Can We Just Watch These Video Games, Or Do We Have To Play Them?

HBO’s The Last of Us, Netflix’s The Witcher and Arcane, and Universal’s box office smash Super Mario Bros. might indicate that video games are the new comic books, inspiring new adaptations everywhere. But what’s actually worth watching? 

When it comes to gaming, I’m a late bloomer. I conveniently hopped on the bandwagon right before the pandemic, so when confronted suddenly with a surplus of mandatory indoor time I churned through a bunch of popular titles. 

Then Hollywood started turning them into big budget TV shows and I got to skip the long wait between the shiny new productions we see now, based on hugely successful games in the past decade like The Last of Us (2013) or The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt (2015). 

And now, as a self-proclaimed video game expert, I will be deciding which games I would prefer to play and which I’d rather await a gritty HBO adaptation. Let’s-a-go!

The Legend of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild

Ah, the gateway drug of open-world role-playing games (RPGs). This game taught me everything, from how to use a damn inventory, the grief of weapon degradation, and my burning desire to do every single quest besides the main one. I would sell my soul for an epic retelling of the Hyrule champions and their battle with Ganon. But the game edges out the win for this one, just because I love it so much. 

Verdict: PLAY

Horizon: Zero Dawn

This came highly recommended as another RPG with an incredible story. Based on my extensive gaming experience, I think the story actually outplays the gameplay. And I simply need to see Aloy on the big screen.

Verdict: WATCH

Hollow Knight

I was surprised to see this indie game on a few ‘best video games for adaptations’ lists out there. And actually, this Australian-made Metroidvania is jam packed with lore. I adore the game, but I’d rather sit there and let HBO do all the work. 

Verdict: WATCH

Celeste

This indie platformer was nominated for Game of the Year by The Game Awards in 2018 and was generally a huge overachiever. The music, art, and storyline were all highly praised, and it’s so fun to play. And therein lies the problem: while the story may be poignant and moving, playing it is the best part. 

Verdict: PLAY

Elden Ring

I know this is a critically acclaimed masterpiece. But I would never put myself through this hell.

Verdict: WATCH

God Of War: Ragnarok

It was hard to ignore the cultural impact of this title. It swept up at the 2022 Game Awards, narrowly missing out on Game of the Year to Elden Ring. Huge disclaimer that I haven’t gotten around to playing it yet, so I might change my mind (as an expert, that is my right). But I’ve heard that the storyline is one of the best of all time, which is why I’m going to risk annoying a lot of people and declare that I might prefer to watch it. Don’t hate the player, hate the game.

Verdict: WATCH

Detroit: Become Human

Tricky, because this game already feels like a movie that’s been adapted into a video game. If you’re a fan of Sci-Fi  films like Blade Runner and Ex Machina, then trust me when I say you should play this game. The choices you make through the story mould your character, and it feels more like an interactive, Choose Your Own Adventure movie. Which is the way it should stay.

Verdict: PLAY

Red Dead Redemption II

Another highly recommended RPG, but make it cowboy. Again, I haven’t experienced this one, but based on what I’ve heard about it, I’m more interested in playing it than sitting through a dusty Western Hollywood adaptation. 

Verdict: PLAY

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

You know what, I think this has adaptation potential. A plucky group of recruits, all gunning for the title of greatest fighter in the world. There’d be budding friendships and bitter rivalries, histories revealed, a dash of romance — all with a healthy splash of main character energy to keep things exciting. I would be seated for this.

Verdict: PLAY

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Lia Kim is a writer and producer at Junkee. She tweets at @kim_liaa.