still some misses, sure, but we’re starting to see genuinely great games like Marvel’s Spider-Man and Indiana Jones and the Great Circle come out regularly. Even back in the day when most licensed games were terrible, a few really shined. Some of those classics are still fan favorites, but it’s a shame that others have been mostly forgotten – they really deserve more recognition!
Here are seven great licensed games most players have forgotten.
7) Looney Tunes B-Ball
Yes, Looney Tunes B-Ball is very similar to NBA Jam, but that doesn’t matter because it’s a blast to play! Sculptured Software didn’t reinvent the wheel with this game, but they created a family-friendly arcade basketball experience. The silly power-ups add a lot of fun, and it’s a shame NBA Jam didn’t let you do things like throw pies at opponents! Plus, the unique feature of the ball turning into a dog when the shot clock expires is just brilliant. It’s a truly memorable game.
6) Wanted: Weapon of Fate
The movie Wanted always felt like a video game brought to life, especially with its idea of bending bullets around obstacles – a concept that would have been perfect for the popular cover-based shooting games of the time. Warner Bros. recognized this and created a game that lets you use slow motion and curve bullets in combat. While it has a few frustrating quick-time events and the shooting mechanics aren’t very complex, Weapons of Fate still delivers a thrilling campaign that makes you feel like a highly skilled assassin.
5) The Simpsons Game
While often overshadowed by the excellent Hit & Run, The Simpsons Game is still a fun experience, especially for fans of the show. Hit & Run—a Grand Theft Autostyle game based on The Simpsons—is considered one of the best licensed games ever made. The Simpsons Game* itself offers enjoyable jokes and solid platforming puzzles where each character uses unique abilities. Though the gameplay isn’t groundbreaking, it’s worth a playthrough if you enjoy the TV series.
4) Jackie Chan: Stuntmaster
It’s debatable whether a game centered around a single person really qualifies as a licensed game. Unlike some titles based on Jackie Chan’s films, Stuntmaster doesn’t directly adapt one of his movies. Instead, you’re rescuing Jackie Chan’s grandfather – though it’s not his actual grandfather, it’s not the main point. Stuntmaster deserves a spot on this list because it’s a fantastic beat-’em-up for the original PlayStation, blending fighting with platforming. Jackie Chan himself did the motion capture, ensuring the in-game character performed his signature martial arts moves. While it might not be a perfect fit for this category, it’s a game you definitely shouldn’t miss.
3) Transformers: Fall of Cybertron
As a Transformers fan, there are a couple of games I really love. Devastation was so much fun, but it’s super hard to find now since it’s no longer in stores. Then there’s War of Cybertron, which is a solid third-person shooter, and it sets up Fall of Cybertron really well. Honestly, you can’t go wrong with any of those three, but if I had to pick, I’d say Fall of Cybertron is just a little bit better. Its story feels more focused, and I enjoyed getting to play as so many different characters throughout the campaign.
2) Peter Jackson’s King Kong
Peter Jackson’s King Kong game for the Xbox 360 was a stunning visual experience for its time. While the gameplay itself wasn’t revolutionary, the game cleverly minimized on-screen clutter and featured exciting, fast-paced action. Switching between different characters kept things fresh and engaging. Ultimately, the game’s impressive graphics and presentation pushed the boundaries of what the relatively new Xbox 360 could do, making King Kong feel remarkably advanced for its release.
1) Stranglehold
Stranglehold isn’t simply based on John Woo’s classic film Hard Boiled – it’s a true continuation of that story. You play as Tequila Yen, brilliantly portrayed again by Chow Yun-fat, as he battles different gangs in Hong Kong. This game perfectly captures the spirit of Hard Boiled, offering fast-paced, over-the-top gunfights and letting you perform Woo’s famous ‘gun ballet’ with moves like sliding into slow-motion for dramatic kills. It’s one of the most visually stunning shooters ever made and a must-play for any action game fan.
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2026-04-04 23:40