Enemies have always been an important part of video games. From the opposing white paddle in PONG to the Flood in HALO, when we pick up a controller we need someone or something to play against. But what if the bad guys suddenly quit?
Disney answers that question next month with their new movie WRECK-IT RALPH, the tale of an arcade villain who wants to prove that he can be more than just a bad guy. Voiced by John C. Reilly, Ralph does the unthinkable when he decides to leave his game, causing a panic in the video game world and setting him on the journey of a lifetime.
Along the way, Ralph visits two other arcade games, with the first being the GEARS OF WAR-inspired shooter HERO’S DUTY. There, he meets Sergeant Calhoun (voiced by Jane Lynch), and assists her in battle against the invasive Cy-Bugs. Later, in Sugar Rush, he comes across the go-kart racer Vanellope von Schweets (voiced by Sarah Silverman), in a game that looks like a mix between CANDY LAND and MARIO KART.
It’s not all made-up game references for this movie, though. According to an IGN interview with Director Rich Moore, the movie “had to have real characters from real games in it” to truly feel like an actual video game world. With that in mind, be sure to look out for the 188 or so cameos of characters ranging from Inky, Blinky, Pinky and Clyde from PAC-MAN to Doctor Eggman of SONIC THE HEDGEHOG. Disney even took the 1980s video game style to the next level with a retro FIX-IT FELIX JR. poster.
Can’t wait for the movie? Try your luck at playing Ralph’s very own game, FIX-IT FELIX JR.! WRECK-IT RALPH premieres in theatres on November 2. If you haven’t seen the latest trailer, check it out below.