10 Video Games That Bring Classic Literature to Life

Video games often pull from rich storytelling traditions, and classic literature offers a deep well of inspiration. From epic myths to dark novels, timeless tales have shaped some of the most memorable game narratives. 

I’ve rounded up ten video games that draw heavily from literary classics, weaving their themes and characters into interactive adventures. Each game transforms old stories into something fresh, proving the enduring power of these works.

God of War (2005-2013)

The original ‘God of War’ trilogy follows Kratos, a brutal warrior battling gods and monsters in a world steeped in Greek mythology. Drawing from epics like Homer’s ‘The Iliad’ and ‘The Odyssey’, the games echo tales of heroic feats and divine wrath.

Kratos’s journey mirrors the struggles of mythic figures like Achilles, facing impossible odds and personal demons. The games blend bloody action with references to cyclopes and vengeful deities, making ancient stories feel alive and visceral.

Spec Ops: The Line (2012)

‘Spec Ops: The Line’ looks like a typical military shooter but hides a darker story inspired by Joseph Conrad’s ‘Heart of Darkness’. Set in a ruined Dubai, it follows Captain Walker’s descent into chaos as he hunts a rogue colonel.

The game captures the novel’s themes of moral decay and the horrors of war, with Walker echoing the unraveling of Conrad’s Kurtz. Its gritty narrative and tough choices make it a haunting modern take on the classic.

Castlevania (1986-ongoing)

The ‘Castlevania’ series centers on the Belmont family’s endless fight against Dracula, pulling directly from Bram Stoker’s ‘Dracula’. The vampire lord’s menace and gothic atmosphere shape the games’ eerie castles and monstrous foes.

While horror films influence the series, Stoker’s novel provides its core, with Dracula as a cunning, immortal threat. The games add their own flair, like whip-wielding heroes, but keep the literary essence of good versus evil.

Enslaved: Odyssey to the West (2010)

‘Enslaved: Odyssey to the West’ reimagines the Chinese folktale ‘Journey to the West’. It follows Monkey, a brash fighter, and Trip, a tech-savvy woman, in a post-apocalyptic world filled with robotic enemies.

The game keeps the spirit of the monk’s pilgrimage from the original tale, with Monkey’s staff combat and Trip’s quest for home echoing the classic’s adventurous heart. Its vibrant world makes ancient folklore feel new.

The Lord of the Rings Online (2007-ongoing)

‘The Lord of the Rings Online’ lets players dive into J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth, joining the War of the Ring. The MMORPG expands on the novels, focusing on northern conflicts and lesser-known stories from Tolkien’s works.

Players explore iconic locations like Rivendell while shaping the world through quests. The game stays true to Tolkien’s rich lore, bringing his detailed universe to life with every adventure.

The Wizard of Oz: Beyond the Yellow Brick Road (2008)

This quirky DS game, ‘The Wizard of Oz: Beyond the Yellow Brick Road’, turns L. Frank Baum’s ‘The Wizard of Oz’ into a JRPG. Dorothy and her companions form a party to battle four witches on their way to the Great Oz.

The game mixes Baum’s story with RPG mechanics, giving the classic tale a fresh spin. Its trackball controls may feel odd, but the charm of Oz shines through in its colorful world and familiar characters.

American McGee’s Alice (2000)

‘American McGee’s Alice’ twists Lewis Carroll’s ‘Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland’ into a dark, psychological horror game. Alice returns to a warped Wonderland, battling nightmarish versions of familiar characters.

The sequel, ‘Alice: Madness Returns’ (2011), dives deeper into Carroll’s world, adding more characters and emotional depth. Its grim take on Wonderland explores trauma and madness, making the classic feel unsettlingly new.

The Last of Us (2013)

‘The Last of Us’ draws from Cormac McCarthy’s ‘The Road’, following Joel and Ellie, a father-figure and young girl, through a post-apocalyptic America. Their bond and survival mirror the novel’s unnamed man and boy.

The game blends quiet moments with brutal violence, capturing McCarthy’s themes of hope amid despair. Its emotional weight and detailed world make it a powerful echo of the novel’s stark beauty.

Assassin’s Creed (2007-ongoing)

The ‘Assassin’s Creed’ series takes cues from Vladimir Bartol’s ‘Alamut’, a 1938 novel about a fortress in 11th-century Iran. The games’ secretive assassins and their creed of stealth and sacrifice reflect the novel’s themes.

While the series spans many eras, its core conflict of order versus freedom ties back to Bartol’s story. The rich historical settings and moral questions make it a dynamic tribute to the classic.

Horizon Zero Dawn (2017)

‘Horizon Zero Dawn’ pulls from ancient epics like ‘The Epic of Gilgamesh’, crafting a story of Aloy, a hunter in a world of robotic beasts. Her heroic tasks mirror the demi-god feats of ancient myths.

The game’s themes of rebuilding civilization and facing overwhelming odds feel timeless. Its lush visuals and primal technology create a unique blend of ancient storytelling and futuristic wonder.

Which video game inspired by classic literature is your favorite, or did I miss a hidden gem? Share your thoughts in the comments!