After Netflix's Arcane, I would love to see Ratchet and Clank and 6 other video game franchises adapted into animated series

It’s taken a while, but I think it’s finally possible to say that we’ve reached an era in which video games are receiving proper adaptations into other forms of media. THE League of Legends series Esoteric is proof of this. One of best shows on Netflixit’s a shining example of what can be done when a team has a masterful creative vision. Alas, the show comes ended after its second season and even though it makes me sad, I already think that Ratchet and Clank and some other franchises are expected to be turned into animated series.

There are currently several upcoming video game adaptations on the board, and they are at different stages of development. Updates on some of them have been rare, which is the case for the Assassin’s Creed And War equipment animated series which are in development on Netflix. Amidst the hype surrounding Esoteric Season 2seems like the perfect time to discuss other IPs that deserve some love on the small screen. So let’s do just that.

Ratchet and Clank

In 2013, a Ratchet and Clank movie was in the works, and this feature film was finally released in theaters in 2016. Ultimately, it was criticized but, regardless of how it may have been received, I always felt like the Insomniac’s iconic Playstation franchise needed the small screen treatment. The acclaimed game series has always channeled the explosive action, offbeat humor, cosmic chaos, and pure heart associated with some of the best saturday morning cartoons of all time.

It would be great to follow the eponymous protagonists through a TV show. A streaming service could be a solid place for such a production, but I wouldn’t mind a kids’ network picking it up and releasing episodes every week. Even though I seem like an elder in this regard, I fully accept it since I hope Ratchet and Clank being television stars since their debut in 2002. A number of Playstation games still need adaptationsand gun-toting Lombax and his robotic friend are prime candidates.

Arthur Morgan and Sadie Adler speak in Red Dead Redemption 2

(Image credit: Rockstar Games)

Dead red

The golden age of westerns is long gone, but Yellow stone Creator Taylor Sheridan has done an effective job of reinvigorating the genre over the past few years. And, on the video game front, the highly acclaimed Amazon Prime Video To fall The series further proved that audiences crave cowboy-type characters facing mounds of danger and drama. So why not bring an animated version from Rockstar Games Dead red on the small screen?

For the uninitiated, fan-favorite games are set against the backdrop of the American Wild West and follow protagonists like John Marston or Arthur Morgan. These characters are usually either bounty hunters or outlaws and find themselves in risky situations due to their status. The most recent entries in the open-world saga are immersive, and it would be exciting to see that scale in an animated series. A group of talented writers – and a talented cast – could also humanize obscure characters similar to those in the games.

Sly Cooper speaks in Sly 2: Band of Thieves

(Image credit: Sucker Punch)

Sly Cooper

I was looking forward to the animation Sly Cooper film announced ten years ago, and it was disappointing to find that it was essentially put on ice due to the failure of Ratchet and Clank movie. A TV show based on one of Sucker Punch’s iconic IPs was also developed some time later, but as of this writing, it’s been years since any further updates on that project. not been shared.

Sly, a master raccoon thief, along with his two allies – hacker turtle Bentley and adorable hippo Murray – and the rest of the anthropomorphic characters in their orbit feel tailor-made for television. A cartoon, set in the games’ continuity or a new timeline, could focus on the Cooper Gang as they pull off heists while avoiding criminal masterminds and persistent police detective Carmelita Fox. The games’ fun, crazy atmospheres and elegantly animated cutscenes are proof enough that Sly needs a small screen adaptation.

Solid Snake aims his weapon in Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater

(Image credit: Konami)

Few video game franchises have managed to permeate pop culture in the same way as the one born from Konami. Metal gear has. So it’s quite surprising that it hasn’t yet been adapted into a movie or TV show. An attempt has been made in the latter case and, at present, a the script is supposedly still being written. However, this franchise would be a great fit for the small screen, especially since the medium would give fans ample time to spend with the series’ fascinating characters, especially the one and only Solid Snake.

If an animation Metal gear the show is happening, franchise creator Hideo Kojima is expected to be involved though. It would be an understatement to say that he is a gifted storyteller and could bring those skills to the project and signify a sense of creative continuity. (A similar approach seems to work well for HBO. The last of uswhich counted franchise creator Neil Druckmann as showrunner.) Truth be told, we’ve seen military-based shows, but M.G. could surpass those with action and a story infused with sharp social and political commentary.

Isaac Clarke suits up in Dead Space

(Image credit: Electronic Arts)

Dead space

Horror and science fiction collide in a big way in Dead space – the popular game series that began in 2008. Developed by now-defunct Visceral Games, the original game focuses on an engineer named Isaac Clarke, who (along with a handful of others) struggles with psychosis and Horrible monsters called Necromorphs on a mine. spacecraft. It’s a story that is enough to send shivers down the spine. However, it’s the narrative that may make one wonder if this could work as a TV show.

Yes, the story seems somewhat simple and might work better as a movie. Additionally, a few animated films have been produced and released in recent years. However, this franchise has never had an ongoing series. With the right writers, the narrative could be expanded in interesting ways to achieve this. Three mainline games means there could theoretically be three seasons of material. A franchise as great as this deserves a continued show, and in our current landscape, it wouldn’t hurt to have a quality horror/sci-fi show in the mix.

Samus Aran is dressed in Metroid Prime 4: Beyond

(Image credit: Nintendo)

Metroid

As for Nintendo’s publishing efforts, Super Mario, The Legend of Zelda And Donkey Kong Country are among the titles that probably come to mind for a large part of the general public. We certainly cannot forget the essential part of the game which is MetroidHowever. Avid gamers have followed soldier-turned-bounty hunter Samus Aran through a myriad of adventures in the far reaches of space. Considering how exciting his exploits are, it’s honestly surprising that this is even a classic video game requiring adaptation.

There was a Metroid to show – featuring a gendered Samus – discussed in the 1980s, but ultimately only concept art was produced before the franchise was abandoned. I know Nintendo is busy on the feature film front with the Super Mario Bros.. franchise, but I’d like to see the company do something with Samus. An anime series based on this property could be a lot of fun, and honestly, anime might be the best route to achieve that. The chances of such a thing coming to fruition might be slim, but it’s certainly fun to think about.

Jin Sakai brandishes his weapon in Ghost of Tsushima

(Image credit: Sucker Punch)

The Ghost of Tsushima

Sucker Punch truly lived up to its name when it hit the gaming community with The ghosts of Tsushima in 2020. This sprawling epic centers on samurai Jin Sakai, who struggles with morality and his adversaries while seeking to defend the titular island during the first Mongol invasion. Simply put, this beautiful game features impeccable storytelling, layered characters, intense action, and a strong appreciation of Japanese culture. Honestly, it’s not hard to understand why Got has received so much praise so far.

I would say this is a game that could absolutely serve as the basis for an entertaining TV show. Some may wonder if it’s really necessary, especially since we now live in a world where FX’s Emmy Award-winning series Shogun exists. However, I think there are enough narrative differences to warrant a reimagined version of SP’s incredible period piece. This particular IP feels like it was made for anime, and I smile imagining how beautiful the production could look. Let’s hope that this potential adaptation comes to fruition one day.

To be completely honest, there are countless video games that would make great animated projects, but I really felt the need to shout out the specific titles above. It’s hard to say, at this point, how long this surge in game adaptations will last. Still, I’m optimistic that at least a few of them will eventually become beautifully animated, written, and acted television series. Here’s hoping they perform and join the ranks of quality offerings like The Cuphead Show, Castlevania and of course, Esoteric.

Speaking of Esotericbe sure to stream the entire show using a Netflix subscription. Trust me when I say you won’t regret it if you do.