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The popular PlayStation game series The Last of Us has made a successful jump to television. Video game adaptations have been hit or miss for years, but recently this has changed. With the massive success of shows such as The Last of Us and Netflix’s The Witcher, it seems like video games and television shows are a good mix. There are some other games that fans want to see get the big-screen treatment, that may be better suited for television. today, we take a look at ten games that need a television series.
10. Uncharted
The Uncharted series did receive a big-screen adaptation that was moderately successful in 2022. However, many fans were left unsatisfied and felt much more could be done with the source material. Nathan Drake and his globe-trotting exploits may be better suited for the small screen. Like The Last of Us, Uncharted is a PlayStation-exclusive series. A television show could allow more time to be dedicated to Drake and his hunt for whatever treasure is on the line. It could also work as an anthology series, with each episode dealing with a different artifact.
9. Spyro The Dragon
There technically has been a Spyro the Dragon series with Skylanders, but it is time for the purple dragon to receive his own show. At first glance, a Spyro-led television series could seem like it would be for children. However, if the show was treated with the same dignity as a series such as Adventure Time, then there could be something for everybody. This classic series is filled with fun characters and unique worlds that would fit right at home on television. An animated Spyro series is something fans have been wanting for a long time, and now is the perfect time to give it to them.
8. Crash Bandicoot
Crash Bandicoot has enjoyed some renewed popularity with the release of the Crash remasters and the long-awaited fourth game. Now is a great time to cash in on his success and put him on the small screen. Like Spyro, Crash did appear in the Skylanders series, but it was only for one episode and was geared mostly toward young children. The world found in the Crash games would translate well into an animated series. A Crash series is something fans have longed for since the 90s, and it is about time they get it one.
7. Doom
The FPS pioneer Doom seems like it would be the perfect candidate for an adaptation. The games did get a big screen upgrade in 2005, but that movie has gone down in infamy. Maybe now is the time to give it another shot, this time on television. Demon-centric shows have proved popular with the success of shows like Supernatural and Lucifer. With a decent budget and a crew that loves the games, it could very well work. Doom doesn’t exactly have the same dramatic weight as The Last of Us, but it does have extensive lore that would make for entertaining television. Not to mention the massive amount of violence should be enough to draw a crowd.
6. The Legend of Zelda
The classic Nintendo series hasn’t received any kind of adaptation, and maybe that is for the best. Now, with the massive success of Game of Thrones and even Lord of the Rings getting a series, it may be time for Link to get an adaptation. A live-action Zelda series with a decent budget is a recipe for success. Fantasy is as popular as ever, and Nintendo would be wise to capitalize. A Legend of Zelda television series has the luxury of having a huge world and several fantastic stories to adapt. A movie would work fine, but a show would allow for the world of Hyrule to breathe and really come to life.
5. Horizon
The PlayStation series Horizon has already made its mark on video game history. The series takes place in the distant future, where the world has reset itself. Seeing robotic creatures in a live-action series would be enough to bring in a crowd, but the story is where the success would truly lie. Seeing Aloy as she learns who she truly is and what she is capable of is enough to hold an audience’s attention. The series only has two games, but the world of Horizon has plenty of opportunities for riveting stories.
4. Bioshock
The Bioshock series would make for a fantastic show based on the location alone. Seeing the underwater city of Rapture come to life in live-action would be an incredible experience. A Bioshock show could manage to come up with a completely original story and still be true to the source material. The rundown and almost apocalyptic world of Rapture would translate well to the small screen, just like The Last of Us has. seeing the Big Daddys appear in a show would be a heart-stopping moment for fans and newcomers alike. A movie has been announced, but little has come from it.
3. Elder Scrolls
An anthology series based on the Elder Scrolls series almost writes itself. While Skyrim is arguably the most popular entry and would likely be the basis of a show, there is still large room for improvisation to make the show a unique and creative experience. Give it a budget similar to Rings of Power, and another great fantasy television series would be born. While game characters could appear, the show could follow an all-new character as they journey through the expansive world of Elder Scrolls.
2. God of War
With the successful reboot of the God of War series, a show seems like a no-brainer. A show has been announced, but fans are curious as to where in the lore it will take place. The two newer games focus on Norse mythology, as Kratos attempts to raise his son. However, the original line of games follows a much younger and far angrier Kratos dealing with the Greek gods. Both eras could be adapted, with the main story taking place in the Norse era while flashbacks show Greece.
1. Red Dead Redemption
When asking gamers what the best video game story of the last ten years is, Red Dead Redemption 2 is a likely answer. Both the Red Dead Redemption games as well as the classic Red Dead Revolver would make for great television. Having a season or two follow Arthur Morgan and the Van Der Linde gang. Another could follow John Marston after the gang is dissolved. The series only grows more popular with time, so a live-action adaptation could rival even the success of The Last of Us.