A video game adaptation of the classic Nickelodeon seriesAvatar: The Last Airbenderis coming soon. Airing from 2005 to 2008,Avataris an animated fantasy series set in a world of elemental “benders,” who can control water, earth, fire, and air at will. It centers on Aang, the last of a lost tribe of airbenders destined to master all four elements and become the Avatar. Wildly popular during its original run,Avatarspawned the spin-off seriesThe Legend of Korra, two live-action adaptations, three comic runs,anAvatarbook series, and a whole host of video games.
But its newest video game adaptation will be its biggest, according toIGN.The upcomingAvatarvideo game will be an RPG, allowing players to take control of the elements as they explore an immersive world. Developed by Saber Interactive (ofWarhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2fame) and Paramount’s in-house game studio, the as-yet unnamed game will be set thousands of years before the events of the show, featuring a “never-before-seen” Avatar in an original story.
What To Expect From The New Avatar Game
Gameplay, Story, & Other Details
Few details have been revealed about theAvatargame thus far- things like title, release date, and gameplay details are still to come. Saber Interactive Head of IP Development & Licensing Josh Austin promises a faithful adaptation:“At Saber, we are all truly fans of the IP we work with. Our team members are some of the most devoted, passionate creatives out there and it’s an honor to join forces with Avatar Studios and Paramount Games to further expand the Avatar Legends universe in video games.”
Original Avatar: The Last Airbender Actor Disappointed One Toph Arc Was Never Explored
Original Avatar: The Last Airbender voice actor Michaela Jill Murphy explains why she is disappointed that one aspect of Toph was never explored.
TheAvatarRPG is part of a wider effort by series creators Michael DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko toexpand and extend the life of theAvatarfranchise with its own dedicated Avatar Studios. The project was revealed in 2021 alongside the announcement of a new animated film,Aang: The Last Airbender, which has yet to materialize. Still, its story will likely incorporate elements from elsewhere in theAvatarfranchise as part of this wider effort to create a cohesive whole.
It’s About Time Avatar Got A AAA Game
The Series Is Ripe For Adaptation
I scarcely need to explain whyanAvatarvideo game makes perfect sense: most fantasy RPGs use elemental systems of damage to calculate strengths and weaknesses anyway. Besides, anyone who grew up watching the show always wanted to be a bender of some sort - I can still remember playground arguments over which nation was better. An accurate, comprehensive video game adaptation is the next best thing.
ButtheAvatarfranchise has had a spotty history with video games. It’s had more than a few, most prominently 2006’sAvatar: The Last Airbenderand its sequels. As with most multi-platform, IP adaptations of its day, this one wasn’t well received critically; however, in a testament to the series' popularity, the games still sold well. Since then, there’s been the poorly reviewedQuest for Balance, criticized for its poor performance and rushed handling ofAvatar’s story, and the short-lived mobile gameAvatar Generations.
Netflix’s Avatar: The Last Airbender Will Struggle To Top An Iconic Team-Up From The Original
There are many iconic moments in Avatar: The Last Airbender, but one team-up could be nearly impossible for Netflix’s adaptation to match.
Frankly,Avatardeserves better. It’s such an iconic series, and for good reason. It’s remembered fondly for its distinctive art style and well-crafted world, both of which lend themselves effortlessly to video game adaptation. Doug Rosen, SVP, Games and Emerging Media at Paramount, acknowledges this in a press release, saying, “We know loyal fans of Avatar: The Last Airbender have been eager for more stories that bring them into the universe of the show, and through gaming, we’re able to expand the world-building and allow fans to experience the new content in a completely immersive way.”
So this next adaptation could be the oneAvatartruly deserves. It’s still a ways away, but only time will tell whether the newly announcedAvatar: The Last AirbenderRPG is everything it’s cracked up to be.
Avatar: The Last Airbender
Avatar: The Last Airbenderis a critically acclaimed animated television series that blends elements of East Asian culture, epic fantasy, and coming-of-age narratives. The franchise explores themes of balance, harmony, and the struggle between good and evil, focusing on the journey of Aang, the last Airbender and the Avatar, who must master the elements and defeat the Fire Nation to restore peace to the world.
