John Carpenter is a legendary director, best known for his artful horror, fantasy and sci-fi films of the 1970s and 1980s. The Thing, They Live, Halloween, The Fog, Escape from New York and Big Trouble in Little China are all regarded as absolute classics in their respective genres.
John Carpenter is also a fan of video games.
Over the years, the director has shared his love for games in various interviews, revealing what he loves to play – and in a new interview with IGN, he’s now shared his favourite video games of all time.
For a director most known for creepy, atmospheric fables and grotesque body horror, it might surprise you to learn that Carpenter really, really loves bright, family-friendly platformers, including Sonic the Hedgehog.
John Carpenter’s favourite games – quick links
John Carpenter’s favourite video games
As shared by IGN, Carpenter discussed his favourite games of all time ahead of the launch of John Carpenter’s Toxic Commando, a new video game inspired by the schlocky vibes of 1980s horror.
His first pick was Borderlands 2 (2012), an all-time classic of the open world adventure genre. Carpenter expressed a love for the game’s characters, and how the experience ‘carries this pulse’ that keeps you engaged in the ride.
Sonic the Hedgehog (1991) was his next pick, and he describes it as the game that ‘started it all’ for his gaming experiences: ‘Sonic is where it all started for me, fast and bright and had that early gaming energy where you always felt like something might go wrong at any second. I still go back to it, it’s very nostalgic.’
Notably, Carpenter has previously expressed a love for the entire Sonic the Hedgehog franchise, including ‘the one where he turns into a werewolf,’ aka Sonic Unleashed.
‘I just keep wanting to play Sonic games – because they’re fun. I hope they keep making them,’ Carpenter told Fact Magazine in 2017.
Third on the list of the famed director’s favourite games is Fallout 76 (2018). This online multiplayer game invites you into the post-apocalyptic world of Fallout, where mutants and ghouls roam the streets. Carpenter keeps ‘finding reasons to come back’ to this particular game – and it’s heartening to consider you might encounter the director while playing online.
Horizon Zero Dawn (2020) was next, with Carpenter remarking on the beauty of the game’s world.
The Assassin’s Creed series also made the cut, for its focus on ‘incredibly detailed historical worlds and letting you move through them like a shadow.’ Carpenter didn’t pick a specific favourite game, but expressed love for the entire franchise, which has been going strong for almost 20 years.
The last game on Carpenter’s list is perhaps one of the most surprising, the colourful and bright-eyed platformer Jak and Daxter: The Precursor Legacy, first released in 2001.
‘Jak and Daxter is simply one of those games that is pure fun from beginning to end,’ Carpenter said. ‘It is a colourful adventure that knows exactly what it is, and never tries to be anything else.’
This platformer is full of whimsy, perhaps the direct opposite of the tone that Carpenter’s films are best known for. But this pick effectively demonstrates that inspiration and enjoyment can really come from anywhere – and that Carpenter has wonderfully eclectic taste.
What’s next for John Carpenter’s gaming adventures?
Rounding out his picks of favourite video games for IGN, Carpenter outlined what he’s next looking forward to in the world of gaming.
John Carpenter’s Toxic Commando was on the list, of course. The director has lent his name to the project, composed the musical score and contributed to its story development.
He’s also looking forward to IllFonic’s Halloween game adaptation, which will present a new twist on Carpenter’s classic film.
The next Fallout game is also high on the director’s list, whenever that arrives: ‘I have loved the Fallout universe for years so anything they do next, I’m ready for it.’
As a fun look at what inspires John Carpenter, his list is absolutely fascinating. Sonic the Hedgehog fans will certainly be glad to find another high-profile fan in their midst, and it’s always great to see the silly, over-the-top, and very underrated Sonic Unleashed get its due.
