Summary
Characters who have entered the public domain are free for anyone to use. That means that anyone can create any kind of creative work using these characters, provided they don’t too closely resemblemore recent adaptations. These creative works can also include video games.
There have been many beloved video games based on public domain characters, such asSherlock Holmes: Chapter 1andLies Of P. However, many public domain characters either never got a video game adaptation, or their games were poorly received. With public domain characters having proven success in video games, these iconic characters deserve their chance.
1Peter Pan
The Boy Who Wouldn’t Grow Up Is Perfect For Video Game Adventures
Peter Panhas captured the imagination of children and adults for over a hundred years. This eternally youthful character lives in a fantasy world called Neverland. There he can fly,fight devious pirates, and most importantly, never grow up.
With so many adventures, fantasy elements, and potential for high-flying action sequences, Peter Pan would make a perfect video game hero. A game could either be a straightforward fantasy adventure, or take a deeper look at the temptation to choose fantasy over reality. Either interpretation is sure to do well in the right hands.
2Little Red Riding Hood
This Classic Tale Is Perfect For A Dark Reimagining
Like many classic fairy tales,Little Red Riding Hoodlooks sweet on the surface but can be terrifying on closer examination. Especially the wolf who stalks the titular heroine and disguises himself as her loved one. AsLies Of Phas proven, classic tales like this are open for excellent dark reinterpretations.
There are many ways to make an excellentLittle Red Riding Hoodgame, such as a survival horror where Red must flee the wolf. Or perhaps a dark action game where Red fights back against the dangers of the forest. The story offers too many great ideas to ignore.
3Tarzan
A Property Begging For Open-World Traversal
As Edgar Rice Burroughs’ arguably most iconic character,Tarzanhas received multiple adaptations over the years. However, he’s yet to make a huge splash in video games. But withopen-world games involving swingingbeing increasingly popular, this should change.
Tarzan has had many adventures in the novels that would be perfect for a video game to fully explore. His jungle setting would be great for an open-world game with unique traversal mechanics. Alternatively, a survival game would also do well in Tarzan’s world.
4Moby Dick
The Posterchild Of Nautical Gothic Is Perfect For Today’s Gaming Audience
Modern-day gamers have proven they have a voracious appetitefor seafaring gameslikeAssassin’s Creed 4: Black Flag,Subnautica, andDredge. The ocean is full of wonder and terror in equal parts, making it a perfect gaming setting. With that in mind, it’s a little surprising that there hasn’t been a major AAA game based onMoby Dick.
With its dark themes, gripping character drama, and high seas adventure,MobyDickwould make an excellent video game. Fans are sure to thrill over exploring the ocean before a climactic showdown with one of the most notorious sea monsters in all of fiction.
5The Invisible Man
This Classic Character Could Become Gaming’s Most Terrifying Villain
Some of the most beloved horror games of recent times have players running from invincible monsterslike Mr. X, Lady Dimetrescu, or Huggy Wuggy. But what if players couldn’t even see the monster pursuing them? That’s the terrifying question a game based onThe Invisible Mancould answer.
With nothing but audio cues to alert the player, a chase could become that much scarier.The Invisible Mancould also work as an asymmetrical multiplayer game. Even a game that casts players as the titular Invisible Man can demonstrate what an underrated power invisibility is.
6The Little Mermaid
This Underwater Fantasy Would Make A Great Setting For A Game
While the Disney movie of the same name is the most well-known,The Little Mermaidwas originally a much darker and bittersweet fairy tale. Just likeLies of Pbefore it,The Little Mermaidcould be reinterpreted and expanded into a darker, more fantastical tale full of action and adventure.
With underwater games being all the rage,The Little Mermaidprovides an excellent blank canvas for developers to craft an epic fantasy. This tale of underwater societies, sea witches, and desire is ripe for expansion. An epic adventure with fights against terrifying sea creatures is sure to ensnare fans.
7Frankenstein’s Monster
One Of Literature’s Greatest Monsters Deserves A Video Game
When it comes to classic monsters in video games, theinfamous vampire Draculais probably the most well-known thanks to games likeCastlevania. As arguably the second most famous monster in literature,Frankenstein’s Monsterdeserves just as much attention. While he has appeared in several games, none of them have been huge hits.
With the character appearing in several movies, shows, and comics, there’s no reason there can’t be a hit game about Frankenstein’s monster. The gothic tale is perfect for a narrative-driven adventure starring either the monster or his creator. Frankenstein’s monster is so iconic that a game about him is sure to draw attention.
8Quasimodo
The Classic Hunchback Story Deserves A Modern Retelling
When most people think ofQuasimodo, they imagine Disney’s classicHunchback of Notre Dameanimated musical. Few remember that the character appeared in a gothic novel by Victor Hugo, and was one of Universal’s first classic “monsters.” Just like withLies of P,The Hunchback of Notre Damecould benefit from a post-apocalyptic expansion worthy of a video game.
A gothic Pariswould be an excellent setting for a game, especially with the rooftop jumping and shadow skulking Quasimodo is known for. Players naturally gravitate towards heroes rejected by society, so Quasi would surely be a popular protagonist. With an expanded plot featuring monsters that still adhere to the original novel, a Quasimodo game could be the next smash hit.
9Dorothy Gale
A Dark Adventure Could Be Truer To The Text
Those who have only seen the originalWizard of Ozmovie might balk at the idea of a game starringDorothy Gale. However, those who have read the original novels know that the land of Oz is perfectly suited to a video game. The classic stories are full of thrilling adventures and menacing monsters just begging to be reproduced by a game.
Dorothy is a worthy protagonist, bravely adventuring through a strange land on a quest to return home. The eccentric companions she gathers on her journey would make for a perfect RPG. Though Dorothy and her friends have appeared in several games, none of them have received the acclaim these beloved characters deserve.
10The Phantom Of The Opera
This Classic Novel’s Pageantry Is Perfect For Gaming
While some might dismissThe Phantom of the Operaas a musical, many forget that it was originally a novel that was first adapted as a silent film. And even if a game adaptation is a musical,musical games are very popularnowadays. But even ignoring the musical opportunities, the Phantom’s world is an excellent setting for a game.
The sets and stage of the gothic opera house would provide excellent set pieces, not least of all the gloomy catacombs in which the Phantom dwells. While the story might need a more fantastical expansion to be game-worthy, the obsessive and menacing figure of the Phantom is sure to make an unforgettable gaming antagonist.
