TV Shows That Need Their Own Games: Part 1

Every once in a while you’re watching a TV show and it kills you that you can’t interact or control the cool scenes you’re watching. This certainly happens more with some shows than others. Here are some programs that have me itching for a game version. Come on game creators, get cracking!

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Spartacus Blood & Sand

Why it should be a game: Intense arena combat is the focal point of this Starz series. The brutal gladiatorial combat, explosions of blood as fighters are hit and frequent nudity would likely go over well with the game buying public. On top of that, there’s a compelling ongoing story between fights, which is something most fighting games only wish they had.

Closest Alternative: Tournament of Legends (it started out as a gladiatorial fighter, even though now it’s a more campy fighter between gods, men and beast), Gladius (it has the gladiator theme, but is a turn-based strategy title)

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Nip/Tuck

Why it should be a game: Nip/Tuck has incredible surgery variety and that variety would do well to keep a game interesting. Not just are the operations unusual, but the patients themselves are like a travelling sideshow that would help keep the between level story compelling. On top of all that, Nip/Tuck has a catchy and varied soundtrack that would keep the surgery gameplay compelling.

Closest Alternative: Trauma Center (it has its own strange stories with complicated and interesting operations that can be found on the DS or Wii), LifeSigns: Surgical Unit (it is like Trauma Center, only with a greater focus on story and is available for the DS)

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Dr. Who

Why it should be a game: Games like Mass Effect show the fun of travelling the planets, but Dr. Who has that along with time travel. A large rogues gallery of villains and characters means there’s plenty of content to pull from. The show has been on the air long enough that it could appeal to kids and adults. As an added bonus, they could even let you choose what era Dr. you wanted to play as.

Closest Alternative: Shadow of Destiny (In this adventure game by the Silent Hill team, you travel back in time to prevent your own murder), Time Hollow (You wake up to find your parents have disappeared and must use a time pen to restore the timeline back to its original state.)

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Glee

Why it should be a game: The show has an addictive quality with it’s ever twisting plot, beautiful people and hypnotic song numbers. Most music gamers hate covers, but Glee would be a game that would benefit from having Glee-ified covers of popular songs, just like the show. That’d save the developer some cash, while staying true to the show. Add in the ability to choose your own outfits and choreography for each song, while allowing players to share their personalized performances with friends. Like all music games, it’d have tons of replayability, especially with the customization element.

Closest Alternative: IDOLM@STER (This Asia territory only title has you taking the role of a music producer as you manage several J-pop idols)

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What TV shows should I include in part 2? Is there a show you love that is dying for a game incarnation? Let me know and I’ll try to include it in the next part of this feature!

• Arcade Wizard - January 23rd, 2011
• The Medical & Psychological Issues Of Gaming's Stars - December 30th, 2010
• The Overlooked Games of 2010 - December 28th, 2010
• Game Club Game of the Month For December - December 1st, 2010
• Game Club Game of the Month For November - October 13th, 2010