Shonen anime are the perfect blueprint for video game material, particularly within the fighting game genre. The colorful characters with inhuman levels of power make way for some spectacular clashes, something which pairs perfectly with the very essence of one-on-onefighting game mechanics. However, these animes can also be used in other genres as well, something which was proven withDragon Ball Z: Kakarot, an action RPG based on Akira Toriyama’s classic manga series.
Chronicling the many events and battles between the Saiyan and Buu Sagas,Dragon Ball Z: Kakarotdid a good job at translating the adventures of Goku into this different gameplay style. Because of the lengthy storyline, multitude of characters and varied locations, it makes sense why this franchise could work so well in an action RPG format. On that note, many other anime series are just as rich with character and story material asDragon Ball Zis, and could just as easily work as a similar kind of game.
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One Piece
Neck and neck withDragon Ball Zto be themost successful animeof all time,One Pieceis one of the longest shonen ever created, with an adventure that began in 1997 and is still ongoing. The very premise of bands of pirates sailing the endless sea in search of the One Piece, the greatest treasure of them all, could be a solid basis for an open world RPG.Assassin’s Creed: Odysseycould be used as inspiration, as that game has wide open ship sections as well as dense locations to plunder, and multiple settlements to explore. Just swap Alexios/Kassandra for Luffy and the gang and the rest will fall into place.
Full Metal Alchemist
UnlikeOne Pieceabove,Full Metal Alchemistreached a conclusion in 2010. That being said, this is a positive thing, as it would give a studio the entire storyline to work with. There were attempts to makeaction RPG’s based on this anime during the PS2 era, which were competent efforts for the time. However, with better gaming technology nowadays, gameplay mechanics and visuals can more accurately capture the enthralling world ofFull Metal Alchemist.
InuYasha
Speaking of enthralling worlds, Rumiko Takahashi crafted a compelling narrative with her romantic epic seriesInuyasha. Inuyasha is the star of the show, but Sango and Miroku could also be playable characters as players manage the entire team. Each hero has a unique set of skills that could make way for different scenarios and play styles, something which fits perfectly into the RPG formula. Furthermore,Inuyashanot only takes place in the Sengoku Period, but also in modern day Japan. These dual environments could play off eachother and result in interesting opportunity for anew approach to in-game exploration.
Naruto
TheNarutofranchise also took a stab at action RPG games during the PS2 era with theNaruto: Uzumaki Chroniclesseries. Once again, these were decent efforts for the time, but now, something much more polished can be delivered to fans of the franchise. Naruto, Sakura, Sasuke and the rest of the gang have powers just as flashy and destructive as thecast ofDragon Ball Z, so it could easily fit into the same format thatDragon Ball Z: Kakarotdelivered. Additionally, theNarutoseries is so packed with storylines and characters, that there is plenty of material for DLC content.
Bleach
Lastly,Bleachfollows the journey of Ichigo Kurosaki after obtaining the abilities of a Soul Reaper. These newfound powers leave him no choice but to take on the responsibility of defending humanity from a laundry list of paranormal threats. Based on that premise alone,Bleachis the perfect basis for a thrilling action RPG, especially considering the huge roster of characters and stylish supernatural aesthetic. As the game progresses, new weapons and powers can be unlocked. Perhaps it could even draw inspiration fromtheDark Soulsseries, allowing players to ‘invade’ other game sessions, tapping into the ghostly nature of the storyline.
Dragon Ball Z: Kakarotis available now for PC, PS4, Stadia, Switch and Xbox One.
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