Top 10 Video Games Based On Anime And Manga

Top 10 Video Games Based on Anime/Manga

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Top 10 Anime Based on Video Games

All the awesomeness of anime delivered directly to your gaming system! Welcome to WatchMojo.com and today we are counting down the top ten video games based on anime and manga. For this list, we’ll be taking a look at video games inspired by either the characters or the narrative of both anime and manga series. Both handhelds and consoles are accepted, though we won’t be including titles that were based on a property that was originally a video game, such as Fate/extra.

#10: “Sword Art Online: Hollow Fragment” (2014)

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Since the anime itself is about characters trapped inside an MMORPG, it only makes sense that the Sword Art Online series would get its own video game. As the sequel to Sword Art Online: Infinity Moment, this PS Vita title continues the alternate storyline set out by its predecessor as players take control of protagonist Kirito. Focusing heavily on the dungeon crawler element that most online games are known, fans were given the chance to recruit dozens of characters for their campaign, while also indulging in some good old fanservice along the way.

#9: “Yu-Gi-Oh! Worldwide Edition: Stairway to the Destined Duel” (2003)

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While the King of Duel Monsters has had many titles launched on multiple platforms, we found that the series of similar yet fun game boy games stood out among the pack. Fans of the show and of the card game got the chance to play as themselves, build their decks and compete in tournament style competitions. There was no shortage of difficult opponents, branching storylines, and bragging rights for those who actually got to dethrone Yugi and Kaiba. While the Nintendo DS inevitably took over the series, the original high definitely came from the classic handheld.

#8: “Digimon Rumble Arena” (2001)

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The Digital Monsters may not have had the empire that their Pocket Monster counterparts inhabited, but they did give us an exceptionally fun fighting game! Taking Digimon from over three seasons of the show, players could deliver real-time damage in an endless brawl with their favourite character. The ability to Digivolve mid-fight also made for an interesting mechanic. Nothing more hilarious than seeing the Digital World’s version of the Grim Reaper tear apart an opponent’s bunny. The graphics may not had aged well, but the nostalgia factor alone makes this a worthy contender. Oh, and the less said about those mini-games the better.

#7: “One Piece: Unlimited World Red” (2013)

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You can’t talk about anime inspired video games without mentioning One Piece. Monkey D. Luffy and his crew don’t just have an extensive amount of episodes, movies and manga chapters, they have over thirty games under their belt! In this multi-platform title, the Straw Hats must battle an enemy with the ability to create copies of all their foes and allies. While it may be an excuse to bring together One Piece’s extensive character roster, the graphics and non-stop brawling makes a for an exciting time all the same, not to mention setting the stage for fights never seen in the anime before.

#6: “Mobile Suit Gundam: Zeonic Front” (2002)

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There is no shortage of narratives in The Mobile Suit Gundam franchise, but most fans can agree that one of the greatest was the One Year War, between the space-faring Principality of Zeon and planet-based Earth Federation. The forces of Zeon were the antagonists throughout the series run, which is what gave this game such a unique premise. Playing solely as a unit of Zeon Commandos, players got to witness, like in most wars, that there are good people and noble intentions on either side. With a mixture of stealth and strategy as well as giant robots, this game is worthy of the Gundam name.

#5: “Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 4” (2016)

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Naruto’s final outing definitely didn’t hold back. As the final entry in the Ultimate Ninja Storm franchise, the game covers the conclusion to the Great Ninja War as well as Naruto’s tale. As a result the narrative goes balls to the wall crazy. Amazing graphics, devastating ninjutsu, over a hundred fully playable characters, and quite a few giant demons thrown in the mix for the hell of it. Fans of the series have the finale they’ve been waiting for, while casual fighting game fans will be surprised at just how accessible and fluid the mechanics of this gorgeous-looking shinobi showdown are.

One of the original poster boys for animated heroes finally got his due with the release of this acclaimed title for the Game Boy Advance. Pushing the visuals and gameplay elements beyond the boundaries of most, Omega Factor is a spectacle to watch just as much as it is to play. Taking inspiration from Atom’s adventures from the series reboot, no area was off limits as the skies and enemy bases were there to push through. An abundance of enemies gave the game a sense of challenge, but due to the care the creators put in bringing the character to life, it never felt tedious at all.

#3: “JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure” (1998)

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Much like its recent spectacular return to form in the anime world, JoJo and the gang were given a sharp makeover in the 2013 release; Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure: All-Star Battle. While that’s certainly a solid title, our vote had to go to the classic fighting game given to us by Capcom at the turn of the century. Following the storyline of Stardust Crusaders, players finally got to play as the Joestar Family as well as the wicked Dio Brando and beat the ever loving crap out of each other. With all the Stands, Ora Ora Oras and bizarreness you could ever want, there’s no excuse for a fan of the series to not have played this!

#2: “Dragon Ball Z: Budokai 3” (2003)

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The Budokai series is often considered the go-to when it comes to Dragon Ball fighting games. Out of all the various entries, our pick had to go the final instalment of the franchise. While the previous games had covered the Saiyan, Freiza, Cell, and Buu sagas Budokai 3 gave us an extended look at the the rest of the franchise – including GT. Sharper graphics ensured that every character’s Ultimate Attack looked just as devastating as it sounded. It also gave us the ability to perform the legendary fusion dance! Before we reveal our number one pick, here are a few honourable mentions. “Arslan: The Warriors of Legend” (2015) “Puella Magi Madoka Magica Portable” (2012) “Fist of the North Star” (2005) “Ghost in the Shell” (1997) “Little Nemo: The Dream Master” (1990)

#1: “Jump Ultimate Stars” (2006)

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There’s no denying it, when our favourite anime and manga characters cross over in any kind of way, it’s going to be hype. Nowhere was this better exemplified than in the 2D side-scroller beat-em-up for the Nintendo DS, though the recent J-Stars Victory Vs. was a close contender. The game has over three hundred characters make an appearance as either a combatant or support character, all from manga published in Shonen Jump magazine. With characters from hit series like Bleach, One Piece, Gintama, Death Note, Dragon Ball, Hunter x Hunter, Naruto, Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure and a whole plethora of others, this is a dream game for fans of any of Jump’s greatest hits. Do you agree with our list? What’s your favourite video game based on anime or manga? With new top tens published everyday, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com!