I’m going to be honest- this started as a list of general media franchises that should receive a new video game. However, as I began putting my list together, almost everything that came to mind was anime. So here we are!!
Anime has experienced a massive surge of popularity in recent years, with prominent athletes of every sport citing their influence from the likes of Goku, Luffy, Naruto, and other anime protagonists who constantly push themselves to get stronger and stronger. While the most popular series have numerous video games to their name, countless others fall to the wayside in this arena.
This list consists of my picks for anime series that deserve a new video game entry. And done well, not some cash-grab with crappy gameplay and which barely functions between skipped frames (looking at you Jump Force).
Chainsaw Man
We’re starting off with the anime sensation that put this idea in my head in the first place- Chainsaw Man. Playing as Denji, Power, and Aki in a blood-soaked, hack ‘n slash-action game would be a perfect combination, even more so if there was couch co-op. The Devil May Cry formula would be perfect for Denji and co. Zipping around fighting demons with chainsaw arms, a giant blood hammer, or a fox demon summon would be SO EPIC and I really hope we get to do so some day!
Delicious in Dungeon
Jumping right from one popular anime into another- Dungeon Meshi, a.k.a. Delicious in Dungeon! Combining the mechanics of Monster Hunter’s cooking/gear prep in a hub area with roguelite, randomized 3D areas full of turn-based RPG combat would be perfect for this franchise. After every excursion, players would return to base with whatever monster parts they managed to collect and cook them up in preparation for the next run. Playing as Laios, Chilchuck, Marcille, and Senshi would be SO FUN!
Rurouni Kenshin
Okay, maybe this is turning into a list of anime at this point, but come on! Hot off of a revamped 2023 series, Rurouni Kenshin would be another candidate for an awesome action RPG. You would play as Kenshin and be able to roam around town performing errands, buying groceries, etc., while story missions would be filled with quick, speedy combat. Players could unlock new techniques from the Hiten Mitsurugi Style of swordsmanship as you beat more and more levels, learning new combos and abilities as you go. Plus, they could throw in the jamming soundtrack from the 90s anime! 😀
Sailor Moon
Full transparency- I’ve never played a Persona game. However, the series is famous and popular for its balance of charming characters, dungeon-crawling, and social simulation, and I think Sailor Moon would be a perfect torchbearer to adapt this formula (especially after its recent adaptation- Sailor Moon Crystal)! Players would control Usagi Tsukino through her every-day school life filled with homework, shopping, snacks, and chasing Mamoru. One night falls, however, she would lead her team of superheroines against the forces of evil. Rather than simple turn-based combat, though, having a combat grid a la Final Fantasy Tactics or the newer Eiyuden Chronicles would be great for showcasing each Pretty Guardian’s skills!
Tokyo Ghoul
Following up on a social-sim-influenced sort of game, Tokyo Ghoul would be another perfect match for the formula! Get to know your fellow Ghouls as you work at the Anteiku coffee shop and build your friendships. However, the Commission of Counter Ghoul (CCG) is always working against you, so you’d be charged with wandering the open-world city and taking them down whenever you can! Rather than playing as protagonist Ken Kaneki, it would be awesome to experience a new story in that world and design your own Ghoul from the ground up, complete with different options for your Kagune weapon.
Those are some games I would love to see happen given a chance, but what about you? Are there any anime you think should receive a video game adaptation that have so far been passed over?
Thanks for reading! Take care!
-Brink
The Brink of Gaming 