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If you want to play the game that came before a movie, start by identifying whether the film adapts one specific release or borrows a franchise’s characters and world. Super Mario Bros. is the clearest classic platforming route, while Mortal Kombat 1 is the easiest current option to play on major consoles and PC. Pokémon, Tomb Raider, Resident Evil and Sonic require more care: their films draw on long-running series, so the movie is not necessarily the story of the first game.
What “original game” means for a movie adaptation
“What game was the movie based on?” has three possible answers. A film can retell one game’s plot, use an established game world while inventing a new story, or combine characters and ideas from several entries. Those are very different experiences for someone asking, “How do I play the original game now?”
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Mortal Kombat 1 - Nintendo Switch | $28.34 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Mortal Kombat X - Xbox One | $17.94 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Mortal Kombat 11 - Xbox One | $21.50 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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Mortal Kombat Legacy Kollection - Day 1 Edition - Nintendo Switch | $49.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
![Mortal Kombat Trilogy (Greatest Hits) - (PS1) PlayStation 1 [Pre-Owned]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41wQQXpn4BL._SL160_.jpg)
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Mortal Kombat Trilogy (Greatest Hits) - (PS1) PlayStation 1 [Pre-Owned] | $48.79 | Buy on Amazon |
A direct game-to-film adaptation
In a direct adaptation, the game supplies the central setting, characters and conflict. Playing that release lets you see the source material before judging what the film changed. Even then, a movie may compress levels, remove side characters or alter the ending.
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A franchise adaptation
A franchise adaptation uses a recognizable universe rather than one campaign. The Pokémon and Sonic films fit this broad relationship: the games established the characters and rules, but a movie can create a new plot. Buying the earliest game is historically useful, yet it may not reproduce the film’s storyline.
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- A New Universe - Discover a new beginning, as crafted by the Keeper of Time and protector of Earthrealm, Fire God Liu Kang.
- Origins Reimagined - Familiar characters return with all new intertwined histories, interacting in brand new ways.
- New Kameo Fighters - Choose from a unique roster of Kameo fighting partners to assist you in battle.
- Immersive Story Campaign - Fight through a brand new story featuring your favorite Mortal Kombat characters like you’ve never seen them before.
- The Ultimate Fighting Franchise Returns - The Fight for Earthrealm is upon us. This is Mortal Kombat.
A later game with the same identity
Sometimes the first game is difficult to obtain legally, while a later entry is sold on current hardware. Mortal Kombat 1 is a modern fighting-game route for people who want to play the series today; it is not the 1992 release that started the franchise. Treat “original” and “currently playable” as separate questions.
At-a-glance guide to the six franchises
| Movie-linked franchise | Earliest game identified in the available sources | Recognizable genre | What the film relationship means | Practical starting point |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Super Mario Bros. | Super Mario Bros., the classic Nintendo platform game | Platforming | The game defines Mario’s running, jumping and Bowser-rescue identity. | A licensed Nintendo Classic Mini: Nintendo Entertainment System or a documented Virtual Console edition, where legally available in your region. |
| Mortal Kombat | Mortal Kombat (1992) | Fighting | The films use the fighting-game universe; the 1992 arcade game and modern releases are different editions. | Mortal Kombat 1 on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch or PC through Steam or Epic Games Store. |
| Pokémon | A Nintendo-published video game first released in 1996 | Creature-collecting role-playing | Pokémon Detective Pikachu uses the franchise rather than retelling one mainline campaign. | Choose between the earliest mainline experience and a legally available game that matches the film’s detective premise; confirm regional availability. |
| Tomb Raider | The 1996 Core Design series | Action-adventure | The films draw on Lara Croft and the series’ adventure identity, not necessarily one game’s complete plot. | Look for a licensed original or collection release in your country; the cited material does not establish one current storefront. |
| Resident Evil | Capcom’s 1996 game, titled Biohazard in Japan | Survival horror | The 2002 film launched a separate six-film run using the game universe. | Find a licensed release of the first game or an identified collection, checking edition and region before purchase. |
| Sonic the Hedgehog | The Sega game franchise that preceded the films | Platforming | Sonic follows the platforming tradition of repeated attempts and gradual mastery; the films are franchise adaptations. | Use a current, licensed release of the original Sonic title when your regional storefront lists one. |
How to play the original Super Mario Bros.
What the game is
Nintendo describes running and jumping as Mario or Luigi through caves, castles, pipes and platforms, then facing Bowser to rescue Princess Peach. It is a 1–2-player alternating game: two people share turns rather than playing simultaneously. The design is pure platforming, so movement, timing and learning from failed attempts matter more than dialogue or cinematic scenes.
The game is the foundation of Mario’s identity in film and television. It is also the best answer when you want to experience the classic platform game itself rather than a later 3D adventure.
Legal ways to access it
Nintendo documents the game as included with Nintendo Classic Mini: Nintendo Entertainment System and as having Wii, Wii U and Nintendo 3DS Virtual Console versions. Those are distinct hardware and storefront editions, and availability is country-dependent. A used console or a digital purchase may not be obtainable in every market, so check the official regional store or Nintendo’s hardware documentation before paying.
- Decide whether you want original-style hardware or a legacy digital edition.
- For the hardware route, confirm that the Nintendo Classic Mini: Nintendo Entertainment System package is licensed, complete enough to operate and compatible with your television.
- For Virtual Console, verify that your Wii, Wii U or Nintendo 3DS account and region can still access the documented release.
- Use a controller with a responsive directional pad. Platform games depend on precise left-right movement and jump timing.
- Start with alternating two-player mode if you are sharing the game; each player receives a turn rather than joining the same screen at once.
What to expect compared with a movie
The game is a sequence of compact obstacle courses, not a film-length narrative. Its central loop is running, jumping, avoiding hazards and learning routes. A movie may present Mario’s world as a continuous adventure, but the original game communicates through movement, level layout and short encounters. That difference is the point of playing it: you are interacting with the rules that made the character famous.
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- Featuring Klassics such as Scorpion, Sub-Zero, Raiden and Kano, as well as new characters such as Cassie Cage, Kotal Kahn, Ferra-Torr and D'Vorah, the roster will include fan favorites where both good and evil must battle it out.
- Mortal Kombat X offers three different versions for each playable character, all of which have their own fighting style, special moves, abilities and strategies.
- A deep story mode continues up to 25 years after the events of 2011's Mortal Kombat and advances the dark tale - introducing new characters such as Cassie Cage, daughter of fan favorites Sonya Blade and Johnny Cage.
- Mortal Kombat X introduces the next evolution of fighting with the return of X-ray and Finishing Moves that showcase brutal battles like never before with enhanced graphics and animations.
How to play the Mortal Kombat game behind the films
Separate the 1992 original from the current release
Mortal Kombat began as a 1992 video game and was later adapted into two theatrical films, according to the Entertainment Software Association’s 2020 report. The first game is historically important, but the currently documented broad-platform option is Mortal Kombat 1. Do not treat that title as a reissued copy of the 1992 game.
Where Mortal Kombat 1 is available
Warner Bros. Games lists Mortal Kombat 1 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch and PC through Steam and Epic Games Store. Storefront pages, editions and regional access can change, so open the listing for your country before buying.
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1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches| Platform | Documented availability | What to verify |
|---|---|---|
| PlayStation 5 | Listed by Warner Bros. Games | Regional storefront, edition contents and current age rating |
| Xbox Series X|S | Listed by Warner Bros. Games | Correct console generation and edition |
| Nintendo Switch | Listed by Warner Bros. Games | Download size, performance expectations and regional listing |
| PC | Steam and Epic Games Store listings are documented | Minimum requirements, controller support and the edition attached to your account |
Why the Kameo system matters
Mortal Kombat 1 adds Kameo Fighters. Warner Bros. Games describes them as a separate roster of support characters that assist during matches. That makes the current game structurally different from a basic one-character-versus-one-character fighter: you select a main fighter and a support choice, then call the Kameo at tactical moments.
- Choose the platform you already own, or the PC storefront you prefer.
- Open the official listing for your region and check the exact edition, age rating and included content.
- Install the base game and any required updates before judging matchmaking or training behavior.
- Begin in training mode to learn your main fighter’s attacks and the timing of Kameo assists.
- If your goal is film history, separately search your region’s licensed catalog for the 1992 game or a collection that explicitly includes it; do not assume that buying Mortal Kombat 1 supplies the original.
Pokémon: choosing between the first game and the film’s premise
What “original” means here
Pokémon originated as a Nintendo-published video game in 1996. The franchise grew into many games, so the first release establishes the collecting, training and battling concept but does not automatically reproduce every later character or setting.
Pokémon Detective Pikachu demonstrates the distinction. The Entertainment Software Association’s 2020 report records worldwide gross of $433 million for the film, but the movie is not simply a direct retelling of one mainline Pokémon campaign. It uses the broader Pokémon universe and a detective-centered premise.
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- The all new custom character variations give you unprecedented control to customize the fighters and make them your own
- The new graphics engine showcasing every skull shattering, eye popping moment, brings you so close to the fight you can feel it
- And featuring a roster of new and returning Klassic Fighters, Mortal Kombat's best in class cinematic story mode continues the epic saga over 25 years in the making
How to pick a game
- Choose the earliest legally available mainline Pokémon release if you want to study the franchise’s original game structure.
- Choose a licensed detective-focused Pokémon game when your priority is the movie’s investigative tone rather than the first mainline rules.
- Check the regional Nintendo catalog, hardware requirements and age rating before purchase; the available material does not establish one universal current storefront for the 1996 release.
What will feel different from the film
A creature-collecting role-playing game asks you to build a team, make turn-based decisions and progress through a longer campaign. A film can follow a small cast and a single mystery. Expect shared creatures and terminology, not a scene-by-scene recreation.
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The starting point
Tomb Raider began as a 1996 game series created by Core Design. The Entertainment Software Association’s 2020 report counts 18 games and records $275 million in worldwide gross for the 2001 film and $156 million for its 2003 sequel. Those figures are historical report figures, not current revenue measurements.
How to find the original legally
The cited material identifies the series origin but does not establish a single current console or PC storefront for the first release. Search your country’s official game stores for a listing that names the original game or a collection containing it. Confirm the publisher, edition and supported operating system rather than assuming that a similarly titled modern entry is the 1996 version.
- Search by the exact series name plus the original release designation shown by the storefront.
- Read the product description for the developer attribution to Core Design or an explicit statement that the collection includes the first game.
- Check controller mapping and display options, since an older action-adventure may require different input expectations from a current release.
- Use the original game for its exploration, platforming and puzzle structure; use a later entry only if you want a modernized control scheme.
Game versus film
The films center on Lara Croft, but a franchise film can rearrange locations and events. Playing the first game gives you the character’s original action-adventure framework, not a guarantee that every film scene appears as a level.
Resident Evil: play the 1996 survival-horror origin
Identify the correct title
Resident Evil began as Capcom’s 1996 game. In Japan it was originally titled Biohazard, so regional listings may use either name. That naming difference is useful when a search for “Resident Evil” fails to find the original release.
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- Multiple Iconic Editions: Experience the legendary origins of Mortal Kombat with the iconic arcade classics along with well loved home versions for Super NES and Sega Genesis. Dive deeper with rare and fan-favorite releases across Game Boy, Game Gear, Sega 32X, Game Boy Advance and more.
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Understand the film connection
The Entertainment Software Association’s 2020 report says the 2002 movie launched a six-film series with $1.23 billion in combined worldwide box office. The films draw on the game universe, but that figure and the film count do not mean the movies retell one complete campaign.
Finding a playable edition
The available source material confirms the 1996 origin but does not name one current, universal storefront. Look for a licensed original release or collection in your region and verify whether it is the first game, a remake, or a later sequel. Those labels describe different experiences.
- Original: the earliest game’s design, pacing and presentation.
- Remake: a rebuilt version that may change controls, visuals, areas or encounters.
- Sequel: a continuation that assumes a different point in the series.
For the survival-horror experience, use headphones only if you are comfortable with sustained tension, and check the current regional age rating before purchase. The rating is not stated universally here and can vary by edition and country.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Sonic the Hedgehog: a platforming origin rather than one film plot
Why the first game matters
Sonic is identified as a Sega game franchise with theatrical films. The British Film Institute explains that Sonic followed Mario’s platforming foundations while retaining the repeated “try, fail, and try again” mastery loop common to platform games. That loop is the key to understanding the original appeal: speed is useful, but learning routes and recovering from mistakes matter just as much.
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How to choose a release
Use a current, licensed listing that explicitly names the original Sonic title when your regional storefront offers one. The available material does not establish one universal platform list or date for that first release, so verify the store page rather than assuming that every modern compilation contains it.
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- 32 playable characters plus hidden characters, over 30 original moves and fatality attacks, new brutality moves, new power gauge
- Players: 1-2
- Controller: Gamepad, Joystick
- Confirm that the listing identifies the original game, not merely a later sequel or a film tie-in.
- Check supported hardware and whether the package is a compilation with several titles.
- Use a controller with reliable directional input; platforming precision is more important than graphical resolution.
- Expect repeated attempts. The BFI’s description of mastery through trying, failing and trying again is a better guide to the experience than the films’ narrative pacing.
Which version should you buy?
| Your priority | Best starting choice | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Authentic classic platforming | Documented Super Mario Bros. release on Nintendo Classic Mini: Nintendo Entertainment System or Virtual Console | These are the specific legacy editions Nintendo documents. |
| Current multiplayer fighting on modern hardware | Mortal Kombat 1 | It is listed for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Switch and PC, with Kameo support characters. |
| Historical first entry | The earliest licensed release you can verify for the relevant franchise | Availability for Pokémon, Tomb Raider, Resident Evil and Sonic varies by region and edition. |
| Movie-like story | A game tied to the film’s specific premise, when one is officially listed | Franchise adaptations often do not retell the first game’s campaign. |
Prices, stock, storefront access and edition names are volatile. No universal price or inventory claim applies to these games; check the live regional listing immediately before purchase.
A practical method for matching any movie to its source game
- Write down the film’s exact title and year. A franchise may have several films with different relationships to the games.
- Identify the earliest game named by an authoritative publisher or historical catalog. Do not assume that a film tie-in game is the original.
- Classify the relationship. Mark it as direct adaptation, franchise adaptation or a later game sharing the setting.
- Choose the experience you actually want. Select the first release for history, a current entry for convenience, or a premise-matching spin-off for film similarity.
- Verify the live storefront. Check country, platform, edition, age rating, language and controller requirements.
- Confirm what is included. A collection may contain the original, a remake, a sequel or several versions; read the contents list.
- Keep expectations realistic. Film pacing is linear and edited. Games rely on practice, exploration, combat or repeated attempts.
Common access problems and fixes
The game is not listed in your store
Availability can differ by country, hardware generation and storefront policy. Check the publisher’s regional catalog and licensed physical retailers. Do not download an unauthorized copy simply because an old release is hard to find.
The title looks right but is a different game
Compare the release description, developer and edition contents. This matters especially for Mortal Kombat, Resident Evil and Tomb Raider, where a modern numbered entry, remake or sequel can share the franchise name without being the original.
Your controller feels wrong
Older platform and action-adventure games may have controls designed around a directional pad or an earlier camera system. Try the game’s control options, remap buttons where supported and use the platform’s compatibility documentation before concluding that the game is defective.
You expected the movie’s exact story
Return to the relationship classification. Pokémon Detective Pikachu, the Tomb Raider films, the Resident Evil films and the Sonic films use established game identities but are not presented here as one-to-one retellings of a single first campaign. A shared world is not the same thing as a shared script.
Sources and historical context
Nintendo’s description supplies the Mario mechanics, two-player structure and documented legacy editions. Warner Bros. Games supplies the current Mortal Kombat 1 platform list and Kameo Fighter explanation. The Entertainment Software Association’s 2020 report supplies the franchise origins and historical film figures for Mortal Kombat, Pokémon, Tomb Raider and Resident Evil. The British Film Institute provides context for Sonic’s platforming lineage and quotes Shigeru Miyamoto’s 2010 explanation: “We had a setting [in Super Mario Bros] that was underground, so I just decided Mario is a plumber.”
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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