Exploring the RPG Game Inspirations Behind One Piece: More Than Just Myths

Although One Piece draws endlessly from a variety of mythological sources and other anime influences, its connections to RPG games remain largely unexplored. Conversely, other anime series, such as Sword Art Online, prominently feature RPG elements, with the character Kirigaya Kazuto embodying the role of Kirito within a gaming environment.

This article aims to shift focus from typical inspirations and instead delve into how One Piece has subtly incorporated concepts reminiscent of RPG games. The journey begins in chapter 1128, which introduces the faux Sun God (actually known as Road). This character orchestrates an RPG-like realm where Luffy and his crew assume various roles. Additional references can also be found throughout the Elbaph arc.

Disclaimer: This piece includes potential spoilers from the One Piece manga series and reflects the author’s personal views.

Unpacking RPG Game Inspirations in One Piece

Monkey D Luffy from the Elbaph arc (Image via Shueisha)

Role-Playing Games (RPGs) invite players to embody characters within fictional universes, interacting with one another along their adventures. Prominent anime such as Sword Art Online and Overlord reveal how these games have shaped storytelling in the medium.

The Elbaph arc in One Piece stands out for its heavy RPG-inspired elements. It kicks off with several members of the Straw Hat Pirates discovering themselves in a LEGO-like fortress on Elbaph island while donning new costumes.

Subsequently, the crew realizes they are ensnared in a dollhouse created by the faux Sun God. Before the Sun God could enter, the Straw Hats managed to break down the castle as part of their escape plan.

The faux sun god depicted in the manga (Image via Shueisha)

Chapter 1128 is ironically titled ‘RPG’, representing the varied roles the Straw Hat Pirates assume within this setting. Additionally, much like the game master in RPGs, the fake Sun God controls all elements of the environment he has constructed, including his servants and the castle itself.

The aspects of role-playing are also evident in the faux Sun God’s identity, which reveals him as Road, a member of the New Giant Pirates, taking on the role of a god-like figure. The fictional landscapes typical in RPGs often draw from myth; this theme resonates with the Elbaph arc’s allusions to Norse mythology, notably the Yggdrasil tree.

Loki as portrayed in the manga (Image via Shueisha)

Additionally, the concept of devil fruits harks back to RPG mechanics, as suggested by Loki’s story. The act of Loki slaying his father resulted in him acquiring a legendary devil fruit. Similarly, RPG dynamics often dictate that when a character dies, they drop loot, with the drop rarity correlating to the character’s power level.

In RPG terms, Loki’s father could be viewed as a high-level character, which explains the existence of the legendary devil fruit he left behind.

Concluding Thoughts

The threads of RPG influence weave throughout the broader narrative of Oda’s remarkable work. Every arc presents the Straw Hat Pirates facing new quests and challenges, echoing the diverse adventures characteristic of RPGs. Nevertheless, readers should consider this exploration as a form of entertainment and reflection, as the connections discussed have not been officially validated by the series itself.

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