Games Based on TV shows
Nov 19, 2007
With the writer's strike in full bloom, television execs are scrambling to make sure their most popular programs will continue running unabated. But with key shows like "Desperate Housewives," "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno," and 'The Daily Show' included in the growing list of strike casualties, it's sure to be a long, cold winter of reruns for the television industry.
Which means it could be a hot one for video games, particularly those based on TV shows. Before you unplug the set, check out some of gaming's primetime crossovers.
Dancing with the Stars (Activision)
It seems like an odd show to turn into a game, but Activision hopes their bootylicious dancer does the cha cha cha-ching when it steps to the Wii and PS2 this holiday. Gamers will play as one of nine stars from ABC's hit show, including Joey Lawrence, Mario Lopez, Stacey Keibler and Emmit Smith. Over thirty licensed tracks and ten different dance styles will keep your fingers (or toes, if you have a PS2 dance mat) wiggling to the beat. Note: Skintight dance pants dipped in sequins not included.
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The Simpsons (EA)
After numerous failed attempts to create a game that lives up to the supremely high standards of FOX's first family, EA finally comes close with this hysterical (if over-conventional) take on Springfield's finest. After realizing that they're trapped in a video game, Homer and crew revel in their new special powers and go about bashing down the fourth wall as they run amuck through their new virtual playground. Though the action is pretty basic, the endless game parodies and terrific sense of humor make this fan fiction worth the d'oh.
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CSI (Ubisoft)
A handful of games based on this CBS mainstay have been released over the years. The latest, Hard Evidence, was developed by Sam & Max crew Telltale Games and appears on the PC, Xbox 360 and Wii. Players are tasked to solve five grisly murders, working alongside several of the main investigators from the show. Critics haven't been thrilled with the gameplay, but fans of forensics might get a kick out these digital detective yarns.
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Lost (Ubisoft)
Help the castaways of ABC's smash hit survive extreme conditions, The Others and each other in this next-gen adventure game. Players will control Elliot, a never-before-seen photojournalist who also survived the crash of Flight 815 but not before suffering a blow to the head causing amnesia. Despite the shady soap opera backdrop, Lost will appeal to fans of the show by requiring them to solve puzzles while photographing and trading with prominent characters. If only Elliot also had a cell phone with GPS...
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Hannah Montana (Disney Interactive)
Determined to burst those eardrums using the elated screams of crazed teenaged girls? Then you'll be thrilled to know that two different games based on Disney's teen sensation are vying for bites of your holiday budget. Hannah Montana: Spotlight: World Tour lets Wii players since and dance through 15 of the teen diva's tunes, while Hannah Montana: Music Jam will keep DS die-hards busy making their own music on the bus.
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What else is on? >>
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Don't change that channel - we've got five more games based on TV shows to check out before the commercial break.
Harvey Birdman (Capcom)
The cancelled Adult Swim series sees new life as a riotous adventure game built firmly in the mold of Capcom's Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney line. The game pits players as the titular ex-superhero turned lawyer in five cases steeped deeply in the surreal, kooky cartoon comedy that initially attracted the show's cult following. With the full cast of voice actors along for the ride, it's bound to be a ridiculous day in court when the game hits the PS2, PSP and Wii in early January.
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Are You Smarter than a 5th Grader? (THQ)
Probably not, but you can get your learn on by picking up the PC or DS version of this popular game show. With 28 subjects and over 3,000 questions culled from grammar-school textbooks, the game simultaneously tests your knowledge of supposedly basic facts while making you feel like a moron for missing anything. Good times!
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Heroes (Ubisoft)
Little is known about Ubisoft's take on NBC's breakout superhero sensation, which was officially announced this past August at Comic-Con 2007 in San Diego. However, we can safely say that it will revolve around the show's cast of gifted characters, most certainly the regenerative Claire, the electrifying Elle and the time-traveling Hiro, and likely will appear on at least one of the next-gen systems. Vague, we know, but apparently Ubisoft's superpower is keeping their lips sealed shut.
The Office (MumboJumbo)
The colorful cast of Dunder Mifflin trades paper for pixels courtesy of MumboJumbo, who locked down the exclusive rights to develop and publish games based on NBC's hot property. Initially that takes the form of a casual PC game in the vein of Diner Dash, though eventually fans can expect other games for the DS and PSP. Given the show's fantastic humor and pop-culture savvy, imagining a relatively entertaining game isn't hard. And yes, that's what she said.
Hell's Kitchen (Ludia Inc.)
This bizarre creation by small Canadian outfit Ludia poses the question, "What if Cooking Mama were an insane British drill sergeant?" The answer will involve PC, console and mobile gamers whipping up grub while being berated by show host and demoralizing meanie Gordon Ramsay, minus the stench of burnt artichokes. Talk about a tough dish to swallow.