Summary
Stanley Kubrick will forever be remembered as one of the most visionary directors in cinema history. His films are iconic, blending philosophical themes with his unique style, striking visual compositions, attention to every detail, and unsettling atmosphere. Kubrick’s ability to craft complex narratives has left an indelible mark on both cinema and popular culture.
For those who appreciate Kubrick’s distinct style, some games offer a similar visionary approach. So, if you are ready to dive into interactive experiences that echo the genius of Kubrick, here are some games you need to play.
Observeris a cyberpunk thriller that delves into identity and consciousness through technology, echoing the ideas explored in 2001: A Space Odyssey. The protagonist, Daniel Lazarksy can hack into the minds, blurring the lines between reality and perception, human and machine, and even life and death.
The obsession with technology and its consequences reflects the themes Kubrick examined, and the setting perfectly mirrors the aesthetic of the director, with its use of lighting, cramped spaces, and minimalist design. Observer offers a chilling reflection of the future, one that, who knows, Kubrick himself might have imagined.
The Stanley Parableoffers a meta-narrative experience about free will and control, themes dear to Kubrick’s heart. The game constantly questions every little choice you make,breaking the fourth wallin innovative ways that, at some point, create a sense of unease. It perfectly mirrors Kubrick’s ability to make the audience reflect on the narrative and the medium.
Just imagine if Stanley Kubrick played Stanley Parable. The game’s witty, self-referential style and philosophical underpinning make it a thought-provoking experience that any Kubrick fan would appreciate.
Silent Hill 2is often cited as one of the greatest horror games ever and for good reasons. The game introduces you to a town shrouded in fog, where the boundaries between reality and nightmare blur, much like the Overlook Hotel in The Shining, don’t you think?
The game offers a deep introspection into the human psyche, exploring themes of guilt and grief in the form of terrifying monsters. The psychological horror and complex narrative of Silent Hill 2 echo Kubrick’s ability to unsettle and provoke deep introspection, making it a must-play for fans of psychological horror in general.
Spec Ops: The Line is far from a typical war game. It delves into the psychology of Martin Walker, a soldier consumed by war, revealing the horror of the conflict in a way that draws parallels to Kubrick’s Full Metal Jacket.
The game forces you to confront uncomfortable truths about violence, morality, and the human condition, making you face these choices head-on (the game even taunts you during load screens) and blurring the line between “good” and “bad” choices in a desperate struggle for survival. Once you finish this game, it stays with you, much like Kubrick’s films do.
Controlmakes a strong impression with its brutalist aesthetics, mysterious atmosphere, and narrative that constantly challenges your expectations. The game offers a Kubrick-like, unsettling, enigmatic experience (also, pay attention to the carpet and wallpaper, which is very similar to a certain hotel).
According to the game’s director, Mikael Kasurinen,in an interview in Dualshock, Kubrick’s influence is evident in the storytelling: there is always something hidden, something left “unsaid”, a signature of Kubrick’s films. Nothing in this game is what it seems.
3BioShock Series
A Clockwork Orange Underwater
BioShock’sdark and dystopian world is not far removed from Kubrick’s exploration of the obscure aspects of human nature and society. The underwater city of Rapture, with its Art Deco Design and claustrophobic atmosphere, reflects Kubrick’s meticulous attention to aesthetics and detail, which you can see especially in films like The Shining.
Ken Levine, the creator, has openly discussed Kubrick’s influence, from the game’s setting to how it manipulates your perceptions. BioShock perfectly follows in Kubrick’s footsteps, questioning you about morality, free will, and the human condition.
2Metal Gear Solid Series
HAL Meets Dr.Strangelove
The Metal Gear Solidseries introduced the world to stealth gameplay, and solidifiedHideo Kojimaas a visionary game designer, is rich with cinematic influences, including those of Kubrick.
Subtle nods to Kubrick films are scattered throughout the series, with direct homages: Otacon, whose real name is Hal Emmerich, is a clear reference to HAL from 2001: a Space Odyssey. Another notable character is Dr. Strangelove, echoing Kubrick’s own Dr. Strangelove.
These references underscore Kojima’s appreciation for Kubrick’s work and his ability to blend dark humor with profound themes. Kojima’s Metal Gear Solid series, like Kubrick’s films, challenges you to think deeply about the nature of war, conflict, control, and human nature, beginning to introduce meta-narrative concepts. And it’s no surprise that Kojima himself is an outspoken fan.
Hideo Kojima is often dubbed the “Kubrick Of Video Games” for his out-of-the-box thinking. At first glance, Death Stranding might seem just like a “delivery simulator”, as some have labeled it, but that’s missing the point. Like Kubrick, Kojima goes beyond conventional storytelling, offering a deeply profound story.
With itssurreal landscapesand slow-paced narrative, punctuated by thoseseven-hour cutscenes, this approach evokes the same vibe found in 2001: A Space Odyssey. Kojima’s vision mirrors Kubrick’s, and we can’t get enough of it.
