9 Best Video Games Crafted from Novels

Video games based on novels bring beloved stories to life in interactive ways. They let players step into the worlds of their favorite books, blending narrative depth with engaging gameplay.

From epic fantasy to gritty post-apocalyptic tales, these games capture the essence of their source material. Here’s a look at nine standout titles that turn pages into pixels, ranked from ninth to first.

9. Dynasty Warriors

Inspired by Luo Guanzhong’s ‘Romance of the Three Kingdoms’, ‘Dynasty Warriors’ throws players into ancient China’s chaotic Three Kingdoms era. You control historical figures like warlords and nobles, battling to unify a fractured land.

The game shifts from its roots as a fighting title to a hack-and-slash adventure, with sprawling battles that echo the novel’s grand conflicts. Its fast-paced action and roster of iconic characters make it a thrilling dive into Chinese history.

8. Discworld Noir

Based on Terry Pratchett’s ‘Discworld’ series, ‘Discworld Noir’ delivers a detective story set in the quirky city of Ankh-Morpork. You play as Lewton, a private investigator navigating a noir-inspired mystery with a touch of Lovecraftian horror.

The game’s sharp writing and humor stay true to Pratchett’s style. While its visuals feel dated, the clever dialogue and engaging plot make it a gem for fans of the books.

7. World War Z (2019)

Drawing from Max Brooks’ ‘World War Z’, this 2019 game captures the novel’s intense zombie apocalypse. Unlike the loose film adaptation (2013), it sticks closer to the book’s focus on global survival against fast-moving zombie hordes.

You team up to fight swarms in cooperative missions across cities like New York and Jerusalem. The game’s strength lies in its chaotic, high-stakes battles that mirror the novel’s grim tone.

6. Suikoden

Rooted in Shi Nai’an’s ‘Shui Hu Zhuan’, ‘Suikoden’ is a JRPG where you recruit up to 107 warriors to rebel against a corrupt empire. The game’s story of resistance echoes the novel’s tale of 108 outlaws.

Its sprite-based visuals may feel old-school, but the deep roster and strategic gameplay set it apart. The narrative’s focus on unity and rebellion makes it a standout for fans of epic tales.

5. Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege (2015)

Inspired by Tom Clancy’s novels, ‘Rainbow Six Siege’ builds on the author’s counter-terrorism themes. This tactical shooter pits teams of operators against each other in intense, strategic matches.

Unlike earlier Clancy games, ‘Siege’ emphasizes competitive multiplayer over a single-player story. Its dynamic gameplay and constant updates keep it fresh, reflecting the high-stakes missions of the books.

4. Metro Last Light (2013)

Based on Dmitry Glukhovsky’s ‘Metro 2033’, ‘Metro Last Light’ plunges you into a post-apocalyptic Moscow. Survivors hide in subway tunnels, scavenging and fighting mutants in a radiation-soaked world.

The game’s first-person shooter mechanics and eerie atmosphere capture the novel’s bleak tone. Its unique economy, where bullets double as currency, adds a layer of survival tension that feels true to the source.

3. Parasite Eve (1998)

Hideaki Sena’s ‘Parasite Eve’ novel, a sci-fi horror about sentient mitochondria, inspired this 1998 game. You play as Aya Brea, a cop battling grotesque creatures born from a biological nightmare.

Blending RPG elements with survival horror, the game expands on the book’s chilling premise. Its cinematic storytelling and creepy vibe make it a haunting adaptation that stands the test of time.

2. Cyberpunk 2077 (2020)

Built on Mike Pondsmith’s ‘Cyberpunk’ tabletop roleplaying books, ‘Cyberpunk 2077’ drops you into the neon-lit Night City. You play V, a mercenary navigating a dystopian world of gangs, corporations, and cybernetic implants.

The open-world RPG captures the gritty, high-tech chaos of the source material. Despite a rocky launch, its rich story and immersive setting make it a bold take on Pondsmith’s vision.

1. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt (2015)

Andrzej Sapkowski’s ‘The Witcher’ novels gave birth to ‘The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt’, a sprawling RPG where you play Geralt of Rivia, a monster hunter. The game weaves a complex tale of war, magic, and personal quests across a vivid open world.

Its deep storytelling, memorable characters, and moral choices reflect the books’ emotional weight. Widely praised, it’s a masterful blend of literature and gaming that sets the standard for adaptations.

Which game from a novel is your favorite, or did I overlook a great one? Drop your thoughts in the comments!