Adaptation anime of video games is a unique challenge. Not all of them manage to convey the depth of the world and the complexity of the narrative of the game version. But these 10 titles prove that, when done right, an adaptation can be a standalone work - appealing to both gamers and the anime audience at large.
10. The World Ends with You: The Animation (2021)
| Episode | 12 episodes |
| Studio | DOMERICA × Shin-Ei Animation |
Neku Sakuraba wakes up in a crowded Shibuya, but no one can see him. He is trapped in the "Reaper's Game", a dangerous game in a parallel dimension, where he must complete a seven-day mission or be erased from existence. Along the way, he encounters allies, enemies, and secrets from his own past.
The World Ends with You: The Animation (Subarashiki Kono Sekai The Animation) is adapted from Square Enix's action RPG game for Nintendo DS. With Tetsuya Nomura's signature character designs and the authentic Shibuya street culture atmosphere, the anime maintains the strong visual identity of the game. The story is quite dense and can still be followed even if you haven't played the original version.
9. Blue Reflection Ray (2021)
| Episode | 24 episodes (2 cour) |
| Studio | J.C.STAFF |
Selected girls with a power called Reflector struggle to keep human emotions from being consumed by darkness. They must face external conflicts as well as their own inner wounds, making emotional battles the centerpiece of the story. With a calm pace and dramatic feel, this anime focuses more on character growth than action.
Blue Reflection Ray (Blue Reflection Ray) is an adaptation of a JRPG game produced by Gust and Koei Tecmo. The anime version develops the original characters in the same world, presenting a psychological drama with a pastel visual style that depicts the emotional vulnerability of the characters. A great watch for those who enjoy the magical girl genre with a more mature approach.
8. Ace Attorney (2016)
| Episode | 24 episodes (Season 1) + 23 episodes (Season 2) + 1 special |
| Studio | A-1 Pictures |
Phoenix Wright, an idealistic young lawyer, takes on criminal cases that are full of surprises and oddities. Through investigations in the field and arguments in the courtroom, he must uncover hidden truths and defend his clients against charges that seem impossible to break.
Ace Attorney (Gyakuten Saiban) adapts the first two installments of Capcom's visual novel games. The anime brings back the courtroom drama with fast pacing and a distinctive comical atmosphere. Although the animation quality is not always stable, fans of the games will still find many iconic elements, while new viewers can enjoy a story full of twists and odd logic typical of legal anime.
7. Alice Gear Aegis Expansion (2023)
| Episode | 12 episodes |
| Studio | Nomad |
The Actresses-a group of high-tech girls-are tasked with fighting the threat of a mysterious creature called Weiss. Behind the action is a lighthearted and entertaining look at their personal lives, from casual chats at the headquarters to minor friendship conflicts. The mix of futuristic action and slice-of-life elements makes this anime feel unique.
Alice Gear Aegis Expansion (Alice Gear Aegis Expansion) is adapted from the mobile and console game by Pyramid and COLOPL. Instead of focusing solely on combat, the anime highlights character dynamics and interactions that are full of warmth. The visual style is stylish, with a touch of mecha that remains light and easy to enjoy.
6. Scarlet Nexus (2021)
| Episode | 26 episodes (2 cour) |
| Studio | Sunrise |
In a chaotic future, humanity is hunted by creatures called Others that can only be defeated by OSF troops-armies with psionic powers. Yuito and Kasane, two new members of the OSF, discover that the world they protect holds many lies. Their stories run on different paths, but are closely intertwined.
Scarlet Nexus (Scarlet Nexus) is an adaptation of Bandai Namco's famous action RPG game with a brain-based combat system. It was produced by Sunrise and takes a dual-narrative approach to reflect the branching gameplay. The worldbuilding is extensive, the conflicts are conspiratorial, and the characters are well-written enough to take the viewer through overlapping realities.
5. The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel - Northern War (2023)
| Episode | 12 episodes |
| Studio | Tatsunoko Production |
Lavian Winslet, a soldier from the North Ambria region, is sent on a secret mission to the Erebonia Empire-the sworn enemy of his homeland. There, he begins to question everything: his loyalties, identity, and the political realities he has believed in. The story is built with the military tension and dark atmosphere typical of the universe of Trails.
The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel - Northern War (The Legend of Heroes: Sen no Kiseki - Northern War) takes place between the third and fourth games in the series. Trails of Cold Steel. Despite featuring new characters, the anime retains the essence of the narrative and lore in Nihon Falcom's massive universe. It can be enjoyed by new viewers, but still provides an additional layer of story for fans of the game.
4. Legend of Mana: The Teardrop Crystal (2022)
| Episode | 12 episodes |
| Studio | Yokohama Animation Lab × Graphinica |
Shiloh is just an ordinary young man until one day he becomes involved in the tragic fate of the Jumi-ras who are hunted for the gem of life in their bodies. In his adventure, Shiloh learns about empathy, forgotten history, and the sacrifices that shape the world. This anime presents a serene yet emotional magical world.
Legend of Mana: The Teardrop Crystal (Seiken Densetsu: Legend of Mana - The Teardrop Crystal) is an adaptation of the classic Square Enix game that was re-released in celebration of the series' 30th anniversary. Where. The visual style of this anime resembles a vivid watercolor painting, and is suitable for viewers looking for a gentle fantasy story with a deep moral message.
3. Danganronpa: The Animation (2013)
| Episode | 13 episodes |
| Studio | Lerche |
A group of talented students are locked up in an elite school and forced to participate in a "killing game" by a sadistic puppet headmaster named Monokuma. To get out, they must kill each other without getting caught. If the killer is caught, he is executed. But if not, the others will die.
Danganronpa: The Animation (Danganronpa: Kibou no Gakuen to Zetsubou no Koukousei The Animation) is an adaptation of Spike Chunsoft's visual novel game that has a huge fan following. The anime retains the investigative structure, class trials, and dramatic execution of the game. Suitable for those of you who like mystery, psychology, and surprises in every episode.
2. Persona 4: The Animation (2011)
| Episode | 25 episodes + 1 special episode (True Ending) |
| Studio | AIC ASTA |
Yu Narukami has just moved to the small town of Inaba, but finds himself involved in a series of bizarre murders connected to the mysterious world behind the television screen. Together with his friends, he explores this world while confronting their innermost selves.
Persona 4: The Animation (Persona 4: The Animation) is an adaptation of Atlus' iconic JRPG game. It successfully encapsulates the complexity of the game's characters and social systems into a dense and emotional anime narrative. The blend of school life, supernatural elements, and character growth makes it one of the best game adaptations in the anime medium.
1. NieR: Automata Ver1.1a (2023)
| Episode | 12 episodes |
| Studio | A-1 Pictures |
Combat androids 2B and 9S are sent to Earth to fight an army of machines after humanity has fled to the Moon. But as the mission progresses, they realize the world is not as simple as black and white. Behind the conflict between androids and machines lie questions of existence, emotion and free will.
NieR: Automata Ver1.1a (NieR: Automata Ver1.1a) is an adaptation of the phenomenal action RPG game by Yoko Taro. The anime is not simply a copy of the game's narrative, but a reinterpretation with additional subplots and new perspectives. The visuals are stunning, the atmosphere dark and full of symbolism. An example of a game adaptation that truly succeeds in becoming a full-fledged work in the anime world.
These ten titles prove that the game world can come to life and transform into an equally impressive animated format. Whether you're a veteran gamer or simply a connoisseur of strong storytelling, this list has plenty of options for you to explore.
