Fans have long been hooked by the idea of video games being turned into anime series or episodes. It brings an exciting new perspective to well-loved characters and striking surroundings. Through the expressive art of animation, these adaptations bring the lively and ever-changing worlds of video games to life, giving fans a fresh and exciting way to enjoy the games and their favorite stories! Here we have a short list of animated shows from video games you might want to enjoy!
Pokemon
There has never been an anime series like Pokémon, which has become a timeless cultural icon thanks to its influential position in the video game industry. As he and his faithful companion Pikachu travel to different parts of the Pokémon world, the anime follows the adventures of Ash Ketchum, a young trainer coming from Pallet Town. From its 1997 Japanese debut, the Pokémon anime series has swept the world, captivating viewers of all ages with its exciting mix of friendship, adventure, and Pokémon fights. The original series has grown and changed throughout the years, now extending many seasons set in various regions of the Pokémon universe, a number of feature films, and spin-offs.
One of the longest-running and most popular anime series in history, with over 24 seasons and more than 1,100 episodes, is the Pokémon anime. As Ash and his friends work toward becoming Pokémon Masters, each season brings new Pokémon, characters, and challenges to be conquered. The most recent installment, “Pokémon Master Journeys: The Series,” is the 25th season and the final one in which Ash takes the role of protagonist. It is alternately called “Pokémon Ultimate Journeys: The Series.” The protagonist Ash Ketchum’s journey as a Trainer and the never-ending spirit of Pokémon exploration and discovery are showcased in this volume, which continues to follow his adventure.
Sword Art Online
In “Sword Art Online,” the plot is centered on the virtual reality MMORPG (Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game) known as “Sword Art Online.” After wearing the specialized VR goggles, players quickly realize that they can’t exit the game. They are told by the game’s developer that they must finish all 100 levels in order to leave. They will also die in real life if they attempt to remove the headgear forcefully or perish in the game. One of the players trapped in the game is Kirito, the main character. He became well-known in the gaming community as a talented player. In order to save himself and his fellow prisoners, Kirito sets out on a mission to clear the game. On his path, he encounters strong enemies, makes friends and allies, and goes through the ups and downs of virtual life.
Persona 4: The Animation
“Persona 4: The Animation” follows the story of Yu Narukami, a high school student who, for a year, goes to the little village of Inaba to live with his uncle and cousin. A series of strange killings rocks the community shortly after he arrives. The secret realm within the televisions is where Yu and his new neighbors face their inner demons and fight against “shadows,” which are representations of unpleasant human emotions. In fights, every character in the series has their own special “Persona,” an expression of who they really are. Along with solving the murders, they deal with the difficulties of coming of age, making strong friendships and overcoming their own anxieties and weaknesses.
Dragon Quest: The Adventure of Dai
The protagonist of “Dragon Quest: The Adventure of Dai” is a young lad named Dai who looks up to Avan and aspires to be a hero much like him. Dai goes on a mission to put an end to the Dark Lord Hadlar and rescue the world from doom as he threatens global peace. Dai goes on a thrilling adventure with his friends, which includes the thief-in-training Popp and the mage-in-training Princess Leona, that is full of dangerous situations, old prophecies, and tough opponents. He discovers the real meaning of bravery, camaraderie, and heroism as he goes. Featuring legendary creatures, spells, and locales from the “Dragon Quest” video game series, the show takes place in a fantastical realm that draws inspiration from those games. Dynamic action sequences and touching character moments are combined with elements of classic fantasy narrative.
Persona 5: The Animation
An anime version of Atlus’s critically acclaimed role-playing game “Persona 5”, “Persona 5: The Animation ” follows the events of the original game. The story takes place in modern Tokyo and follows a group of high schoolers as they find a way to access the Metaverse. In this world, people’s twisted ideas and wants materialize as tangible palaces. Joker, a transfer student, becomes the head of the Phantom Thieves of Hearts, an organization whose mission is to restore society by destroying abusive and corrupt adults. Joker sets off on an attempt with his newfound allies, each possessing their own special powers, to invade the palaces of corrupt people, or “Targets,” and take their sinister wishes so they may admit their guilt in the real world.
Castlevania
In 2021, the video game series Castlevania underwent an animated adaptation, drawing inspiration from traditional horror, mythology, and gothic literature. The Belmont family, well-known vampire hunters who are involved in a never-ending conflict with Count Dracula and his evil pawns, is at the center of the story’s plot. The animated version looks into their constant hunt, discussing detailed storylines and going up against popular enemies. Castlevania has grown beyond its video game origins with difficult gameplay, eerie soundtracks, and intricate storyline. It has inspired several spin-offs, sequels, and media adaptations, drawing viewers in with its eerie and mysterious atmosphere.
Cyberpunk: Edgerunners
In 2022, an anime adaptation titled Cyberpunk: Edgerunners was released, based on the Cyberpunk 2077 universe developed by CD Projekt Red. The series, which is set in the shadowy future of Night City, focuses on “edgerunners,” mercenaries and criminals who have to survive a society where power, augmentation, and technology are important. The gloomy alleys of Night City are explored in the anime, where people must make moral choices that affect the course of the story. Inspired by the video game version, Cyberpunk: Edgerunners promises an immersive and exciting experience for viewers with its deep world-building activities, cybernetic improvements, and morally gray individuals.
That’s it for our short list! Whatever it is about these games that fans all across the world seem to like, from exciting adventures to touching moments, these adaptations managed to capture it all. Did you recognize some of your favorite video games among these anime adaptations? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below!
