Yes, we know what you're thinking: "There are no good books based on video games."
In reality, there are quite a few video game-based books that manage to capture the essence of the games they're based on.
Reading a book after playing a plot-heavy game can give you more information about the game's setting, characters, and overall story. And we know of several book series that prove fantastic game-to-book adaptations do exist.
Here are some of the best books based on video games!
5. God of War
There are only two books in the main God of War series, both of which are definitely worth reading. It's a short series that's based on the first God of War and God of War II—there's no word on whether a book on God of War III will be released.
The first God of War novel places you at the beginning of Kratos' story. As you relive Kratos' journey to defeat Ares and free himself of slavery, you'll gather insight on Kratos' character that the game doesn't address.
4. Resident Evil
Not only does Resident Evil have several adaptions on the big screen, but it also has an action-packed book series.
Resident Evil: The Umbrella Conspiracy was written before the release of the Resident Evil remake for the GameCube, which means you'll see some differences between the game's modern plot and the events of this book.
The author also takes some creative liberty with the story, as she includes a brand new character: Trent, an Umbrella Corporation informant. Despite the differences between the games and the book series, it's still an exciting take on the original story.
3. Gears of War
If you love the Gears of War games, you'll appreciate the fantastic job the author did with the book series. While the books add quite a bit to the games' storyline, it still manages to stay true to the original plot.
Gears of War: Aspho Fields switches between past and present. The childhood of Marcus, Dom, and Dom's brother (Carlos), is contrasted with the struggle of the present day.
Fourteen years after Emergence Day, Marcus and Dom are faced with a battle against the Locust Horde, and must also confront Marcus' secret.
2. Mass Effect
Trying to fit Mass Effect's expansive sci-fi universe in just a few video games is nearly impossible, and that's exactly why the book series was written. The fleshed-out storyline gives you much more insight into the plot of the original game trilogy.
The events of Mass Effect: Revelation take place before the very first Mass Effect game. It introduces Lieutenant David Anderson, and follows his mission to solve the mystery surrounding an attack on a military research station.
Kahlee Sanders, a scientist at the station, went missing before her fellow scientists were brutally attacked—finding her is the key to figuring out what really happened.
1. Halo
Just when you thought the story of Halo couldn't get any more epic, the book series' retelling of the original story takes it to another level of excitement.
The first book in the series, Halo: The Fall of Reach is an in-depth reiteration of Master Chief's origins. It provides a detailed look at the beginnings of the SPARTAN Program, and how Master Chief became the leading bioengineered warrior in the fight against the Covenant.
The Halo book series also features a number of spinoffs, including The Forerunner Saga, Kilo-Five Trilogy, and A Master Chief Story.
More Great Books for Gamers
Even if you haven't picked up a Halo or Mass Effect game in years, the book adaptations can refresh your memory.
Not to mention that they can also give you another perspective on the game, making these video game book series the perfect supplement after any playthrough.