Shaping the Story: The Canon Impact of Licensed Video Games

Video games and movies have always had a symbiotic relationship. Some of the best games have been inspired by cinematic universes, and in some cases, they even form an integral part of the film's canon. These licensed video games offer an additional layer of depth, allowing fans to immerse themselves deeper into their favorite film universes. We will take a look at the top 10 licensed video games that are officially part of a movie's canon.

1. Enter The Matrix

The Matrix's revolutionary universe extends beyond the big screen, with Enter the Matrix delivering an ingenious video game that runs parallel to the Matrix Reloaded film. With new footage shot by the Wachowskis and a narrative focusing on Niobe and Ghost instead of Neo, it offers an interesting perspective on the Matrix universe.

2. The Chronicles Of Riddick: Escape From Butcher’s Bay

The Chronicles of Riddick: Escape from Butcher Bay takes fans of Vin Diesel's Riddick series on a thrilling prequel journey. Set before Pitch Black, the game offers a canonical glimpse into Riddick's time in the infamous Butcher Bay prison, giving fans a deeper understanding of this intriguing character.

3. Saw: The Video Game

Saw: The Video Game is developed as a bridge between the first two films of the chilling Saw series. With contributions from franchise creators, James Wan and Leigh Whannell, and a storyline that has Detective Tapp attempting to escape from an asylum, this game is a terrifying addition to the Saw universe.

4. Fortnite X Star Wars

In a surprising twist, Fortnite X Star Wars became the precursor to Star Wars: Episode IX - The Rise of Skywalker. The game was the platform for Palpatine's revival announcement, making it a significant, albeit unconventional, part of the Star Wars canon.

5. Alien: Isolation

Alien: Isolation serves as a canonical sequel set 15 years after the original Alien movie. The game revolves around Amanda Ripley, Ellen Ripley's daughter, heightening the sense of dread and tension that was a significant aspect of the film franchise.

6. Ghostbusters: The Video Game (2009)

Reprising their iconic roles, the original Ghostbusters came together for Ghostbusters: The Video Game, set two years after Ghostbusters II. The narrative was so compelling that Dan Akroyd considered it the third movie, thus making it a canonical extension of the Ghostbusters universe.

7. Peter Jackson’s King Kong

Considered one of the best of its genre, Peter Jackson's King Kong video game offers a more detailed exploration of Skull Island. With an alternate ending where King Kong survives, it provides an intriguing, canonical perspective on the King Kong universe.

8. The Thing

The Thing video game is a canonical sequel to John Carpenter's highly-acclaimed film. Following Captain Blake's investigation of the Antarctic outpost, the game expands the storyline of the original movie, with Carpenter's endorsement adding to its credibility.

9. Star Wars Battlefront II & Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order

Star Wars Battlefront II and Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order serve as crucial narrative bridges in the Star Wars universe. While Battlefront II charts the rise of the New Republic and Iden Versio, Jedi: Fallen Order focuses on Cal Kestis, a rogue Jedi Padawan, adding depth to the Star Wars canon.

10. The Lord of the Rings: War In The North

War in the North offers a unique perspective on the Lord of the Rings universe. With a storyline paralleling the War of the Ring, it expands on the events occurring in Middle-Earth during this tumultuous time, effectively contributing to the Lord of the Rings canon.

In conclusion, licensed video games play a crucial role in expanding the canon of their respective universes. They delve into the complexities of plotlines and characters, offering fans an immersive, interactive experience of their favorite films. These games serve as an extension of the film's narrative, making them an invaluable addition to any fan's collection.