by Eric Bailey

Created on: March 18, 2009

As the Hollywood movie industry rolls forward, several have asked if there are any original ideas left. Where do we get new material? While some answers lie in the creations of sequels, remakes, and other forms of plot recycling, ultimately these will not suffice. Talented writers and creative imaginations still abound, but one source for original films that many consider neglected is the field of video games.

Games have spawned their fair share of movies, both blockbusters and flops, some franchise examples being Doom, Street Fighter, Mortal Kombat, Tomb Raider, Silent Hill, Super Mario Brothers, and Resident Evil.

However, there are countless quality games waiting for movie versions to be created. Some titles that have been released boast rich storylines, memorable characters, and action-packed sequences; all of which, among other traits, happen to also be key ingredients to successful movies.

Certain worlds, in particular, seem to be especially fitting for transition to the big screen, with several genres being represented as available to take advantage of rich, quality video games.

Action: Ninja Gaiden

Throughout the 1980's and early 1990's, gunplay reigned supreme through action movies, with pistol-toting actors such as Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sylvester Stallone pumping bad guys full of lead. Eventually, though, with the advent of such landmark martial arts titles as The Matrix and Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon, fisticuffs found increased favor with the general public and eventually became the preferred form of pop violence.

The area of martial arts is a tricky one. A quality fight film can succeed on many levels, whereas a cheesy knock-off can plummet to B-movie obscurity. A ninja film with a deep, established storyline, with X-Factor combat beyond typical choreography, may have a chance of capturing the imaginations of moviegoers; or, at least, the legions of fans the Gaiden series already has.

Action/Comedy: Earthworm Jim

He already had a cartoon, why not a movie? Earthworm Jim is a space-exploring funnyman with a plasma pistol, intent on blasting away foes such as Psycrow in his attempt to rescue the beautiful Princess Slug-for-a-butt. The special effects would be spectacular on a galactic level, the wit would come quick and sharp, and the action would be a barn-busting good time.

Animated: Super Mario Brothers

Yes, a Super Mario Brothers film was already done; a live-action romp with several flaws, generally disliked by audiences and critics. However, consider

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>