Question Of The Month Reader Responses: Issue #220

by Jeff Marchiafava on Jul 11, 2011 at 06:48 AM

A few months ago we asked our readers what television show they thought would make a good video game. The latest issue of Game Informer contains a small sampling of the selections they came up with, but we received too many letters to stop there. Here are some more shows our readers would love play on their home console.

The Doctor Is In:

One word, one question. Doctor. Who? I feel Bioware could do great things with this franchise, due to the companion selection in Mass Effect. Substitute Normandy for T.A.R.D.I.S., Garrus for Captain Jack, etc. This would satisfy players who like to use guns, as well as those who like exploration (the Doctor never uses guns). Combined with a time-based puzzle solving aspect like the Ocarina of Time, and the options are endless. It could be an amazing game ripe for DLC and sequels if lore masters and great developers focused on making a quality product.

Alexander Green
I think Doctor Who would make a great video game. You could play as all the previous doctors (including Matt Smith) and their companions. It could be a puzzle game in a God of War format. You could use the signature sonic screwdriver as your main weapon and get other cool gadgets that help defeat the Daleks. Also, you could use the T.A.R.D.I.S to get to missions.

Sebastian Romero
I think Doctor Who would make an interesting game. It would probably be a challenge to make a game that's faithful to the source material, but if done right you could potentially have a fun, original game with a good deal of replay value and plenty of potential unlockables and easter eggs. In terms of style, I'd make it like a point and click adventure or Shenmue-type game, with emphasis on puzzle-solving and story elements. The fact that you have basically the entirety of time and space to play with means you have a lot of room for creativity, and you can create new worlds, explore the past, or both! Plus, the way the series hints at an over-arcing plot throughout the series, which pays off in the conclusion, would work well for a video game. It also offers the opportunity for non-linear gameplay; playing through the events of the story in different orders, and multiple endings which provides greater replay value.

William Gonzalez
Of all the television shows out there, there is one show that stands the test of time itself: Doctor Who. I think it is about time that someone made a video game for the good Doctor that is worthy of his genius. It makes such perfect sense when you think about it. With such a richly diverse cast of monstrous creatures and sinister villains in the Who-Verse (not to mention the limitless possibilities for settings thanks to the T.A.R.D.I.S.), one can only imagine how much fun it would be to step into Who's shoes. Who wouldn't want to solve creatively challenging puzzles while spouting out monologues of witty nonsense? Or trying to fend off attacking Daleks with the Doctor's trusty sonic screwdriver? There is such a huge fan base -- both young and old -- who would love to see this game come to fruition. Add in the processing power of today's consoles/computers and you have all the makings of a smash hit.

Michael M.
I have long thought Doctor Who would make a most-excellent game. The unlimited time frames and locations in the universe allow for any possibility, and the 50-year history of the show provides such a large pool of options. In my vision, the ideal style for this product would be a Lego game what with the various Doctors, Sonic Screwdriver, and the various quirks of all the characters. While this may sound like a strange format, it is important to remember that Doctor Who has always been pushed as a kids show to promote interest in science and history.

Rudy K

Firefly Fans:

Being an avid RPG gamer and Joss Whedon fan, I would love it if Firefly was made into a video game. I've been a Firefly fan since it first aired on Fox years ago, but even though it was canceled the shows popularity kept growing until the (very successful) movie Serenity released in theaters. This show has the best story-driven, dramatic, hilarious, action-packed writing and acting that most game developers could only dream about. If Firefly is made into a properly done RPG, an old and new generation of gamers and sci-fi fans would come together and behold a new front runner in the world of gaming.

Anthony Boike
When I read the current question of the month, one TV series popped into my mind instantly: Firefly. During its short run on air the show created a unique universe with an interesting back story that would be perfect for a game similar in style to Mass Effect. Just imagine zipping around the galaxy in Serenity while battling Reavers and various criminal and government organizations.

Ed Sorrentino
I would have to say that Firefly would make an awesome open world, or should I say space, game. Let's face it, who doesn't want to be a bad-ass space cowboy? realistically making the game worthy of such a title would take some time and money, but if some company pulled it off...Well, they would make themselves a fortune and become gaming gods.

Dominic Furfaro

Major Burn:

I think a video game prequel to USA's Burn Notice would be awesome. The show has an excellent balance of story and action, and the potential for interesting and complex puzzles. Micheal Weston's spy tips would also be a good way to introduce new tools, skills, and characters to the game. It would also be great just to have a spy game that doesn't suck.

David Warner
I know that USA Network's Burn Notice would make an excellent game. It has tons of action, a great city, a likeable cast, and fast cars. No disrespect to downloadable games, but it should be a full retail game.

Edgar Santana
I think that Burn Notice could potentially make a great game. It could be open-world with tons of different side missions and things like that. It would also be cool if there was a system to build
some of the tools and stuff on the show.

Anonymous
Burn Notice -- I think that show would make a great game. Style it as an open-world game with a little mix of GTA, but make it a tighter shooter with the ability to hide in cover. The missions would all be different: rescue a hostage, stop a drug deal, aid a doctor in defending his clinic, help Fiona out in a pinch. The show itself has the story, all you need is to slap in the game mechanics and you get a decent game -- add in some multiplayer options and it would be great.

Tyger Fernandez

A (Super)natural Fit:

The T.V. show I'd make into a game is Supernatural. The show has its own extensive amount of lore to work with and it can even have custom characters like Fallout 3 or Mass Effect, cause even though the show is about Sam and Dean Winchester, there is a whole subculture of hunters. Players can even go on hunts as side quests. All in all, if done with the right care it could make for a really great game.

Jonathon Brown
In my personal opinion, I believe Supernatural would make a great video game. Just imagine all of the monsters Sam and Dean Winchester have encountered. They have beaten ghosts, Wendigos, and even Lucifer himself. This could be the perfect mix of mystery, sci-fi, and horror, all rolled up into one awesome campaign.

Alex Bandy
I would have to say Supernatural would probably make a great game. It wouldn't have to follow the show, just be set in the universe. It could be kind of like half mystery/half action. Solving hauntings and fighting demons in tactical ways -- that would be awesome!

Logan Dieter

A Game That's Supposed To Suck:

My pick would be True Blood. Think of the various possibilities of how it could play. You could play as a vamp, a shape shifter, or you could join the Fellowship of the Suns to become a vampire hunter and start the war of wiping out the vampire race. As a vampire, you could pose a threat to humans, plan out and attack against the Fellowship of the Suns, or be the nice vampire by drinking TruBlood. Each character could have a different game play style. You could wait tables at Merlottes as Sookie, and the screen would pop up thoughts that Sookie hears from people, and you could decide on your actions from there. You could be Sam and shape shift into a dog to go save the day. Being Lafeyette, selling V could be a big part of the game, since it's illegal for humans to sell it in the True Blood world. It could be like the Sims, Heavy Rain, or an open-world GTA or Red Dead-style game. To top it off, you would get horror, action, drama, suspense, comedy, and romance all in one game.

Jerry Micronis

There Can Be Only One:

I think a Bioware-like RPG of the Highlander television series would be awesome. First of all, there would be a vast amount of level variation and creative room because the Highlander has lived for over a thousand years. The story could progress over time with choices the player makes affecting the entire game. There would also be a huge array of weapons, armor, and other loot to collect because of the wide scope of time and cultures the game could cover. Lastly, sword fighting other immortals provides the set up for some epic boss battles, as well as new powers absorbed when beheading one of them. Imagine the gruesome beheading scenes at the end of each battle, and you've got yourself a game. In the end, there can be only one!

Ben Fulford

It Even Has "Game" In The Title:

As anyone who has read George R.R. martin's epic A Song of Ice and Fire or seen the HBO series revolving around it knows, Game of Thrones would make an excellent game. I'd like to see BioWare get that one. Just imagine the opening chapter, followed by three or four main missions, and a conclusion! I smell a winner.

Blake Anglin
I think that the new HBO series, Game of Thrones, has the potential to be a good game -- depending, of course, on how the series plays out (since it is still in its infancy). An RPG format would probably suit it best.

Jen

Watching The Detectives:

Due to the recent hit LA Noire that just came out, I would love to see a series of games based on Law & Order. Granted, the nostalgia factor would be a little lost due to upgrading it to modern times, but I believe the technology available now would be a fantastic assist to Law & Order games to improve on the past reincarnations.

Brad Sickler
Twin Peaks would make an amazing video game. Sure, we've already got Alan Wake and Deadly Premonition, but those are only inspired by Twin Peaks. How about an old-school point-and-click adventure game where you play as Special Agent Dale Cooper while trying to find out who killed Laura Palmer? That would be a Day One purchase for me!

Lilikka Philandros
Psych would be a cool video game. It could be in the style of L.A Noire (only it would be comedic settings, of course). You could have episodes from the show be the investigations.

Blake
I think that HBO's Dexter would make an excellent game. I would like to see it made by Team Bondi, perhaps . The mature tone of the television series and its mix with Dexter being a blood analyst and also a killer in himself would make for a very interesting game with a lot of very interested gameplay. Have stealth elements of Dexter stalking his prey mixed with Dexter's detective work and the drama of the show, and it would be an amazing game. Maybe even bring in all the actors and use the technology that L.A. Noire used. The show just has a whole lot going for it: An amazing story that you don't see everyday, its twists and turns, edge-of-your-seat suspense, and some amazing acting all make this a great idea to be turned into a game.

Ronnie Bier
I think that the TV show House would make a great game! Since House and his team search for clues and follow leads from the patients themselves, I think that it would translate well to the PC as a multiple ending point-and-click adventure with mild Trauma Center elements.

Shannon Foss
I think Fringe would make a good television to game because of its sci-fi conspiracy storylines and investigative nature. It would make an interesting L.A. Noire/Alan Wake combo.

Estevan Mora
I'll give you 2 words and a letter: The X-Files. Two games have been released already (one on PSone and one on PS2), so a PS3 game would be ideal. Plus, the third X-Files movie is rumored to release in 2012, so a movie tie-in game could be widely accepted. Plus, L.A. Noire shows how to make a crime game. Long live Mulder and Scully!

Mason McLary
I believe a Magnum, P.I. game would be awesome. An openworld game in 1980s Hawaii? How could you resist? The success of L.A. Noire will pave the way for more detective games. Why not have Tom Selleck return as our favorite private investigator? Island hopping, taking down goons, scoping the babes, and cruising in Robin Masters' Ferrari is a great way to veg out with our gaming consoles. Long live the 'stache!

Jason Brentner

Why So Serious?:

In response to your question of the month: I think that Two and a Half Men would make a great game.

James
Question Of The Month answer: Two and a Half Men, because the player would always be winning...DUH!

Jake
I think It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia would have excellent potential as a game.

Austin Mitchell
Comedy Central should bring back another rendition of South Park. With all the parodies of pop culture, there's no shortage of inspiration from which they could draw material. The opening theme song could be Cartman singing "Poker Face."

Sean P
I think that a Jon Stuart's Daily Show/Colbert Report, Street Fighter-style fighting game would rock. You could play as any of Jon's correspondents, and some of Colbert's characters, like the eagle from the opening, Kitty Al Amin, or a giant robot painted like the American flag -- and of course, Jon and Stephen. I would actually camp out to buy that game.

Talbot Bluechel
I would actually think that South Park would make a good third person sandbox game if you would be able to pick and unlock characters from the show. It would be like GTA with online and offline free roam.

Ken Fridy
I think that a good television show to turn into a video game would be Archer on FX. Sure, it would be an "M" rated game, but with the humor and spy aspect plus a developer like the minds behind the splinter cell series, a great game could be made.

George F.

You're My Heroes:

I think the T.V. series Heroes would make an awesome video game! Especially if they were to make it as an action/RPG title where you play as a fully user-created character. Imagine if you could make yourself into a super hero with any main power you want and be part of a story that revolves around the Heroes universe. I think it would be awesome to be involved into a new Heroes story written by the same writers. Also, you could choose to be good or bad. Imagine traveling through time with Hiro Nakamura or teaming up with Sylar!

Johnny Rizo
I would have to say the television series Heroes would make a very good game. This fun, slightly campy show was cancelled before its time, and I'm sure that parent company Universal Television could bring the old writers back and have plenty more stories to tell. In addition, the powers that characters like Hiro, Claire, and Sylar wield would make them perfect for the over-the-top action that gamers are used to seeing in console games today.

Scott Ferree

Make Up Your Mind:

Well in my very humble opinion, I think either Law & Order or The Reaper would make terrific games. Also, The X-Files or The Walking Dead would be no-brainers. Thanks for your time.

Logan Pekarske
Sorry, it's me again. I forgot to add the best one...True Blood! So many different characters with so many different powers, and buckets of mystery and intrigue (and blood). Also, it's a great location; eerie yet beautiful!!

Logan Pekarske

They're Already Making It!:

Personally, I haven't been a fan of games based off of T.V. shows since I was a little kid. But I think that a game based on The Walking Dead would be great. I mean, everyday survival against hordes of zombies? How awesome would that be? Just as long as it's not some lame Left 4 Dead clone.

Chandler Rush
The best show I can think of would be The Walking Dead. I personally love the show, and although there are already thousands of zombie games out there, I think it would make for a great game. Apparently, the show has already made plans for a Walking Dead game. I can't wait to see what they come up with, and I hope they can stay fresh and original.

Nick Bates

Old School:

I know that these aren't recent television shows, but I've always wanted to play a Thundercats and/or a Masters of the Universe game. These were two very successful shows that I would love to see reborn and have a chance to play on my 360. Is this possible?

Bryan Northam
I want a Captain N game. It's got a lot of the Nintendo mascots plus many more sidekicks and now-forgotten icons (Bayou Billy, for example). I would want the original voice actors for everyone, especially the gravely Megaman, the ever flamboyant Simon Belmont, and the big mama voiced Mother Brain. This game could be hilarious. There never was a lack of adventures on this show, plus so many more could be had.

Dustin Palmer
My pick for a T.V. show that would make a good video game is probably not one that many will suggest: The old Green Hornet T.V. series from the '60s. Just picture it: Driving around in the Black Beauty while kicking bad guy butt as either the Green Hornet or his no-named sidekick Kato -- that wold be pretty awesome.

Michael Bowling

More Sci-Fi Fans:

My choice: Battlestar Galactica. If you have seen the series it should be apparent as to why: Great acting, great drama, intrigue...If you haven't seen it, then I recommend you invite some friends over and have a viewing party. If you have ever played Fantasy Flight Games board game of BSG, you will see elements of why it would make a great multiplayer game. Fighting to keep humanity alive while trying to figure out who is a cylon and who is not. It would be the cool game to come into work the next day and have your friends rag on you because you were a cylon that doomed their victory. Lets face it, everyone likes to play the villian.

Dana Moffett
Stargate. I think the stargate is perfectly suited to the storytelling and exploration aspect of games and I would love to step through it if they could ever get the funding to see one through to completion. Or license it to someone else who can do it properly.

Jamie Fitzgerald
I believe that Invader Zim would make a great game. The sillier aspects could be removed. The scale of the Irken Empire would make for great set pieces, the technology could be toyed with, and the open framework of the series and badassness of the Irken Empire are perfect for a game. That said, it would need a more serious name, like "Invasion."

Jakob Heil
For those who know the show, Sliders would be a perfect escape-type/quick-thinking game to play. Picture, if you will, sliding into a universe and being sent to jail by -- say -- the Mexican governmentt, which took over the U.S. You'd have to figure out a way out of jail, how to release your friends, and to get the timer back just in time for the escape. Think of all the things that could be done in alternative universes, especially in a video game! Fighting, fun shooting, sword fighting, and other forms of weaponry could be found and used by the characters. It would be exciting, and keep you thinking. Wouldn't you say so?

David Anderson