TellTale time. Come on, everybody. Gather 'round!
The title of this blog came from another of the many storybook shows I have seen over the years as a kid. It was called "Gather 'Round". It starred Paul Lally who did the narration and storytelling as well as the singing. It was in conjunction with Rae Owings who did the artwork on a chalkboard as well as some singing. It was a beautiful show as it re-told the tales of old, be it from Hans Christian Andersen or from the Brothers Grimm. I love a good storytelling. Imagine how I felt when Telltale games became a successful company.
My first foray into point-and-click adventure games started with Zack and Wiki on the Wii. It was a fun game to be sure, and challenging. I was so taken with the game-play, that I had to play more. So, then the Wii released not one but two ports from the PC: Broken Sword: Shadow of the Templars (Director's Cut) and Sam and Max Save the World (Season 1). These classics were all I needed to get into the genre. From then on, if it was a point-and-click adventure for a console, I had to either see it or have it after seeing it. Telltale took the reigns for Sam and Max and started to redistribute and debut new and old games for systems. It was like a hit list of instant classics as well as classics: Sam and Max Seasons 2 and 3 (Beyond Time and Space and The Devil's Playhouse), Back to the Future: The Game, The Walking Dead: The Game (3 Seasons, 2 side stories), Tales of Monkey Island, Tales from the Borderlands, Fables: The Wolf Among Us, Game of Thrones - The Game, and now, Batman is in Telltale form, and soon enough, Guardians of the Galaxy. Yup, DC Comics and Marvel Comics are getting the Telltale Treatment. But should it stop there?
Here's a list, in my view, of the different franchises, IPs, etc, that deserve the TellTale games treatment. For this list, I'll be looking at different titles that, for the most part, deserve a chance to be made into a strong, licensed, point-and-click adventure, if not for the sake of it actually happening, but for the sake of a great story being told, in your hands for your pleasure. With comic books, movie franchises, and even other video games getting the rub, anything and everything is on the block. So, let's get to it, eh?
Resident Evil
Speaking of survival-horror, nothing has been more prolific as a video game title in this genre than Resident Evil. It wasn't the first, but it sure was very innovative, and definitely fear-inducing. The general story of police officers, investigators, and basically everyday people trying to uncover a mystery behind the strange goings on in a town, a house, or even in a country only to learn that the trouble brewing involves the undead (or seemingly so) and their mission to survive long enough to get to the truth, with any and all weapons they can find. Over the years, the game has taken its share of criticism on how it operated. In response, a complete overhaul was done to the system by the game's 4th iteration. Currently, it's 7th iteration is upon us. But what if the next game in the franchise were of the TellTale ilk?
What I liked most about The Walking Dead's approach to the zombie apocalypse story is the constant day-to-day struggle the characters go through upon being hit with the tragedy. It made you question the human race and what they would do to survive. It was captured beautifully in TellTale's game. It brought surprising depth to the story, involving more regular people in varying ways. I feel that TellTale can bring new life into Resident Evil with the same zombie-related insanity that Resident Evil has become famous for. Only this time, it's less action and more puzzles. It's less fight and more flight. I feel that Resident Evil would make for one amazing TellTale game. Now, whether or not they make it a spinoff or a direct sequel is still left to be seen.
My first foray into point-and-click adventure games started with Zack and Wiki on the Wii. It was a fun game to be sure, and challenging. I was so taken with the game-play, that I had to play more. So, then the Wii released not one but two ports from the PC: Broken Sword: Shadow of the Templars (Director's Cut) and Sam and Max Save the World (Season 1). These classics were all I needed to get into the genre. From then on, if it was a point-and-click adventure for a console, I had to either see it or have it after seeing it. Telltale took the reigns for Sam and Max and started to redistribute and debut new and old games for systems. It was like a hit list of instant classics as well as classics: Sam and Max Seasons 2 and 3 (Beyond Time and Space and The Devil's Playhouse), Back to the Future: The Game, The Walking Dead: The Game (3 Seasons, 2 side stories), Tales of Monkey Island, Tales from the Borderlands, Fables: The Wolf Among Us, Game of Thrones - The Game, and now, Batman is in Telltale form, and soon enough, Guardians of the Galaxy. Yup, DC Comics and Marvel Comics are getting the Telltale Treatment. But should it stop there?
Here's a list, in my view, of the different franchises, IPs, etc, that deserve the TellTale games treatment. For this list, I'll be looking at different titles that, for the most part, deserve a chance to be made into a strong, licensed, point-and-click adventure, if not for the sake of it actually happening, but for the sake of a great story being told, in your hands for your pleasure. With comic books, movie franchises, and even other video games getting the rub, anything and everything is on the block. So, let's get to it, eh?
Fantastic Four
The Walking Dead started out as one amazing comic series and received great adaptations in television as well as other merchandise. When it comes to comics, specifically Marvel, one of the most amazing comic series to be created has got to be the Fantastic Four. They are one of Marvel's first comic book franchises to have a great deal of stories, spinoffs and spinoff characters. The adaptations came later in life, and practically every one of note was....bad. Every movie was terrible. Almost every cartoon was forgettable. A break could not be caught by the fantastic family. But what about as a TellTale game?
After seeing the success of Tales from the Borderlands and how they maintained a team mechanic of sorts, I can see the Fantastic Four doing the same thing. I also feel that a TellTale game can do them much better justice than any other standalone game. Sure, it's not the Ultimate Alliance series, but there aren't many Fantastic Four games, nor good ones that stand out. I can see the team flourishing in different ways and means for the greater good. I can even see the Fantasti-Car and Franklin Richards coming into play. Don't sell it out yet, folks. If TellTale can do wonders for a litany of other comic ideas and such, the Fantastic Four should be no different.
After seeing the success of Tales from the Borderlands and how they maintained a team mechanic of sorts, I can see the Fantastic Four doing the same thing. I also feel that a TellTale game can do them much better justice than any other standalone game. Sure, it's not the Ultimate Alliance series, but there aren't many Fantastic Four games, nor good ones that stand out. I can see the team flourishing in different ways and means for the greater good. I can even see the Fantasti-Car and Franklin Richards coming into play. Don't sell it out yet, folks. If TellTale can do wonders for a litany of other comic ideas and such, the Fantastic Four should be no different.
Eternal Darkness
When this game came out for the Gamecube in 2002, I remembered hearing so much about its potential and what it was going to bring to the video game world. My brother was all for this game and after it was canceled for the Nintendo 64, I joined with him in waiting for it to come out for the Nintendo Gamecube. We all loved it. The characters, the overarching storyline, the game-play, the sanity effects, the acting. It all worked. What worked even more was the actual cinematic mode you could activate once you completed the chapters they connected to. Cutscene after cutscene of in-game cinematic bliss. Now, I ask you, why not consider something like this...for TellTale?
In my opinion, this game was way ahead of its time, in regards to various game-play elements. One of such was the various characters and plot development that went with each part of the game. Yes, it was a survival horror-type adventure game. I just feel that if possible, you could remake the game into a TellTale game, of an episodic nature. Just think about it. Every aspect of that story, told in the TellTale method, for current consoles. I'd be giddy with anticipation for it, really. I say, if you can't make a sequel, remake it. If that has to be done, forget Silicon Knights. Let's give it to TellTale games!
When this game came out for the Gamecube in 2002, I remembered hearing so much about its potential and what it was going to bring to the video game world. My brother was all for this game and after it was canceled for the Nintendo 64, I joined with him in waiting for it to come out for the Nintendo Gamecube. We all loved it. The characters, the overarching storyline, the game-play, the sanity effects, the acting. It all worked. What worked even more was the actual cinematic mode you could activate once you completed the chapters they connected to. Cutscene after cutscene of in-game cinematic bliss. Now, I ask you, why not consider something like this...for TellTale?
In my opinion, this game was way ahead of its time, in regards to various game-play elements. One of such was the various characters and plot development that went with each part of the game. Yes, it was a survival horror-type adventure game. I just feel that if possible, you could remake the game into a TellTale game, of an episodic nature. Just think about it. Every aspect of that story, told in the TellTale method, for current consoles. I'd be giddy with anticipation for it, really. I say, if you can't make a sequel, remake it. If that has to be done, forget Silicon Knights. Let's give it to TellTale games!
Resident Evil
Speaking of survival-horror, nothing has been more prolific as a video game title in this genre than Resident Evil. It wasn't the first, but it sure was very innovative, and definitely fear-inducing. The general story of police officers, investigators, and basically everyday people trying to uncover a mystery behind the strange goings on in a town, a house, or even in a country only to learn that the trouble brewing involves the undead (or seemingly so) and their mission to survive long enough to get to the truth, with any and all weapons they can find. Over the years, the game has taken its share of criticism on how it operated. In response, a complete overhaul was done to the system by the game's 4th iteration. Currently, it's 7th iteration is upon us. But what if the next game in the franchise were of the TellTale ilk?
What I liked most about The Walking Dead's approach to the zombie apocalypse story is the constant day-to-day struggle the characters go through upon being hit with the tragedy. It made you question the human race and what they would do to survive. It was captured beautifully in TellTale's game. It brought surprising depth to the story, involving more regular people in varying ways. I feel that TellTale can bring new life into Resident Evil with the same zombie-related insanity that Resident Evil has become famous for. Only this time, it's less action and more puzzles. It's less fight and more flight. I feel that Resident Evil would make for one amazing TellTale game. Now, whether or not they make it a spinoff or a direct sequel is still left to be seen.
The Defenders
Ok, so TellTale games bringing life to the comic series of The Walking Dead was big. Doing it again for the series, Fables, was also huge. The game, The Wolf Among Us, is phenomenal. When I heard that Batman was next, I was blown away. The Dark Knight, told to us in TellTale form...amazing! Recently, I heard that Guardians of the Galaxy is next on the docket after one amazing movie. So, we go from indie comics, to DC comics, to Marvel comics in succession and with various successes. How do I know GoTG will be a great game? I experienced Tales of the Borderlands. If that is any indication of how awesome a story can be from TellTale, told in outer space, I know the Guardians will get their fair share. Having said that, let's consider another team that's not oft mentioned, but is definitely entering the limelight: The Defenders...and why TellTale works for them.
If we are to take the current iteration of the Defenders, a game would definitely suit it. Heck, I'd even be OK with the original comic version, but that's the fan in me. For this, let's consider the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Let's consider Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Iron Fist and Luke Cage. I can already see it now: a pulpy, noir, adventure game blending the snark of Tales of the Borderlands with the hard-hitting brutality of The Wolf Among Us. It's a winning combination. Episode to episode could either focus distinctly on one member or on all of them, like Game of Thrones. Heck, I'd even throw in Dr. Strange. Well, the fan in me would, as he put the team together in the comics. Whether he does that in the MCU remains to be seen. Nonetheless, let's hear it for a possible Defenders TellTale game.
Ok, so TellTale games bringing life to the comic series of The Walking Dead was big. Doing it again for the series, Fables, was also huge. The game, The Wolf Among Us, is phenomenal. When I heard that Batman was next, I was blown away. The Dark Knight, told to us in TellTale form...amazing! Recently, I heard that Guardians of the Galaxy is next on the docket after one amazing movie. So, we go from indie comics, to DC comics, to Marvel comics in succession and with various successes. How do I know GoTG will be a great game? I experienced Tales of the Borderlands. If that is any indication of how awesome a story can be from TellTale, told in outer space, I know the Guardians will get their fair share. Having said that, let's consider another team that's not oft mentioned, but is definitely entering the limelight: The Defenders...and why TellTale works for them.
If we are to take the current iteration of the Defenders, a game would definitely suit it. Heck, I'd even be OK with the original comic version, but that's the fan in me. For this, let's consider the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Let's consider Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Iron Fist and Luke Cage. I can already see it now: a pulpy, noir, adventure game blending the snark of Tales of the Borderlands with the hard-hitting brutality of The Wolf Among Us. It's a winning combination. Episode to episode could either focus distinctly on one member or on all of them, like Game of Thrones. Heck, I'd even throw in Dr. Strange. Well, the fan in me would, as he put the team together in the comics. Whether he does that in the MCU remains to be seen. Nonetheless, let's hear it for a possible Defenders TellTale game.
Phoenix Wright
He is the Ace Attorney. The defender of justice. The man with the most potent pointer in all of legal lore: he is Phoenix Wright. My experience with this amazing game series was a short-lived one, but a fun one. I enjoyed seeing the puzzles, stories, characters, etc. This game series was amazing, focusing on Phoenix Wright, Attorney at law, investigating crime scenes, gathering evidence, questioning suspects and putting it all together in court to bring down a perp or save a client. It made for one amazing experience. So much so, that they combined the game series with Professor Layton, another adventure heavy on finding clues, solving puzzles and asking questions. Only difference is that Layton deals with solving mysteries, not defending in court. In TellTale's hands, I can see this Phoenix rising from the ashes.
Phoenix Wright and the games that connect to its series already do a great job of being a solid adventure game. You have to use your know-how to find the clues and evidence necessary to prove your case and win big. But, instead of just screens with people in front of backgrounds, what if we made a fully functioning 3-D environment to look around in? That, to me, would totally flesh out the series tremendously. Keep everything else in tact, but use TellTale's amazing game style to flesh the game out. And boom, you've got one amazing Phoenix Wright experience on a console or PC.
He is the Ace Attorney. The defender of justice. The man with the most potent pointer in all of legal lore: he is Phoenix Wright. My experience with this amazing game series was a short-lived one, but a fun one. I enjoyed seeing the puzzles, stories, characters, etc. This game series was amazing, focusing on Phoenix Wright, Attorney at law, investigating crime scenes, gathering evidence, questioning suspects and putting it all together in court to bring down a perp or save a client. It made for one amazing experience. So much so, that they combined the game series with Professor Layton, another adventure heavy on finding clues, solving puzzles and asking questions. Only difference is that Layton deals with solving mysteries, not defending in court. In TellTale's hands, I can see this Phoenix rising from the ashes.
Phoenix Wright and the games that connect to its series already do a great job of being a solid adventure game. You have to use your know-how to find the clues and evidence necessary to prove your case and win big. But, instead of just screens with people in front of backgrounds, what if we made a fully functioning 3-D environment to look around in? That, to me, would totally flesh out the series tremendously. Keep everything else in tact, but use TellTale's amazing game style to flesh the game out. And boom, you've got one amazing Phoenix Wright experience on a console or PC.
Professor Layton
Speaking of Professor Layton, let's talk about the puzzle-solving, top hat-wearing, gentleman extraordinaire. There isn't a puzzle he won't solve, a mystery he won't unfold, and a person he won't assist. Joined by his assistant and partner-in-detection, Luke, Professor Layton has had the lion's share of adventures on Nintendo's handheld masterpiece, the Nintendo DS systems. Now, what if, we can somehow blend that with, say, TellTale games?
Like with Phoenix Wright, the game will more than likely be fleshed-out, with newer and more up-to-date graphics, and more space to discover more puzzles, story elements, and the like. Of course, the puzzle games will be kept intact as that is the bread-and-butter to these games. I just think TellTale can do as good a job telling a Layton story as Level 5 games or a Phoenix Wright story as Capcom does. Or better still, we could go full TellTale, scrap the standard conventions of both games, and just tell a very compelling story the TellTale way with the Professor and Phoenix. Who knows?
Speaking of Professor Layton, let's talk about the puzzle-solving, top hat-wearing, gentleman extraordinaire. There isn't a puzzle he won't solve, a mystery he won't unfold, and a person he won't assist. Joined by his assistant and partner-in-detection, Luke, Professor Layton has had the lion's share of adventures on Nintendo's handheld masterpiece, the Nintendo DS systems. Now, what if, we can somehow blend that with, say, TellTale games?
Like with Phoenix Wright, the game will more than likely be fleshed-out, with newer and more up-to-date graphics, and more space to discover more puzzles, story elements, and the like. Of course, the puzzle games will be kept intact as that is the bread-and-butter to these games. I just think TellTale can do as good a job telling a Layton story as Level 5 games or a Phoenix Wright story as Capcom does. Or better still, we could go full TellTale, scrap the standard conventions of both games, and just tell a very compelling story the TellTale way with the Professor and Phoenix. Who knows?
Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D
Why put this one up, you ask? Would you believe that TellTale games actually made games based on CSI, the television show? Yes, that's right. TellTale games had made a few games based on the television shows from broadcast t.v. The quality of these games aren't even close to that of the Game of Thrones game, but we have to give a nod to TellTale for at least trying. So, I say, with the mistakes learned from and the games from comics looking and playing well, why not take the franchise of MCU's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. and make a game of it?
Where CSI failed, I can see Agents succeeding. The shows know how to blend action with drama so well. The characters are colorful and very unique. They can all operate well in a team environment, something that TellTale has done well in the past to create. And to top it off, the show fits in exceptionally well with the games already made like Batman, The Walking Dead, The Wolf Among Us, and even Game of Thrones. I say, you can either base it on the characters in the show itself or take a completely new agent and have him or her interact with the characters. Either way, you gotta have Agent Coulson doing his thing along with May, Mack, Fitz, Simmons, Daisy, Yo-Yo, and the rest of them. Oh, and please keep the voices to the actors themselves.
Why put this one up, you ask? Would you believe that TellTale games actually made games based on CSI, the television show? Yes, that's right. TellTale games had made a few games based on the television shows from broadcast t.v. The quality of these games aren't even close to that of the Game of Thrones game, but we have to give a nod to TellTale for at least trying. So, I say, with the mistakes learned from and the games from comics looking and playing well, why not take the franchise of MCU's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. and make a game of it?
Where CSI failed, I can see Agents succeeding. The shows know how to blend action with drama so well. The characters are colorful and very unique. They can all operate well in a team environment, something that TellTale has done well in the past to create. And to top it off, the show fits in exceptionally well with the games already made like Batman, The Walking Dead, The Wolf Among Us, and even Game of Thrones. I say, you can either base it on the characters in the show itself or take a completely new agent and have him or her interact with the characters. Either way, you gotta have Agent Coulson doing his thing along with May, Mack, Fitz, Simmons, Daisy, Yo-Yo, and the rest of them. Oh, and please keep the voices to the actors themselves.
HellBoy
After seeing great things done with The Walking Dead and Fables, and now even with Batman, I figure another major comic character can get the TellTale nod. However, I say, let's keep in the vein of fantasy like Fables: The Wolf Among Us and get nice and strange with our cast. Who could that entail? Hellboy and the BPRD. Hellboy, Liz Sherman, Abe Sapien, and a host of others...in a TellTale game, for your gaming system. Let that sink in...
As a character, HellBoy is very unique, not just as the son of the devil raised to be human. His uniqueness not only comes from the attitude he keeps about life (very nonchalant but serious when it needs to be), as well as the various paranormal characters he crosses paths with. Either by watching the movies or reading the comics, HellBoy always seems to have his hands full. The possibilities are endless. This could have the makings of one of the best TellTale games ever put to print. Wouldn't it even be a kick, in the world of comics of course, if this game actually crossed over with The Wolf Among Us? It could work...
After seeing great things done with The Walking Dead and Fables, and now even with Batman, I figure another major comic character can get the TellTale nod. However, I say, let's keep in the vein of fantasy like Fables: The Wolf Among Us and get nice and strange with our cast. Who could that entail? Hellboy and the BPRD. Hellboy, Liz Sherman, Abe Sapien, and a host of others...in a TellTale game, for your gaming system. Let that sink in...
As a character, HellBoy is very unique, not just as the son of the devil raised to be human. His uniqueness not only comes from the attitude he keeps about life (very nonchalant but serious when it needs to be), as well as the various paranormal characters he crosses paths with. Either by watching the movies or reading the comics, HellBoy always seems to have his hands full. The possibilities are endless. This could have the makings of one of the best TellTale games ever put to print. Wouldn't it even be a kick, in the world of comics of course, if this game actually crossed over with The Wolf Among Us? It could work...
Cowboy Bebop
Anime. I have yet to really see anime represented in a TellTale game. If not for just how the animes are represented, but other things like licensing, copyright, etc. Let's say that we have a chance to bring one to the forefront under the watch of TellTale. The only one that comes to mind is arguably the greatest anime series of all time. It blends the grit of the Wild West with the charm of noir storytelling, blending in jazz, science fiction, and drama all into 26 episodes. I'm talking about Cowboy Bebop.
This idea, to me, works on a bunch of levels. It can be slow and developing as most of the episodes are or can be. It can also pick up the pace dramatically as most if not all the cartoons do. Chances to interact with the environment to find bounties and clues leading to them sounds pretty solid to me. It doesn't have to be overly complicated, just on the same pace as the show itself. Oh, and the fights, they have to be choreographed just like the Wolf Among Us, giving the characters in play, options on how to take down a bad guy. I can see this going down, space cowboy. Can you?
Anime. I have yet to really see anime represented in a TellTale game. If not for just how the animes are represented, but other things like licensing, copyright, etc. Let's say that we have a chance to bring one to the forefront under the watch of TellTale. The only one that comes to mind is arguably the greatest anime series of all time. It blends the grit of the Wild West with the charm of noir storytelling, blending in jazz, science fiction, and drama all into 26 episodes. I'm talking about Cowboy Bebop.
This idea, to me, works on a bunch of levels. It can be slow and developing as most of the episodes are or can be. It can also pick up the pace dramatically as most if not all the cartoons do. Chances to interact with the environment to find bounties and clues leading to them sounds pretty solid to me. It doesn't have to be overly complicated, just on the same pace as the show itself. Oh, and the fights, they have to be choreographed just like the Wolf Among Us, giving the characters in play, options on how to take down a bad guy. I can see this going down, space cowboy. Can you?
Superman
Last, but not least, we have the Man of Steel, Superman. Now, Superman has had some pretty rough breaks when it comes to video games. Ok, to be honest, his games weren't nearly as good as his comic counterparts. He's had a few gems and mostly a bunch of other disasters for different systems. Batman, his super hero counterpart of sorts, has had great success in video gaming. This now includes the TellTale series. Well, if Batman can do it, so can Superman, I say.
Storywise, I don't quite know where they can start or where they could start, but if Superman could have at least one good game with one great story, how about TellTale do it? If not, at least Rocksteady. I initially thought the Justice League could have a game under this specific banner, but I feel that Superman ought to get the nod. Again, Batman has one. LOL. Anyhoo, the fights would be just like The Wolf Among Us. The outer space stuff could be as deep as Tales from the Borderlands. If there is one issue or two, his powers may have to be significantly curtailed since he can literally do anything with flight, x-ray vision, heat vision, super breath, and of course superhuman strength. They could make it so his more mild-mannered stuff is done as Clark Kent and he investigates that way. TellTale would have one super outing with this hero.
And there you have it? What do you think? Any other TellTale game ideas I missed or could flesh out more? Let me know in the comment section. TellTale games is and has done some amazing things with different IPs from movies, television, video games, and comics. I'm sure there are a few I missed, like Spider-Man. But don't take my word for it. So, when TellTale story-time is upon us, don't be afraid to gather 'round!
Last, but not least, we have the Man of Steel, Superman. Now, Superman has had some pretty rough breaks when it comes to video games. Ok, to be honest, his games weren't nearly as good as his comic counterparts. He's had a few gems and mostly a bunch of other disasters for different systems. Batman, his super hero counterpart of sorts, has had great success in video gaming. This now includes the TellTale series. Well, if Batman can do it, so can Superman, I say.
Storywise, I don't quite know where they can start or where they could start, but if Superman could have at least one good game with one great story, how about TellTale do it? If not, at least Rocksteady. I initially thought the Justice League could have a game under this specific banner, but I feel that Superman ought to get the nod. Again, Batman has one. LOL. Anyhoo, the fights would be just like The Wolf Among Us. The outer space stuff could be as deep as Tales from the Borderlands. If there is one issue or two, his powers may have to be significantly curtailed since he can literally do anything with flight, x-ray vision, heat vision, super breath, and of course superhuman strength. They could make it so his more mild-mannered stuff is done as Clark Kent and he investigates that way. TellTale would have one super outing with this hero.
And there you have it? What do you think? Any other TellTale game ideas I missed or could flesh out more? Let me know in the comment section. TellTale games is and has done some amazing things with different IPs from movies, television, video games, and comics. I'm sure there are a few I missed, like Spider-Man. But don't take my word for it. So, when TellTale story-time is upon us, don't be afraid to gather 'round!
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