Years ago for my first book, I decided to look ahead at what I would like to see from Hollywood in terms of movies based on video games and a few others that I thought would work. While some of my original selections made it to the screen, and Uwe Boll made an industry of video gaming films, I thought I would look at what is still on my list and add a few more.
The following suggestions are just that – suggestions for films that I think would do well, (providing they have a solid script), and many have potential to become franchises that will ensure lucrative sequels for years to come.
X-Com:
For those of you that have not heard of the game, X-Com was one of the 90’s most popular computer games. It spawned several sequels and was awarded many awards in the gaming industry. The game is a turn-based strategy game that cast players in the role of the supreme commander of X-Com, a unit designed to fight an invading alien menace on Earth. Players had to design their bases, research equipment, and invade and defend various locations while they dealt with financial and political pressures.
The game would make an interesting film as the alien invasion is a good backdrop. But what would make the film different from say “Starship Troopers” is an open-ended storyline that can show many facets to the conflict from the political, financial, and of course combat point of views. The film would also be a great franchise launching point as the games have established many scenarios for sequels to be based upon.
Crusader: No Remorse
While there have been a few rumors on this title, nothing solid has ever come of it. The popular computer game series from Origin tells of an enhanced killing machine called a “Silencer” who turns against his evil company and joins up with the resistance.
The game was non-stop action, and the cut scenes were gripping and original as they drove the story. The futuristic game was so gripping, that as soon as I finished both games, I wanted even more. The game featured a wide range of bad guys including some morphing robots and a dazzling range of weapons. The movie version of the game, if done right, could become as big as the Terminator series, as it contains all the elements needed for success.
Hunters of the Red Moon:
A classic tale from Marion Zimmer Bradley that tells of a man who is sailing around the world, who is abducted by a UFO. Before he knows what is happening, he is caged with aliens from a number of worlds, and learns that they are to be sold into slavery.
Not content to become a slave, members of the group stage a revolt and soon find themselves captives again yet separated from the prisoners who would not fight in the revolt. The group soon learns that they are to be the honored hunted, and if they survive the hunt on the Red Moon, they will be set free and granted riches beyond their wildest dreams. There is only one problem, few if any can recall anyone surviving the hunt, and the hunters have never been seen before, so how does one distinguish hunter from hunted?
A good story that spawned a good sequel called The Survivors. The story is tailor made for the screen and would be a good action feature in the right hands.
Half Life
The most popular computer game of all time sets players as Gordon Freeman as he attempts to escape the Black Mesa Research Facility after a disaster. The game plays out as an interactive movie with plenty of tension, danger, and action to please even the most jaded gamer. This could be a huge film as the following for the game is enormous.
Currently fans are waiting for any sign of Episode 3 or any new project in the series so I am sure this is where all the efforts are now.
Left 4 Dead
While Valve has yet to jump into movies, the success of “Resident Evil shows there is a market for Zombie games. The setting is already in place and with limiting the cast to four main players this can be a very cost effective project. If you want to go big, combine the casts from both games in an epic zombie blast shot in 3D.
Duke Nukem
With the new game finally released and more properties for the series coming up, it would be great to see Duke make it to the big screen and bring his mission of eliminating the alien menace while maintaining his cool style to a local multiplex.
I would suggest a real 80s retro look of a swaggering over the top hero who things being P.C. is a dedicated computer nerd. Explosions, chicks, and mayhem abound, and what more can a gamer want?
Dead Space
Rumors have abounded but imagine a filmed-in-3D horror epic in the mode of “Alien” that captures the dark survival and horror of the game series. Teeming with deadly and nasty threats, a visually diverse and complex ship setting, and tons of scares and action.
The Long Walk and The Jaunt by Stephen King
Both are short stories featuring King at his best. Simple stories which pray upon the primal horrors that we all have. Frank Darabont is supposedly looking at an option for The Long Walk and he would be perfect to tell the tale of a group of boys in the ultimate competition.
PREY
With a sequel on the way, this would be a great time to look at the winning mix of actions, aliens, and mysticism. Shot in 3D this could be a great mix of visuals and action.
Here are a few I suggested years ago that finally made it.
Aliens vs. Predator:
It seems like every year this long rumored film returns to the rumor mill only to vanish from site. The Aliens and the Predators two of the most memorable monsters ever created, and with the failure of the latest films in the franchises, Fox needs to come up with a new vehicle for the creatures, and what better way than to pit them against one another? Fox Interactive and Monolith Productions are working on an Aliens VS Predator 2 game, and I think a movie would be a natural result to what is certain to be a heavily anticipated game, and would start a new franchise for Fox. (Now Available).
The Green Lantern:
With the trend of superhero-based films today, I am surprised that this character has not been brought to the screen. The original comic is based on the story of test pilot that comes upon a crashed alien craft. Inside he finds a dying crewman who entrusts him with a green ring.
The ring turns out to be an energy ring and soon the title character is a defender of the just, thanks to his ring which gives him all manner of powers including the ability to fly. The film could be done easily with the modern special effects and like other superhero franchises, could easily be a solid franchise for the studio that green lights it.
The Mist:
One of Stephen King’s best works ever. This short story from Skeleton Crew tells of a mysterious mist that soon envelops a small town trapping the main characters of the story in a grocery store. The tensions amongst the people grow as all manner of bizarre and deadly creatures appear and add menace to the personal conflicts that are raging amongst the people trapped inside the store.
A title long rumored to be in development, it has yet to make it to the screen. For my money, this is the best work King has ever done. The characters are interesting, and the situation and pacing are nerve wracking. You never know what is coming next and I could visualize the settings and the characters very clearly as the story are very well written. The tension in the story is relentless as the reader, much like the characters has no idea what has happened, and what is coming next.
