In the animeverse, there are numerous adaptations of videogames that the audience may not be aware of. Even well-known series like Daganronpa and Fate/ Stay Night have originated from videogames. These adaptations not only enhance the anime world but also diversify the range of genres in anime.
Similarly, in the same way that video games have served as inspiration for anime, there is also a plethora of anime that have served as inspiration for video games, such as Psycho-Pass and Black Clover. This piece will highlight the top 5 anime adaptations of video games and also delve into 5 other deserving titles that should be adapted into video games.
Please note: The views expressed are exclusively those of the writer.
Top 5 Anime Adaptations of Video Games
Nier Automata Version 1.1a
The 2023 anime adaptation of Nier Automata Ver 1.1a follows the same storyline as the 2017 action-role-playing anime. It takes place in a futuristic world in the year 11945, where robots created by aliens and androids created by humans are engaged in a battle for control over Earth.
The game is known for its action, while the anime delves into the backstory and presents a well-developed plot that critiques advanced technology. With high-definition graphics similar to the video game, the anime successfully captures the essence of the game and has received much praise from fans.
Fate/Stay Night
The Medieval fantasy game Fate/Stay Night, released in 2004 as a visual novel, has gained significant popularity. Following its success, an anime adaptation with the same title was released in 2006 and has continued to be well-received.
The storyline of Fate/Stay Night is loosely inspired by the “Holy Grail War”and the quest to conquer it. It showcases a diverse cast of well-developed characters and exhilarating battle sequences. While the main focus is on Shirou Emiya, the plot also delves into the growth and evolution of other key figures in the narrative. This anime, adapted from a video game, has gained widespread popularity.
3) Castlevania: A Gothic Horror Action-Adventure Game
The Castlevania videogame franchise, which started in 1984, has been frequently adapted over the years. However, the 2017 Netflix-adapted anime Castlevania stands out as the most well-done adaptation. This medieval fantasy anime centers around Belmont and his group as they battle against Vlad Dracula Tepes.
The storyline of this anime delves into sensitive topics such as social isolation, fear, and mass extermination, while also providing thrilling action sequences that capture the essence of the videogame setting. It is widely regarded as one of the most well-known anime adaptations of a videogame.
Cyberpunk: Edgerunners
Set in the year 2076, Cyberpunk: Edgerunners is a highly praised cyberpunk anime based on a videogame. It depicts a dystopian future where the human mind has been corrupted by cybernetics, resulting in a society where humanity has lost its worth.
The anime serves as a prequel to the original video game and chronicles the life of David Martinez, a high-tech black-market mercenary, and his lover Lucy. Through the lens of the protagonist, the anime explores the forces that lead individuals towards a life of crime and the harsh realities of a society that preys on the disadvantaged.
Steins; Gate
Despite its unpopularity as a videogame, Steins; Gate, a visual interactive game created by 5pb & Nitroplus, has been widely praised as one of the greatest sci-fi anime adaptations of all time.
The main focus of the story is on Rintora Okabe, a scientist who is somewhat eccentric. Along with his friends, Okabe stumbles upon a machine that has the ability to send text messages back in time, altering the course of events. As they continue to experiment, they reach a breakthrough where they can even send human consciousness back in time.
The team becomes the target of SERN and the plot becomes increasingly complex with each episode. Okabe becomes entangled in a web of events surrounding the deaths of Mayuri and Kurisu, desperately trying to save them both. Steins; Gate is considered by many to be the top anime adaptation of a video game.
5 Anime That Should Have Their Own Video Games
Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai
The 2018 anime Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai is a psychological thriller that balances suspense with moments of humor. It follows the intertwined stories of Sakuta Azusagawa and Mai Sakurajima.
“Rascal Does Not Dream is a captivating anime that delves into the experiences of high school students during their formative adolescent years. The intriguing concept of the “adolescence syndrome”adds depth and excitement to the story. This anime has the potential to be transformed into an immersive and thrilling virtual reality dating game.”
Blue Eye Samurai: A Thrilling Tale of Honor and Justice
The martial arts anime Blue Eye Samurai, released in 2023 as a Netflix original series, was a major success. It explores themes of alienation, ethnic cleansing, and revenge, taking place in the Edo Period. The story follows Mizu, a mixed-breed girl, as she seeks revenge against her father.
Despite its intricate plot, the anime primarily focuses on action, featuring numerous battles between Mizu and other samurais and mercenaries. The series showcases captivating fight sequences set in various locations, making it an ideal source material for an RPG video game such as Shadow Fight 3, with its multiple story arcs.
Hell’s Paradise
Released in 2023, Hell’s Paradise is without a doubt a standout new anime that offers thought-provoking critiques of society and power through its theological and philosophical themes. The series centers around Gabimaru, an immortal ninja also known as Gabimaru: The Hollow.
In the animated series, Gabimaru and a group of other criminals are sent to Shinsenkyo to search for “The Elixir of Life”. Each criminal is assigned a Yamada Asaemon to oversee their actions and behavior.
The story features intense battles between criminals and Soshins and Moshinns, making it suitable for adaptation into a battle royale game or an action game with virtual reality elements.
Parasyte: The Maxim
Parasyte: The Maxim would be a perfect fit for a modern Resident Evil game. The 2014 anime presents a storyline centered on a brutal battle between humans and a parasitic alien species.
The main focus of the plot revolves around Shinichi Izumi’s battle against humans who have been taken over by parasites. Throughout the anime, Izumi and his companions are engaged in constant fights against the parasites in order to protect innocent human lives. With numerous bloody scenes, the anime provides an ideal storyline for an action-packed game.
Paranoia Agent
The anime Paranoia Agent, released in 2004, features a paradoxical avant-garde storyline that weaves together multiple interconnected plots. The central focus is on a social phenomenon known as the “Lil’ Slugger incidents”. Through its narrative, the story blurs the lines between reality and imagination, creating a paranoid haze for its audience.
The anime Paranoia Agent explores themes of mythogenesis, the impact of social media, and the power of mass hysteria. These ideas could be effectively incorporated into a psychological horror game, similar to P.T. or Serial Experiment Lain (an anime inspired by video games).
Concluding Remarks
The process of adaptation has been instrumental in enhancing cultural media. It began with the transformation of books into films and has now extended to include the adaptation of videogames into movies, anime, and other forms. These anime adaptations of videogames demonstrate the imaginative collaboration and mutual admiration between the original creator and the adapter.
Over time, numerous anime series have been transformed into videogames, while also serving as inspiration for videogame developers. Interactive adaptations such as Attack on Titan: Wings of Freedom and Psycho-Pass: Mandatory Happiness provide a refreshing experience for fans.
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