10 Video Games Based on Fairy Tales
Letting players explore the world of fairy tale and its storytelling.
Fairy tales have inspired countless forms of media, and video games are no exception. From dark, twisted reinterpretations to whimsical adventures, developers have crafted games that draw directly from the enchanting worlds of classic stories.
Here are 10 video games that take inspiration from fairy tales.
10. Grimm: Dark Legacy (2009)
Inspired by: Brothers Grimm Fairy Tales
Grimm: Dark Legacy is an action-adventure game that put players in a world inspired by the tales of the Brothers Grimm. As you journey through this dark and twisted landscape as the ancestors of the Grimm, you’ll encounter familiar fairy tale characters and scenarios, but with a unique, sinister twist. The game invites you to explore various storybook settings, each reflecting the enchanting yet cautionary nature of traditional fairy tales. You might find yourself navigating through a haunted forest where the once-charming story of Hansel and Gretel takes a darker turn.
The deeper narrative interweaves the themes of morality, fate, and the consequences of one’s actions, reminiscent of the lessons found in classic fairy tales. As players progress, they will discover how the choices they make impact the story and the fate of its characters. Grimm: Dark Legacy serves not just as a fun adventure, but also as a commentary on the complexities of the human experience, making it a captivating choice for anyone who appreciates the blend of whimsy and darkness that fairy tales often convey.
9. Woolfe: The Red Hood Diaries (2015)
Inspired by: Little Red Riding Hood
Woolfe: The Red Hood Diaries puts a dark, gothic twist on the classic tale of Little Red Riding Hood. In this platformer, Red isn’t the innocent girl we know from the storybooks. Instead, she’s out for revenge, armed with an axe and a thirst for vengeance after the death of her father. The game offers beautiful visuals with a haunting atmosphere, mixing fantasy with elements of steampunk.
Despite its gorgeous design, the game received mixed reviews due to its lackluster combat and simple mechanics. However, if you’re looking for a visually striking retelling of the Little Red Riding Hood story, this game offers a unique and moody experience that delves into the darker side of fairy tales.
8. The Path (2009)
Inspired by: Little Red Riding Hood
The Path takes the Little Red Riding Hood story in an eerie, experimental direction. Created by indie developers Tale of Tales, this psychological horror game puts you in the shoes of six sisters, each with their own interpretation of Red Riding Hood. The objective? To venture off the path and find the wolf. But this is no ordinary wolf; it represents a variety of dangers, both physical and emotional, that the girls must face.
The game is slow-paced and atmospheric, relying more on exploration and symbolism than traditional gameplay mechanics. It’s unsettling, thought-provoking, and a fascinating reinterpretation of the classic fairy tale. If you’re a fan of narrative-driven games that challenge conventional storytelling, The Path offers a deep dive into fairy tale horror.
7. American McGee’s Grimm (2008)
Inspired by: Grimm’s Fairy Tales
Grimm is a quirky episodic platformer where you play as the titular Grimm, a mischievous imp determined to transform sweet, sanitized fairy tales into their darker, original versions. Developed by American McGee, the game takes well-known stories from Grimm’s Fairy Tales, like Hansel and Gretel, Snow White, and Cinderella, and twists them into twisted, grotesque versions that reflect their original, less kid-friendly origins.
With its humor and darkly comedic tone, Grimm offers a fun commentary on how fairy tales have been softened over time. It’s a delightful and oddball take on these classic stories, perfect for players who enjoy a little darkness with their fairy tale adventures.
6. Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons (2013)
Inspired by: Nordic Mythology and Fairy Tales
Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons may not be based on a specific fairy tale, but its narrative feels like a lost story from the pages of a mythical fable. This indie game tells the heart-wrenching story of two brothers on a journey to find a cure for their dying father. The game blends folklore, fairy tales, and mythology to create a world full of wonder, danger, and magic.
What makes Brothers so special is its unique gameplay mechanic, where you control both brothers simultaneously. The game’s emotional depth, combined with its fairy tale-like atmosphere, makes it a poignant adventure that feels both familiar and fresh. Its ending will leave you reflecting long after the credits roll, proving that even video games can tell fairy tales that tug at the heartstrings.
5. Child of Light (2014)
Inspired by: European Fairy Tales
Ubisoft’s Child of Light is like stepping into a beautifully illustrated storybook. The game follows Aurora, a young girl who wakes up in the magical land of Lemuria and embarks on a quest to save the sun, moon, and stars from the Queen of the Night. Inspired by European fairy tales, Child of Light blends elements of folklore with a modern RPG twist, featuring turn-based combat and exploration.
The game’s art style, which looks like a watercolor painting in motion, is mesmerizing. The rhyming dialogue and poetic storytelling give it the feel of a classic bedtime story, while the gameplay offers a satisfying mix of strategy and adventure. Child of Light is perfect for anyone looking for a fairy tale-inspired game with a whimsical yet emotional journey.
4. Alice: Madness Returns (2011)
Inspired by: Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland
Alice: Madness Returns is a beautifully dark continuation of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, reimagining the whimsical world as a twisted, nightmarish landscape. In this action-adventure game, Alice returns to Wonderland to confront her inner demons, which are brought to life through grotesque creatures and surreal environments. The game’s stunningly bizarre art style makes it feel like you’re playing through a dream, or a nightmare.
While the story is heavy, dealing with themes of trauma and mental illness, the gameplay is engaging, with combat and platforming elements that complement the dark narrative. Alice: Madness Returns shows how fairy tales can be reimagined into something much more mature and psychologically complex, turning Wonderland into a place of horror and wonder alike.
3. The Wolf Among Us (2013)
Inspired by: Various Fairy Tales
Telltale Games’ The Wolf Among Us is based on the Fables comic book series, which reimagines famous fairy tale characters living in a gritty, modern New York City. In this episodic adventure game, you play as Bigby Wolf, the reformed Big Bad Wolf, who serves as the sheriff of Fabletown. The game features familiar faces like Snow White, Beauty and the Beast, and the three little pigs, but with a noir twist that turns the fairy tales into a gritty crime drama.
With its compelling storytelling, morally complex choices, and immersive atmosphere, The Wolf Among Us stands out as one of Telltale’s best games. It’s a dark, mature, and fascinating spin on fairy tales, perfect for fans of mystery and detective stories with a fantastical twist.
2. Kingdom Hearts (2002)
Inspired by: Various Fairy Tales and Disney Stories
Kingdom Hearts is a magical mash-up of Disney fairy tales and Final Fantasy characters, making it one of the most beloved crossover franchises in gaming history. You play as Sora, a young boy who teams up with Donald Duck and Goofy to save various Disney worlds from an evil force known as the Heartless. Throughout the game, you’ll visit iconic locations from movies like Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid, and Cinderella.
With its blend of action RPG gameplay and fairy tale-inspired worlds, Kingdom Hearts is a nostalgia-filled adventure for Disney fans. The series has expanded into a sprawling narrative across multiple games, but the original holds a special place in the hearts of gamers for its imaginative take on classic fairy tales and unforgettable characters.
1. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt (2015)
Inspired by: Slavic Folklore and Fairy Tales
Arguably the most well-known game inspired by fairy tales, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt takes its roots from Polish author Andrzej Sapkowski’s books, which are heavily influenced by Slavic folklore and fairy tales. Throughout the game, Geralt of Rivia encounters creatures and characters that feel straight out of a dark fairy tale, like witches, cursed beings, and supernatural monsters. Quests like The Ladies of the Wood or A Towerful of Mice directly echo traditional folk stories, but with mature, often horrifying twists.
With its rich world-building, complex characters, and moral dilemmas, The Witcher 3 elevates fairy tale storytelling to an entirely new level. It’s a dark, gritty, and adult take on fairy tales, offering players a chance to explore a world where happily ever after is never guaranteed.
