List of gacha games that were adapted to anime

Seven Knights and King’s Raid’s adaptations will hit all the right spots for a classic fantasy adventure.
Japanese giants Rage of Bahamut and Monster Strike flex their animation muscles with multiple gorgeous adaptations.
Likewise, Chinese giants Onmyoji and Arknights don’t disappoint with their adaptations, proudly produced by their in-house studio.
Touken Ranbu and Azur Lane feature a cast of anthropomorphised Japanese blades and battleships in their adaptations.

As a connoisseur of Japanese folklore and a seasoned warrior myself, I must say that these animated tales transport me back to the days of feudal Japan with their intriguing blend of history and fantasy. The contrast between Hanamaru’s slice-of-life charm and Katsugeki’s intense warfare is as captivating as the clash of armored swords in a duel.

Back in December 2010, TRON: Legacy left me spellbound with its stunning cyberpunk atmosphere and Daft Punk’s music. It was then that I realized TRON is a movie based on an almost forgotten arcade game. This realization led me to the fascinating world of video game cinema, where iconic titles like Sonic and Tomb Raider take center stage on large screens. Looking back, we can credit the 1993 Super Mario Bros for starting this trend.

Regardless of whether the original content came from a top-tier game like a triple-A title or a classic game on Atari, adapting that material to another form has a surprisingly tough standard to meet. This is evident in the numerous missteps during the early days. However, in more recent times, we’ve witnessed a shift for the better with outstanding productions such as The Last of Us and Resident Evil. Simultaneously, some older titles have experienced a resurgence and have developed a dedicated fanbase.

Without a doubt, it’s captivating to see how something originally intended as a marketing strategy for a game can evolve into an elaborate piece of art. This fusion also occurs with mobile games, often manifesting as anime-style adaptations. Our mission on this gaming website is to explore this world, uncovering adaptations that may be lesser-known or hidden by the passage of time.

1 King’s Raid

Publisher:
Vespa Inc
Available on: iOS + Android
Genre: RPG
Find out more about King’s Raid

Looking back, the series of hasty updates seemingly brought King’s Raid to its knees, but thankfully, there’s Successors of the Will to remind us of its golden days. The narrative continues with the same captivating ensemble, revisiting vital storylines. I join a motley crew led by apprentice knight Kasel, healing expert Frey, and the unconventional duo Cleo and Roi. Together, we embark on a journey to quell the chaos threatening tranquility in Orvelia.

Enhancing the suspense in the tale is the subplot involving the malicious duo, Riheet and Ripine, from the dark elves. This subplot occasionally clashes with the primary team’s objectives, adding complexity to the storyline. Additionally, there seems to be a heavy reliance on flashbacks as a means of advancing the plot, and some characters may lack depth.

If the financial situation of the game remains robust, it would be intriguing to see the anime explore a tragic storyline in which characters Kasel and Frey succumb to darkness.

2 Azur Lane

Developer: Yostar
Available on: iOS + Android
Genre: Strategy
Find out more about Azur Lane

Azur Lane is often seen as the polar opposite of Kancolle due to its lively and relaxed atmosphere. While it shares some similarities, Azur Lane has struggled with maintaining a consistent plotline, which becomes particularly noticeable in its animated series.

As a gamer, I found myself immersed in the chaotic yet intriguing narrative of Azur Lane and Red Axis, where the Sirens occasionally joined the fray. The pacing was erratic at times, leading to an ending that left me scratching my head, but there were some bright spots. For one, they swapped out the self-insert character for Enterprise as the main protagonist, a decision I appreciated. Plus, it steered clear of any imperialist rhetoric found in Kancolle, offering instead some fascinating insights into naval warfare.

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If your philosophy is “make love, not war,” there’s a related concept called “Slow Ahead” that revolves around a group of four individuals stepping in to fill the gap left behind.

3 Onmyoji

Publisher: NetEase
Available on: iOS + Android
Genre: RPG
Find out more about Onmyoji

Among a small number of video game titles, Netease’s Onmyoji is unique in having both a live-action adaptation and some animated spin-offs. The film “Yinyang Master” sets itself apart by blending the distinctive Heian-era atmosphere of the franchise with the oriental fantasy theme common in wuxia films. The story revolves around an uneasy partnership between the disgraced Boya and Qing Ming (another name for Seimei) as they work together to prevent Cimu’s invasion of the capital, aided by Qing Ming’s friendly yokai companions.

Despite well-known characters such as Ootengu and Tamamonomae not being included, it’s enjoyable to witness lesser-known figures like Kamaitachi, Red Imp, Umibozu, and Yama Usagi having their moments on screen. The range of animated adaptations leans towards a more playful and relaxing tone, with Heian Monogatari offering an immersive look into the daily routines of shikigamis, inviting you to pause and appreciate their tranquil lives.

A spoof series runs concurrently, highlighting the player’s woes on certain game elements, such as the unintuitive grind and unbalanced PvP.

4 Monster Strike

Publisher: Mixi
Available on: iOS + Android
Genre: Card battler, Casual, Puzzle
Find out more about Monster Strike

Do you recall the time when Tamagotchi, often referred to as digital pets, were extremely popular? Although they eventually faded in popularity, Monster Strike maintains that spirit and uses it as a base for its anime adaptation.

In synopsis, they both aim for the same objective: clearing energy sources causing the monsters’ emergence and exposing Madarame’s malicious intentions. Regrettably, we don’t get the billiard-inspired combat scenes from the game, but Oragon’s infectious enthusiasm guarantees that boredom is never an option.

5 Arknights

Available on: iOS + Android
Genre: RPG, Strategy
Find out more about Arknights

Instead of just telling stories through a visual novel format, it doesn’t fully capture the intricate world-building that games like Arknights provide. Just as a movie can convey a thousand words, fortunately, there are three seasons of anime adaptations available, serving as an excellent introduction for newcomers to the franchise.

In essence, “Prelude to Dawn” covers the opening, up to chapter three; “Perish of Frost” encompasses chapters four through six; and the forthcoming “Rise of Ember” wraps up the initial storyline.

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In the imagined realm of Terra, where the dangerous disease Oripathy looms, the narrative unfolds around Dr., a mysterious executive at Rhodes Island, who tirelessly seeks a cure. This character frequently clashes with Reunion. The exceptional production quality transforms Terra, and the strategic three-season structure allows for a well-told story without compromising pace, making it an emotionally invested project.

6 Touken Ranbu ONLINE

Available on: iOS + Android
Genre: Card battler, Collection, Simulation, Strategy
Find out more about Touken Ranbu ONLINE

In a fun twist, Touken Ranbu stands as a contrast to Azur Lane by giving life to historical swords in Japan, portraying them as a male cast dressed in armor reminiscent of feudal eras. The two series differ significantly in their overall mood and atmosphere.

Hanamaru showcases the ordinary lives of magical swords, or tsukumogami, from the perspectives of Yamatonokami and Kiyomitsu in a casual, everyday style. Contrastingly, Katsugeki adopts a more intense tone as it portrays an epic battle between the tsukumogami and the “Time Retrograde Army,” seen through Izuminokami and Horikawa’s viewpoints.

The camaraderie among characters, captivating sword fights, and the rhythmic sound of swords colliding make for an entertaining journey. To enhance the experience even further, the show could delve more into the reasons driving the characters, particularly the motivations of the villain seeking to change the past.

7 Rage of Bahamut

Developer: Cygames
Publisher: Mobage
Available on: iOS + Android
Genre: Adventure
Find out more about Rage of Bahamut

In the realm of Mistarcia, where gods, demons, and humans coexist, “Rage of Bahamut: Genesis” and “Virgin Soul” perfectly embody the essence of a captivating fantasy anime.

In Genesis, the narrative begins with Favourre, an arrogant bounty hunter who found himself inexplicably tied to Amira, a demon, and compelled to journey to Helheim. A full decade has passed since then, and in Virgin Soul, we follow Nina as she navigates a chaotic world where humanity flourishes at the expense of the oppression of demons.

In these two seasons, the main objective is to ensure Bahamut, a powerful apocalyptic mechanism, remains asleep. The series may occasionally present complex ethical quandaries due to the conflicting objectives of its characters for the sake of the world, but hang in there, and you’ll be rewarded with exceptional storytelling from MAPPA’s most skilled creators.

8 Seven Knights

Available on: iOS + Android + Switch
Genre: Action, Multiplayer, RPG
Find out more about Seven Knights

Instead of where King’s Raid faltered, Seven Knights thrived. Not only does it boast a follow-up game and a planned remake of its original version, but it has also earned an adaptation titled Hero Successor.

In this tale, President Faria and Nemo take center stage, battling against the ancient malevolence of Physis to restore tranquility on Gaia. The struggle between good and evil serves as the underlying theme. While famous champions like Eunomia don’t actively participate in the narrative, their powers can be passed down through “Succession” by other characters. Interestingly, Nestra returns to portray the mastermind behind Physis once more, adding an intriguing twist to the plot.

2024-09-17 06:18