When you think of video games and musicians, it’s easy to recall the popular rhythm games that let you live out your rock star dreams. However, some musician-video game tie-ins go beyond just playing music—they delve into the bizarre, unexpected, and downright strange. Here’s a look at ten of the most unusual video game collaborations featuring famous musicians that you might not have heard of.
10. Laurie Anderson’s Surreal Digital World: Puppet Motel (1995)
The 1990s brought the advent of CD-ROMs, and with it, an explosion of interactive experiences. Avant-garde artist Laurie Anderson took full advantage of this new medium with Puppet Motel, an eerie, surreal game that felt more like a journey into her mind than a traditional video game. Players navigate through bizarre landscapes filled with haunting imagery, where even everyday objects like electrical sockets and paintings take on a life of their own. This game wasn’t just a tie-in; it was a digital extension of Anderson’s unique artistic vision.
9. Devo’s Quirky Adventure: Adventures of the Smart Patrol (1995)
Devo, the band known for their quirky hit “Whip It,” brought their distinct brand of weirdness to the world of video games with Adventures of the Smart Patrol. In this point-and-click adventure, players are thrust into the band’s strange universe, where they must stop a mutant called “Turkey Monkey” and battle against corporate evil. The game’s surreal graphics and offbeat humor were pure Devo, though it wasn’t exactly a hit with critics. Still, it remains a cult favorite for fans who appreciate the band’s off-kilter style.
8. Peter Gabriel’s Interactive Journeys: XPLORA1: Peter Gabriel’s Secret World (1992) & EVE (1996)
Peter Gabriel, ever the innovator, dived into the world of interactive media with XPLORA1 and EVE. These weren’t just games; they were multimedia experiences that allowed fans to explore Gabriel’s music and world in a completely new way. In XPLORA1, players could access exclusive content related to his album Us. Meanwhile, EVE took things a step further, immersing players in surreal, artistic environments designed by renowned conceptual artists. Both titles were groundbreaking in blending music with interactive storytelling.
7. Bob Dylan’s Digital Retrospective: Highway 61 Interactive (1995)
Bob Dylan, one of the most influential musicians of all time, surprisingly entered the world of video games with Highway 61 Interactive. This title was less of a game and more of a digital museum, offering fans a chance to explore Dylan’s career through interactive environments like a Greenwich Village coffeehouse or backstage at a concert. While not the most thrilling gameplay-wise, it was a treasure trove for Dylan enthusiasts, packed with rare videos, alternate song takes, and more.
6. Samantha Fox’s Risqué Card Game: Samantha Fox Strip Poker (1986)
In a move that was certainly of its time, British pop star Samantha Fox starred in her own video game, Samantha Fox Strip Poker. The title is exactly what it sounds like—a poker game where players win the chance to see pixelated images of Fox undressing. While incredibly simplistic, this game is a curious relic of the mid-80s, showcasing the early days of merging celebrity with interactive media, albeit in a very niche way.
5. The Thompson Twins’ Vinyl Adventure: The Thompson Twins Adventure (1982)
The Thompson Twins, a popular band in the 1980s, ventured into gaming with The Thompson Twins Adventure, a text-based game that came on a vinyl record. Yes, you read that right—a game distributed on a 7″ flexidisc, which was playable on early computers. In this adventure, players guided the band members through a series of quirky tasks to find ingredients for a witch doctor’s potion. It’s a fascinating piece of gaming history that combines the novelty of vinyl with the era’s cutting-edge technology.
4. Michael Jackson’s Multiple Game Appearances
Michael Jackson was no stranger to video games, with Moonwalker being the most famous of his gaming ventures. This title, released in various formats, had players rescue kidnapped children (a storyline that later became controversial). But Jackson’s influence in gaming didn’t stop there; he also featured in titles like Space Channel 5 and even as a character in Ready 2 Rumble Boxing: Round 2. Jackson’s presence in these games showcased his cultural dominance during the late 20th century.
3. Frankie Goes to Hollywood’s Symbolic Quest: Frankie Goes to Hollywood (1985)
Frankie Goes to Hollywood wasn’t just a band; it was a statement. Their game was equally ambitious, guiding players through a symbolic journey toward becoming a “complete person” by exploring themes like sex, war, love, and faith. This text-based adventure was packed with surreal tasks, from spitting on a virtual Margaret Thatcher to defending a city in a WWII dogfight, making it one of the most unique musician tie-in games ever created.
2. Journey’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Escapades: Journey’s Escape (1982) & Journey (1983)
Journey, one of the biggest rock bands of the 1980s, capitalized on their popularity with two video games: Journey’s Escape and Journey. While Journey’s Escape was a straightforward arcade game that captured the band’s energetic vibe, the later Journey game was a bit of a misstep. Featuring the band members’ heads awkwardly superimposed on cartoon bodies, the game became more of a novelty than a hit. Still, it’s an interesting footnote in both gaming and music history.
1. Aerosmith’s Action-Packed Games
Aerosmith took the idea of a video game tie-in to the next level with several titles, including the over-the-top shooter Revolution X and the rhythm-based Quest for Fame. In Revolution X, players took on a dystopian government with the help of Aerosmith’s music, while Quest for Fame was an early precursor to games like Guitar Hero. These titles may have been cheesy, but they perfectly captured the rock ‘n’ roll spirit of Aerosmith and provided fans with a unique way to interact with their favorite band.
