Cyberpunk: Edgerunnersticks all the boxes for many anime fans, but the series also manages to do the original game well-deserved justice, keeping both fandoms significantly satisfied in the process. WhileEdgerunnersis far from being the firstRPG anime adaptation, not all attempts have successfully represented both industries and survived the obvious money-making publicity stunts.
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The following examples do not necessarily all match the same visual style or contemporary settings asCyberpunk, however, their domination in the industry of RPG-inspired anime adaptations makes them a worthwhile watch. The studios involved ensured to maintain the integrity of the original source material while simultaneously creating a compelling and entertaining narrative, and proving that anime does not always need roots in Manga to be successful.
6The FATE Franchise
Arguably one of the most prosperous RPG adaptations comes in the form of theFATEfranchise, which has released seven successful seasons since 2014. While the gameplay follows more of a visual novel structure, it is still considered an RPG and holds firm to its position on this list!
Each of theFateseasons is centered around the Holy Grail War, with a total offourteen Noble Masters each fightingfor their claim on the elusive wish-granting prize. They summon and control reincarnated heroes, known as Servants, who are used as pawns as they battle the opposing team. Each installment can be viewed as a stand-alone storyline with a unique set of heroes and villains.
5Dota: Dragon’s Blood
WhileDota: Dragon’s Bloodhas not been as successfulat fan service as some of the other options mentioned when viewed objectively as an animatedadaptation, not many viewers can deny the stellar entertainment factor of this series. With a slightGame of Thronesvibe, Studio Mir managed to create a dramatic narrative that maintained its connection toDOTALore, while adding several new unique characters for the sake of the series.
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As the name suggests, this hommage toDOTA 2takes a more “knights and dragons” approach to storytelling, with Davion and Mirana as the lead Heroes who attempt to stop Invoker and Terrorblade from spreading their destruction. Seeing that there are three seasons to tuck into, there’s no time like the present!
4Tekken: Bloodlines
Tekkencombines ninjas with cyborgs in the most epic way, and, while the gameplay fits more in linewith arcade fighting simulators,the franchise is involved in “The King of Fighters: All-Star” mobile RPG, so it gets a free pass!
This particularTekken-inspiredstory revolves around the legendary Jin Kazama, who is on an all-out war to avenge his mother’s untimely death and subsequently teams up with his abrasive and notorious grandfather, Heihachi Mishima, for some much-needed training. A grand Iron Fist Tournament is set up to lure in the best fighters around (and Jin’s intended target); now if only everything could just go according to plan!
3Castlevania
Another epic RPG based in an alternate era isCastlevania, which currently has a fifth installment on the horizon. Netflix andPowerhouse Animation Studioshad so much faith in their expected success that the renewal was confirmed before Season 4 was even released, and, consideringCastlevania’simpressive track record, they are unlikely to disappoint!
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Within a medieval world, a monster hunter, a scholarly mage, and avampire-hybrid form an unlikely fellowshipas they attempt to protect the innocent from Lord Dracula and his demonic army (so, just another day’s work then.) But can they stop butting heads long enough to save the world, nowthat’sthe big question!
2Persona
Personaemphasizes robotics and technology much likeCyberpunk: Edgerunnersdoes and is even placed in a modernized setting while simultaneously exploring the popular school theme that was present at the beginning of David’s story.Persona’sprotagonist, Yu Narukami, also feels responsible for saving the world, after discovering a hidden TV World and awakening his dormant abilities.
The bold new-age RPG battle system is efficiently translated into the narrative, wherebythe Persona User’s psycheis transformed into a combat-ready physical manifestation. Each season honors a different classification of mythologies, ranging from the classic Greek and Japanese deities to historical figures and more.
1Arcane: League of Legends
WhileArcanemay share many visual similarities to theEdgerunners, the MMORPG inspiration changes the storytelling style and worldbuilding somewhat, giving more steampunk thanCyberpunkvibes. Regardless, not many could fault the thrilling narrative and astute attention to detail, satisfying mostLeague of Legendsfans worldwide.
Theaward-winningArcanefocuses predominantly(but not exclusively) on Jinx and Vi’s sisterly feud, which is aggravated extensively when they become supercharged with mystical powers and technologically advanced weaponry. While caught in a war between Zaun and Piltover, the girls must decide if blood truly is thicker than water.
