When it comes to adapting video games into other media, it’s been quite the mixed bag. You could have some entertaining hits like “Detective Pikachu” or “The Super Mario Movie.” On the other hand, adaptations may suffer the fate of films like “Uncharted” or, heaven forbid, “Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun-Li.” If you can believe it, anime adaptations of video games have suffered similar fates with shows like “Ace Attorney” and “Viewtiful Joe.”
Thankfully, that doesn’t mean that every single anime adaptation is bad. There have been quite a few gems released over the years that do justice to the source material. Though playing the original games is always preferred where applicable, these anime adaptations do a good job of preserving the quality and style of their predecessors. Here are some of the best anime adaptations of video games that you should check out.
“Nier Automata Ver 1.1a”
In the far-off year of 11945, humanity has long since abandoned an inhospitable Earth and fled to the Moon. Aliens have invaded the planet with an army of Machine Lifeforms. Humanity’s last line of defense is an army of androids who are engaged in a long-running proxy war with the Machines. YoRHa combat android 2B and reconnaissance android 9S are sent down to the planet to investigate the Machines and aid their forces. While there, they come to learn about how the Machines have evolved and the implications their changes have on their own sense of existence.
This adaptation of the acclaimed 2017 game includes original director Yoko Taro as one of the head writers, so you can be sure that the game’s spirit persists in the anime.
“The World Ends with You: The Animation”
One day, Neku Sakuraba wakes up in the middle of a bustling Shibuya Crossing. He quickly realizes that his memories are hazy and that he has mysterious powers. Upon meeting Shiki Misaki and becoming her partner, he discovers that he’s actually dead. What’s more, he’s ended up in the UG (Underground), a realm of existence just outside of the RG (Realground). While here, Neku is forced to play the Reapers’ Game. First prize is the chance to return to life. Armed with this knowledge, Neku must learn to open up to his partners if he’s going to try and make it back to the RG.
Though “TWEWY” has been ported to several different consoles over the years, the best way to play it is still on the original Nintendo DS. Short of tracking down a 20-year-old handheld console in the 2020s, the “TWEWY” anime is another great way to experience one of the best sleeper hits that gaming has to offer.
“Cyberpunk: Edgerunners”
Night City is already a dangerous metropolis on its own. Each of the six districts is rampant with gang violence, corporate greed, and corruption all enhanced by cybernetic augmentations. As for David Martinez, he lives in Santo Domingo, the poorest district in the city. He’s especially gifted and intelligent, but suffers bullying at school due to his poor standing. After tragedy strikes his family due to gang violence, he’s left all by himself and is forced to survive as an edgerunner, a cyber-enhanced mercenary for the seedy underbelly of Night City.
Widely regarded as being even better than the game that spawned it, “Edgerunners” is a stylish and bombastic adventure that’s not to be missed.
“Brotherhood: Final Fantasy XV”
The modern-day kingdom of Lucis is home to the Crystal, a stone of untold magical power that helps the nation stand tall. Because of its power, however, the technological empire of Niflheim wages war against Lucis with the rest of the world under its rule. After striking a supposed peace treaty, Lucian prince Noctis Lucis Caelum must travel to be wed to Princess Lunafreya Nox Fleuret. He is accompanied by three of his closest friends as they cross the country and face all kinds of dangers.
Taking place within the sprawling story of “Final Fantasy XV,” this short anime focuses on how Noctis and his companions first met. It provides much-needed context for the party’s in-game camaraderie and presents a tighter, more endearing story than the source material.
“Fate/Zero”
In Fuyuki City, the Fourth Holy Grail War commences. This magical tournament sees seven magical Masters summon historical figures as their Servants. Each of them fight in a violent battle royale over the Holy Grail, which is said to grant any wish. Mercenary Kiritsugu Emiya is the latest Master to summon Servant Saber (an incarnation of King Arthur) and fights in the War on behalf of the Einzbern family.
In the wide-reaching franchise that is the “Fate” series, this 2011 adaptation remains one of the most beloved anime installments in its long and ongoing history.
What’s your favorite anime adaptation of a video game? Let us know in the comments!
