There’s Never Been A More Perfect Time For A New Planet Of The Apes Game
The Planet of the Apes saga, an enduring icon of science fiction, has mesmerized audiences for decades, evolving from its cinematic origins to become a beacon of storytelling brilliance. Interestingly, despite its widespread fame and the potential richness of its universe for interactive experiences, the franchise has seen a conspicuously sparse video game lineup. Surprisingly, only a modest tally of five official games and a single downloadable content (DLC) have graced the gaming world, with the virtual reality experience, Crisis on the Planet of the Apes, marking the latest addition back in 2018.
The gap preceding Crisis was filled by Planet of the Apes: Last Frontier in 2017, a game that nestled itself narrative-wise between the pivotal events of Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014) and War for the Planet of the Apes (2017). Unlike its VR cousin, Last Frontier emphasized moral ambiguity and story, reminiscent of Telltale Games’ The Walking Dead series, albeit with minimal gameplay.
In light of the recent cinematic achievements, particularly with Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes dazzling audiences, the time is ripe for the unveiling of a new, high-budget Planet of the Apes videogame masterpiece. The longstanding absence of a game worthy of the franchise’s legacy compounds the urgency for a videogame adaptation that mirrors the narrative depth and cinematic quality of the films. After all, none of the previous titles have managed to capture the essence of the Apes saga satisfactorily.
The journey through the Apes gaming legacy is a tumultuous one, beginning in the 80s with a project for the Atari 2600, intended to be the first official game adaptation. Yet, due to the dissolution of 20th Century Fox’s gaming division, this game remained unfinished, only to be revived years later under the title ‘Revenge of the Apes.’ Fast forward to 2001, Ubisoft embarked on translating the rebooted film visions into games. Despite their efforts, the results were underwhelming, receiving tepid receptions and forgotten by both critics and gamers alike. Further attempts to revitalize the series in the digital realm, such as Last Frontier and Crisis, although technically accomplished, failed to leave a lasting impact on the gaming community.
Considering the cinematic branch of the Planet of the Apes series has enjoyed scores ranging between 68 and 82 on Metacritic, the disparity in quality between the films and the games is stark. This iconic franchise, rich with potential for deep narrative exploration and groundbreaking gameplay, undoubtedly deserves a video game adaptation that lives up to the movies’ legacy.
Rise of the Planet of the Apes and its sequels have not only reinvigorated the franchise but have also introduced the saga to a new generation of fans. With advancements in gaming technology and an ever-growing interest in interactive storytelling, the stage is perfectly set for a Planet of the Apes game that could offer an immersive and compelling experience, woven into the tapestry of the film’s narrative.
With the Hollywood Reporter revealing plans for a total of nine movies within the Planet of the Apes saga, the narrative possibilities for game development are more expansive than ever. Fans are especially curious about the untold stories within the series, such as the fate of Cornelius between War and Kingdom. Therein lies a golden opportunity for a game that could bridge these narratives, adding depth and insight to the beloved universe. It’s time for a new video game chapter that not only pays tribute to the Planet of the Apes legacy but also enriches it, offering fans an interactive journey through its complex themes and compelling stories. The question now is not if, but when such a game will make its highly anticipated debut.
In a landscape where video games and movies are increasingly interlinked, a new Planet of the Apes game stands as not just a possibility, but a necessity, for both fans of the franchise and the evolution of narrative-driven gaming. Let’s rally for a future where we can dive deeper into the world of Apes, exploring untold stories and connecting with the characters in ways only video games can allow.
