The Watchmen HBO series is a huge hit. As someone who waits impatiently for Sundays to see the next episode, I think it deserves serious accolades on multiple levels;  from directing, acting, and continuing the story set forth by Alan Moore. Let’s not forget, however, that the Watchmen video game prequel seriously stands on its own as well. If you’re surprised to hear that there was a Watchmen game, then you’re in for a treat.

When Does the Watchmen Game Take Place?

Watchmen: The End is Nigh released in March 2009 for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PC. The game takes place during the Crimebusters era, when the second wave of costumed adventurers were fighting crime together. The previous group, the Minutemen, had disbanded, and this new group was sort of a reluctant successor. Members like The Comedian and Rorschach are strong opposers to the group in the comics. The game, however, starts once the group is established. You take turns playing as either Rorschach or Nite Owl. A huge plus for the game is the voice acting of Patrick Wilson and Jackie Earle Haley, who voiced Nite Owl and Rorschach in the 2009 film.

If you have someone to play with, the co-op is pretty wonderful. If you’re solo, AI controls the hero you don’t want to play as. The game features a lot of great nods to the comic, including villains like Underboss and even Nite Owl’s flying craft, Archimedes. Unfortunately, you don’t get to fly it, but that’s okay. The game consists of only six chapters, three of which released in March as Chapter One, and three that followed in August as Chapter Two.

Why the Watchmen Game Works

It’s not the most incredible game ever, but it feels consistent with the source material. The HBO show does a great job of this too. The game and the new series are both Watchmen-universe adventures without trying to recreate the original. Dave Gibbons, the artist of the original Watchmen comics, even served as an advisor to the game. That helps make it feel authentic, especially in the cutscenes that are stylized and paneled like a comic. Is it as good as the Arkham games? No. Nevertheless, it’s worth revisiting if you’re digging the new show on HBO.

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