SEGA has confirmed that it is partnering with a motion picture production company to develop a movie based on 1990s adventure beat’em up Comix Zone.
In addition, a film of cult dance battler Space Channel 5 is also said to be in development.
While I’ve never played Space Channel 5, I do have some experience with Comix Zone, which I last played on Android (there is an excellent collection of retro SEGA titles on mobile) and was surprised by how well it stands up three decades later.
But – and here’s the key thing – it was a bit derivative back in the 1990s. In an age of meta references and where cross media adventures are commonplace, what will make Comic Zone stand out as a movie? It’s almost certainly not its lead character…
Of course, SEGA is riding high with its Sonic movies and is looking for ways to mine its properties. Comix Zone is fun as a game, it might work as a “knowing” TV show, maybe even a comedy, but its motion picture credentials seem somewhat lacking…
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Christian Cawley is the founder and editor of GamingRetro.co.uk, a website dedicated to classic and retro gaming. With over 20 years of experience writing for technology and gaming publications, he brings considerable expertise and a lifelong passion for interactive entertainment, particularly games from the 8-bit and 16-bit eras.
Christian has written for leading outlets including TechRadar, Computer Weekly, Linux Format, and MakeUseOf, where he also served as Deputy Editor.
When he’s not exploring vintage consoles or retro PCs, Christian enjoys building with LEGO, playing cigar box guitar, and experimenting in the kitchen.
