Nintendo is one of the most beloved video game companies; their original intellectual properties have gone on to define their respective genres and medium. Almost all of their games and characters are household names, familiar to many generations. While their popularity is largely due to their meticulous approach to game design, the stories and characters that inhabit the games also impact this.
Many Nintendo games have premises, settings, and themes that would lend well to other media. Franchises like The Legend of Zelda, Kirby, and F-Zero have already received manga or anime adaptations. However, there are specific games within Nintendo’s storied catalog that would make for interesting and engaging anime. If these Nintendo games were to be adapted into an anime, they would really highlight the creativity of the game’s vision and writing.
10 Splatoon Is Dynamic, Colorful & Simple
Humanity has ended. It is the age of the mollusk. Inklings and Octolings roam the Earth in their colorful post-apocalyptic cities. Splatoon is originally more centered on the conflict between races, with an emphasis on warfare, but a lighter anime could be made from this. Based purely on the game’s PvP, the foundations of a quirky sports anime can be found.
A Splatoon anime would highlight friendly competition while being extremely dynamic and vibrant. The action lends itself well to the strength of anime as a visual medium. The electronic music from the game would also enhance the pace and levity of the anime.
9 Super Smash Bros. Brawl’s Subspace Emissary Is Already An Epic
One of the most notable inclusions to Super Smash Bros. Brawl is its new adventure mode: Subspace Emissary. It is a long and intertwining story that pits the most famous characters across Nintendo with and against each other. Unlikely friendships are forged, big-name villains like Ridley and Bowser show up, and fun journeys are had.
An anime adaptation of Super Smash Bros. Brawl could really flesh out the premise. It would give the audience more backstory on specific heroes. For those who are not familiar with Kid Icarus, Pit might not be the most recognizable name. The anime can rectify this by giving characters more room to define who they are.
8 The Most Unlikely Slice-Of-Life Anime Is Found In WarioWare
WarioWare is a zany collection of mini-games loosely tied to the idea that Wario is duping his friends into creating cheap games for him to sell. It has an incredibly loud presence with tons of wacky characters. As an anime, it could be an amazing slice-of-life series with a strong gag focus. Each episode could focus on a game or two, displaying the many silly ways these games go wrong.
The cast would be the biggest selling point of a WarioWare anime. From the young witch Ashley to the charming mother 5-Volt to the scheming madman Wario, the anime would boast an array of characters who would always add something new to each episode.
7 Metroid Prime Would Be Moody Action Films
Metroid Prime is remembered for its atmosphere and 3D movement. The world of Metroid was previously tied to its 2D visuals, so a 3D first-person shooter was going to draw in skeptics. Fortunately, Prime is able to bridge the gap. Its emphasis on a close first-person perspective really highlights the feeling of isolation throughout the game.
If Metroid Prime were to be adapted into an anime film, the story has to mirror the hostility and loneliness of the game. Creative freedoms would have to be taken to allow Samus a way to voice her thoughts, but it cannot take away from the constant danger around her. Done right, this anime could be a classic for both the action and horror genres.
6 A Classic Fantasy Anime Is In Fire Emblem: Path Of Radiance
The scope for Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance is titanic. It involves the politics of several warring kingdoms, addresses a need to combat racial prejudice, and has many distinct characters. It is a journey across the land of Tellius. The story is dense with action and dialogue.
An anime adaptation of Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance would take several seasons to correctly portray it. However, each episode would be a blast to watch. The witty and nuanced dialogue would enhance the likability of the major characters. Ike is a fantastic lead character for an anime. The action would give it a sense of grandness that would help it achieve a sequel anime: Fire Emblem: Radiant Dawn.
5 The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker Is A Throwback To Classic Adventure Anime
Among all the games in The Legend of Zelda franchise, The Wind Waker is the most whimsical and expressive. Its cel-shaded graphics lend it a cartoon-like feel. This game’s Link is also the most personable. He is not a chosen warrior. He is just a kid trying to rescue his sister. Along the way, he meets countless others who help him understand who he has to be.
It is possible to make an anime about The Wind Waker that honors its heart. Anime like Osamu Dezaki’s Treasure Island or the various shows from the World Masterpiece Theater have laid out the formula for an anime adaptation of The Wind Waker — genuine heart, wandering adventures, and a lovable cast.
4 The Cozy Day-To-Day Warmth Of Animal Crossing: New Leaf
Nintendo has never made a more delightful or comfy experience than when they created Animal Crossing. It is a charming world full of cute buildings, adorable recurring characters like Isabelle, and an absorbing life simulator. Players build up a quaint town from scratch that houses many endearing NPCs. Some fans adore the day-to-day tasks such as fishing and bug collecting. Others take pride in how pretty they can make their towns.
Animal Crossing is the perfect setting for a bucolic slice-of-life anime. Everything about it is relaxing. It can mirror the mood and pace of other anime like Laid-Back Camp. Reinforcing the simple joys of living, Animal Crossing: New Leaf would be a soothing anime.
3 A Linear Approach To The Legend Of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild
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One of the most celebrated games of the last decade, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is a liberating open-world experience that pushes the franchise forward in new and exciting ways. It puts the gameplay firmly in the players’ hands. Its map is completely open as the Great Plateau is finished. Its physics engine allows for some of the silliest and most satisfying interactions in the franchise. This game has the deepest combat system in The Legend of Zelda.
However, the freedom found in Breath of the Wild comes at a price. The story is secondary to the experience. The game is full of characters and storylines that deserve attention. An anime would be a great way to showcase them. It could streamline the narrative to put greater emphasis on story beats and motives.
2 Pokémon Enters The Anime Isekai Trend With Pokémon Mystery Dungeon
The Pokémon franchise already has an extremely successful, long-running anime series. However, they are still willing to make offshoot series or films that are unrelated to the core anime. This is a perfect opportunity to highlight a gem in their catalog.
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon takes place in a world full of talking Pokémon. The main character is mysteriously transported there and awakens as a Pokémon. Isekai anime are extremely popular nowadays, so this entry would fit right in. It has a great sense of adventure while also reinforcing the need to help others out when possible.
1 Fire Emblem: Three Houses Is The School Reunion Gone Wrong
The latest entry from Fire Emblem, Fire Emblem: Three Houses is a mix of popular school life simulators and turn-based strategy combat. It takes the Persona approach while maintaining its core. The feuding kingdoms are still central to the story. In fact, it is the anchor of the game’s tragedy. All the future leaders and important figures attend the same school and interact with each other. A skirmish midway through the game exposes the cracks in the system and tears the students apart.
Unfortunately, the story of Fire Emblem: Three Houses is too vast for the game to handle. The Black Eagle routes could have been fleshed out better. An anime with multiple seasons could easily fix that and allow the lush story of Three Houses to flourish.
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