Date: 1/22/2010
With Dante's Inferno coming out soon from EA, there are a few other high-profile titles that we think should get their due in the casual realm. There are just some books, like Dante's Inferno, that translate perfectly to the gaming realm. While you won't find the demons, long-dead poets or half-naked blonde women that are present in the original Dante's Inferno in these suggested titles, they still have quite a bit to offer, both as games and somewhat-faithful adaptations of the source material.
Moby Dick by Herman Melville
Call me Ishmael? More like call me a fishing expert! Ahab is a fisherman down on his luck when he sees a poster for a fishing contest: Catch the elusive White Whale MOBY DICK and win! It's been years since Ahab has gotten his harpoon into the water, but with the help of his good friend Ishmael, he's ready to get back into his ship and back to hunting marine wildlife! Using your Wii remote, throw your harpoon to build your skill at catching small fish, then larger fish, dolphins and eventually get your shot at the elusive Moby Dick and prove yourself as the world's most prominent fisherman ever. Still not convinced? Every fish caught shows up in Ahab's diary with commentary on where it was caught and educational information, such as the indigenous wildlife and possible recipes for the endangered creatures.
The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain
Tom Sawyer's such a trickster that he's decided to take his antics to the Mischief-making convention circuit. Tom, Huckleberry Finn, Becky Thatcher and the ghost of Injun Joe meet some new friends and enter into the challenges of the convention competition. From new minigames like "Convincing passers-by that fence painting is fun" to "Accidentally faking your own death while pretending to be a pirate" and "Falling for the girl next door," you'll have your hands full as you connive and trick your way to the top in minigame after minigame. If story mode doesn't grab you, try bringing three friends along for the ride in freeplay mode where you're able to experience competitive treasure hunting.
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
Lydia Bennet is having some trouble. While the incredibly agreeable Mr. Bingley has moved into Netherfield and has taken to her sister Jane, she is without a husband and without prospects - but there are so many eligible bachelors. Play as Lydia as she must circumvent the wishes of her mother, avoid her sisters, insult the horrid Mr. Darcy and marry a man of meager means and questionable morals. Navigate the town of Meryton as one of the youngest Bennets, flirting with any and all eligible bachelors as you put your family in a downward spiral of shame and disgrace.
Duck for President by Doreen Cronin
Duck is back and running for President of the United States and as his campaign manager, it's up to you to get the message out that this Fowl is anything but fowl in the election. Run everything from Duck's speeches to the on-message ads that will run in primetime, to coaching him in the time leading up to the debates. He may be running for president now, but his humble beginnings in the pond has left you with a lot of work to do if he's going to become president. Help the campaign team with finances and donations while Duck goes on his national tour. Be sure that the competitor's smear campaign never takes effect. And most of all, make sure that Quack isn't just another word for a questionable doctor.
Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus by Mo Willems
This game is actually quite simple. The pigeon wants to drive the bus. The bus driver has tasked you with the unfortunate assignment for being sure the pigeon doesn't drive it. Use your newfound power to say "No" to the pigeon in as many different ways as possible. Advance your naysaying skills to extend to different languages while continuously denying the pigeon the chance to use his lack of driving skill to inevitably plow the expensive city bus into the side of a building.