Basing a video game on an anime is a great way for a developer to build a compelling narrative in an already-established setting and borrow hyped-up fans from a popular series likeDragon Ball Z: Kakarot. The relationship benefits the fans as well, often letting them step into the shoes of their favorite protagonists and providing a deeper dive into the lore of their favorite shows. As displayed by the recent hit that isDragon Ball Z: Kakarot, a well-crafted game can even make experiencing long-familiar story arcs fresh and fun again.
The close relationship between anime and games often goes the other way as well, with great games likeDanganronpaorPersona 5spawning their own anime adaptations. Unfortunately, with the exception ofDragon Ball Z, many recent games based on anime have fallen short of expectations or have simply gone just a bit too long without a sequel.
Despite their amazing traversal mechanics, the time may have passed forAttack on Titangames, but theNaruto Ultimate Ninja Stormgames share a developer withKakarotand could benefit from another entry in the series. Meanwhile, manyMy Hero Academiafans hope thatMy Hero One’s Justice 2can redeem the disappointment that was the first iteration of the game.
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While fighting games likeJump Forcecan draw huge rostersfrom plenty of popular anime, there is something very special about the way thatKakarotallows players to experience a great story from the perspective of a select few favorite protagonists. The RPG formula works well in that regard, pushing players to search for the same growth that the characters do. As much asKakarotis not a typical RPG, it still uses the format to great effect. There are plenty of other anime that deserve the same treatment, and some that would work even better as RPGs.
New Anime Video Games
The most promising candidates for an RPG in the vein ofKakarotmay be other big shonen anime that can compete withDragon Ball Zin viewership and popularity. Even though it is not ongoing,Bleachwould be a great choice for a combat-centric RPG. With hundreds of episodes and an enjoyable protagonist,Bleachcould be a real contender if it were ever adapted into a game. Likewise,One Piecehas huge popularity as one of the “Big Three” shonen anime/manga, and has a massive setting with plenty of story arcs and character growth to explore.
WhileBleachandOne Pieceare more likely to get games due to their popularity, there are plenty of classic anime that might make even better games if given the right attention. Namely, an adaptation ofCowboy Bebopinto an RPG similar toThe Outer Worldswould be an incredible, if extremely unlikely, use of a phenomenal setting and iconic characters.Fullmetal Alchemist,Sailor Moon, andHunter X Hunterall have unique power systems and combat that could be adapted into very interesting game mechanics, just as theAttack on Titangames took full advantage of its setting to make for unique gameplay.
While big shonen anime with long-standing popularity may be the most likely to get adaptations, recent hits have just as much potential.Demon Slayer, for one, already has massive popularity, great characters, and combat that can easily be seen fitting right into and action-RPG. If any ongoing anime is going to get a game adaptation, it is likelyDemon Slayer. Another option isKonosubadue to its popularity with western audiences and broad appeal to anyone aware of the massive isekai genre. AKonosubagame would be a welcome break from the gritty action of other anime games because of its overwhelming focus on comedy, plus it has a setting literally built forRPG systems.
Refreshes
Unfortunately, many anime that seem perfect for video game adaptations do get them, but end up with rushed, poorly made flops instead of the masterpieces that they deserve.Sword Art Online: Fatal Bulletwas not particularly well received, despite the massive popularity of the anime series. Likewise,RWBY’s game was a letdown despite how how much potential it had.My Hero One’s Justicewas an adaptation of one of the most popular anime currently airing, but it left many fans wanting more.My Hero One’s Justice 2has the opportunity to fix the mistakes of its predecessor, but many fans are now skeptical that it will succeed.
YugiohandJoJo’s Bizzare Adventureboth have games that are considered cult classics, and could easily do well with remasters or brand new adaptations.Yugiohin particular is a nostalgic franchise for many, even if it isn’t the best source material for a traditional RPG. Then again,The Witcher 3was one of the best RPGs of all time, and plenty players spent most of that game enjoying the card game Gwent.
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Narrative-Driven Games
There are plenty more great stories from anime that can be told in games, even if an RPG isn’t the best format. At least one of these tales will almost certainly be coming soon:Dragon Ball Super. Most ofSuperis spent in tournament arcs, so it probably wouldn’t work to well as an RPG. Even so, many players ofKakarotare hoping forSuperDLC, and at the very least, its popularity may inspire aSuper-basedDBZ: Kakarotgamein the near future.
Other great tales likeNeon Genesis EvangelionorClaymorewill probably never get major games because anything based on them would be far too ambitious, but character driven narratives likeDeath NoteorMirai Nikkimight make the most sense as episodic narratives a la Telltale games. Regardless of genre, the storytelling inspiration that great anime can provide to a game’s narrative, combined with the medium’s penchant for character design andover-the-top combatmake it a shame that so few anime see good enough game releases worldwide.
