With Arcane Season 2 out now, Netflix’s project might be the best video game adaptation out there. Even better than The Last of Us.

pedro pascal-the last of us

The rise of quality video game adaptations has been an unexpected, but welcome surprise for fans. HBO’s The Last of Us has been widely celebrated for its emotional depth and strong performances, particularly from Pedro Pascal as Joel. But it might not be the pinnacle of video game adaptations.

Pedro Pascal in The Last of Us season 2 teaser trailer.The TLOU adaptation has been one of the best ever made. | Credits: HBO Max

The Netflix animated series Arcane which adapted the popular League of Legends changed what a video game adaptation could be. By bringing together cutting-edge animation with deeply emotional storytelling, it has arguably stood as the pinnacle of game-to-screen success in recent years.

The Last Of Us Was Good, But Ironically Enough, League of Legends Did it Better

Jinx from Arcane.Jinx is easily one of the best villains out there. | Credit: Netflix

Released in 2021, Netflix’s Arcane, based on League of Legends, shattered expectations for video game adaptations. With a unique blend of 2D and 3D animation, the series didn’t just have a good story but also looked amazing.

Every frame feels like a work of art, immersing viewers in the steampunk cities of Piltover and Zaun. The quality and richness of its visuals make the world come to life beyond being just a TV show. The new season takes it even further. Check out our review of it.

Even with its exceptional visuals Arcane also excels in its character-driven storytelling. The relationship between sisters Vi and Jinx is at the heart of the series and is a deeply emotional exploration of love, loss, and betrayal.

The TLOU adaptation received praise for its faithfulness to the game’s story. But its nine-episode arc struggled to fully explore Joel and Ellie’s relationship.

In contrast, Arcane used its episodic format to flesh out characters like Jinx, making her chaotic descent into villainy both tragic and understandable.

The Original Story Brings So Much More To The Table

Caitlyn and Vi in Arcane Season 2Unlike TLOU, Arcane doesn’t follow a story seen before. | Credit: Netflix

The success of TLOU can’t be denied. It delivered a gripping narrative, driven by Pascal’s portrayal of Joel and Bella Ramsey’s take on Ellie. The show skillfully adapted key themes of the game, including grief, survival, and the complexities of human relationships.

Pacing can make or break a series, and Arcane excelled in this aspect by splitting its episodes into three acts, each tackling a distinct period in the characters’ lives. This structure allowed the series to explore complex themes without overwhelming the audience.

On the other hand, TLOU compressed its expansive narrative into a single season, leaving less room for the subtleties that defined the game. While Pascal and Ramsey delivered stellar performances, the show lacked the time to fully develop the emotional weight of its source material.

Additionally, Arcane benefits from its ability to stand alone from its source material. You don’t have to be familiar with League of Legends as a game or know its characters or lore beforehand, to engage and understand the show.

Season 2 of Arcane is currently streaming on Netflix. What have you thought of it so far?