Japanese Animation or ‘Anime’ for short is still new to a lot of people in India, despite television channels like Animax, availability of translated ‘manga’ or Japanese comics in bookstores, and website advertisements of several anime series. Anime is often criticized by the public as being cartoons with content inappropriate for kids and this opinion is often entirely without evidence, even before they experience the depth, uniqueness and complexity that goes into each show.
Those who are familiar with and appreciate anime, would already know by now its impressive production value, addictive power and ability to transcend age barriers. In the past few years, anime has travelled beyond Japan and is spreading across the world in the form of dubs (with English or other language voice actors) or with subs (original Japanese voice talent and subtitles). Japanese and Western game developers have noticed this rapid growth in the Japanese anime culture which has lead companies like Capcom, Bandai, and Konami to expand their development studios to other regions across the globe.
Popular Anime titles are being made into video games by regionalizing the game and cashing in on its popularity. Recently there have been some popular Japanese games like Devil May Cry , Valkyria Chronicles , Tears to Tiara, etc. that have been adapted from being hit video games into full length anime series. The process of making an anime into a game that looks, feels and gives the impression of immersing the player into the show is a challenge for every game developer.
Below is a list of 8 games based on popular anime series scheduled to be released this year that should definitely be worth a play, especially if you are a fan of the series. So without any hesitation, from the words of a true otaku, “Hajimemashou!”
1. Naruto Shippuden: Clash of Ninja Revolution 3.
Developed / Published by: Bandi / Namco.
Platform: Nintendo Wii.
Expected Release date: Q4 09.
The Naruto series has been around for many years and has built a name for itself, currently one of the most watched anime series in India. This ‘Clash of Ninjas’ series has been popular ever since its first game debut back in 2006 on the GameCube. The new third part corresponds to the Naruto Shippuden saga in the anime and features developed story, characters and locations. The game follows the storyline of the first arc in the shippuden saga which focuses on naruto and his team on their mission to rescue Gaara from the Akatsuki at the sand village. The game is a fast paced action, fighter similar to its previous parts with refined game mechanics specifically made for the Wii. The game will feature new and improved content including Wi-Fi Multiplayer support, more than 35 playable characters, 40 environments to choose from including hidden and bonus locations. As the game follows the Shippuden saga, players get to experience the more grownup and stronger characters as they have evolved in the past 3 years of their training. Players will also be able to utilize the new fighting techniques and character specific jitsu’s (or ninja techniques) from the Shippuden saga.
For a game on the Wii, the visuals are rich and stunning, defiantly worth checking out for any fans of the series. The game is due to release later this year.
2. Fullmetal Alchemist: Prince of the Dawn.
Developed / Published by: Square Enix.
Platform: Nintendo Wii.
Expected Release date: Sep 18, 2009 (In Japan).
Fullmetal Alchemist started off as a popular manga series that later turned into a hit anime show back in 2004 which was followed by a feature length movie, several games, merchandise, etc. The FMA franchise has been popular in India for many years as it has been dubbed in English and telecasted on local channels. Fullmetal Alchemist follows the story of two brothers Edward and Alphonse Elric on a quest to find a magical and powerful gem called the philosopher stone. The stone’s power is required to restore their bodies after a disastrous failed attempt on resurrecting their mother back to life through the use of alchemy.
As the show is a worldwide success the franchise has been reborn with a new story that follows the manga’s version than the previous series which is currently being aired worldwide including in India without being localized. With the release of the new Fullmetal Alchemist series, Fullmetal Alchemist “Prince of Dawn” will be the first FMA game to be featured on the Nintendo Wii.
The game will feature an original story that connects directly with the original manga allowing the player to take control of main characters Edward and Alphonse as they explore Central City and interact with various characters from the show, in an attempt to unravel a mystery of a certain undisclosed incident. The gameplay is a standard Japanese style adventure / RPG that focuses on interactions with people, tons of mini games, exploring scenes, interactive videos and QuickTime events. Fullmetal Alchemist: Prince of the Dawn emphasizes more on character development, story and finding out the truth behind the game’s mystery as you investigate and explore to find clues and facts at various regions around the map of Central City.
The game’s visuals are stunning with some of the best looking cell shaded graphics on the platform that almost resembles last year’s Valkyria Chronicles on the PlayStation 3. The game is set to release on September 18 in Japan, with no info on other countries yet.
3. Bleach – The 3rd Phantom.
Developed by: Sega.
Platform: Nintendo DS.
Expected Release date: September 15, 2009.
Bleach is one of the most watched anime series in India apart from shows like Naruto, One Piece, FMA etc. The show follows the story of Kurosaki Ichigo, an orange haired 15 year old school kid turned substitute death god as he battles various hollows, spirits and also tasked on releasing lost souls. The Bleach franchise is huge when it comes to merchandise, figurines, video games etc., with several past hits the Bleach games have appeared in almost all the platforms.
The 3rd Phantom is the first tactical strategy / RPG Bleach game unlike its previous title releases on the Nintendo DS. The game will feature a new original storyline that focuses on events that transpire before the animated series begins. As the game’s story progresses players will encounter some familiar faces like Kurosaki Ichigo and Kuchiki Rukia, alongside newly developed characters specifically for the title. Players will also get to learn the origins of some of the existing characters in the story as this arc begins 100 years before the show’s starting chapter.
With over fifty playable characters to choose from, the gameplay will consists of players organizing squads of characters and fight in a grid-based battle system against legions of dark enemies all in an isometric view similar to games like Jagged Alliance, X-com and Final Fantasy Tactics. During battle sequences, the screen switches from an isometric view to a side scroll view like other Fighting games showing off the combat between characters in an anime style fighting sequence. As players win battles, they gain experience points that will increase the characters stats and unlock new skills and abilities. Each character has tons of unique abilities that they can unlock including bankai’s and other attack styles. The multiplayer feature will allow up to two players to battle head-to-head via Wireless Mode.
With a new style of gameplay of an existing franchise along with some great looking visuals for the DS and also feature original voice work from the Bleach anime cast, the game is worth playing for any Bleach fan or anyone with interests in tactical strategy games.
4. Gundam senki.
Developed by: Bandi / Namco.
Platform: PlayStation 3.
Expected Release date: Sep 03, 2009 (Japan).
The Gundam franchise is one of the most popular “Mecha” anime series till date. It has been around for more than 30 years ever since its successful debut back in 1979 (Mobile Suit Gundam). With its continuing success the series has expanded to toys, games, merchandise and even a live action movie and has become a symbolic icon in the Japanese culture. In the past few years they have been quite a few Gundam related games such as the Dynasty Warrior Gundam series and the Gundam Crossfire, that have shined with the fan followers. The new Gundam senki is bigger and more glamorous than its previous game releases.
The game will feature a new original story and scenario mode, high definition animation with 2D character animation combined with hybrid 3D models, in-game animation by sunrise (the original creators of Gundam) and 1 to 8 player cooperative and competitive network options. The game revolves around a character named Hugues Couraud, a 32 year old officer in command of the Earth Federation’s (Phantom Sweep Team special operations unit) whose mission is to hunt down the remnants of the losing Zeon forces after the end of the One Year War of the first Gundam series.
The game is set to be released on September 3, 2009 in Japanese and later into English markets and will be a definite treat to any fans of the series or even just a Mecha series fan as the story is standalone with some references from past Gundam history.
5. Naruto Shippuden: Ninja Destiny 2.
Developed by: Tomy Corporation.
Platform: Nintendo DS.
Expected Release date: September Sep 15, 2009.
The orange jumpsuit wearing ambitious ninja, aiming to be a hokage is back in another game releasing on the DS. Ninja Destiny 2 is primarily a full 3D fighting game with a slight mix of RPG elements. Players get to choose from around 25 playable characters, each with their own chakra fueled special attacks and combos. Ninja Destiny 2 looks and feels like a handheld version of the clash of ninja series.
Ninja Destiny’s story mode will feature a new plot that continues after Naruto’s crushing defeat by his ex-teammate Sasuke. Naruto decides to pull his act together and starts training with the Leaf Village ninja to take his fighting skills to new heights. After completing the Story mode players will be able to unlock the quest mode in which they get to fight in a simple adventure / RPG setting which allows them to explore various locations, wander around dungeons, level up characters, collect various equipment for upgrades and battle in random encounters and bosses.
The combat looks smooth and fast, as the engine used in the previous Naruto DS game has been upgraded and tweaked to display more visual effects, sleek character movements, more powerful super attacks and a higher frame rate making it one of the most visually impressive-looking games featured on the DS. Apart from the single player mode players can use the Nintendo DS’s local wireless capabilities to connect and play with a friend. Naruto Shippuden: Ninja Destiny 2 is set to release on September 26 of this year.
6. Fullmetal Alchemist: – Trust the Person Behind You.
Developed by: Bandi / Namco.
Platform: Sony PSP.
Expected Release date: 15 Oct 2009 (Japan).
Yet another FMA game releasing this year on the PSP, Fullmetal Alchemist: Senaka wo Takuseshi Mono (roughly translated in English as Fullmetal Alchemist: Trust the Person Behind You) is not your average fighting / RPG game, but focused more on two vs. two bond battles. Players will have to fight in teams of two, in order to defeat the opposing team as shown on the trailer where Edward and Alphonse or Mustang and Hawkeye are fighting as pairs to defeat an opposing pair. As players fight in team they gain points during battles that increases the “Bond Gauge”, which once is filled up the player will be able to perform powerful combination attacks similar to what was used in the latest Street Fighter IV and other fighters. There isn’t a lot of information released on the game yet but from its brief trailer the game looks very promising featuring some stunning visuals on the PSP. Fullmetal Alchemist: Senaka wo Takuseshi Mono will be released on the 15th of October, with no date for the English version known.
7. Macross: Ultimate Frontier.
Developed / Published by: Bandai / Namco.
Platform: Sony PSP.
Expected Release date: October 1, 2009.
The Macross series has been around since 1982 and continuously evolving since its debut. The Super Dimension Fortress Macross series was the first debut show which later was adapted into the popular Robotech series that was released in the West. The franchise title currently features two manga series, three TV series, three movies and six OVAs over the past 27 years.
Macross Ultimate Frontier is the sequel of last year’s hit PSP title Macross Ace Frontier. The game is quite similar to the original with a few enhancements and tweaks that have been added to improve what was already good. The new elements will include new characters, a new feature called “Mission Alert”, a new operator called venon, new missions and stages recreating scenes from seven Macross series like Macross Zero, Macross Frontiers, and Macross Dynamite 7.
There have been some added improvements such as a better warning system for incoming missiles and a new wingman system that allows you to fly alongside some of the more notable characters from the various Macross stories and also a few support characters like Ranka lee and as Lynn Minmay. Those who have played the previous part already know of its awesomeness, so the second part shouldn’t be much of a surprise. The game is set to release around Fall 2009 in Japan and Q1 2010 in the West.
8. Dragon Ball Revenge of King Piccolo.
Developed by: Bandi / Namco.
Platform: Nintendo Wii.
Expected Release date: October 20, 2009.
The Dragon Ball franchise has made a name for itself in the western market, with several anime series, mangas and a live action adaptation. Dragon Ball still remains one of the most popular Japanese anime series amounts the younger generation.
Dragon Ball Revenge of King Piccolo follows the story of a kid Goku on his quest of self discovery and focuses on his first fantastic adventures together with his friends. The game’s storyline is adapted from the original epic Dragon Ball saga with its unique comical charm and big action adventure qualities. The story takes place during the encounters with Red Ribbon army, players will assist Kid Goku on his journeys through the path of personal evolution battling Monsters, bandits and martial arts masters. Kid Goku will encounter characters from the series from friends to foe’s including Red Ribbon Army, Emperor Pilaf, and the vicious King Piccolo.
The game’s control system has been simplified with the use of the Wii Remote and Nunchuk to control Goku’s combos, initiate classic moves, and execute his signature Kamehameha ultimate attack with ease. Dragon Ball: Revenge of King Piccolo also incorporates a few RPG elements which enable Goku to collect money in order to purchase items and power-up throughout the game. Also featured in the game is a versus mode allowing players to battle out with each other.
Dragon Ball: Revenge of Piccolo for the Wii will be available this fall.
By Sanjay “Rava” Ramjhi