The Terrible Trio: Comic Books, Movies, & Video Games

The Dark Knight proved once again that superheroes sell, but as good as the movie was, it could end up the next victim in a long list of terrible comic-book-turned-movie-turned-video-game. These games don’t seem to get better, because nothing ever really changes about them.

Spoilers: These games are supposed to encourage us to go see the movie, but at the same time they’re based on the film’s plot. What, then, is the point of going to the movie and enjoying it if you already know what is going to happen? If you’ve seen the movie already and the purpose is to relive those memories, it just means you pay more for the same story. I guess they figure if you’re going to spend close to $50 for the video game, you can afford to go see the movie.

Mediocre Games: These games are designed to be challenging for kids and the most casual of casual gamers. Seasoned players can knock most games like these out in one or two weekends. Oftentimes, to release with the movie, the games are noticeably unfinished to boot. And usually they aren’t exactly innovative either, often ripping off aspects of other games to make their game better.

Worthless Unlockables: It’s always the same: pictures from the movie or from the making of the movie. Game and movie concept art. New costumes/skins that really don’t do much to change the game. Or, like Marvel: Ultimate Alliance, old comic book covers which you usually have to search all over to find.

Limited Replay Value: After you beat the game, there isn’t much else left. Sure, you can go through and try to do that one level faster, but is there really any point or anything that’s worth the effort? No.

While CBMVGs aren’t always successful in the review department, comic books still have potential with movies and games. Just not all three: movies and games already have a rough relationship, and good comic book-based video games have been few and far between.

The future of comic books and video games is looking a little brighter. Marvel has had its turn with Hulk and Ironman, and now DC is stepping up to bat (no pun intended) with more than TDK: The Video Game with the DC Universe MMO and Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe. With popular series like Watchmen debuting and Red Sonja and RoboCop getting updated, great game opportunities continue to open up. That’s how comic god Stan Lee sees it.

“In a videogame, you’re writing many stories within the story,” says Lee. “It’s a totally different structure and a totally different philosophy of writing and, I think, a much, much more difficult one. I get the feeling more work goes into these video games than even goes into the movies.”

Hollywood’s raid of comic shops shows no signs of ending, meaning more of geekdom’s beloved characters could be getting the same video game treatment. But considering that great characters are often reduced to being part of a kid’s meal, their images sewn onto underwear, and their likenesses used to sell generic, made-in-China crap, one bad video game seems the least insulting.