Dr Who Video Game? Just Say Yes!
MattG at Press The Buttons is completely right when he gleefully proclaims 'What This Country Really Needs, Right Now, Is A Doctor Who Game' - and really, this is true for any country you might happen to be in at this precise moment in time.
He further explains: "I'd love to see a modern console game focusing around the Tenth Doctor (as this generation of the character is known) and his human traveling companions. The game could use a new story crafted with the aid of the show's prolific writers or re-enact memorable moments from previous episodes. Either is fine just as long as I get to face down a Dalek or dodge the Toclafane. Better yet, how about a Nintendo Wii-specific version that casts the Wii remote itself as the Doctor's trusty sonic screwdriver."
Heartily agreed - unfortunately, the show (which is currently on the Sci Fi Channel in the U.S., in the early process of its third revitalized season) just isn't big enough in North America to persuade a major player to sign up and make the game - though some lower-end PS2 games have been made just to appeal to European audiences, of course.
But I've been wondering for a while - why not consider XBLA/PSN games based on the license, if they're developed by the BBC itself or a close associate? That way, licensing costs wouldn't be prohibitive and we'd still get some kind of video game in which Daleks hover up stairs. Oh my.
Comments
It can't be any worse than the last one - a Doom style thing called Destiny of the Doctors. Brr.
Posted by: Richard | July 16, 2007 1:34 AM
Point and click adventure would be super hot.
Posted by: Gillman | July 16, 2007 2:38 AM
I don't think any country needs yet another game based on a movie/tv-series. It'll just be crap (or, in the best case, average).
Posted by: fluffy bunny | July 16, 2007 3:54 AM
it can't be any worse than the show.
Posted by: dessgeega | July 16, 2007 5:23 AM
Doctor Who game in the works for PC:
http://www.retroremakes.com/wordpress/2007/05/18/ishis-doctor-who-game/
Though, I don't know what kind of progress has been made about it.
Posted by: Matthew Williamson | July 16, 2007 7:07 AM
Thing is, the Doctor is almost the antithesis of most game heroes nowadays - he's a thinker rather than a fighter. A game about him would need to be adventurey, combat and action elements shoehorned in would be a travesty.
Granted, I consider that more a poor reflection on the modern mainstream industry than on the IP - I *wish* we had more games that were about conflict resolution via means other than guns and swords.
If action were a requirement, maybe something like Portal? Being clever and quick rather than being tough and merciless.
Posted by: JP | July 16, 2007 10:00 AM
How about a bioware style rpg with the protagonist being a Time Lord similar to Dr Who but not necessary as good a person.
Zip around to different zany time periods and planets and solve/cause problems.
He has cameos in games. There is a small bit in Fallout. There was a old World Builder game called Carbon Copy that had him in it.
Posted by: Corey Holcomb-Hockin | July 16, 2007 12:17 PM
Nobody ever seems to recognize the quote I'm paraphrasing with "What this country needs...". I don't expect the USA audience to get it since the episode it's in hasn't aired yet, but you UKers out there should catch it. Argh, I hate it when I'm seemingly too clever! ;-)
Posted by: MattG | July 16, 2007 2:31 PM
@MattGL: I get it :) But I hated that episode :(
Posted by: nectarine | July 17, 2007 12:25 AM
"Nobody ever seems to recognize the quote I'm paraphrasing..."
HERE COME THE DRUMS HERE COME THE DRUMS!
Posted by: Richard | July 17, 2007 12:33 AM
I knew you all were sharp. ;-)
Posted by: MattG | July 17, 2007 7:12 AM
doctor who is a great show and i cant belive its only n the sci-fi chanel in america.in england its n the main chanel: bbc 1 every saturday and the reason the US dont like is because of the crapy film made in america in the 90's
Posted by: england | July 24, 2007 12:11 PM
I LIVE IN THE US AND WHEN IT COMES TO TV THESE DAYS THEY HAVE COME UP ALMOST EMTY HANDED. DR. WHO SHOULD BE A BIG THING OUT HERE TO BUT ITS NOT. I HOPE SOME DAY IT WILL BE. THANK GOD FOR THE SCI FI CH.FOR SHOWING DR.WHO PBS JUST DOESNT BOTHER ANY MORE.
Posted by: MICHAEL | October 12, 2007 7:59 PM