David Lynch is one of the most influential film directors of the century, the inspiration for dozens of series and films recognized today. However, not many people know or remember that his work has also inspired some of the most interesting and important video games in history.

From independent projects to renowned franchises like Silent Hill and The Legend of Zelda, Lynch’s work has influenced them in one way or another. Fragmented narratives, bizarre characters, and surreal scenarios are some of the elements that several video games owe to the renowned director and screenwriter.

10

Disco Elysium Embraces Its Lynchian Inspiration Head-On

“Gaining Insight Into That Which Sight Can’t See”

Disco Elysium is one of those games that shook the industry when it was first released. Its bold and unconventional style has led to it becoming a contemporary classic. What not many remember is that much of that same style is due to the work of the movie director. Fans don’t have to dig too deep to find similarities. It’s enough with the initial premise of the game, which presents a setting similar to Twin Peaks with a detective who investigates using both his skills and his instincts.

As if that weren’t enough, the game also features a fairly direct reference to the Inland Empire ability, the same name as one of the author’s movies. This Psyche attribute skill delves into imaginative thoughts and ideas that can take the story to unexpected places, as is often the case in Lynchian works. “You’ll have conversations with your clothing, conversations that may change the course of the investigation if you’re not thrown in the loony bin first,” reads the skill description.

9

Kentucky Route Zero Captures the Dreamlike Feeling

Can Either a Place or a Person Be Haunted?

The gaming landscape is full of adventures of all kinds, but few come close to Kentucky Route Zero. This point-and-click adventure game is perhaps one of the titles that comes closest to portraying a Lynchian experience in the medium. Its story is divided into chapters that gradually reveal how different characters are connected to a secret highway hidden in the Kentucky countryside.

With clear references to magical realism and a completely surreal setting, Kentucky Route Zero uses a constantly dissonant yet hypnotic narrative. Characters change time and space without knowing it, or have conversations without apparent meaning or control, as if in a dream. These are the same elements that any Lynch fan will recognize and find familiar.

8

Oxenfree II Goes For an Astounding Journey All Throughout

Things Are Indeed What They Seem… and There is Cause For Alarm

The first installment of Oxenfree was impressive enough on its own, but the sequel undoubtedly stands out for its full embrace of the Lynchian style. The story follows Riley and his colleague Jacob as they investigate some radio anomalies in their hometown of Camena. As the story progresses, they discover that a dimensional portal is opening, and it is up to them to close it.

Like the first game, Oxenfree II uses supernatural events to delve deeper into the interpersonal conflicts of its protagonists. This time, however, the Lynchian overtones are more pronounced in certain plot elements that are encouraged to be explored with adult protagonists. This blurred distinction between reality and the supernatural keeps the player wondering what is actually going on long after the story is over.

7

Control Adds Lynchian Vibes To a Unique Mix

Control is an amalgamation of different creative currents that come together to form a unique experience. With clear touches of New Weird and Horror, this game also borrows many elements from David Lynch’s filmography, such as his mundane yet unsettling environments. Certain areas of the game stand out in this regard, especially the Oceanview Motel and the Ashtray Maze.

Other details that show this clear inspiration can be found in scenes throughout the game. In particular, the moments in which Jesse comes into contact with The Board have certain references to Twin Peaks‘ Black Lodge, such as the red tones and the heavily edited voices offering information to the protagonist. Many scenes exude that strange and dreamy touch that characterized David Lynch’s oeuvre.

6

Life is Strange Owes Twin Peaks a Lot

Small Rural Towns Seem to Be Prone to Mysteries

With all the references it has, Life is Strange could be considered a modern adaptation of the classic TV series directed by David Lynch, Twin Peaks. From the beginning, the setting is quite similar, both the series and the game feature a popular girl who goes missing. Similarly, as the story progresses, supernatural events occur that slowly unravel bigger mysteries.

In the same vein, the game presents certain easter eggs that showcase this inspiration. For example, in one part of the game, players can find a letter signed by a Dr. Jacoby, the same name as a psychiatrist in the TV series, and even Chloe’s car license plate is TWNPKS. One can really feel the affection the developers had for the show, so it is remarkable that this game has become a cult classic in its own right.

5

Braid Relies On the Abstraction To Tell Its Story

Memories of a Relationship Have Become Muddled, Replaced Wholesale

Braid is considered one of the first indies to cross over to the mainstream, sparking a wave of independent development that continues to this day. While its connection to David Lynch may not be obvious at first glance, developer Jonathan Blow himself has stated that he was his inspiration for this and other games in his career. An example of this can be found in the credits, as the filmmaker’s name appears in the special thanks.

This game presents itself at first glance as a platform game with the fun mechanics of time control, but it is in the execution of its message where the Lynchian inspirations can be noticed. Especially in the last levels, when the big plot twist is gradually revealed, there are clear touches of surrealism and weirdness that recall the style of films like Mulholland Drive and Lost Highway.

4

The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening Introduced a Recurring Lynchian Element

After All, It Was All Just a Dream

As players have seen, several works influenced by David Lynch share the same macabre and intriguing tone as his own films and series. That’s why it’s so surprising that Nintendo’s flagship series, The Legend of Zelda, is among the many inspired by the American filmmaker. Specifically, in the game Link’s Awakening for Game Boy. In an interview in the Iwata Asks section, director Takeshi Tezuka explained that he was inspired by Twin Peaks when creating the game.

The main idea was to create a place similar to the TV show, full of unusual characters who hide more than they appear to be, which ended up being the island of Koholint. The Legend of Zelda franchise owes more to David Lynch than you might think. Since the release of Link’s Awakening, subsequent games have introduced stranger characters and darker stories that have become key components of any Zelda game.

3

Alan Wake II Is the Way It Is Because of David Lynch

It’s Not a Loop, It’s a Spiral

Remedy is a studio that has not tried to hide the inspiration of David Lynch in its games. In both Quantum Break and Control players can see many references. But it is the Alan Wake duology that shows the most similarities. Just to compare some elements of the first game, the town of Bright Falls and the Oh Deer Diner are clear references to Twin Peaks and its Double R Diner. It can also be argued that the fates of the titular Alan Wake and Agent Dale Cooper at the end of the second season are quite similar.

However, it is the sequel that really leans into the dark and surreal style that Lynch is known for. Creative director Sam Lake himself confirmed him as an inspiration for this project. It is worth mentioning that the new protagonist, Saga Anderson, and her ability to visit the Mind Place is very reminiscent of Agent Dale Cooper. The strange twists and destabilizing narrative that the adventure presents would not be the same if it were not for the roadwork laid by the American cinematographer.

2

Deadly Premonition Gave Twin Peaks Its Own Video Game Spin

“Now That is a Good Biscuit. I’ve Never Tasted a Biscuit This Delicious.”

It is inevitable to compare Deadly Premonition to David Lynch’s cult classic. The setting is almost the same, as the story follows the investigation of an FBI agent named Francis York Morgan as he tries to discover the identity of a killer in the small town of Greenvale. The adventure is filled with eccentric characters that are just the tip of the iceberg to the bizarre events that shape the story.

Despite being labeled by many as “The Room of video games” for being so bad, it ends up being good. Deadly Premonition has a charm that brings to mind Lynch’s most experimental projects. The game’s jankyness and unconventional elements are reminiscent of films like What Did Jack Do? and Eraserhead, making it clear why it has gained a cult following over the years.

1

Silent Hill 2 Is the Quintessential Lynchian Video Game

Dreamlike sequences, a Confusing Narrative, and a Strange Town

One of the most important names in the video game industry is undoubtedly Silent Hill. This horror franchise has been the inspiration for many other games, series, and movies due to its unique style. Much of what is considered characteristic of the series today is largely due to its second installment, which focused on those touches of psychological horror that have fascinated many. Strangely enough, David Lynch is partly responsible for the game becoming what it is today.

According to the game’s art director, Masahiro Ito, the story was originally supposed to be directly inspired by the split narrative of Lynch’s Lost Highway. However, due to budget issues, they had to change the main idea, although they kept several narrative elements. The nightmarish horror sequences and the mystery of the nature of the town of Silent Hill are perhaps the greatest contribution David Lynch has indirectly made to the world of video games.