Welcome to another art post here in the community.
Anime-based games have a questionable reputation among franchise fans. And it’s no wonder how many times have you seen that spectacular trailer, filled with action, where Goku is unleashing Kamehamehas or Naruto is making a thousand clones, and thought, "This game is going to be epic"? Only to find out, a few hours (or minutes, for fighting games) of gameplay later, that it’s frustrating? Yeah, I’ve been there too. But don’t worry, not all is lost. Some games really do capture the essence of anime and deliver memorable experiences. Let’s dive into this.
Why Do Many Anime Games Fail?
The main trap of anime-based games is that they often fall into the comfort zone of lazy fan service. Instead of focusing on creating solid gameplay and an engaging experience, many developers think throwing a bunch of beloved characters into a generic setting is enough to guarantee success.
Spoiler: it’s not.
Popular anime already have a loyal fan base, so many games end up being developed on tight deadlines and low budgets because, at the end of the day, they’ll sell based on the franchise name. The result? A bunch of forgettable titles that barely tap into the potential of the original work.
But not all hope is lost.
When developers truly understand the original material and dedicate time to creating something unique, the results can be spectacular. This is where games like Dragon Ball FighterZ, Naruto Ultimate Ninja Storm, and the underrated Berserk and the Band of the Hawk shine.
Dragon Ball FighterZ
This is the perfect example of how to do everything right. Arc System Works took the essence of Dragon Ball and turned it into a top-tier fighting game.
It wasn’t just the stunning visuals that impressed me.
Let’s be honest, the graphics look like they were ripped straight out of the anime. But it was the strategic yet accessible gameplay that won over both casual fans and hardcore players.
The key to success here was respect for the franchise and a focus on creating a solid experience. Each character has unique abilities, signature moves, and iconic moments that make any fan feel like they’re playing the anime.
Naruto Ultimate Ninja Storm
The Naruto Ultimate Ninja Storm series is another testament to the fact that when effort is put in, anime games can work really well. The secret here lies in its cinematic presentation and dynamic environments. Remember the first time you saw Naruto activate Sage Mode mid-battle, with all that pomp and circumstance?
Sensational, right?
This is one of the few games that captures the excitement of watching the anime.
The epic battles, well-placed quick time events, and detailed recreation of key story arcs make the experience immersive. It’s the kind of game that even if you’re not a fan of fighting games, you’ll want to play just to relive the show’s most iconic moments.
Berserk and the Band of the Hawk
It’s sad to admit, but the legacy of games based on this manga masterpiece is, at best, inconsistent.
However, Berserk and the Band of the Hawk deserves a mention. It takes the Musou formula (the hack-and-slash style where you face 100 enemies at once) and adapts it to the dark, brutal world of Berserk.
Although the gameplay isn’t revolutionary, it meshes well with the story’s atmosphere. Controlling Guts and obliterating hordes of enemies with the Dragon Slayer is incredibly satisfying, especially for fans of the series.
When Do Anime Games Work?
So, what do these games have in common?
Simple.
Respect for the original material and dedication to gameplay. It’s not enough to pack a game with references and popular characters; it needs to have its own value, even for those who’ve never watched the anime.
These games understand that anime fans don’t just want to see characters in action they want to feel like they’re part of that universe.
This anime game is awesome
Thanks for reading and commenting
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Thanks for the curation.
Definitely the respect for the original material must be fundamental for the success of a game based on an anime, references and fan service are not enough, this only makes a game forgettable.
I totally agree, there are a lot of strange things being done and called like an anime game. I see a lot of memes on reddit about some, even recent franchises.
Thanks to reading and reply.