Did you know that some of the best video games today are based on books ? If your teenager (or teenager) has played these games, they may not be familiar with great, original stories and characters.
Video Games Based on Books
The following games are classified as T for teenagers or M for Younger for various reasons and may not be suitable for a younger audience: Please check with your local/Online Game Store or leave a comment if you have specific questions about the games you entered .
The Witcher
This fantasy series from Poland has received critical acclaim. The story revolves around the Geralt of Riva, who is a ‘witcher’ or monster hunter. Due to his magical powers and abilities, he is often used by powerful people and goes through amazing adventures.
Why you should read the book
There are several short stories by Andrzej Sapkowski, which have been made into two books. They have rich storylines and offer romance, action, and an intense political narrative. The novels have also been turned into a series of graphic novels why you should play the game.
The game is a proud point for the Polish people. When President Obama visited Poland in 2010, Prime Minister Donald Tusk presented him with a copy of the game. Similar to the short stories, Sim Card features side missions that allow you to explore the beautifully designed map and encounter creatures. The game also doesn’t shy away from politics; choices affect how characters interact with you and change the outcome of the overarching story. Since the story is based on books, it has depths that can be difficult to follow, but it provides an extraordinary gaming experience when understood.
The Walking Dead
Everyone has heard about the Walking Dead series due to the successful AMC show. Zombies are all the rage right now, thanks in large part to the graphic novel series by Robert Kirkman and Charles Adlard.
Why you should read the book
The graphic novels are rightly celebrated and won the award for the best ongoing series in 2010.While the series obviously features zombies, they also focus on interactions between the people of the story. How do people deal with each other in a world that has been turned upside down? Will people continue to live in order or do something to survive? Asking the question, who is the real monster, the walking dead or the living?
Why you should play the game
The game is set in the same universe as the graphic novels, but you don’t play as the main character. Many of the characters from the novels are included in the story and you can interact with them. While the series dramatizes how people would react, the game tests how THEY would react by putting their character in challenging situations. These decisions affect you and those around you. Similar to the novels, the game is released as 2-3 hour long parts or episodes, which can be purchased individually. It waspraised for his storytelling and won three VGAs (Video Game Awards) in 2012.
Metro 2033 Series
A post-apocalyptic novel set in Russia in the year 2033. Due to war and nuclear fallout, civilization was forced to live underground in underground systems. The story explores what would happen to society if people were forced to live under the surface.
Why you should read the book
This story has an impressive history. It started online, where the author Dmitry Glukhovsky published the book for free on his website. He has since published two books and turned them into a video game. It just shows you the power of great writing. Encourage your kids to write short stories or start a blog, not only because it’s imaginatively fun but because you never know what the result might be! Why you should play the game
The story remains true to the novel. You play as Artyom and encounter many characters in Metro 2033 and Metro 2034. Much of the game allows you to explore environments to see how people live together underground. Some chose to live in civilized communities, while others returned to fascism and saw the reappearance of the Nazis.
The sequel to the game ‘Metro: Last Light’ inspired the author to create a follow-up novel: Metro 2035.
American McGee’s Alice
Alice in Wonderland is a classic story made popular by Disney’s movie. The story follows a young girl who falls down a rabbit hole and encounters a wild cast of animal and human characters in increasingly strange environments.
Why you should read the book
Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland is a classic of literature. It is entertaining and rich in symbolism and satire. In addition, Lewis Carroll, as a mathematician, challenges mathematical assertions that were being developed at that time. The characters in the story are memorable and popular. So it can be read and enjoyed on many levels, across all age groups.
Why you should play the game
The game serves as a continuation of the story in which Alice questions her sanity. Many of the famous characters from the book are introduced as friends or enemies. In order to sort herself out, Alice needs to return to Wonderland. With a unique art style and imaginative settings and gameplay, this game offers one of the most interesting customizations on the list.
Enslaved: Odyssey to the West
The story is about an epic journey of a man named Monkey, who receives a special order and has to make a pilgrimage to the West.
Why you should read the book
This is a story from China, written in the 16th century! Get your kids excited about other cultures by reading this epic journey about a monk searching for artifacts and giving them back. While the story was written in the 16th century, it tells about the exploits of Xuanzang in the middle of the 7th century. Spreading the religious world along the way, attracting disciples and fighting demons are just some of the events in the story. Why you should play the game
Imagine a game that could interest your child in Chinese folklore! Regardless, the game is a clever adaptation of the original text. You play the character ‘Monkey’ and get a special task. This modern adaptation takes up ancient history and transports you to a fantasy world 150 years after a great war. You will gain companions along the way, but the demons have been reinvented as mechanical beasts.
Tom Clancy Series
This list would only be complete by mentioning Tom Clancy. Tom Clancy has sold over 100 million books. These military thrillers often depict an individual or group trying to thwart attacks on the United States.
Why you should read the books
If your student is interested in the military, reading a Tom Clancy novel is a must. His books are repeatedly praised for their precise details and intense plots. His first publishing contract was sold to the Naval Institute Press for $ 5,000. The book? The hunt for Red October. Since then, 15 of his works have become NY Times bestsellers.
Why you should play the games
Over 40 games have been created under the name Tom Clancy. Tom Clancy founded the game studio ‘Red Storm.’ The studio was approached to develop a game that could be used for military training. The Splinter Cell franchise was originally supported by Tom Clancy, but was not based on a book. However, after the game’s success, several ghostwriters turned it into novels, which is quite a twist!
It’s amazing to see these connections between books and games. Great stories recreated to appeal to a gamer audience can be used to interest children in reading and expand their horizons. And readers who want to interact with the characters of a novel can play the game.
Do your kids play these games? Are you interested in reading more about them? Leave a comment with your thoughts or advice for other parents.
