Summary
TheLeague of Legendsanimated showArcaneset the world alight in 2021, with the Netflix production being a rare high-quality video game adaptation.Arcaneflourished on the streaming platform through its incredible level of animation and its dedication toLeague of Legendslore, basing the show and its premisearound the game’s characters and their backstoriesrather than the game itself.
Arcaneis a one-of-a-kind show, although there are many video game shows that have emerged over the years that have enjoyed great success, becoming phenomenons just likeArcane. From live-action adaptations to animated series, video game shows have become mainstream, with many showcasing immense quality and high-end production.
Where to Watch
Netflix
Based on the popular Valve gameDota 2,Dota: Dragon’s Bloodfollows the adventures of Davion, a Dragon Knight who merges with the dragon Slyrak, leading to the character engagingin a thrilling chase of the demonic demon Terrorblade, who aims to eliminate all dragons.
LikeArcane,Dota: Dragon’s Bloodis an animated Netflix show that invites audiences into a unique fantasy world that mirrors the famed video game it is based on. Although not every aspect ofDota 2is reflected in the show,Dota: Dragon’s Bloodacts as a faithful and fun adaptation of a thriving video game.
One of the biggest hits of 2024 was the Prime Video showFallout, based on the video game franchise of the same name. Following the same premise as the Bethesda games that see Vault Dwellers emerge onto Earth’s surface after nuclear warfare has ravaged the planet,Falloutfollows three different characters, with the main protagonist, Lucy, choosing to leave her vault to search for her kidnapped father.
While on her journey the Wasteland, Lucy meets Maximus, a distrustful Brotherhood of Steel member, and The Ghoul, a threatening bounty hunter, with all three intertwining throughout the narrative. The post-apocalyptic world ofFalloutoffers high-stakes drama with a dash of hilarity,mirroring many aspects of Arcane, such as the wry humor and the theme of searching for family.
Peacock, Paramount+
For audiences hoping for a comedicadaptation of a video game,Twisted Metalis the ideal show, with the notoriously funny and charismatic Anthony Mackie taking the lead in this post-apocalyptic series. This action comedy sees Mackie play the role of hyperactive John Doe, a character traversing a desolate and feral America to deliver a package that will give him the chance to start a better life.
While on his mission across the vigilante and criminal-filled apocalypse, Mackie encounters several threats, such as the iconic Sweet Tooth. The show takes a video game franchise featuring high speed car combat and thrilling action and fleshes it out in terms of narrative. Audiences looking for high-octane action and strong comedic writing won’t go wrong withTwisted Metal, a video game adaptation that aims purely to entertain.
HBO’sThe Last of Usmade its way to television following much anticipation and fan expectation. Nevertheless, the zombie drama that follows Joel and Ellie’s trek across a decimated America held up its end of the bargain, bringinganother quality piece of TV to HBO.
Starring the ever-charming Pedro Pascal in the titanic role of Joel,The Last of Usoffered several themes throughout its first season that added depth to the zombie apocalypse show, with ideas such as loss and family trauma affecting both main protagonists dramatically. Fans ofArcanewho enjoyed Jinx and Vi’s separation storyline can indulge inThe Last of Usas a modern series that offers visceral and powerful drama examining the loss of family in a fractured world.
Dragon Age: Absolution
Netflix continued its quality catalog of animated video game adaptations with the release of the impressiveDragon Age: Absolution, a show inspired byBioware’sDragon Agevideo game series.
This animated fantasy show features six episodes covering the continent of Thedas, where a high-stakes heist goes wrong. This results in all-out war over a blood magic artifact, with the heroic elf Miriam playing an integral role in proceedings. Featuring slick animation, a world filled to the brim withDragon Agelore, and a fight for powerful artifacts,Dragon Age: Absolutionis a show thatArcanefans will be sure to enjoy.
Arcanefans who admire its compelling narrative, crisp animation, and all-out action will not have to look far for a show of equal quality, with the seriesCyberpunk: Edgerunnersbecoming one of the stand-out Netflix properties of recent years. While being an anime,Edgerunnersis based on the world ofCyberpunk 2077, a video game set in a futuristic society where high-tech corporations run society and street kids try to make ends meet in the criminal underbelly.
Edgerunners' protagonist, David, integrates himself into a criminal gang, causing him todevelop a budding romance with Lucy, a skilled netrunner. The pair’s relationship coupled with their criminal activity, all set in a fractured and futuristic society, makes for electric television, while the show’s vibrant and colorful art fleshes out the non-stop metropolis that is Night City.
For fans ofArcaneand other fantasy shows,Castlevaniasticks out in the genre, focusing on vampires, monsters, and the ever-famous Dracula. Based on the famed Konami video game franchise of the same name,Castlevania’sgothic world is fully explored in the Netflix show, with the vampire Dracula sending forth his demons upon the region of Wallachia and its people, resulting in a massacre. To combat Dracula’s destruction, the protagonist, Trevor Belmont, aims to end the vampire’s evil with the aid of his versatile companions.
Castlevania’sstrong points lie in its impressive animation, faithful adaptation of the series lore and esthetics, and continual improvement season by season, making the show one of the strongest video game adaptations to date, and sure to impress audiences who desire a mix of fantasy and horror.
