Let’s be honest, video games based on anime don’t seem to live up to their hype. It seems to be a reoccurring issue for anime video games that we end up with basic games. And when I say basic, I mean there’s nothing interesting about playing a retold story. In most anime games, the developers make these fighting games where you can pick different characters of the series to fight with. The problem with this, is that it is recycled. It lacks originality and depth.

There are plenty of fighting games out on the market that manage to create a stimulating story along with the battles. And to be honest, I think it’s safe to say we don’t really need anymore anime fighting games. There’s J-Stars and Jump Force to satisfy the question “What would it be like if this character fought this character?” And I have to say, I don’t think Jump Force is that bad, as it is the most original storyline we’ve seen with an anime game.

Why is this such a pattern with anime video games? One reason I think is that the companies pushing out these types of games are not considering their audience. The story that’s told in most anime video games is the exact same story most fans have already seen in the anime or read in the manga. I don’t quite know why they think fans want to replay a story that already has an ending. It makes you wonder, do the studios think the fans just want a playable version of the story???? Are they trying to get anime fans to buy a video game, or are they trying to introduce the anime to gamers?

For example the new trailer for My Hero One’s Justice 2, shows the game picking up through Season 3 and some of Season 4. Now I will say the graphics look great. It also looks like you’ll have more of Class 1-A to fight with in 1 vs 1 matches. However, it looks like the storyline is going to be the same as what we saw in the anime. Is this the level of anime gaming we are just forced to accept?

I think we can do better. But how you say? Make a new story. This happens all the time in the manga and anime versions of the same show. Bleach is a great example of a show that was completed in the manga, but was left dangling in the wind. The anime also had arcs that did not take place within the anime. Sure I know you won’t be able to make everyone happy, but I think this could be the solution. It’s really no difference than when a separate movie is created. I don’t see why this concept can’t be used when it comes to video games. And if an anime series has been completed, you could come out with a video game that continues the story.

Kakarot was released just last month. While it’s not where we should be storywise, the gameplay and graphics look awesome. It’s not perfect, but maybe it’s the right step in the right direction.

What do you guys think? It there a chance for an anime game to be good? Let me know in the comments! See you guys and peace!