Despite the ill-fated nature of most videogame-to-movie adaptations (please, no one bring up Michael Fassbender’s 2016 Assassin’s Creed), in recent weeks, a shockingly high number of them have been announced. Between the currently-filming Uncharted film with Tom Holland and Mark Wahlberg, the just-announced Mario movie, and the anticipated sequel to 2020’s Sonic the Hedgehog, it seems as though videogame adaptations are truly hitting their stride.
However, a defining feature of this trend is that, seemingly, all the films announced are from triple-A, big-name franchises. Part of the joy of modern gaming has been the rise of indie titles: smaller games that offer equally enthralling experiences. Why should these beloved titles miss out on the action? With that in mind, here are five indie games that would make surprisingly great movies.
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Broforce
When terrorists, aliens, and the literal Devil threaten the world, the President calls in the Broforce - an under-funded, over-powered paramilitary organization that deals exclusively in excessive violence. A run-and-gun platformer that allows players to assume control of their favorite 80s action characters (well, versions of them that won't inspire copywrite infringement, anyway) in an overblown, pixel-art mosh pit, Broforce stands out thank to its retro feel and over-the-top gameplay.
Featuring a smorgasbord of some of pop-culture’s most bro-tastic characters (ranging from ‘Rambro’ and ‘Bronan the Brobarian’, to ‘Ellen Ripbro’ and ‘The Brode’), an adaptation of this 2012 game has the potential to be a creative foray into over-the-top, camp violence - imagine an R-rated The Lego Movie. With 2010’s The Expendables proving that audiences will pay top-dollar to see their favorite action stars team up (and blow things up), imagine how much more they’ll pay to see their favorite action characters come together… and without the weirdly dark tone of The Expendables.
Inside
A young boy slides down a rocky incline: he dodges dogs, avoids guards, and navigates forests, factories and farms to find a secret laboratory. Why? Good question. The answer has art-house film written all over it.
A spiritual successor to Playdead’s Limbo, Inside was met with critical acclaim upon release for its art direction and atmosphere, with some even suggesting it could be one of the greatest videogames of all time. However, the 2016 puzzle platformer places more emphasis on story-telling than the gameplay, with a few critics claiming that it would’ve worked better as a short film than a videogame. Indeed, it would be interesting to see how an up-and-coming horror director could tackle this title: how they would build-up and reinforce the original’s bleak atmosphere for the big screen; stylistically and narratively, it could be something quite special.
Rocket League
Slated as a “vehicular soccer game”, Rocket League is probably the best example of the truism that combining two good things often results in one great thing: playing soccer with cars in a demolition-derby-style bash. It’s that simple.
Now an established e-Sport, Rocket League could take its world-domination a step further by being adapted into a film and letting the mainstream discover its giddy delights. Picture it: a movie with all the heart and drama of A League of their Own and all the action and spectacle of The Fast and Furious. The film practically sells itself! The plucky young driver who has to win the League to pay off their aunt's farm or whatever. But the real prize is, of course, the friends they make along the way.
A Short Hike
Recently ported to the Nintendo Switch, A Short Hike is one of the more relaxing games to ever exist. The goal is simple: reach the summit of Hawk Peak Provincial Park. And along the way, explore the nearby forests, meet the park’s other visitors, play a game of the patent-pending “beachstickball”. There’s no rush.
Visually and textually, the game is a treat. It’s the wholesome aesthetic of Animal Crossing combined with the themes and gameplay of Celeste. It’s about learning how to overcome loss and find yourself, whilst being surrounded by an array of cute, supportive creatures. At a time where it feels like the world is coming to an end, a film that captures this charming escapism might not just be popular – it could also be necessary.
Untitled Goose Game
Or should that be, Untitled Goose Film? This 2019 stealth puzzler proves that a clever game mechanic and a good sense of humor are the only qualities a title needs to succeed. Set in an idyllic English village, the player controls a contrarian goose, who honks, flaps, and grabs his way around the sleepy hamlet, causing mischief wherever they go. Why? Because they feel like it.
Really, the film already feels like an ironic subversion of a Pixar short: a cute-but-mute cartoon animal going on a big adventure, and learning a lesson on the way? The only difference is that this cartoon animal is an unapologetic jerk, and the lesson they learn is how to irritate the villagers even more. (Really, those uptight villagers have it coming.) A film adaption of this new classic could be as subversive and fun as the original – and hopefully with the same amount of ‘honks’.