EJ Moreno looks at what could be next for horror video game adaptations…
We are currently in the prime of video games becoming movies. It took years, but for the most part, it seems like the studios and filmmakers are aiming to give gamers some quality entertainment with these adaptations.
One of the latest trends has been horror games coming to the big screen, with Five Nights At Freddy’s becoming a smash hit and the recently announced Until Dawn sparking fan conversations.
There are still reasonably iconic horror games that have yet to see any adaptations (or any good movies from the games), and we’ve collected six of the entries we need to see brought to life. Below, you’ll find our picks for horror video games we want to see as films and the reasons why. Check out our list, and let us know what adaptations you want to see…
Splatterhouse
One of the earliest original horror games, Splatterhouse was a smash hit when it first came onto the scene in 1988. The arcade-style Beat ’em Up was somewhat controversial upon its release but has seen multiple sequels and even a 2010 remake.
With that type of reception, you’d think this would’ve had at least one film attempt, even if it was just a trashy Uwe Boll film. But it never happened, and it’s long overdue to see Splatterhouse dominate the cinemas. The slasher stylings with the action element could translate and find a way to balance the fans of action and horror.
Unlike Five Nights, though, this movie would not be for everyone. To quote the game: “The horrifying theme of this game may be inappropriate for young children… and cowards.”
Eternal Darkness
As family-friendly as Nintendo wanted the Gamecube to me, you’d be surprised at how many solid horror games came from the system. There were the Resident Evil remakes, but we also got the first game by Nintendo to receive an M-rating, known as Eternal Darkness.
What could make this possibly a true cinematic adventure is dipping into the game’s infamous “sanity effects,” where we see visual and audial effects that confuse the player. It was wholly unique when it came out and would add a natural arthouse element to the film, bridging the gap between traditional horror lovers and artsy fans.
With no sequel and no adaptations, Eternal Darkness is almost lost in time, but a film adaptation, especially from Japan, could bring this back to its former glory.
F.E.A.R.
Going back to blending the worlds of action and horror, none could do that better than seeing the first-person shooter F.E.A.R. coming to the movies. An often-forgotten video game series in the 2000s, these chilling paranormal games could make a real cinematic experience.
Horror fans know the power of a spooky kid, and none have been as chilling as Alma Wade, a lethal and unpredictable paranormal menace. Throughout the games, our story grows and could make for a wonderful franchise or, at the very least, a compelling horror television series. F.E.A.R. has significant potential, more than most included here.
Action-horror doesn’t always work, but with the strong source material and a talented filmmaker helming, we could see a unique cinematic outing unlike anything else.
Clock Tower
Survival horror was all the rage in the 90s and 00s. Resident Evil broke the mold, but countless games did it just as well, including Clock Tower. The 1995 Japanese game and its American counterpart from 1996 are gripping and haunted tales.
With a major Dario Argento vibe, the gothic and spooky horror stylings of Clock Tower would undoubtedly win over fans if it were to get an adaptation. A studio like A24 or Neon could morph the story into something horror lovers would discuss for years. Our defenseless heroine would instantly put fans in her corner and give us someone to root for.
Atmosphere is vital, and we are currently in an era where atmospheric horror is at its strongest. With the right talent in front and behind the camera, Clock Tower could haunt us for years.
Dino Crisis
Dinosaurs haven’t been scary in film since the original Jurassic Park, and it’s long overdue for the prehistoric creatures to scare the pants off moviegoers again. And if you don’t remember or haven’t played them in a while, Dino Crisis is as scary as it is thrilling.
With the claustrophobic atmosphere, terrifying monsters, and action-hero leads, this could replace what Jurassic Park used to be for fans. And why we are on the topic of Dino Crisis: if this were ever to get a film adaptation, we need a reboot of the games instantly. It has been too long for fans to return to this world, and a movie/game combo would be great.
Think back to 1993 when the original Jurassic Park changed the game and scared us all; we could return to that prime peak with an enjoyable Dino Crisis adaptation.
Parasite Eve
With one of the most iconic openers of any video game, you can see why this would easily make one of the best horror film opens. Parasite Eve is far more than an intro and brings together a creepy tale that would become the horror experience we crave.
Following the story of NYPD detective Aya Brea, we’d dive into one of the strangest worlds of any video game, and the end result could become a cult classic that we’d all remember. Parasite Eve is undoubtedly a stranger game, but it’s the type of survival horror storytelling that could make for one hell of a film.
Out of all the video games included, Parasite Eve is one of the best of all time, and a movie is long overdue to take us back to this haunted world.
SEE ALSO: Ranking Horror Movies Based On Video Games
Which horror video game do you want to see turned into a movie? Let us know on our socials @FlickeringMyth…
EJ Moreno
