Brace yourself for a gaming adventure like no other! We’re diving into the bizarre world of licensed video games with 20 titles so weird, they’ll blow your mind. Forget run-of-the-mill adaptations – these oddball gems push creativity to the max, serving up a feast of WTF moments and unexpected twists. From wacky crossovers to jaw-dropping concepts, each game on our list is a testament to what happens when developers let their imaginations run wild.
20. Journey
Journey, released in 1983, is not to be confused with the acclaimed indie game of the same name. Instead, it’s a collection of mini-games themed around the rock band Journey. Players control different band members as they navigate through a series of quirky challenges, from avoiding lasers to bouncing on trampolines. The final level culminates in a concert where players must protect the band from alien fans.
The visuals are particularly striking, featuring digitized images of the band’s faces awkwardly placed on cartoonish bodies. This odd aesthetic makes it feel more like a bootleg than an official release, leaving even die-hard fans scratching their heads. The game’s bizarre premise and execution make it a standout in the realm of licensed games.
19. WWE Crush Hour
WWE Crush Hour takes the familiar faces of wrestling and throws them into a car combat scenario. Imagine your favorite wrestlers not grappling in the ring but instead driving around in cars, battling it out in a Twisted Metal-style format. While the concept sounds intriguing, the execution leaves much to be desired.
The game feels like a cheap imitation of Twisted Metal, lacking originality and depth. Despite featuring voiceovers from actual WWE talent, it fails to capture the essence of wrestling or car combat, leaving players wanting to either watch a wrestling match or play a better car combat game. It’s a curious experiment that ultimately falls flat.
18. Street Fighter: The Movie
Street Fighter: The Movie is a perplexing entry in the gaming world, being a game based on a movie that was itself based on a video game. Released in 1994, it features digitized sprites of the film’s actors, which gives it a unique but jarring visual style. The gameplay diverges significantly from the traditional Street Fighter mechanics, introducing new mechanics that confuse rather than enhance the experience.
Despite the star power of Raul Julia as M. Bison, the game received a lukewarm reception. The odd character designs and gameplay mechanics make it a fascinating, if flawed, addition to the Street Fighter franchise. It’s a testament to how convoluted licensed games can become when multiple layers of media are involved.
17. Blues Brothers 2000
Blues Brothers 2000 is a game that arrived too late to capitalize on its source material. Released in 2000, two years after the film, it barely resembles the movie it’s based on. Players control Elwood Blues as he jumps and dances through platforming stages, collecting notes and battling bizarre enemies like giant spiders and sentient trees.
The game’s disconnect from its source material is striking, and its platforming mechanics feel outdated. With a development pedigree that includes Superman 64, it’s no surprise that Blues Brothers 2000 is often remembered as a misstep in the realm of licensed games. Its oddities make it a curiosity, but not necessarily a good game.
16. Pepsiman
Pepsiman is a bizarre mascot game that emerged from Japanese advertising. Portrayed as a superhero delivering Pepsi to those in need, the game is a wild ride filled with obstacle-laden levels and live-action cutscenes. It borrows heavily from the Crash Bandicoot series, but its low-budget production values add to its charm.
The game’s over-the-top Americana and relentless product placement create a surreal experience. Despite its odd premise, Pepsiman has garnered a cult following, proving that sometimes the weirdest games can become beloved classics. It’s a unique entry that paved the way for future mascot games, albeit in a very unconventional manner.
15. Shaq Fu: A Legend Reborn
Shaquille O’Neal’s foray into gaming with Shaq Fu has become legendary, primarily for its poor reception. The sequel, Shaq Fu: A Legend Reborn, attempts to reinvent the franchise with a beat-em-up style and a new backstory for Shaq. The game’s absurdity is amplified by its inclusion of a DLC campaign featuring Barack Obama battling Kanye West.
While the original game is often ridiculed, the sequel embraces its ridiculousness, attracting a surprising amount of crowdfunding support. It’s a testament to how nostalgia and irony can breathe new life into a franchise that many had written off. The bizarre premise and unexpected gameplay make it a noteworthy entry in the realm of licensed games.
14. Akira Psycho Ball
The 1988 anime film Akira is a landmark in science fiction cinema, but its video game adaptations have been hit or miss. Among them, Akira Psycho Ball for the PlayStation 2 stands out as a peculiar entry. This game transforms the iconic story of Akira into a pinball experience, where players navigate through various pinball tables inspired by key moments from the film.
While the game attempts to weave a narrative through its Story Mode, the limitations of pinball mechanics make it challenging to convey a compelling story. Players earn brief clips from the movie as rewards, but the overall experience raises questions about the effectiveness of using pinball as a storytelling medium. Despite its unique concept, many players found it hard to connect with the game, leading to a mixed reception.
13. Warpath: Jurassic Park
Jurassic Park is a cinematic masterpiece, yet its video game adaptations often fall short. Warpath: Jurassic Park takes a different approach by focusing on the dinosaurs rather than the human characters. This fighting game features a roster of fourteen dinosaurs, including the formidable T-rex and the sturdy ankylosaurus, battling it out in various arenas inspired by the films.
However, the gameplay lacks the depth and excitement found in modern fighting games. With simplistic mechanics and poor AI, battles can feel clunky and unrefined. The concept of a dinosaur fighting game is intriguing, but Warpath ultimately fails to deliver a satisfying experience, leading to its quiet fade into obscurity.
12. Chex Quest
In a surprising twist, breakfast cereal brand Chex ventured into the gaming world with Chex Quest, a total conversion mod of the classic first-person shooter DOOM. Players assume the role of the Chex Warrior, battling against the evil Flemoids to save the Chex race. This game was distributed as a cereal box toy, quickly becoming a nostalgic favorite among kids.
Chex Quest stands out for its unique blend of marketing and gaming, successfully capturing the attention of its target audience. Its popularity has endured, leading to fan-made mods and even an HD remake in 2018. This game exemplifies how effective branding can create a lasting impact, proving that even a cereal mascot can become a beloved video game character.
11. Star Wars Chess
Star Wars has explored numerous genres in gaming, but Star Wars Chess takes a more traditional approach. This game is essentially chess, but with beloved characters from the franchise replacing the standard pieces. While the gameplay remains unchanged, the animations during battles add a unique flair, showcasing characters in dramatic confrontations.
Despite its straightforward premise, the game raises questions about its necessity. The lack of innovative mechanics or special rules makes it feel like a missed opportunity. Players may find themselves wondering why a more dynamic game wasn’t created, especially given the rich lore and action of the Star Wars universe.
10. Revolution X
In a world where rock bands are often portrayed as larger-than-life heroes, Revolution X takes this concept to the extreme. This on-rails shooter features the band Aerosmith as they battle against a terrorist organization aiming to suppress rock music. Players must navigate through various environments, rescuing band members along the way.
Originally intended as a Jurassic Park game, the developers pivoted to rock music when that license fell through. While it found success in arcades, the console version struggled to capture the same magic. The game’s over-the-top premise and chaotic gameplay make it a memorable entry in the realm of licensed games, even if it didn’t achieve lasting success.
9. Gotham City Impostors
Gotham City Impostors offers a unique twist on the superhero genre by placing players in the shoes of wannabe vigilantes and criminals inspired by Batman and the Joker. This team-based shooter emphasizes character customization, allowing players to create their own unique avatars. However, the absence of iconic characters from the Batman universe left many players feeling disconnected.
Despite its fun gameplay and quirky style, the lack of recognizable heroes hindered its appeal. The game garnered positive feedback from those who played it, but a small player base ultimately led to its shutdown after just two years. This title serves as a reminder that even with a beloved franchise, execution is key to success.
8. Fight Club
Adapting a film like Fight Club into a video game seems like a natural fit, but the result is a mixed bag. The game leans heavily into violence and brutality, featuring a roster of characters from the film alongside some unexpected additions, like Fred Durst and Abraham Lincoln. While it captures the film’s themes, the gameplay feels derivative and lacks originality.
The emphasis on blood and injuries adds a layer of realism, but it often overshadows the deeper messages of the source material. Players may find themselves questioning the game’s purpose, as it seems to miss the mark in capturing the essence of Fight Club. This adaptation serves as a cautionary tale about the challenges of translating complex narratives into interactive experiences.
7. Home Improvement: Power Tool Pursuit!
Based on the popular sitcom, Home Improvement: Power Tool Pursuit! follows Tim as he navigates through various film sets to recover stolen tools. The game is filled with bizarre enemies, from ghosts to aliens, and features an arsenal of unconventional weapons. The absurdity of the premise adds a layer of humor, making it a memorable experience.
While the gameplay may not be groundbreaking, the quirky storyline and humorous elements resonate with fans of the show. The instruction manual’s cheeky message, “Real men don’t need instructions,” adds to the game’s charm. This title exemplifies how even the most unconventional concepts can lead to entertaining gaming experiences.
6. The Bachelor: The Videogame
Adapting a reality dating show into a video game presents unique challenges, and The Bachelor: The Videogame struggles to find its footing. Players compete for the affection of a bachelor or bachelorette through a series of minigames, but the lack of depth leaves much to be desired. The game feels shallow and fails to capture the essence of the show.
While the concept may seem promising, the execution falls flat, resulting in a lackluster experience. Players may find themselves longing for more engaging gameplay, as the game ultimately misses the mark in appealing to its target audience. This adaptation serves as a reminder that not all popular concepts translate well into the gaming world.
5. M&M’s: The Lost Formulas
M&M’s: The Lost Formulas attempts to capitalize on the popularity of platformers by emulating Crash Bandicoot. Players guide the anthropomorphized M&M characters through various levels, solving math problems to progress. The combination of platforming and educational elements is puzzling, leaving players questioning the game’s direction.
While the game offers a straightforward platforming experience, the inclusion of math challenges feels forced. This title exemplifies the trend of licensed games attempting to blend entertainment with education, often resulting in a disjointed experience. Ultimately, The Lost Formulas serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by licensed games in finding their identity.
4. Super Godzilla
Super Godzilla offers a unique take on the King of the Monsters, blending strategy with action. Players control Godzilla as he navigates cityscapes, but the gameplay is more about managing his path on an overhead map than direct control. The cinematic cutscenes that play out during gameplay are more engaging than the actual mechanics.
While the concept of controlling Godzilla sounds appealing, the execution leaves much to be desired. The game is more enjoyable to watch than to play, leading many to wish for a more traditional fighting game experience. Super Godzilla stands as a curious example of how licensed games can sometimes miss the mark.
3. The Mummy Demastered
The Mummy Demastered is a surprising gem in the world of licensed games. Developed without the ability to use Tom Cruise’s likeness, the game takes a creative approach, offering a retro-styled Metroidvania experience. Players control a faceless agent tasked with infiltrating the mummy’s lair, and the gameplay is surprisingly engaging.
What sets The Mummy Demastered apart is its quality and attention to detail, which is rare for a movie tie-in. The developers at WayForward crafted a game that stands on its own, defying the low expectations typically associated with licensed titles. It’s a testament to how creativity can flourish even under restrictive circumstances.
2. Def Jam Vendetta
Def Jam Vendetta merges the worlds of hip-hop and wrestling in a way that seems improbable yet works remarkably well. Utilizing the engine of classic wrestling games, it features a roster of hip-hop artists who battle it out in the ring. The game includes an elaborate story mode and RPG elements, making it a unique experience.
The crossover appeal of Def Jam Vendetta resonated with both music and gaming fans, leading to critical acclaim and a successful sequel. It’s a prime example of how licensed games can break the mold and create something fresh and exciting. The unexpected combination of genres makes it a standout title in the realm of licensed games.
1. Darkened Skye
Darkened Skye is perhaps the most perplexing entry on this list. Set in a dark fantasy world, players control a character named Skye on a quest to find her mother. The twist? The game is a tie-in for Skittles, with the colorful candies serving as magical artifacts in the story.
The game’s director aimed to create a fun experience while distancing it from its candy branding. This unusual approach results in a game that feels more like a genuine fantasy adventure than a marketing ploy. Darkened Skye exemplifies how licensed games can sometimes surprise players with their creativity and quality, even when the premise seems absurd.
