The transition from film to video games is typically tricky, and not all attempts have been successful. Case in point: "The Last of Us" and "Fallout" worked well when adapted for television, yet the game versions of movies like "Monsters vs. Aliens" or Pixar's "Up" have been largely disappointing. One recent example of this trend is "A Quiet Place: The Road Ahead," a video game adaptation of the popular film franchise.
In the game, players take on the role of Alex Taylor (voiced by Anairis Quinones), a pregnant, asthmatic woman struggling to survive amidst an alien invasion. Taking the form of a first-person survival horror game, "The Road Ahead" requires players to traverse hazardous environments while keeping quiet to avoid attracting the deadly creatures.
Despite the promising premise, the game reportedly falls short in terms of gameplay mechanics and storytelling. Players often feel that the stealth mechanisms are inconsistent and, at times, unreasonably difficult. The repetitive process of avoiding noisy objects and maintaining a low noise level quickly becomes monotonous instead of engaging.
Furthermore, the game seems to lack depth of narrative and character development. While attempting to replicate the chilling tension from the source material, "The Road Ahead" fails to capture the emotional aspects that made the films successful. It places a greater emphasis on survival mechanics rather than the story or world-building, which often leaves players unsatisfied.
Despite the shortcomings of "A Quiet Place: The Road Ahead," fans of the franchise may hold out hope for future adaptations. As games-based-on-films continue to evolve, there could still be potential for the "A Quiet Place" universe to flourish in the gaming industry. This title is currently available for Windows, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.
