10 Video Games You Didn't Know Were Based On Books
7. Parasite Eve
Based on: Parasite Eve by Hideaki Sena
Parasite Eve is a bit of a strange one... in many ways, actually, but in this context it’s a strange version of an adaptation. Rather than being inspired by or taking characters from or anything like that, the game was designed to serve as a direct sequel to Sena’s original novel.
Sena himself had no input in the plot, as it was devised by his publishers and the developers at Square. Speaking of said developers, it was the first time Square had collaborated between its Japanese team and American team, hence the use of New York City throughout the game.
The original book was the inaugural winner of the Japan Horror Novel Award, praised for the microbiology embedded within its terror. The games kept the general focus but shifted the tone from horror to more of an action vibe, in line with Square’s success with Final Fantasy.
Indeed, Final Fantasy was as big an influence as Sena’s novel itself, with Aya’s design based on Aerith from Final Fantasy VII. Changing the lead character, genre and setting means the game tweaked a lot, but by keeping the central idea it still makes an adaptation of sorts.