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Whether it be through a massive and unexpected plot twist or an end-of-season cliffhanger that leaves watchers on the edge of their seats for months, television shows have always had a way of captivating us, sparking our imaginations and leaving us craving more.
Once they’ve achieved this captivation, many TV shows turn to merchandise like action figures and apparel.
Another medium that has consistently found itself tied to popular TV shows is gaming. This might seem like a relatively new trend, but game publishers have been creating licensed titles based on popular TV shows for decades.
These games offer a unique way to step into the shoes of beloved characters, experience iconic settings, and interact with storylines that previously only existed on television.
Thousands of these titles exist, but here are some of the best.
The Simpsons: Hit & Run
One of the greatest video games of all time is The Simpsons: Hit & Run. Released in 2003, this game was an absolute smash hit with fans of both The Simpsons and open-world games.
Borrowing elements from Grand Theft Auto but with a Simpsons twist, Hit & Run allowed players to drive around Springfield, complete missions, and interact with the show’s characters with an unprecedented level of freedom.
The game brilliantly captured the show’s humor and iconic locations while offering engaging gameplay. Each level of the game centers around different members of the Simpson clan and their wacky adventures, filled with all the sarcasm, wit, and satire that made the TV series so popular.
For many fans, Hit & Run became one of the most memorable TV-inspired games because it stayed true to the essence of the show while delivering a fun, exciting gaming experience.
Even today, it remains a cult classic, with many calling for a modern remaster.
Rick and Morty Strike Back Rapid Fire Jackpots
Rick and Morty is one of the most successful animated TV shows ever created for adults. Co-created by Dan Harmon, the show takes on his trademark “story circle” of character evolution.
First aired in 2013, the show became a massive success almost immediately. The show was so popular that it caused McDonald’s to almost immediately run out of the limited edition Szechuan sauce when it was brought back in 2017.
Rich and Morty’s venture into the real world doesn’t end under the Golden Arches as the pair have also featured in a string of popular video slot games. Many iGaming brands like PokerStars Casino offer a range of branded titles, including several Rick and Morty games. The most recent of these is Rick and Morty Strike Back Rapid Fire Jackpots.
This slot features six reels and four rows, each one packed with symbols modeled on the show’s characters that can be combined across 4,096 different paylines. It also offers several bonus modes, including Rapid Fire Jackpots and several free spin games.
Driver
While not based on a specific TV show, the 1999 title Driver took heavy inspiration from the gritty, high-speed police chases that dominated American cop shows in the 1970s. Think about shows like Starsky & Hutch or The Streets of San Francisco, which were known for their tense car chases and action-packed scenes.
Driver brought that same excitement to the gaming world, allowing players to feel like they were part of a high-octane, crime-fighting drama.
In Driver, players take on the role of an undercover cop named Tanner who is tasked with infiltrating criminal organizations.
The game features incredible chase sequences through open-world cities like Miami and Los Angeles, which were designed to mimic the vibe of those classic cop shows. With its cinematic camera angles, intense missions, and dramatic music, Driver was more than just a driving game; it was a love letter to 1970s television cop dramas.
Driver became one of the early open-world driving games that set the stage for many titles that would follow in its footsteps, such as Grand Theft Auto. It combined the tension of police dramas with innovative game mechanics, making it an unforgettable experience for fans of action and driving games.
Dalek Attack
For fans of the long-running British sci-fi series Doctor Who, 1992’s Dalek Attack gave Whovians the opportunity to step into the Doctor’s shoes and take on the show’s iconic villains, the Daleks. While Doctor Who has seen its fair share of video game adaptations over the years, Dalek Attack stands out for being one of the earliest and most memorable.
This side-scrolling action game featured the Doctor (in his fourth or seventh incarnation, depending on the version), battling against waves of Daleks and other enemies. The game’s pixelated graphics and side-scrolling design were typical of the early ‘90s, but it still managed to capture the essence of the show’s adventurous spirit.
Players can also select companions, including familiar characters like Ace and UNIT soldier, Brigadier Lethbridge-Stewart.
Dalek Attack was well-received for its time, especially among Doctor Who fans who appreciated seeing their beloved characters in a video game format. While it may not hold up to modern gaming standards, it’s a nostalgic trip for anyone who has fond memories of watching Doctor Who in the 20th century.