From Mind-Blowing Transformations to Unforgettable Twists: The Ultimate Video Game Adaptations That Completely Overhauled Anime's Tone

Video game adaptations are a popular feature of many anime franchises, providing fans with the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in their favorite series. Shonen anime series that have been running for a long time tend to have a larger number of video game adaptations, with titles like Naruto and Dragon Ball boasting over 40 games each. The abundance of adaptations often leads to divergent storylines and altered characters, ultimately transforming the original tone of the anime.

Any kind of adaptation can bring about significant changes from the original material, and video game adaptations are especially notorious for their need to stay true to the source material. These deviations can take the form of narrative modifications or alterations to characterizations, ultimately resulting in a complete shift in tone for the anime.

5 Naruto Shippuden: Dragon Blade Chronicles

Naruto Shippuden: Dragon Blade Chronicles sets itself apart from other video game adaptations in the Naruto franchise by introducing a unique free-roaming action concept. Players have the option to play as either Naruto or Sasuke, with the ultimate objective of obtaining the Mystical Dragon Blade remaining the same. The game features a distinct storyline that takes place during the Itachi Pursuit Mission after Sasuke forms Team Hebi.

However, the plot diverges significantly from the actual events in the series, diminishing the sense of urgency that characterized this story arc in the anime. The game has received criticism from fans and critics alike, largely due to its faulty mechanics and technical issues. Additionally, the storyline itself fails to impress, resulting in an overall disappointing experience for players.

4 Dragon Ball FighterZ

Dragon Ball FighterZ is a highly acclaimed video game adaptation within the Dragon Ball franchise. The game features a unique three-vs-three tag-team gameplay, where only one fighter participates in battles at a time. The storyline is set during the Dragon Ball Super era, where Android 21 and her army of clones invade planet Earth.

While the game remains faithful to the essence of Dragon Ball, it diverges in terms of tonality. Android 21 uses the Dragon Balls to revive past villains like Cell and Frieza. However, after being defeated, these villains join forces with Team Dragon Ball to combat the impending threat of Android 21's army. This unconventional twist provides a sense of redemption for these previous adversaries, which is not commonly seen in the series.

3 Yu-Gi-Oh! The Duelists of the Roses

Yu-Gi-Oh! The Duelists of the Roses is a unique adaptation of the original Yu-Gi-Oh! anime with a medieval-English flair. Inspired by the historical Wars of the Roses in 15th century England, the game introduces a fresh storyline and new rules. However, some of these rules were overly complex and inconsistent.

In this video game, players take on the role of a Rose Duelist, a character who emerges from an unknown time period to aid the House of Lancaster during a civil war. While the inclusion of medieval European elements in the beloved card game was a daring choice, the game did not quite live up to the expectations set by its predecessor. As the plot unfolds, the noticeable disparity in tone and themes becomes apparent, as this royal interpretation of Yu-Gi-Oh! deviates significantly from the original card game.

2 One Piece: Pirates' Carnival

One Piece: Pirates' Carnival sets itself apart from other shonen video games by offering a unique party game twist instead of the usual fighting game approach. With its board game gameplay, players can engage in over 30 minigames and take on the roles of the One Piece pirate crew. However, due to its party game nature and lack of a set storyline, the game falls short in capturing the same depth and thematic elements as the anime. It primarily showcases the playful and comedic side of the Straw Hats, without delving into any meaningful or profound aspects. Essentially, it serves as nothing more than a fun pastime for parties.

1 Dragon Power

Dragon Power, released in the 80s, is one of the earliest video game adaptations of the Dragon Ball series. However, due to its focus on North American audiences, significant changes were made to the story. Unfortunately, these alterations resulted in a portrayal of Goku as a stereotypical martial artist, diverging from his true character.

To make the content more suitable for the audience, the inappropriate actions of Master Roshi were replaced with a quirky fondness for sandwiches. Additionally, the names of the main cast members were altered to cater to an American audience. Almost every aspect of the series suffered from these changes, including the renaming of Dragon Balls to 'Crystal Balls' and the translation of the famous Kamehameha attack as 'Wind Wave.' As a result, the game lost the essence of the original anime, becoming a mere shell of its true form.