Best JAWS inspired video games
Anyone who has a fear of sharks are conscious about avoiding the Jaws film series. However, movies buffs and those seeking on-screen thrills appreciate the tension and drama that this franchise is packed with. For many fans of this franchise, the fun hasn’t stopped with the movies as many Jaws related video games have been released onto the market. In this context, let’s profile some of the best Jaws-themed video games of all time.
The Jaws Craze
The Jaws film franchise is one of the most famous and successful series in cinema history going as far back as the 1970s. In the very first Jaws film, we see what happens when a massive killer shark unleashes chaos on a beach community off Long Island and it's up to a local sheriff, a marine biologist, and an old seafarer to hunt the beast down. This set the precedent for numerous shark-attack thrillers that followed including 3 more in the Jaws series.
Across the four films, the Jaws franchise has earned over $798 million worldwide at the box office. As the Jaws film series has taken the world by storm, it’s no surprise that so many video games would be created based on it, allowing people to extend the fun beyond their TV screen. For many people who don’t enjoy scary films, playing these games is also a way to have control over navigating the world in a way that the films don’t allow the spectators.
Top Jaws-Themed Video Games
Jaws (1987)
This Jaws game, released in 1987 is one of the oldest and also shortest Jaws games ever produced. The entire experience can last about 45 minutes in total, but almost the entire time is spent whittling away Jaws' life bar. As an action-adventure game developed by LJN for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), players are tasked with controlling a boat and taking down the Great White Shark. They can navigate areas such as beaches and the open ocean. Although the graphics aren't great, it still gives players a thrilling experience.
Shark Blitz
It’s not just video games providers that draw inspiration from popular film franchises as casino games developers also focus on these themes to create dynamic, engaging slot games. Shark Blitz is an exciting ocean-themed slot game by Playtech. With six reels and a unique layout, players are given 5,625 ways to win. The game features sea creatures like tuna, manta rays, turtles, jellyfish, and, of course, a Great White Shark. Players can also avail of special rewards and features such as free spins with multipliers and a Crunch Mode, which can randomly add scatter symbols to boost winnings. There are also progressive jackpots, which adds even more anticipation to the gaming session. Most major online casinos have a wide range of themed slots games including Shark Blitz. It’s the perfect way to explore the depths of the ocean without physically leaving your home or committing to watching a lengthy movie.
Hungry Shark World
While not directly based on Jaws, Hungry Shark World draws on similar themes where players are given full access to this free roam ocean environment to level up their ferocious fish. Players can control hungry sharks, swimming through big underwater worlds and eating everything they can. They can complete tasks, upgrade their sharks, and explore new areas while avoiding obstacles and enemies.
Jaws Unleashed (2006)
Jaws Unleashed (2006) is an action game where players control the Great White Shark from the Jaws movies. Available on PlayStation 2, Xbox, and PC, players can swim in the ocean, scare people, sink boats, and hunt sea creatures. With an open world, players can explore underwater, complete tasks, and fight humans and marine animals. While some found it repetitive, it’s a fun game for Jaws movie fans. Despite getting mixed reviews, it still sticks out for many Jaws fans as an iconic game.
Jaws: Ultimate Predator (2011)
Jaws: Ultimate Predator (2011) is an action game for the Nintendo Wii and 3DS, where players control a powerful Great White Shark. Set 35 years after the original Jaws movie, the game lets players navigate the ocean, using the shark’s bite, tail, and speed to attack humans and sea creatures. With various missions and battles, it offers an exciting underwater adventure, despite some players finding it repetitive.
The Jaws film franchise has inspired a variety of industries including video games to create games around the theme of Jaws. While shark attacks may be a petrifying theme for many people, playing Jaws themed video games is one way to grapple with huge sharks as you can take a break whenever you want. From classic games to more modern slot games based on Jaws, there is plenty of choice.