I have a simple question that I am sure has many answers, but I'd like opinions on it.
We all have our favorite books, movies, and games. In order to get to our "favorites" list in life, the most usual characteristic for a good book/story/game is it's storyline (after that, game mechanics, I think).
What I'd like to ask is what use is there for making a game in which the storyline and plot happen in a world already created by another? I guess the Star Wars games would be a great example of this. We know how the story ends, yet there are numerous games that rewind so that we can play those battles and make the decisions ourselves (often to reach the same conclusion). Or perhaps some of these settings take place after Luke kills the Emperor and saves the galaxy. In either case, the story and main plot elements were borrowed from a major theatrical release, in which books and games followed.
Then there are games like the Lord of the Rings games that put you in control of key players from the books/movies, and you progress the storyline just as they did. We all know the outcome, but this allows us a chance to experience it ourselves (ok, 3rd person...just like the movies). You play Legolas or Bilbo and go off adventuring, but the end of the game is just as you expect - you either die and get a "game over", or you succeed and get a "job well done" with an ending just like the movies.
What makes it worthwhile to do this? If, by chance, I wanted to make a game set in the world of Iron Man 2, about a teen who builds an Iron Man suit because his role model is Iron Man, what would be the GOOD reasons to do this, and what would be the BAD reasons? As much as someone says "because you can, an Iron Man is awesome!" does not mean that the public would receive it well.
I hope this makes sense. And no, I am not planning on making an Iron Man game. That was just an example ;-)
