Games frequently draw on a wealth of narrative traditions found in classic literature, providing a vast reservoir of inspiration. Whether it’s the grandeur of ancient myths or the shadows of gloomy novels, enduring stories have significantly influenced the creation of compelling game narratives.
I’ve collected ten video games that take inspiration from classic literature, blending their themes and characters into immersive gaming experiences. These games breathe new life into timeless tales, demonstrating the lasting impact of such works.
God of War (2005-2013)
The initial ‘God of War’ series focuses on Kratos, a fierce combatant who engages in battles against gods and beasts set within a world brimming with Greek folklore. It draws inspiration from epics such as Homer’s ‘The Iliad’ and ‘The Odyssey’, reflecting narratives of heroic actions and divine retribution.
As I traverse through these digital realms, I can’t help but draw parallels between my own odyssey and the legendary journeys of titans like Achilles. Facing seemingly insurmountable challenges and wrestling with my inner demons, every step feels like a battle against fate itself. The creators masterfully weave brutal action sequences with references to cyclopes and vengeful gods, breathing life into ancient tales and making them pulse with raw, visceral energy.
Spec Ops: The Line (2012)
‘Spec Ops: The Line’ might appear to be a standard military shooter game at first glance, but beneath its surface lies a more complex narrative with echoes of Joseph Conrad’s ‘Heart of Darkness’. This game takes place in a devastated Dubai and chronicles Captain Walker’s journey into madness as he pursues a renegade colonel within the city’s ruins.
The game powerfully reflects the book’s ideas about moral corruption and the terrors of conflict, as Walker mirrors the deterioration seen in Conrad’s character, Kurtz. With its raw storytelling and difficult decisions, it offers a chilling contemporary interpretation of a timeless tale.
Castlevania (1986-ongoing)
In the ‘Castlevania’ series, the Belmont family is consistently engaged in a long-standing battle against Dracula, drawing heavily on Bram Stoker’s novel ‘Dracula’. The dark influence of Dracula and his gothic environment is reflected in the ominous castles and terrifying enemies that populate these games.
In Stoker’s novel, Dracula serves as the central foundation, portrayed as a clever and immortal antagonist. Though horror films may shape the series, it is the battle between good and evil, rooted in the literary tradition, that remains a constant in the games, infused with unique elements like characters wielding whips.
Enslaved: Odyssey to the West (2010)
‘Enslaved: Odyssey to the West’ offers a modern spin on the classic Chinese tale ‘Journey to the West’. This game focuses on Monkey, a bold combatant, and Trip, a tech-adept lady, as they navigate through a post-apocalyptic landscape teeming with robotic adversaries.
The game maintains the essence of a monk’s journey as depicted in the original story, featuring Monkey’s staff battles and Trip’s journey home which mirrors the adventurous core of the classic. Its vivid setting breathes life into ancient legends, making them feel fresh and modern.
The Lord of the Rings Online (2007-ongoing)
As a devoted fan, I get to immerse myself in the enchanting world of J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth through ‘The Lord of the Rings Online’. Instead of merely reading about it, I become part of the epic War of the Ring! This MMORPG not only complements the novels but delves deeper into the northern conflicts and unearths lesser-known tales hidden within Tolkien’s literary masterpieces.
Adventurers delve into famous sites such as Rivendell, reshaping the world via challenges. The game adheres closely to Tolkien’s extensive mythos, breathing life into his intricate universe through each experience.
The Wizard of Oz: Beyond the Yellow Brick Road (2008)
In this unique DS title, ‘The Wizard of Oz: Beyond the Yellow Brick Road’, the classic tale by L. Frank Baum is transformed into a Japanese Role-Playing Game (JRPG). Along her journey, Dorothy teams up with other characters to engage in combat against four witches as they make their way to meet the Great Oz.
The game combines Baum’s narrative with role-playing game elements, providing a new take on the traditional story. Despite the unusual trackball controls, the enchantment of Oz is evident in its vibrant setting and relatable characters.
American McGee’s Alice (2000)
‘American McGee’s Alice’ reimagines Lewis Carroll’s ‘Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland’ as a grim, psychologically haunting video game. Here, Alice finds herself back in a distorted Wonderland where she confronts terrifying renditions of once-familiar characters, all while navigating her own psychological torment.
In the 2011 sequel titled ‘Alice: Madness Returns’, we delve further into Carroll’s realm, introducing additional characters and layering complexity through emotional nuances. This darker interpretation of Wonderland confronts themes like trauma and insanity, giving a fresh, disconcerting twist to the original tale.
The Last of Us (2013)
‘The Last of Us’ borrows themes from Cormac McCarthy’s ‘The Road’, featuring Joel and Ellie – a mentor and young girl – navigating a post-apocalyptic United States. In this story, their relationship and journey to survive mirrors the novel’s anonymous man and boy.
The game seamlessly combines tranquil scenes with intense brutality, mirroring McCarthy’s themes of hope in desolation. Its profound impact and intricately built universe resonate strongly with the raw elegance of the novel.
Assassin’s Creed (2007-ongoing)
The ‘Assassin’s Creed’ game series draws inspiration from Vladimir Bartol’s 1938 novel, ‘Alamut’, which is set in 11th-century Iran and describes a fortress. The covert assassins in the games and their code of stealth and self-sacrifice echo the central ideas found in this novel.
As a dedicated fan, I find myself deeply drawn to how the show’s narrative traverses different epochs, yet remains anchored in the timeless struggle between order and liberty, echoing powerfully in Bartol’s tale. The intricate historical landscapes and thought-provoking moral dilemmas serve as a vibrant homage to the enduring essence of the classic.
Horizon Zero Dawn (2017)
‘Horizon Zero Dawn’ draws inspiration from classic tales such as ‘The Epic of Gilgamesh’, weaving a narrative around Aloy, a skilled hunter navigating a realm inhabited by mechanical creatures. The heroic exploits of Aloy echo the semi-divine deeds recounted in ancient myths.
The game’s topics about reconstructing society and overcoming immense challenges have an enduring relevance. Its rich graphics and primitive tech merge to form a distinctive mix of traditional narrative and advanced allure.
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2025-07-05 21:20