Anime and video games have always been linked, which is why it’s no surprise that the best Anime inspired by video games Truly incredible works of art. The creation of one media can inspire another; This is true of many things, including popular anime adaptations. The existence of these anime adaptations could give fans more time in those worlds, with those characters, and give them a chance to relive the story in a new way. Audiences may even start with the anime series and find themselves inspired to play the game. Either way, these two vehicles clearly build on each other.
Fans of video games and anime alike will appreciate these animated adaptations of popular video games, which frame and tell their stories in an exciting new way. The interactivity of video games is something that cannot be replicated in other mediums. However, the best anime series inspired by video games are able to capture the same emotions and feelings that their source material first evoked.
10 Stories of Symphonia: Animation
Tales of Symphonia: The Animation tells the story of two worlds where one can only prosper at the expense of the other. In one of these worlds, Colette Brunel was chosen to begin her journey with the Guardians to restore mana to their world, Sylvarant. Symphonia is responsible for making the Tales of franchise so popular in the states, and the game’s anime adaptation perfectly captures what makes Symphonia’s story so special. The anime first aired in Japan in June 2007 and consists of a total of three seasons—a sequel series titled Tales of Symphonia The Animation: Tethe’alla Episode and an additional sequel titled titled Tales of Symphonia the Animation: The United World Episode.
9 The World Ends With You: Animation
The World Ends With You: The Animation is an animated adaptation of the popular role-playing game first released on Nintendo DS. The game’s unique style is brought to thrilling life as the anime adapts the story of Neku Sakuraba. Neku wakes up in another dimension, unable to remember what happened and must play the same mysterious Death Game to survive and find a way out. There, he meets and works alongside various characters as they fight against creatures called Noise and complete several quests to win. The anime was released in 2021, is available to stream on Crunchyroll, and has the same incredible soundtrack as the game.
8 Persona product lines
There are several Persona anime series and films created in response to the game series’ overwhelming success. Persons 3, 4, and 5 all have animated adaptations for those who want to experience their stories in a different form. Each adaptation will follow the game’s designated protagonists on their respective journeys as they make friends, battle darkness, and face unforeseen hardships. Persona 5, one of the more recent games, had an anime version released as a 26-episode series in 2018, followed by special episodes released in 2018 and 2019. Persona has always had an aesthetic anime and the game’s plot. often uses character archetypes and metaphors popularized by anime, making many anime adaptations a seamless translation of the game.
7 excellent lawyers
The Ace Attorney anime is based on Capcom’s beloved Ace Attorney visual novel game. While there are many games revolving around various main characters, the current anime focuses specifically on Phoenix Wright and his budding career as a defense attorney. With new friends by her side, Phoenix represents various individuals and solves the mystery of their extraordinary cases in court, where the truth is finally revealed. The anime currently has two seasons, totaling 47 episodes, with the most recent season having been released in 2019. Ace Attorney has always been a more plot-driven video game franchise, making Phoenix’s legal adventures and his friends became a natural fit. for cartoons.
6 Castlevania
The Castlevania games are an action-adventure horror series developed by Konami, which inspired the anime adaptation. Said series, currently available on Netflix, revolves around Trevor Belmont, the last surviving member of the Belmont family of monster hunters. Trevor, in his quest to take down Dracula, eventually joins forces with a powerful magician named Sypha and Dracula’s son, Alucard. Since it first aired in 2017, Castlevania has a total of four seasons and a new series scheduled for release at the end of September titled Castlevania: Nocturne. More than just a standard adaptation, however, Castlevania is also a clever reinterpretation of the original games and characters, marking it as one of the best animated series based on video games. death.
5 Pokémon
The popular Pokémon game series inspired the animated series in 1997 and has been going strong for 26 seasons with several spin-offs. The original anime follows the adventures of all-new Pokémon trainer Ash Ketchum and his best friend Pikachu as they travel the world to make new friends, explore new places, meet new Pokémon, and create countless celebrate. Recently, it was revealed that Ash and Pikachu will no longer be main characters in the latest series Pokémon Horizons: The Series. Many fans may have been sad to see the iconic main characters leave earlier this year, although it’s possible they’ll return in the future. Regardless of their potential return, Ash and Pikachu’s adventures are one of the most iconic anime inspired by video games ever.
Adventure of 4 Digimon
Technically, the Digimon franchise started with Digimon as virtual pets, which later evolved into games and soon after an animated series in 1999. Regardless of the specifics, the Digimon animated series is a famous adaptation that started with Digimon Adventure. , sees seven children transported into what is known as the Digital World by strange devices that appear to them at summer camp. Digimon Adventure is famous for its surprising focus on character building, with each Digimon starting out as separate characters. While Pokémon is easily the more popular of the two, Digimon is the better anime inspired by the video game.
3 .hack//Sign
The .hack/sign anime actually came out around the same time as the first .hack game in the series, both of which were released in 2002. The anime follows protagonist Tsukasa trapped in a virtual fantasy game featuring named The World. Tsukasa’s journey in the World is filled with mystery, as are the details surrounding Tsukasa’s real life and the other characters they meet in the game. Arguably the archetypal Isekai story, .hack//Sign impressed video game fans with its fresh premise and intriguing mystery. .hack//Sign may not be as popular as many other anime based on video games, but it is undeniably one of the most influential anime.
2 Resident Evil animated movies
The Resident Evil animated films are based on the hit horror video game series, Resident Evil (Biohazard in Japan), by Capcom. Existing within the continuity of the game series, the Resident Evil animated films often star some of the game’s main characters. The cast often includes iconic characters such as Chris Redfield, Leon S. Kennedy, Jill Valentine, Claire Redfield and Rebecca Chambers, all of whom face biological weapons disasters around the world. The most recent animated film, titled Resident Evil: Death Island, was released in July 2023 and chronicles what these characters did in 2015 in the game. While the Resident Evil animated movies have their issues, they’re all fun that fans of the cult horror franchise are sure to love.
1 Final Fantasy XV: Brotherhood
Final Fantasy XV: Brotherhood is an original animated series based on the characters and world of Final Fantasy XV. The series consists of five volumes detailing each character’s origins and their relationship with main character Noctis while the four of them continue their journey to Altissia. Brotherhood gives fans the opportunity to learn more about these beloved characters and see more clearly the strength of their bond. Originally released in March 2016, Brotherhood was technically perfected before the game launched that November and helped audiences better understand the world and characters. An additional computer-animated film titled Kingsglaive: Final Fantasy XV was also released the same year.
The best adaptations of beloved video games demonstrate how media can work together to further develop the world, characters, and story of a series. Additionally, they give potential fans the opportunity to experience some of the stories from the video games that they may not have had time to experience in video game form. For the additional stories they offer and more, best anime inspired by video games are all worth looking for.