Cover Bella Ramsey as Ellie and Gabriel Luna as Tommy in ‘The Last of Us’ Season 2—an adaptation from the mainline video games (Photo: Courtesy of HBO)
Bella Ramsey as Ellie and Gabriel Luna as Tommy in ‘The Last of Us’ Season 2—an adaptation from the mainline video games (Photo: Courtesy of HBO)
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These video game-inspired TV shows give the right balance between immersion and fan service
In the past two decades, video game adaptations have had a bad reputation among fans—often missing the mark on accuracy and atmosphere. However, in recent years, there has been a resurgence of TV series that tell fresh, riveting stories that stay true to their source material. From the gritty post-apocalyptic worlds of Fallout and The Last of Us to the visually pleasing animation quality of The Cuphead Show! and Cyberpunk: Edgerunners, here are five video game adaptations that you should watch right now.
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Fallout
Above The teaser trailer for ‘Fallout’
Set nine years after the story of Fallout 4, the television series expands on the universe with a fresh story that stays true to the previous games. Starring Ella Purnell, Kyle MacLachlan, and Walton Goggins, the show was well-received by critics and the community.
As an adaptation of a video game, Fallout did an amazing job at immersing those unfamiliar with the games while also giving easter eggs to those who know. Seeing in-game elements such as the Pip-Boy, the Brotherhood of Steel, and ghouls was satisfying, given their faithfulness to the source material. With a second season on the way, it’s exciting to see how the show handles a much-awaited adversary absent from the first—the deathclaw.
The Last of Us
Above The trailer for season two of ‘The Last of Us’
A true-to-source reimagination of the two games, The Last of Us accurately follows the storyline from start to finish—albeit with a few creative liberties. The chemistry between lead actors Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey during their whimsical moments and serious, life-threatening experience make for a great watch that affirms and immerses previous players of the games while introducing those who came in blind with a heartfelt (and heartracing) story.
As the show’s second season runs with new episodes weekly, it’s exciting to see how they approach some of the pivotal points in Ellie’s quest for revenge.
Cyberpunk: Edgerunners
Above The official trailer for ‘Cyberpunk: Edgerunners’
From the animation studio that brought fan favourite anime such as Kill La Kill and Star Wars: Visions, Cyberpunk: Edgerunners takes viewers to Night City—a dystopia plagued by crime, corruption, and cybernetic addiction. The show takes place around a year before the events of the mainline video game, Cyberpunk 2077, and follows David Martinez as he tries to survive as a mercenary.
See also: How ‘Black Mirror’ Season 7 questions your reality, then breaks your heart
The Cuphead Show!
Above The trailer for ‘The Cuphead Show!’
A slapstick comedy harbouring a 1930s art style, The Cuphead Show! follows the misadventures of two brothers, Cuphead and Mugman. Throughout the series, fans of the game will be able to spot multiple villains from the source material, making for fun easter egg hunts and moments of hilarity as more context is given to each character.
While the game uses traditional hand-drawn cel animation, the TV series, unfortunately, does not due to streaming deadlines. However, the animation quality is still one of the best in the genre, making for a wacky experience that stays true to the plot’s atmosphere.
Devil May Cry
Above The trailer for ‘Devil May Cry’ (2025) anime
Animated by South Korean studio Studio Mir, which brought the likes of The Legend of Korra and The Boondocks to television, the 2025 Devil May Cry anime is an adaptation of the mainline games. The show follows legendary demon hunter-for-hire, Dante, as he fights a powerful demon invading Earth. With over-the-top action sequences worthy of the character, it’s a fun watch if you want to see good animation quality. However, longtime fans may notice several inconsistencies with the story—oftentimes breaking established events in favour of a new narrative.
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About
Gabriel found his passion for writing through poetry in high school. He sharpened his skills at Ateneo de Manila University and hopes to write a play worthy of Broadway one day. A self-proclaimed geek, he loves to spend his free time playing video games and board games. When he's not clicking heads on Valorant or roleplaying as a barbarian in Dungeons and Dragons, you can find him exploring art galleries or watching stage plays.
Work
A creative writer who writes about anything and everything, Gabriel loves to dive deep into the arts and culture scene—as well as going on long road trips for travel pieces.
You can reach him on Instagram at @gbohol for any leads, casual conversations or game invites.
