A List Of Anime Inspired By MMORPGs

Anime shows where characters are trapped in an MMORPG universe are almost a trope. The premise has even spawned a number of popular books. But there aren’t many anime inspired by existing MMORPGs, series that expand upon universe’s inhabited by players in our world. It seems like a given on-paper. I’ve compiled a list of some MMORPG-inspired animes with a brief synopsis of each.

Blade and Soul

It’s no surprise that an MMORPG praised for its narrative has been adapted as an anime. An assassin named Alka sets off on a mission of revenge, to kill Jin Vale who murdered her master (can’t we all just find a diplomatic means to resolve our differences?). Along the way she meets three titillating warriors whose abilities might as well be powered by their revealing apparel. Blade and Soul is an anime for the fans, for the fanservice—character’s chests get more screentime than the action. Fight sequences are great, but stylish clashes don’t happen enough to satiate my appetite. Overall Blade and Soul is an anime well worth checking out for fans of the MMORPG. It may not innovate storytelling or the medium but it’s the perfect show to throw on a second monitor as you grind your way to the top.

Elsword Online

Based on the popular side scrolling MMORPG from Kog Games. The anime is titled "Elsword: El Lady" and was released back in December, 2016.

Ragnarök the Animation

“All roads lead back to Ragnarok Online,” including the one paved with kitschy anime shows. Considering the MMORPG lacked a clear story (“there was a story?”) the animation ought to be understood as being inspired by the game rather than tying directly with its world. In Ragnarök the Animation class archetypes, the Swordsman Roan and Yufa the acolyte, travel across Rune-Midgard to stop evil from taking root in the world. Along the way they meet fellow adventurers and encounter MVP’s from the game, such as Baphomet and Dark Lord—the primary antagonist. Yes, there are also Porings, as there better be. As a fantasy anime Ragnarök the Animation can’t escape genre tropes, nor does it expand the RO universe enough beyond the game and manhwa. If you can stomach some cliche characterizations Ragnarök the Animation is worth looking into for long-time fans of the MMORPG.

MapleStory

MapleStory the animation is not revered as an example of how MMORPGs ought to be translated for anime. It exists largely independent of the MMORPG and is clearly meant for children: cutesy characters, simple dialogue, and silly sound effects. I was hoping for a show where we watch a character kill the same monster again and again for an entire season, before moving onto a new area in the next season. Instead, the anime follows Al, an optimistic youth who undertakes a journey to revive the peace-bestowing World Tree while thwarting the evil Black Wings’ goal of classic villainry. The show isn’t bad. If you’re old enough to have played MapleStory in its prime and have children it may be worth watching together to foster an addiction in your offspring.

Arad Senki - Slap Up Party (Dungeon Fighter Online)

Dungeon Fighter Online is one of the most profitable MMORPGs globally, and its anime incarnation does a fine job carrying the momentum of DFO into the world of animation. Baron is a Demon Knight who travels the continent of Arad searching for a cure to his curse. In typical shounen fashion friendship and believing in one another ultimately saves the day. The animation is okay, probably due to a limited budget. Rather than epic duels Arad Senki relies on light hearted comedy to propel itself: slapstick abounds. Some NPCs from the MMORPG counterpart make an appearance, which is always a nice touch for fans of the game. Arad Senki is a charming anime MMORPG that’s worth watching when you’ve seen everything else.

Phantasy Star Online 2 The Animation

PSO2 may not be out in the West, unless you’re an adventurous VPN user, but fans of the series can get a glimpse of the PSO universe through the anime spin-off. Rather than taking placing in the PSO2 universe, reluctant high-school student Itsuke Tachibana is tasked with playing Phantasy Star Online 2 to judge its effect on the student body. Animation is a mix of traditional drawings and CG; it blends well enough to not be distracting during fight sequences. Characters fall somewhat flat, considering the protagonist is defined by his exceptional mediocrity. Phantasy Star Online 2 isn’t offensive but it is generic. Fans of Phantasy Star Online 2 may want to check it out but they may also be better off playing the game instead.

If I've missed any anime inspired by MMORPGs let me know in the comments below!