Unlike anime adaptations of games, which often provide a fresh experience for fans, anime based on games typically delve deeper into the narrative, offering a more enriched experience. The primary reason is that, while game adaptations may condense existing storylines, anime of this type often contributes additional context about the game’s universe or helps viewers better understand the characters and overarching plot.
When experiencing a game, players tend to focus on various essential elements such as gameplay mechanics, graphics, and sound design. Therefore, sometimes the story may be briefly told through dialogue snippets or cutscenes, rushing players to the next gameplay segment. Game developers may cut story elements to save costs or balance gameplay and viewing time. In contrast, in anime, the main narrative is the focus that viewers pay attention to, allowing the production team ample time to elaborate on many aspects of the story.
Regardless of the reason, many anime adaptations of games ultimately provide a unique and captivating experience for dedicated fans, even if they differ significantly from the original gameplay. If you are looking for high-quality anime based on video games (excluding visual novels and gacha games), here are some titles you should consider.
Danganronpa
Not only does the anime “Danganronpa” follow the game’s story with minor changes, but it also enriches the original universe with additional details. The first season of this anime follows the storyline of the first game. However, the second season not only adapts part of the second game’s narrative but also introduces a new plot occurring after the events of both games. Simply put, this anime serves as a complementary narrative to the original game.
Cyberpunk: Edgerunners
“Cyberpunk: Edgerunners” stands as a benchmark for anime adaptations of games, potentially crafting a masterpiece that stands alone. This anime doesn’t just adapt the core storyline of the original “Cyberpunk 2077” game; it also creates an original narrative set within the same universe. As a result, viewers can enjoy the anime’s plot even if they haven’t played the game, although knowledge of game lore enhances their understanding of various situations.
Nier: Automata Ver1.1a
Yoko Taro is a game developer known for his uniquely creative thoughts, often bringing difficult concepts to life in his works. The anime “Nier: Automata Ver1.1a,” based on the game of the same name, makes significant changes that differentiate it from the original game. Although the anime follows a clear and straightforward storyline and has engaging animation quality, viewers who have not played the game might miss out on critical information presented in the original game.
Gungrave
“Gungrave” may not be a highly popular game, which is why many viewers who have watched the anime adaptation may not be aware of the existence of the original game. The anime follows the storyline of the first game released in 2002, revolving around the revenge journey of the main character known as “Beyond the Grave” after being resurrected from the dead. With character designs by Yashiro Nightow, the creator of “Trigun,” “Gungrave” brings a familiar yet distinct feeling.
Pokemon
“Pokemon” could be considered the most successful anime adaptation of a game to date, reaching a level of recognition even among those who do not play games. With thousands of episodes and countless spin-off films, the “Pokemon” anime has created iconic moments, establishing a significant reputation and contributing immensely to the franchise’s status as a global entertainment brand enjoyed by millions of fans across generations.
Tales of Zestiria the X
Prior to “Tales of Zestiria,” anime adaptations of the “Tales of” franchise were typically short OVAs, merely retelling game stories or focusing on brief moments. “Tales of Zestiria the X” is the first long-format adaptation of the “Tales of” brand, consisting of 26 episodes, and has resonated well with avid fans eager to explore characters and deepen the main story of the game.
Valkyria Chronicles
“Valkyria Chronicles” is an RPG strategy game that combines anime-style visuals with engaging gameplay mechanics. The story and visuals of the game have already offered players an anime-like experience, making the adaptation to anime feel natural. The anime, while following the storyline, is briefer and can evoke strong emotional reactions, drawing viewers closer to the characters amid the chaotic backdrop of “Valkyria Chronicles.”
God Eater
Monster-hunting games often lack compelling narratives, and “God Eater” is no exception, even though it has attempted to create a narrative-rich experience. In the anime, “God Eater” dedicates substantial time to exploring character backstories and development, as opposed to focusing solely on the central plot, merging thrilling battle scenes with the emotional weight that resonates with dedicated fans of the original game.
Devil May Cry
Dante from the “Devil May Cry” franchise transforms into the main character of an action anime, showcasing various fighting styles, impressive visuals, and notably, a tendency to “provoke others” while maintaining a deep interest in humanity. As a result, the game adaptation brings a very natural feeling to viewers. Furthermore, it does not rely on the plot of any specific game but instead builds a unique storyline that expands on the universe of “Devil May Cry.”
Sengoku Basara
“Sengoku Basara” serves as Capcom’s answer to Koei Techmo’s “Dynasty Warriors,” or more accurately, “Samurai Warriors.” This game series is set in the tumultuous Sengoku period of Japan, featuring legendary samurai with superhuman strength, embodying the phrase “one man can defeat a thousand.” The success of the game has led to several anime adaptations that capture the distinctive characteristics of its characters, appealing to both long-time fans and new viewers alike.
Shenmue
“Shenmue” is considered a classic name in the gaming world, having pioneered the genre of open-world games. This anime adaptation plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between the older game and the newly released third installment in 2019. The anime condenses the storyline, focusing on the essential events that occurred prior, making it easier for new fans to engage with “Shenmue III” without needing to play the earlier games.
Disgaea
The anime “Disgaea” is based on the first game released in 2003, presenting a number of changes that enhance the viewing experience. Although the storyline is quite humorous and filled with diverse characters, the quality of animation and artistic style of this anime remains consistently engaging. Nonetheless, it still serves as a good choice for viewers wanting to learn more about the “Disgaea” universe without necessarily playing the game.
.hack//Sign
Before “Sword Art Online” made waves with its premise of virtual reality gaming, the “.hack” franchise had already pioneered the genre in the early 2000s with both video games and anime adaptations. Among these, the anime “.hack//Sign” explores its unique storyline within the virtual realm known as The World, offering a fresh perspective for fans. This means that viewers can enjoy the “.hack//” anime without the need to play any of the associated games.
Xenosaga
“Xenosaga” is a prominent RPG series on the PlayStation 2, which ultimately had to condense its initial plan of six games down to three consecutive releases. The anime adaptation follows the storyline of the first game. However, the anime diverges and alters several events to better fit the narrative within a single season, as the production team did not plan for subsequent seasons.
Scarlet Nexus
The storyline of the game “Scarlet Nexus” does not lend itself easily to being adapted into an anime as it requires players to make choices twice, each time selecting a different main character to gain different perspectives. Therefore, the anime adaptation offers a unique viewing experience where it seems to follow a single narrative path. Overall, it remains a faithful adaptation that captures the essence of the game’s narrative while delivering high-quality visuals, contributing to a richer understanding of the characters involved that players may overlook in the game.
