By gamingepicenter.com 
Anime and video games have grown tremendously in popularity over the past few decades. Combining these two mediums seems like a perfect formula for success. However, anime-based video games often fall short, leading fans to question why these games are not as successful as they could be.
This article delves into the history, current trends, and inherent issues with anime-based video games, drawing insights from a comprehensive analysis presented in a YouTube video by a fan of both anime and video games. Read more such articles on Gamingepicenter.com
The term “anime games” in this context refers to games based on anime and manga, not just games with an anime aesthetic like “Persona” or “Dragon Quest”. Most anime games tend to be 3D arena fighters, a subgenre of fighting games featuring large open arenas and flashy combos. These games are often formulaic, lacking the innovation and creativity seen in other video game genres.
Anime-based video games can be categorized into several types based on their gameplay mechanics, genres, and themes. Here are some common types of anime games:
Arena Fighters:
Dragon Ball FighterZ: A 2D fighting game that mimics the look and feel of the Dragon Ball anime series.
Naruto Ultimate Ninja Storm 4: A 3D fighting game featuring over 100 characters from the Naruto series.
Musou-Style Action Games:
One Piece: Pirate Warriors 4: An action game where players control characters from the One Piece series to defeat hordes of enemies.
Role-Playing Games (RPGs):
Sword Art Online: Hollow Realization: An RPG set in the Sword Art Online universe, featuring high-intensity action elements and a deep character customization system.
Shooter Games:
Macross: Shooting Insight: A shoot-’em-up game based on the Macross anime series.
Platformers:
RWBY: Arrowfel: An action platformer set in the RWBY universe, developed by WayForward and Arc System Works.
Puzzle Games:
Pretty Cure: Dream Star: A collection of puzzle mini-games themed after the Pretty Cure anime.
Simulation Games:
Doraemon Story of Seasons: A farming simulation game featuring characters from the Doraemon series.
Visual Novels:
Go-tōbun no Hanayome: A dating visual novel based on the Go-tōbun no Hanayome anime.
Educational Games:
Doraemon Educational Titles: A collection of educational games featuring characters from the Doraemon series.
VR Games:
Little Witch Academia: VR Broom Racing: A VR racing game based on the Little Witch Academia anime.
Survival Games:
Dragon Ball: The Breakers: An asymmetrical multiplayer survival-action game based on the Dragon Ball series.
Adventure Games:
Crayon Shin-chan: Summer Vacation: An adventure game about Crayon Shin-chan experiencing his summer vacation in a rural Japanese town.
Tactical RPGs:
SD Gundam: A tactical action RPG based on the SD Gundam series.
Battle RPGs:
Assault Lily BOUQUET: A battle RPG featuring characters from the Assault Lily BOUQUET anime.
Musical Games:
Love Live School Idol Festival: A rhythm game featuring characters from the Love Live series.
These categories are not exhaustive, and some games may overlap between genres. However, they provide a general understanding of the various types of anime-based video games available.
Market Dominance and Historical Evolution
Bandai Namco dominates the market for Shonen Jump anime-based games, creating many repetitive 3D arena fighters. Historically, early anime games were not innovative, often copying popular games like “Space Invaders” and “The Legend of Zelda“. Over time, these games have become more self-referential, borrowing elements from each other rather than innovating.
Dragon Ball: A Case Study
The Dragon Ball franchise has a vast number of games, many of which are 3D arena fighters. The series transitioned from original concepts to repetitive fighters, contributing to the genre’s lack of innovation.
Naruto: A Transition from Creativity to Homogenization
Initially, different developers brought unique takes on Naruto games. However, Bandai Namco’s acquisition of exclusive rights led to homogenization, resulting in less variety and creativity in Naruto games.
Issues with Current Anime Games
The Lack of Innovation
Modern anime games often lack innovation and creativity, primarily focusing on recycling successful formulas. This lack of originality is compared to McDonald’s attaching celebrity names to existing menu items.
Recycling Successful Formulas
Some anime, like “One Punch Man” and “Jujutsu Kaisen”, do not translate well into video games due to their unique narrative and combat elements. This repetitive formula hampers the potential of creating engaging and unique gaming experiences.
Challenges in Adapting Unique Narratives
Certain anime series have complex narratives and unique combat styles that are challenging to adapt into video games. This can result in games that fail to capture the essence of the anime, disappointing fans.
Oversaturation of Arena Fighters
While arena fighters are popular, the genre has become oversaturated, with many games feeling repetitive and lacking in depth. Developers need to find ways to differentiate their games and offer unique gameplay experiences.
Difficulty in Translating Anime Concepts to Gameplay
Certain anime series, particularly those focused on comedy or dialogue-driven plots, can be challenging to adapt into engaging video games. Developers must find creative ways to translate these elements into compelling gameplay.
Balancing Authenticity and Accessibility
Striking a balance between staying true to the source material and creating an accessible game for a wider audience is a common challenge. Games that are too niche may struggle to find a large enough player base.
Future Prospects for Anime Games
Calls for Variety and Innovation
The presenter hopes for more variety and innovation in anime games, suggesting that established companies like Capcom and Square Enix could bring new ideas to the genre.
Role of Established Gaming Companies
Established companies have the resources and experience to innovate and bring fresh perspectives to anime-based video games, potentially revitalizing the genre.
Quality Over Quantity
There is a call for fewer, but higher-quality, anime games that have had more time in development. This approach could lead to more engaging and polished games that better capture the spirit of their source material.
Bandai Namco’s Shift in Focus
Bandai Namco’s recent decision to focus on quality control and reduce the number of games they produce is seen as a positive step towards improving the quality and variety of anime games.
Potential for Higher-Quality Anime Games
By fostering innovation and creativity, and by allowing more time for game development, the industry can produce higher-quality anime games that truly capture the essence of their source material and offer a more engaging experience for fans.
The State of Anime-Based Video Games: Trends, Issues, and Future Prospects Conclusion
Anime-based video games have great potential due to their built-in audience and the popularity of both mediums. However, the current trend of formulaic and repetitive games hampers their success. By fostering innovation and creativity, and by allowing more time for game development, the industry can produce higher-quality anime games that truly capture the essence of their source material and offer a more engaging experience for fans.
In conclusion, while anime-based video games face some challenges, the genre remains popular and continues to evolve. As developers find new ways to adapt beloved anime series into engaging gameplay experiences, the future of anime-based games looks bright. Whether you prefer arena fighters, musou games, or something more narrative-driven, there’s sure to be an anime-based game out there for every gamer.
The State of Anime-Based Video Games: Trends, Issues, and Future Prospects FAQs
What are the most common genres for anime games?
Most anime games tend to be 3D arena fighters, a subgenre of fighting games featuring large open arenas and flashy combos. These games often lack the innovation seen in other video game genres.
Why do many anime-based video games lack innovation?
Anime-based video games often recycle successful formulas, focusing on creating games that are similar to previous titles rather than innovating. This approach leads to a lack of originality and creativity in the genre.
What challenges do developers face when adapting anime into games?
Developers face challenges in adapting unique narratives and combat styles from anime into video games. Certain series have complex stories and unique elements that are difficult to translate into an interactive format, resulting in games that may not capture the essence of the anime.
How has Bandai Namco influenced the anime gaming market?
Bandai Namco dominates the market for Shonen Jump anime-based games, creating many repetitive 3D arena fighters. Their focus on producing a high volume of games has led to a lack of variety and innovation in the genre.
What are the future prospects for anime-based video games?
The future prospects for anime-based video games depend on fostering innovation and creativity. Established gaming companies like Capcom and Square Enix could bring new ideas to the genre, and a focus on quality over quantity could lead to more engaging and polished games.
Which companies might innovate the anime gaming genre?
Established gaming companies like Capcom and Square Enix have the potential to innovate and bring fresh perspectives to anime-based video games, potentially revitalizing the genre and offering more engaging experiences for fans.