Video games based on TV shows are a difficult thing. They're usually underwhelming at best, and even if they're good, they'll never reach the level of canon video games like The Legend of Zelda or Call of Duty . But nostalgia is here to stay, and new art promises a hypothetical video game from our favorite past time: the '90s. British writer and illustrator Andrew Scaife has recreated a series of scenes from Buffy the Vampire Slayer in the style of a LucasArts adventure game.
Scaife illustrated an episode from each season: "Welcome to the Hellmouth," "The Inca Mummy Girl," "Homecoming," "Hush," "Triangle," "The Grave," "Touched." These scenes have a pixelated early video game look, similar to classic LucasArts games like The Secret of Monkey Island. It was great to see classic Buffy scenes like Wild Dog Ate My Baby playing Bronze and the evil Enchanted Willow. But even more impressive is the attention to detail that goes into the objects. There are stakes and lipstick, sure, but there's also the whiteboard that says "Hi Giles" in "Hush," the spatula in "Homecoming," and even Mr. Gordo manages to make an appearance. Scaife noted that adventure games are not only a fun way to watch the show, but also a fun way to explore narrative ideas in general.
But more importantly, someone needs to make this game. It's clear that we probably won't be seeing much more of Buffy on the big or small screen anytime soon. So, how else should addicts detox? The fan base for Buffy and the old LucasArts video games is also fiercely loyal. Not only is this something extremely popular, but it's also something that fans can easily make. After all, there must have been a devoted fan channeling Willow's computer-geek authenticity in Season 1 and could have made this art a reality. The story is there, the ideas are there, the art is there, and the need for this game in the universe is real. So... who's up for the challenge?
Image: Tumblr/andrewscaife