TV shows are a rich source of thematic content for video games, and there have been many immensely popular games inspired by great TV shows. The games both tap into the existing audience of the TV show and also bring new people into that audience when they discover the game, so it is a mutually beneficial arrangement for developers and TV producers. And the net result is some fantastic gaming experiences for players! Here are the best TV shows that have been turned into video games.
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The Simpsons
The Simpsons is the groundbreaking animated sitcom based around a dysfunctional yet loveable family in a fictional town populated by many colourful characters. It is a household name and its beloved cast have become icons of modern culture with their familiar yellow skin and frequent departures from the laws of reality. There have actually been various attempts at Simpsons video games but none are as successful as The Simpsons: Hit & Run. It is a clever parody of the famous Grand Theft Auto series set in Springfield and featuring all your favourite characters from that hilarious and brilliantly-crafted world. Fantastically executed, the game still has a strong fan base nearly 20 years after its release.
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The Walking Dead
Based on the graphic novels of the same name, The Walking Dead follows a cast of characters trying to survive in a post-apocalyptic world where a zombie virus has ravaged humanity. The dangers are everywhere and the horror, gore and drama are abundant as we witness the engaging and often tragic stories of the inhabitants of this bleak world. The TV show is popular, but The Walking Dead: A Telltale Games Series is not far behind. The game’s aesthetic is closer to the graphic novels, and you play through a story in an episodic form where every decision you make has a consequence for the unfolding of the story. Character development and narrative are the order of the day for this goliath series of games.
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Narcos
The popular Netflix series Narcos is a chronicled look at the exploits of Colombian drug kingpin Pablo Escobar and his clashes with law enforcement and other rival drug lords. It taps into the fascination with the dark world of real-life drug cartels and catalogues the violence and suspense at the heart of that world. Narcos: Rise of the Cartels is a turn-based action strategy game where you can play as the cartel and attempt to expand your empire or as the DEA attempting to bring it down. It includes popular characters in class-specific roles with upgrades and turn-based combat where every action has a consequence, and it captures the spirit of the show very successfully. Even slot games at online casinos like 21.co.uk new slots have introduced inspired titles around the popular TV series, Narcos and Narcos Mexico, where players can enjoy their favourite characters and moments from the show as they play online or on their mobile!
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Star Trek
With many iterations since the original Star Trek aired in the 1960s, the world of Star Trek is one of the most established and beloved in the entire sci-fi genre. Starfleet’s exploits throughout the known universe have been chronicled in many TV shows and movies, with iconic ships, beloved captains and crews and countless alien species that they encounter as they boldly go where no man has gone before. There are many Star Trek games, but the most popular remains the PC game Star Trek Voyager: Elite Force. It can be played on consoles, but the PC version runs the smoothest and allows maximum interaction, incorporating many characters and settings from the Voyager TV show. It also includes a multiplayer mode to boost its longevity, complementing the show very effectively for fans and newcomers alike.
