The worlds of video games and anime have long been intertwined, each medium offering unique ways to tell interesting stories. While games are complete experiences in their own right, seeing our beloved digital adventures transformed into animated series can be exhilarating. The anime industry has already given us unforgettable adaptations that have defined generations, from the epic sagas of Dragon Ball and Naruto to the mythological battles of Saint Seiya.
But what about those games that have yet to receive the anime treatment? Imagine your favorite virtual realms brought to life through Japanese animation’s distinctive style and storytelling techniques. At Otakukan, we’ve curated a list of ten games that we believe are prime candidates for anime adaptations. These titles possess rich lore, compelling characters, and vibrant worlds that could flourish in animated form.
10. Astral Chain
Astral Chain is an action-packed game exclusive to the Nintendo Switch, developed by PlatinumGames, the studio known for titles like Bayonetta and Nier: Automata (both of which have anime adaptations, with Nier soon to follow). Astral Chain stands out in its combination of intense combat and futuristic police investigation, set in 2078 when humanity is on the verge of extinction.
The game also draws heavily from the anime world, thanks partly to Masakazu Katsura, the lead artist and renowned mangaka who has worked on projects like Dragon Ball. The city design in Astral Chain takes inspiration from Ghost in the Shell, and the overall atmosphere carries subtle nods to Neon Genesis Evangelion, blending sci-fi and anime influences throughout its world.
9. Bloodborne
Bloodborne, developed by FromSoftware, the same studio behind Dark Souls, shares gameplay mechanics with its predecessors but is set in a distinctively different universe—one that is far more gothic, dark, and twisted.
The game immerses players in the ancient city of Yharnam, ravaged by a mysterious endemic disease that has plunged the population into chaos, death, and madness. This haunting atmosphere and rich lore make it an ideal candidate for a more mature, horror-themed anime adaptation, with its unsettling visuals and deep narrative providing the perfect backdrop.
8. Elden Ring
Of course, Elden Ring, FromSoftware’s latest masterpiece, deserves a spot on the list. With the legendary George R.R. Martin contributing to world-building and lore, the game offers a vast, fantastical realm filled with awe-inspiring beauty and haunting mysteries.
The story—centered on a Tarnished who emerges in the Lands Between with the ultimate goal of becoming the Elden Lord by claiming the power of the Elden Ring—has all the makings of an epic seinen anime.
Countless defeats and intense battles would mark the protagonist’s journey and a compelling maturation arc, culminating in their rise as the most formidable warriors in a brutal, unforgiving world. The emotional depth and sprawling narrative of *Elden Ring* would perfectly translate into a dark, complex anime series.
7. Silent Hill
The Silent Hill franchise has left a gaping hole since its last major appearance in the gaming world with P.T. in 2014, but rumors of Konami’s interest in a revival keep resurfacing. A psychological horror anime could be the perfect way to breathe new life into the Silent Hill universe. Imagine a chilling series packed with the atmosphere we love—fog-drenched streets, eerie music, and cryptic symbolism that messes the mind.
The tension and unease that Silent Hill is known for could translate into a slow-burn anime filled with unsettling, nightmarish visuals. Pyramid Head, for instance, would make for a terrifying and iconic presence, with scenes like the infamous skin-tearing moment from the Silent Hill movie adding a gruesome layer of gore.
The games’ deeply psychological and symbolic storytelling would lend itself perfectly to a mature, terrifying anime that explores trauma, guilt, and fear—just like the games do best.
6. Overwatch
An Overwatch 2 anime would be amazing! The world of Overwatch is rich with untapped story potential, and an anime could give us the narrative depth many fans felt was missing in the first game. The lore—centered around the Omnic Crisis, a global rebellion of machines, and the formation of the Overwatch task force—creates the perfect backdrop for a dynamic, action-packed series.
With more than 30 unique heroes, each with a compelling backstory and powers, an anime could explore characters like Tracer, Genji, and Reinhardt in much greater detail. And, of course, Lúcio would be a must-see character!
A series could easily mix thrilling battles with heartfelt moments of personal growth and team camaraderie, bringing the *Overwatch* universe to life like never before.
5. Ghost of Tsushima
Ghost of Tsushima would make a stunning anime, capturing the beauty and intensity of feudal Japan while deepening the moral and philosophical dilemmas Jin Sakai faces. The game’s atmospheric world, from its breathtaking landscapes to its intricate combat, already feels like a classic samurai film brought to life, especially with its homage to Akira Kurosawa’s cinematic style.
An anime adaptation could explore Jin’s internal conflict between honor and survival in even greater detail, providing emotional depth as he grapples with the code of the samurai and the necessity of using “dishonorable” tactics to save Tsushima.
The visual potential is immense, with the vibrant yet dangerous landscapes of the island, from tranquil bamboo forests to stormy coastlines, setting a perfect stage for intense battles and quiet, reflective moments.
The layered themes of tradition, honor, and rebellion, combined with visually stunning action sequences—imagine Jin’s graceful swordplay in fluid animation—would create a compelling anime. Whether showcasing Jin’s journey or introducing new characters from Tsushima’s past, this adaptation captures the grandeur and intimacy of his struggle for freedom.
4. Dragon Age
Dragon Age would be fantastic in either anime or live-action format since the game’s deep lore, complex characters, and dark fantasy themes are perfect for storytelling. An anime adaptation could fully embrace the magic, brutal combat, and diverse races of Thedas with more creative freedom in terms of visual style and fantasy elements.
The flexibility of animation allows for dramatic portrayals of magic, epic battles with dragons, and immersive landscapes, all without the limitations that a live-action budget might impose.
The live-action route, rumored to be in development by Netflix, could be just as captivating if done right. With the right cast, special effects, and attention to the gritty, morally complex narrative that defines Dragon Age, it could bring an immersive realism to the politics, wars, and personal stories of characters like the Grey Wardens, mages, and Templars. There’s also a growing appetite for high-budget fantasy series, as seen with The Witcher and House of the Dragon.
Ultimately, it depends on execution. An anime could dive into the mystical and otherworldly aspects of Dragon Age, while live-action could bring a grounded, intense portrayal of the game’s power struggles and darker themes. What would you prefer—a stylized, magical anime or an intense, realistic live-action take?
3. League of Legends
Riot Games has created a vast and rich world with League of Legends, and Arcane was proof that its storytelling can shine beyond the game itself. The success of Arcane showed how much potential there is to dive deeper into the lore, and it seems like Riot is on a path to expanding its universe even further, possibly with the ambition of creating a generation-defining intellectual property.
An anime adaptation of League of Legends could take this expansion to the next level, offering a more stylized, action-packed, and dramatic take on the stories of Runeterra. With over 150 champions, there’s no shortage of fascinating characters and settings to explore—imagine an anime focused on the intricate political dynamics of Demacia, the magical chaos of Ionia, or the brutal warfare of Noxus.
Each region could offer a unique tone and theme, with epic battles, deep moral dilemmas, and reflections on society that would resonate in the world of Runeterra and real-world audiences.
Given how Arcane brilliantly balanced character-driven drama with action and societal reflections, an anime format would give Riot more room to explore the complexity of LoL’s champions and their worlds. Whether it’s the tragic fall of champions like Jinx and Vi, the internal struggles of power in regions like Piltover, or the existential crises of champions like Kayn or Zed, there’s endless potential for emotional depth and high-stakes fantasy action.
2. VALORANT
Another Riot Games franchise with strong ties to animation is VALORANT, a shooter game released in 2020. With its vibrant, cartoon-like style, the game introduces animated shorts for each new season or character, gradually unveiling more of its lore. There’s even a music video that has a distinct anime feel.
In the game’s futuristic world, certain individuals are exposed to a substance known as Radianite, which grants them special powers, making them “radiants.” In response, the megacorporation Kingdom assembles a group of these radiants to protect humanity. However, they soon uncover the existence of clones of their group, originating from a parallel planet, intent on eradicating humanity.
1. The Legend of Zelda
The Zelda franchise boasts a vast array of games and even some published manga, but did you know it also had an animated series back in 1989? This show only ran for one season and consisted of 13 episodes, each about 15 minutes long, and was inspired by the first two games: The Legend of Zelda and Zelda II: The Adventure of Link.
Unfortunately, the quality of the cartoon is quite questionable. For starters, it features a talkative Link who often comes off as immature, even whistling at Zelda inappropriately during the first episode.
