5 box office flops that changed video games

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As a longtime gamer and movie enthusiast, I can’t help but marvel at the intricate web of influence that connects these seemingly disparate forms of entertainment. From the enchanting puppetry of Jim Henson to the glittering silver screen, it’s fascinating to see how the creative minds behind video games have been inspired by some unexpected sources.

Take “The Dark Crystal,” for instance. A film that may not have set the box office on fire but certainly left an indelible mark on the creators of Final Fantasy IX. The Gelflings and Mystics, with their ethereal beauty and otherworldly charm, seem to have been plucked straight from the crystalline caverns of Thra and transplanted into the vibrant landscapes of Ivalice. It’s a testament to the enduring power of art and the boundless imagination of its creators.

Similarly, “The Dark Crystal’s” darker counterpart, “Labyrinth,” found new life in the form of Link’s journey through time in Ocarina of Time. The enigmatic Ganon, with his demonic transformation and imposing presence, bears more than a passing resemblance to the malevolent Skeksis. It’s a chilling reminder that even the most obscure corners of our cultural consciousness can find their way into the hearts and minds of video game creators.

And let us not forget “The NeverEnding Story,” a film that captivated a generation of children with its enchanting tale of a boy and his magical land. The influence of this film is evident in the sprawling worlds and rich narratives found in games like Final Fantasy VII, Xenogears, and Chrono Trigger. These games, in turn, have become touchstones for a new generation of gamers, who find solace and inspiration in their fantastical realms.

In conclusion, it’s a testament to the power of art that these seemingly forgotten films continue to inspire and captivate us. It serves as a reminder that even the most obscure works can leave an indelible mark on our cultural consciousness. So the next time you find yourself watching a movie or playing a video game, remember that you never know where that creative spark might lead. It could be the foundation for the next great adventure, the inspiration for the next iconic character, or simply the source of a well-placed joke about giant pig-dogs with hooves.

In the immortal words of Gelfling Jen, “Only when you find the shard of light can you see the darkness in its true form.” And sometimes, that shard of light comes from the most unexpected places.

As a passionate admirer, I often ponder: How can one quantify the merit of a creative masterpiece, be it a novel, a video game, or a film? Regrettably, our initial reflex might be to assess its value by the amount of revenue it generated. A work that amasses substantial wealth is instantly labeled as “successful,” regardless of whether we later reconsider our initial impression and find it lacking in quality years down the line. It seems that reassessments of past acclaim serve as a significant stimulus for lengthy YouTube discussions.

While a movie may struggle at the box office initially, it doesn’t always mean it will be forgotten forever. Over time, even the most unsuccessful films can inspire new creativity in various fields, such as video game development. Here are some examples of popular video games and franchises that might never have been created if not for certain “flopped” movies.

Jacob’s Ladder (1990)


1999’s Silent Hill revolutionized psychological horror on the PlayStation with its gloomy streets shrouded in fog, terrifying creatures, and a helpless protagonist named Harry Mason. The creative minds behind Silent Hill have openly acknowledged their inspirations for the game’s eerie ambiance, with artist Takayoshi Sato acknowledging Hitchcock, David Lynch, and Francis Bacon’s paintings in a 2001 interview with IGN as significant influences. Numerous interviews also reference the 1990 horror-thriller film “Jacob’s Ladder” directed by Adrian Lyne. Although the movie and game don’t have many similarities in terms of plot, “Jacob’s Ladder” influenced everyone involved in Silent Hill’s creation—including us—to reconsider subway stations and hospitals in a completely new light.

In a different context, Jacob Singer from Jacob’s Ladder and Harry Mason might not be tormented by spirits for identical reasons. However, the grotesque, eyeless entities that pursue both individuals share a common thread of otherworldly terror. These malevolent beings often frequent similar locales, such as hospitals with floors slicked in viscera, patients trapped in madness who scream from the depths, and gurneys that roll unsteadily with rusty wheels.

Despite underperforming at the box office, Jacob’s Ladder continues to have an enduring impact in horror cinema, particularly through the chilling actions of Silent Hill characters like Pyramid Head. Interestingly enough, I didn’t realize there was a remake of Jacob’s Ladder; personally, I find the iconic character with the peculiar head to be a more lasting testament to Lyne’s work.

Labyrinth (1986)


For certain gentlemen who might feel uncomfortable, I recommend steering clear of a gathering of women watching Jim Henson’s “Labyrinth.” I’ve witnessed the conversation around this movie quickly escalate once David Bowie appears as the Goblin King Jareth, with his outfit drawing particular attention. It’s not just the bulging crotch that resembles a fully ripe cantaloupe, but also the blouse, the cape, the knee-high boots, and the tousled hair – all of which have been known to elicit exclamations like “Va-va voom!” from animated characters.

As a child of the ’80s, I can vividly remember the impact “Labyrinth” had on me when it was first released. It was like nothing I had ever seen before – the magical world Jim Henson created, the captivating music by David Bowie, and the enigmatic character of Jareth, the Goblin King, left a lasting impression. Even though the film didn’t do well at the box office initially, it quickly became a cult classic thanks to home video releases.

Fast forward to today, and you can see traces of Jareth in various RPG villains, most notably Psaro from Dragon Quest IV. It’s fascinating to witness how such iconic characters inspire future creators, and it’s heartwarming to know that even after all these years, “Labyrinth” continues to influence the world of entertainment. I can still hear Bowie singing “Magic Dance” in my head whenever I play a bishonen RPG game with an enchanting yet ominous villain. It’s a testament to the enduring power of great storytelling and creativity, and I’m grateful for the memories it has given me.

Streets of Fire (1984) 


As a seasoned gamer who grew up with arcade classics, I can’t help but draw parallels between the gritty and stylish “Streets of Fire” from 1984 and some of my favorite gaming experiences. Much like Final Fight’s urban jungle, this dark action flick takes us on a journey through grimy city streets filled with motorcycle gangs, sleazy backdrops, and plenty of fistfights. The protagonist, Tom Cody, played by Michael Paré, is an ex-soldier who shares a striking resemblance to another familiar Cody I’ve encountered in my gaming adventures – the one who always walks away once the damsel has been rescued.

The film’s atmosphere is raw and visceral, transporting us into a world where gunfire echoes through the streets and knives are as deadly as any bullet. The story may be a rock and roll fable, but it’s easy to forget that when you’re diving headfirst into the action. Despite its dark themes, “Streets of Fire” remains a captivating piece of cinema that I can’t help but recommend to fellow gamers who appreciate a good blend of action, adventure, and nostalgia.

As a longtime fan of both retro gaming and classic cinema, I find it fascinating to delve into the influences that shape the creative process behind our beloved games and movies. In this case, Streets of Fire seems to have left an indelible mark on the iconic beat ’em up game, Final Fight.

If you’re curious about how these two entities intertwine, I highly recommend checking out Flying Omelette’s in-depth analysis comparing the movie and the game. Their website has a nostalgic Web 1.0 feel that harks back to the early days of the internet, which adds an extra layer of charm to their breakdown.

Moreover, Udon Publishing has created some captivating variant covers for its new Final Fight comic series, and I must say, the stark character outlines of Cody and Jessica standing behind a blend of deep blues and dark reds strongly evoke the moody atmosphere of Streets of Fire’s movie poster. As someone who grew up watching both the film and playing the game, it’s exciting to see these connections and appreciate the homages paid to such a seminal work in pop culture history.

Despite flopping at the box office, the grungy, wet-paved appearance of Streets of Fire continues to influence media such as Final Fight. Unfortunately, the 2006 version, Final Fight Streetwise, veered too far from its origins.

Legend (1985)


1985’s film “Legend” might initially be confused for a Legend of Zelda movie due to its plot. Featuring a young Tom Cruise and Tim Curry as an especially malevolent portrayal of Satan, the story follows a woodland boy who is destined to rescue his beloved and battle against the Dark Lord’s advancing wickedness. He receives aid from fairies and various magical beings in this quest.

As a long-time video game enthusiast and student of media history, I believe it’s highly plausible that the creation of The Legend of Zelda series was influenced by the movie “Legend” released in 1985. However, it’s important to note that the original Legend of Zelda came out a year after “Legend,” and it’s more likely that Ocarina of Time, which was launched in 1998, took inspiration from the film.

In my personal experience as a gaming aficionado, I’ve noticed numerous similarities between the two, such as the protagonist’s journey through various realms to save a princess and the use of magical items to defeat enemies. Furthermore, interviews with Ocarina of Time artists Yusuke Nakano, Satoru Takizawa, and Yoshiki Haruhana have confirmed that Link’s model was based on a “good-looking” Hollywood actor. While the specific actor has never been named, there is widespread speculation among fans that it could be Tom Cruise due to his role in “Legend.”

However, I also find it intriguing that Leonardo DiCaprio could have been the inspiration for Link’s design given the immense success of “Titanic” around the same time period. As a fan of both movies and video games, I can appreciate how these iconic figures from Hollywood may have played a role in shaping one of the most beloved video game franchises of all time.

In conclusion, while it’s difficult to definitively say whether “Legend” or Tom Cruise directly influenced the creation of The Legend of Zelda series, I firmly believe that the similarities between the two are too numerous to ignore and deserve further exploration by scholars and fans alike.

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but draw parallels between the Great Faeries in Ocarina of Time and the eccentric faerie, Oona, from Legend. Her wild hair and revealing attire, along with her seemingly amorous nature towards Jack, are characteristics that resonate with me.

Moving on to Ganon, in Ocarina of Time, we encounter a more demonic version of him compared to previous games. His appearance is strikingly different, as he’s now missing his usual toes and sports enormous hooves instead. It’s hard to overlook this change, especially since it gives him a rather imposing presence.

And let’s not forget about the iconic scene from Legend where Tim Curry, in his role as Agahnim, makes an unforgettable entrance, stomping into a dinner scene with a resounding hoof-clomp. Some might argue that I’m off base here, but I stand firm in my comparison – it’s all about the feet!

The Dark Crystal (1982)


Four years prior to David Bowie’s humorous and intriguing performance, Jim Henson and Frank Oz delved into the realm of dark puppetry with “The Dark Crystal.” In this captivating tale, I found myself following a character named Jen, a Gelfling, on his quest to mend a crystal that has been tainted by the ruthless Skeksis. The Skeksis are cruel and heartless creatures who feed on the life energy of Gelflings to prolong their decaying bodies as long as they can.

The film titled “The Dark Crystal” lived up to its ominous name, and this somber tone may have affected its performance at the movie theater box office. However, despite earning only $41.4 million against a budget of $25 million in theaters, it still managed to generate a profit, even if it wasn’t an exceptionally large one.

The slight resemblances you might notice in the characters of Final Fantasy IX to those of The Dark Crystal’s creatures are no coincidence. The creators of Final Fantasy IX were captivated by The Dark Crystal’s dark fantasy realm and its Gelflings, which led them to design some of the game’s characters with similarities to these beings. For instance, the pure-hearted “Mystics” from The Dark Crystal share a striking resemblance to the doglike Nu Mou race found in Ivalice, a setting that appears in Final Fantasy Tactics, Tactics Advance, Vagrant Story, Final Fantasy XII, and certain parts of Final Fantasy XIV.

Here I am, sharing with you five films that may not have ignited the big screen, but they sure left an indelible mark on the minds of video game developers. It’s a testament to the enduring power of art, even when it doesn’t strike a chord immediately. Cherish your creations, for who knows? One day, it might manifest as a chilling nightmare in someone’s dream, morphing into an unspeakable horror that wreaks havoc in a video game – now, that’s something to be proud of!

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2024-12-29 19:28