Books don’t just inspire films – they’ve sparked some of the most iconic (and weird) video games too. From The Witcher to Alice in Wonderland, these games take classic stories and reimagine them for new generations of players – cool huh? Some stay faithful to the page, others go completely off the rails. Check out the list now!
The Witcher series (Andrzej Sapkowski)
Monster-hunting, morally questionable choices, and a grumpy hero Geralt, who just wants a little nap. Inspired by Polish fantasy books by Andrzej Sapkowski, The Witcher is now one of the biggest RPGs ever. In the books, Geralt is more chatty, ironic, and kinda awkward – in the games he’s way broodier and more of a “dark fantasy action hero.” Ciri is also the central character of the books, while the first Witcher game barely mentions her at all.
The Lord of the Rings: Shadow of Mordor (J.R.R. Tolkien)
The plot is totally non-canon. Tolkien never wrote about Talion (the ranger protagonist) or his ghost buddy Celebrimbor going full Assassin’s Creed on orcs. The “Nemesis System” (where orcs remember you) is an invention by the developers – nothing like it in the books. Think Middle-earth, but instead of being Frodo you’re… kinda a ghost soldier with a revenge plot. Still, lots of orc-punching.
Call of Cthulhu
Lovecraft’s story is about people going insane after learning too much cosmic horror. The video game “Call of Cthulhu” leans into detective gameplay with sanity meters, dialogue choices, and boss fights – which is very un-Lovecraft (he hated neat endings). If you like creepy seaside towns, cults, and losing your mind slowly, this one totally hits the cosmic horror vibes. Reading optional!
ŌZ: The Sword of Etheria (2005)
A Japanese PlayStation 2 game loosely inspired by Oz, but reimagined as an anime-style fantasy fighter explorer game. Dorothy becomes “Dorothee,” accompanied by two magical companions, fighting to save the world. Forget skipping down yellow brick roads, this version had giant battles, really dark storylines, and way more sword fighting. It’s Oz… but make it JRPG!
American McGee’s Alice (Lewis Carroll)
Wonderland, but emo. The video game is a twisted take on Alice in Wonderland where the Cheshire Cat has abs and everyone’s even more terrifying. Carroll’s Alice is whimsical and curious. McGee’s Alice is traumatised, angry, and trapped in a twisted nightmare version of Wonderland. The Cheshire Cat goes from riddle-loving fluffball to skinny tattooed goth teacher. Like you do.
