Warcraft Cometh... as a Book: Novels Based on Video Games

As we approach the premier of the long-awaited Warcraft movie on June 10, I thought it would be a great time to take a look at some of the books that have been based on video games. I, for one, love playing video games but am always left a little sad when I finally beat a game. I’ve spent countless hours playing while fully immersing myself in the game’s storyline, many of which can be quite intricate. So of course once I’ve beat the game, I’m left wanting more. Well, that’s where books based on video games come in. These books are great ways to remain “in the game” while also learning more about the storyline. These books will have storylines that are either directly or indirectly connected the game’s storyline and will very often bridge the gap between releases of different versions of the game.

This list will include not only books based on MMORPG’s like World of Warcraft (WOW), but also books based on traditional RPGs, first-person shooters, and strategy games (both real-time and turn-based). I’ve also included a few that, while not technically based on a particular video game, are certainly grounded in video game culture.

(For an earlier list of books based on video games, check out this post from 2012.)

 Bond of Brotherhood

Warcraft: Bond of Brotherhood (2016)

Set ten years prior to the movie, this story follows the journey of three heroes in the making as they each seek vengeance for past wrongs. It just so happens that these three characters also feature prominently in the upcoming movie.

 

 

 

 War Crimes

World of Warcraft: War Crimes (2014)

This book, though not directly connected to the upcoming movie, does follow the storyline in “Warlords of Draenor” expansion pack for World of Warcraft. Those familiar with the bloody history of Azeroth will be at home in the pages of this novel.

 

 

 

 Evolution

StarCraft: Evolution (2016)

I can easily say that StarCraft, both the first and second iterations, are my favorite video games (with the Civilization series running a close second). Any fan of the game will know that peace is rarity in the Koprulu Sector, where Terrans, Protoss and Zerg fight a seemingly never-ending battle for supremacy. With the release of the new Warcraft movie in June, one has to wonder whether there is a StarCraft movie in the works. I certainly hope so.

 

 

 Flashpoint

StarCraft II: Flashpoint (2012)

With a storyline set between the “Wings of Liberty” and “Heart of the Swarm” expansion packs, this novel follows the former Queen of Blades, Sarah Kerrigan, as she and her rescuer Jim Raynor as seek to evade the Dominion dictator Arcturus Mengsk. This is a good one for fans of the game who would like to delve deeper into the lives of the main characters. Also available as an e-book.

 

 

 

Ready Player One

Ready Player One (2012)

This novel falls under the category of not technically based on a video game, but certainly inspired by video games and video game culture. The story is set in the near future where the world isn’t such a great place to live in. Much of the population seeks to escape this daily nightmare by plugging into a virtual world knows as “The Oasis.” Think of the The Oasis as a virtual utopia in which the user can do just about anything they want. The Oasis is where our main character, Wade Watts hones the seemingly useless skills of video game playing and '80s trivia. Until one day, when those so-called useless skills and knowledge may help. A definite must read.

Fans of Ready Player One may also like Armada, by the same author.

 

 Trial by Fire

Assassin’s Creed 1: Trial by Fire (2016)

This graphic novel introduces readers to a new inductee into the famed Assassin Brotherhood. Follow along as she uncovers a conspiracy that will shatter the very foundations of the Brotherhood. The graphic novel, set to be released in June, is of course based on the hit Assassin’s Creed video game series.

 

 

 

 the Slab

Gears of War: the Slab (2012)

Based on the video game by the same name, this book explores the world of Sera approximately a decade after the emergence of the Locusts, who had lived beneath the surface of the planet.

 

 

 

 

 Fall of the Reach

Halo: Fall of the Reach (2016)

This graphic novel, which is different than the book by the same name, starts at the beginning of the Halo saga, with events in the story centered on the original battle with the Covenant. The novel itself is actually a collection of stories originally published in magazine form. Honestly Halo has always been one of my favorite games and I love being able to explore the Halo universe through the books and graphic novels, many of which can be found at NYPL.

 

So, there you have it, my list of awesome books/graphic novels based on or inspired by video games. Now I know some of you are probably thinking, “What is this guy talking about? He forgot [insert other awesome book/video game]” Well, I’m sure I did. Let me know what you think belongs on the list in the comments section below.

Comments

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From someone who is most

From someone who is most definitely NOT a "video game" afficionado, you rendered the topic interesting in your current blog post!