History NoProblemWithLicensedGames / AnimeAndManga

* Creator/{{Tecmo}}'s ''Manga/CaptainTsubasa'' (''[[CulturalTranslation Tecmo Cup Soccer Game]]'') has great scores on Website/GameFAQs and are really enjoyable for mixing soccer and RPG style gameplay together. The sequels, ''Captain Tsubasa 2-5'', are even better as Tecmo developed orginal plots and opponent teams. Other ''Captain Tsubasa'' games created by Creator/{{Konami}} or Creator/{{Bandai}} can't match Tecmo's greatness unless they use the simillar system Tecmo used. But of course, Konami and Bandai's versions are still criticized because they tend to follow the anime and manga adaptions without coming up with original plots and characters.
** Creator/{{Bandai}}'s ''Captain Tsubasa J: Get to Tomorrow'' plays like a normal soccer games with an addition of super moves feature. It's decent.

* The Platform/{{PSP}} adaptation of ''Anime/DigimonAdventure'' faithfully recreates the plot of the first ''Digimon'' series and uses events from every episode, with all eight Digidestined/Chosen Children as playable characters, the adaptation of ''Our War Game'' and an original plot featuring all the protagonists of every Digimon season to date as postgame content, along with the fact that you can gain [[EleventhHourSuperpower mega level Digievolutions for all of the Chosen Children's Digimon]] before the final battle with Apoclymon if you play your cards right, makes this game worth playing for Digimon fans. It's a shame Creator/BandaiNamco has [[NoExportForYou no plans to release this outside of Japan]].

* Most games by Creator/{{Banpresto}}, most prominently ''VideoGame/SuperRobotWars'', ''VideoGame/AnotherCenturysEpisode'' (produced in collaboration with [[VideoGame/ArmoredCore From Software]]), and the ''VideoGame/GundamVsSeries'' (the latter done with Creator/{{Capcom}}). It helps that BP is a subsidiary of Creator/{{Bandai}}, the studio that actually makes ''Franchise/{{Gundam}}'' and several other of the shows featured in these series--and all this before Bandai merged with Creator/{{Namco}}, too. Now, not every series is done especially well all the time, but if they mess up with one, expect that another series will be done magnificently well in the same game.

* ''[[VideoGame/Area88 UN Squadron]]'' was one of the first top notch third-party games on the Platform/{{SNES}}. [[AdaptationDisplacement What most people don't know was that this was based on an arcade game, which in turn was based on a manga]] titled ''Manga/{{Area 88}}''. The title was lost in translation to the US.

** Creator/{{Bandai}} 's ''Captain Tsubasa J: Get to Tomorrow'' plays like a normal soccer games with an addition of super moves feature. It's decent.

** ''Anime/MobileSuitGundam 0079: Zeonic Front'' for the Platform/PlayStation2 is one of the franchise's few attempts to make a realistic Gundam SimulationGame by the way of imitating VideoGame/RainbowSix. ''Senshitachi no Kiseki'' for Platform/NintendoGameCube, made by the same developer, is a NintendoHard mix of action and {{RTS}} genres with RPGElements that recreates the most famous events of ''Anime/MobileSuitGundam'' and ''Anime/MobileSuitGundamThe08thMSTeam'' (and a cameo mission from ''Anime/MobileSuitGundam0080WarInThePocket'') while adding unusual gameplay features as a MoraleMechanic and the aversion of TwoDSpace.

** All of the ''Hamtaro'' games have been considered great games, usually getting 7.5 or 8 scores in reviews. Of course, it does help that all the games were made by Creator/{{Nintendo}} first and Creator/AlphaDream (responsible for the VideoGame/MarioAndLuigi games) later! Nintendo really liked the whole concept of Hamtaro!

* ''Anime/{{Patlabor}}'' had a decent Platform/PlayStation video game adaptation that captures the franchise's combat well enough. The story is also a follow-up to the movie/TV version.

* ''[[VideoGame/Area88 UN Squadron]]'' was one of the first top notch third-party games on the UsefulNotes/{{SNES}}. [[AdaptationDisplacement What most people don't know was that this was based on an arcade game, which in turn was based on a manga]] titled ''Manga/{{Area 88}}''. The title was lost in translation to the US.

* Creator/{{Treasure}} also had a hand in ''VideoGame/AstroBoyOmegaFactor'' for the [[UsefulNotes/GameBoyAdvance GBA]], which is universally considered superior to its [[Creator/{{Sega}} Sonic Team]]-developed UsefulNotes/PlayStation2 counterpart. It even shows up on more than a few GBA "Best Of" lists.

* Made by the team behind the ''VideoGame/DynastyWarriors'' series, ''VideoGame/BerserkAndTheBandOfTheHawk'' for the UsefulNotes/PlayStation4 is a pretty damn good HackAndSlash title that fans of either the license or the genre will enjoy, with a solid combo system, fluid controls, a beautiful art style, and a plot that covers enough of the original manga for newcomers to get into the story.

* The ''Manga/{{Bleach}}'' {{Fighting Game}}s for the UsefulNotes/NintendoDS, UsefulNotes/PlayStation2, UsefulNotes/{{PSP}} and UsefulNotes/{{Wii}} got decent-to-positive reviews, especially the DS fighters, which were developed by Creator/{{Treasure}}, which are legitimately regarded as some of the best DS fighting games and a solid SpiritualSuccessor to the company's own ''Manga/YuYuHakusho'' fighting game on the UsefulNotes/MegaDrive.

* ''Anime/BlueSubmarineNo6'' got a decent adaptation in UsefulNotes/SegaDreamcast's ''Time and Tide'', a semi-WideOpenSandbox sumbarine simulator / adventure game with a new story animated by the staff of the show.

* ''Manga/CaseClosed'' and ''Manga/TheKindaichiCaseFiles'' got a crossover AdventureGame for the UsefulNotes/NintendoDS, which is one of the few attempts at crossing the two DetectiveDrama shows, which are incredibly popular in their homeland. It's also the only legitimately well-recieved game that came out of the ill-fated crossover between ''Weekly Shōnen Sunday'' and ''Weekly Shōnen Magazine'', as seen on ''VideoGame/SundayVSMagazineShuuketsuChoujouDaikessen'' and ''VideoGame/SundayXMagazineNettouDreamNine''.

* ''Manga/DeathNote'' got three video games for the UsefulNotes/NintendoDS: the first two, ''Kira Game'' and ''Successors to L'' are average clones of famous TabletopGames ''TabletopGame/Werewolf1997'' and ''TabletopGame/ScotlandYard''. The third, ''L the proLogue to DEATH NOTE'', is a better game by virtue of being a BombDisposal RoomEscapeGame with investigation sections and the constant help of the detective L.

* The UsefulNotes/{{PSP}} adaptation of ''Anime/DigimonAdventure'' faithfully recreates the plot of the first ''Digimon'' series and uses events from every episode, with all eight Digidestined/Chosen Children as playable characters, the adaptation of ''Our War Game'' and an original plot featuring all the protagonists of every Digimon season to date as postgame content, along with the fact that you can gain [[EleventhHourSuperpower mega level Digievolutions for all of the Chosen Children's Digimon]] before the final battle with Apoclymon if you play your cards right, makes this game worth playing for Digimon fans. It's a shame Creator/BandaiNamco has [[NoExportForYou no plans to release this outside of Japan]].

* Although it's based on the mostly-forgotten [[FanonDiscontinuity nineties adaptation]], the ''Manga/DoctorSlump'' game for the UsefulNotes/PlayStation is a good adventure / platformer game featuring most of the iconic characters.

* ''Franchise/{{Doraemon}}'' has a lot of video games, but some of them have got a decent following in Japan. Some of them are the first Creator/{{Nintendo}} game, which is regarded as one of the few FairForItsDay licensed games of their era, Nintendo's ''Giga Zombie no Gyakushū'' which is ''VideoGame/DragonQuest'' with Doraemon characters and tools, UsefulNotes/SuperNintendo's platforming game ''Doraemon 3: Nobita to Toki no Hogyoku'', and Nintendo 64's ''Doraemon 3: Nobita no Machi SOS!'' where the player can walk around Nobita's town in full detail.

* After a long streak of legendary bad games in UsefulNotes/{{Japan}}, ''Manga/FistOfTheNorthStar'' finally got a decent adaptation in UsefulNotes/PlayStation's ''Hokuto no Ken: Seikimatsu Kyūseishu Densetsu''. While the gameplay is average at best, the story faithfully integrates most of the series' most famous arcs.

* ''Anime/FutureGPXCyberFormula'' had lots of licensed and doujin games throughout its run. While the first installments are somewhat mediocre, the later games, especially the four UsefulNotes/PlayStation2 games, the [[UsefulNotes/NintendoGameCube GameCube]] installment, and the doujin PC games (especially ''SIN Drei Plus''), are highly faithful to the anime and are incredibly fun to play too. [[NoExportForYou Too bad they weren't released overseas.]]

* The ''Anime/PrettyCure'' series also has some stand-out gems. The UsefulNotes/GameBoyAdvance had ''Futari wa Pretty Cure: Arienaai! Yume no Kuni wa Daimeikyuu'', a solid and enjoyable puzzle platformer, and the UsefulNotes/NintendoDS had ''Futari wa Pretty Cure Max Heart: Danzen! DS de Precure Chikara o Awasete Dai Battle'', a beat-em-up.

* The ''Garouden'' manga (an adaptation of an eponymous novel done by Keisuke Itagaki, of ''Manga/BakiTheGrappler'' fame) got two excellent UsefulNotes/PlayStation2 FightingGame adaptations, which are a CultClassic among some fighting game fans for its extremely innovative gameplay (on top of being a faithful adaptation -- so much that it even adapts some of the original novel's spin-offs). Some of its original features are fights won by a tug-of-war bar that substitutes the usual LifeMeter, special attacks that only can be activated once as a ComebackMechanic, a SuperArmor that wears down in the style of [[UsefulNotes/{{Karate}} full contact karate]] matches, stamina and limb damage gauges that can influence the tug-of-war bar, push-pull grapples in the style of VideoGame/{{Tobal}} or [[TalkToTheFist sucker punches during the intro]]. ''Baki the Grappler'' fans can also enjoy Yujiro Hanma's cameo appearance, who is as PurposelyOverpowered as expected.

* ''Manga/GeGeGeNoKitaro''[='=]s platforming games range to the mediocre to the very good, but none of them could be really called bad -- not even the Creator/{{Nintendo}} one, which is pretty good for the era. The stand-outs are Creator/{{Konami}}'s UsefulNotes/PlayStation and UsefulNotes/GameBoyAdvance outings, the former a retro-styled platformer and the latter a great {{Metroidvania}}. It also has a surprisingly good (though now [[KeepCirculatingTheTapes offline]]) [[https://gegegenokitaro.fandom.com/wiki/Yuru-i_GeGeGe_no_Kitar%C5%8D:_Y%C5%8Dkai_Dotabata_Daisens%C5%8D tower defense adaptation]], which was partially developed by the company behind ''VideoGame/TheBattleCats'' and plays similarly to that game.

* 1997's ''VideoGame/GhostInTheShell'' game for [[UsefulNotes/PlayStation [=PS1=]]] was a solid (if not tad too easy) third-person shooter with good graphics, interesting wall-climbing mechanics and superb soundtrack and voice acting (the voice cast being the same as in [[Anime/GhostInTheShell the 1995 movie]], despite of the game not sharing continuity with it). It was in fact listed by Game Informer some fifteen years after it's release as one of the best manga and anime-based games.
** Another solid third-person shooter game was released in 2004 for [[UsefulNotes/PlayStation2 PS2]], based on the ''[[Anime/GhostInTheShellStandAloneComplex Stand Alone Complex]]'' series. The game allows you to play both as Kusanagi and Batou, and again uses the same voice actors as the anime. The game follows an original story, set between the first series and ''2nd Gig''.

* The ''Anime/GregoryHorrorShow'' game for the [[UsefulNotes/PlayStation2 PS2]] is a great and fun stealth/puzzle game. Sadly, it wasn't released in North America.

** A lot of ''Gundam''[='=]s FightingGame entries are well regarded, like UsefulNotes/SuperNintendo's ''Gundam Wing: Endless Duel'', the ''Battle Assault'' series for UsefulNotes/PlayStation and the handheld UsefulNotes/GameBoyAdvance game ''Mobile Suit Gundam SEED DESTINY''.

** UsefulNotes/SegaDreamcast's ''VideoGame/MobileSuitGundamSideStory0079RiseFromTheAshes'', a SpiritualSequel to UsefulNotes/SegaSaturn's ''Blue Destiny'' trilogy, is highly regarded by fans for its LowerDeckEpisode approach to the franchise.
** UsefulNotes/PlayStation2's series ''Journey to Jaburo'' and ''Encounters in Space'' are a nice retelling of [[Anime/MobileSuitGundam the original series]] and are regarded as decent games -- especially the latter, as the space-based gameplay (borrowed from ''VideoGame/ZoneOfTheEnders'') is less conventional that the more common ground gameplay of the first. In a similar note, ''Journey to Jaburo'''s spin-off ''Lost War Chronicles'' was VindicatedByHistory after the HypeBacklash to the UsefulNotes/PlayStation3's ''Battlefield Record U.C. 0081'', a pseudo-remake.
** ''Anime/MobileSuitGundam 0079: Zeonic Front'' for the UsefulNotes/PlayStation2 is one of the franchise's few attempts to make a realistic Gundam SimulationGame by the way of imitating VideoGame/RainbowSix. ''Senshitachi no Kiseki'' for UsefulNotes/NintendoGameCube, made by the same developer, is a NintendoHard mix of action and {{RTS}} genres with RPGElements that recreates the most famous events of ''Anime/MobileSuitGundam'' and ''Anime/MobileSuitGundamThe08thMSTeam'' (and a cameo mission from ''Anime/MobileSuitGundam0080WarInThePocket'') while adding unusual gameplay features as a MoraleMechanic and the aversion of TwoDSpace.

** Another one exclusive to UsefulNotes/{{Japan}} is ''Bonds of the Battlefield'' for UsefulNotes/{{PSP}} and arcade. Now, the PSP version can be imported since the PSP doesn't have regional lockout, but the arcade version would be too much of a hassle to import. And such a shame too, because it not only has more content, but it uses [[RuleOfCool a walk-in virtual cockpit]] similar to the ''TabletopGame/MechWarrior'' Tesla pod game. The only problem with it is that it's more expensive to play two games in one sitting, but with what you're getting, it's well worth it... unless you're motion-sick.
** The ''Gundam Battle'' series for UsefulNotes/PlayStationPortable is regarded as a decent game series, even if not incredibly original. However, it's famous among ''Gundam'' fans for its extraordinary commitment to have hundreds of playable mecha (roughly 200 in ''Battle Universe'') from a few Universal Century shows and its many spin-offs, even minor novel and video game-exclusive ones... Although the fifth entry, ''Gundam Assault Survival'', isn't as well-regarded for its abusive MoneyGrinding. The series was critically acclaimed once again in its final Cosmic Era-themed entry, UsefulNotes/PlayStationVita's ''Mobile Suit Gundam SEED BATTLE DESTINY''.
** The ''Gundam Breaker'' series for the UsefulNotes/PlayStation3 realized that the series' MerchandiseDriven models could be used as a fun gameplay mechanic, seen in RuleOfFun features such as part swapping, kitbashing or painting the mecha[=/=]toys, and they were met with positive reception... At least until ''[[TheyChangedItNowItSucks New Gundam Breaker]]'' came out.
* ''Manga/HajimeNoIppo'''s UsefulNotes/PlayStation2[=/=]UsefulNotes/{{PlayStation Portable}} games are generally regarded as solid boxing video games. In fact, for some boxing fans, they are better than [[Creator/ElectronicArts EA]]'s popular ''Fight Night'' series for some features like deeper footwork or a simulation-like career mode where the player has to carefully manage the PlayerCharacter's abilities through a strict diet and training.
* ''VideoGame/HamtaroHamHamsUnite'' for the UsefulNotes/GameBoyColor is a cute, colorful game for small children, with a relaxed atmosphere, {{Virtual Paper Doll}}s, and a "dance creator" mini-game... And one of ''the'' most awesome {{Adventure Game}}s released on a handheld system ''ever.'' With clever puzzles, huge worlds to explore, an expansive "Ham-Chat" dictionary to compile for HundredPercentCompletion, and a heck of a lot of ExtendedGameplay -- including said "Ham-Jam" dance game, which is [[SidetrackedByTheGoldSaucer mightily addictive in its own way]] -- it's exactly the sort of game that hardcore gamers would hail as a classic even today. You know, [[AnimationAgeGhetto if it weren't for the Hamtaro license]].

* ''Manga/HunterXHunter'''s UsefulNotes/GameBoyColor game, ''Kindan no Hihou'', is a solid ''Franchise/{{Castlevania}}'' clone made by [[Creator/{{Konami}} the same developers]] -- in fact, it's better than many of Creator/{{Konami}}'s own ''Castlevania'' UsefulNotes/GameBoy games.

* Creator/{{Namco}} makes good ''[[Manga/SgtFrog Keroro]]'' games: The first Keroro game for the UsefulNotes/NintendoDS, which is based on the fourth movie, is essentially a quite good ''VideoGame/{{Klonoa}}'' clone with more characters. Namco later made Keroro RPG, which is a cartoony ''VideoGame/TalesOfHearts'' with a lacking story but a solid, enjoyable battle system improved upon its predecessor, even fixing its camera problems. You would think they would cut corners for this game, but far from it, it has everything expected in a ''Tales'' game: skits, costumes, bonus bosses, lots of cameos from other Namco games, Hi-Ougis, Hard and Unknown difficulty... Both games have gorgeously animated sprites.

* Starting with the first UsefulNotes/PlayStation, the ''Anime/{{Leijiverse}}'' got a bunch of high-quality video games. ''Anime/SpaceBattleshipYamato'' got two different video game trilogies -- the first is an original adaptation of the first two seasons / films plus a side story for the original [=PlayStation=][[note]]''Harukanaru hoshi Iscandar'', ''[[EvenBetterSequel Ai no Sensitachi]]'' and ''[[BonusMaterial Eiyuu no Kiseki]]''[[/note]] done as a [[GenreMashup/VideoGames genre mashup]] (RealTimeWithPause close ship combat, TurnBasedStrategy space movement / combat, and optional TurnBasedTactics / action [[SendInTheSearchTeam away team]] sections), and the second is an AlternateContinuity retelling of [[MovieMultipack the third and fourth movies]] [[note]]''Iscandar e no Tsuioku'', ''[[DividedForAdaptation Ankoku Seidan Teikoku no Gyakushuu]]'' and ''[[AdaptationalAlternateEnding Nijū Ginga no Hōkai]]''[[/note]] done as a RealTimeStrategy fleet simulator with some ThirdPersonShooter sections.

* The ''Anime/{{Macross}}'' series itself has seen a number of passable to good Japanese releases. ''Scrambled Valkyrie'' for the [[UsefulNotes/SuperNintendo Super Famicom]] comes to mind.

* ''Magical Taruruuto-kun'''s UsefulNotes/{{NES}} games are decent ''VideoGame/SuperMarioBros3'' clones, especially the first one.

** The UsefulNotes/{{SNES}} game was a PragmaticAdaptation of the manga (with the anime's art style) that stayed largely true to it, barring some minor details, and most severely, the HumongousMecha elements, but that said, it was SoOkayItsAverage at worst in execution.

* The UsefulNotes/{{Famicom}} PlatformGame based on ''[[Manga/TheThreeEyedOne Mitsume ga Tooru]]'', with highly colorful graphics resembling ''VideoGame/JackieChansActionKungFu''.

* Shinji Mizushima, the creator of enormously popular UsefulNotes/{{Baseball}} manga like ''Yakyū-kyō no Uta'', ''Dokaben'' or ''Abu-san'', got two solid MassiveMultiplayerCrossover video games: The first one is the Creator/{{Capcom}}-developed ''Mizushima Shinji no Daikoushien'' for the UsefulNotes/NintendoEntertainmentSystem, the baseball equivalent of Creator/{{Tecmo}}'s highly popular ''Manga/CaptainTsubasa'' video games (see above). The second one is the multi-platform ''Gekitō Pro Yakyū'', developed by [[Creator/{{Sega}} Sega AM1/Wow Entertainment]], which mixes a realistic [[SportsGame sports simulator]] engine with players from the 2003 Pro Yakyū season and 35 cel-shaded characters from Mizushima's various manga, all of them with their trademark fantastic pitches and hits.

* The ''Manga/{{Naruto}}: Ultimate Ninja'' (UsefulNotes/PlayStation2) and ''VideoGame/NarutoClashOfNinja'' {{Fighting Game}}s (UsefulNotes/GameCube[=/=]UsefulNotes/{{Wii}}) are also surprisingly good. (''Ninja Council'', [[TheProblemWithLicensedGames on the other hand...]])
** Not to mention ''Rise of a Ninja'' on the [[UsefulNotes/Xbox360 360]], which is considered the best ''Naruto'' game yet, as well as a genuinely good game on its own merits.

** The [[UsefulNotes/Nintendo64 [=N64=]]] game isn't without flaws (excessive button mashing among them), but overall it's still a pretty amazing game; the soundtrack consists of 20-odd tracks from the anime all of which are done very well[[hottip:*:most notably Cruel Angel's Thesis, Thanatos, A Step Forward Into Terror, The Beast 2, and Ode to Joy]]; several of the Angel battles from the show were adapted in a way that works very well for each individual mission, its visuals are of consistently good quality, and while it doesn't seem to have a consistent measure of difficulty between missions even on the same setting, it overall is very fun to play, and definitely comes recommended. Shame it [[NoExportForYou wasn't released anywhere except Japan]].

** The ''Ayanami Raising Project'' games, especially the UpdatedRerelease versions for [[UsefulNotes/NintendoDS DS]] and [[UsefulNotes/PlayStation2 PS2]] with an unlockable Asuka mode. The player takes on the role of a 2nd Lieutenant at NERV and is assigned as Rei's (or Asuka's) guardian, which means interacting with the girl and managing her weekly schedule (periodically interrupted by the Angel battles from the anime). The games are [[{{Moe}} adorable]] and highly immersive, and have lots of replay value thanks to the multiple endings, personalities and outfits that Rei and Asuka can take on. It helps that every line of dialogue is fully voiced by the seiyuu from the anime.

** And those aren't the only ones. While most ''One Piece'' games [[NoExportForYou haven't seen a release overseas]], they're genuinely fun to play regardless, ranging from role-playing games, mini-game mashups, and even a dungeon crawler with Tony Tony Chopper as the main character is on the UsefulNotes/WonderSwan Color.

* ''Anime/{{Patlabor}}'' had a decent UsefulNotes/PlayStation video game adaptation that captures the franchise's combat well enough. The story is also a follow-up to the movie/TV version.

* Creator/{{Konami}} released two games in UsefulNotes/{{Japan}} based on the fifth chapter of Creator/OsamuTezuka's manga ''Manga/{{Phoenix}}''. While the UsefulNotes/{{Famicom}} game, subtitled ''Gaou no Bouken'', was a mediocre platformer, the UsefulNotes/{{MSX2}} game was a VerticalScrollingShooter which intriguingly defied the linearity typical of the genre.

* This may not fully count, but ''VideoGame/PokemonYellow'' was heavily influenced by the anime adaption of the original video games. It took the original gameplay, but started you out with Pikachu, made all 3 starter Pokémon available in-game, had several appearances by Jessie and James as mini-bosses, and there was even a secret surfing minigame based off of the episode "The Pi-Kahuna" (though you needed a Pikachu that knew Surf, only obtainable from Creator/{{Nintendo}} events or ''VideoGame/PokemonStadium''. The UsefulNotes/VirtualConsole version has the minigame fully playable, without Pikachu needing to know Surf). To top it all off, every Pokémon received new sprites that resembled their anime appearances as well as being leaps and bounds better-looking than the originals. In addition, there are several moves and other elements that were also inspired by the anime, such as Pokémon learning or being able to learn new moves. This included Charizard being able to learn Fly.
** ''VideoGame/PokemonPuzzleLeague'' is a reskin of ''VideoGame/TetrisAttack'' that is based on the [[Anime/PokemonTheSeries anime series]]. ''Tetris Attack'' is already a fun game, and this is no exception. In addition, it's one of the very few games on the [[UsefulNotes/Nintendo64 [=N64=]]] that uses FullMotionVideo, featuring cutscenes animated just like the anime series!

* ''Manga/ThePrinceOfTennis'''s ''Smash Hit'' series for the UsefulNotes/PlayStation2 are regarded as excellent arcade tennis video games with RPGElements and unusual mechanics accurate to the manga as knocking out the opponents. The third entry, ''Saikyou Team o Kessei Seyo!'', expands the matches from singles to doubles.

* ''Manga/RingNiKakero'' for the UsefulNotes/SuperNintendo is a decent adaptation of the boxing ''manga'''s most famous arcs, done as a sim-like cinematic video game in the vein of the ''Manga/CaptainTsubasa'' and ''Yu Yu Hakusho'' games also mentioned on this page. The over-the-top action is ripped off of the original source's most iconic scenes: the characters [[SplashPanel vibrantly show their special punches]], the damaged fly through the arena and through the crowds (and if particularly unlucky, to the floor's spotlights, or [[DestinationDefenestration out of the venue]]) to later valiantly rise from the mat or run to it, the missed punches are strong enough to [[KungFuSonicBoom tear through clothing, flesh, mat or even walls]], the crowds cheer passionately for their idols to power them up (at least until [[ScrewThisImOuttaHere they're collateral damage]]), and the [[{{Flashback}} Flashbacks, thoughts and keepsakes]] amplify the character's fighting spirit -- also, the story mode faithfully reproduces important scenes between / during fights that can't be portrayed with the gameplay. Interestingly enough, it was the only adaptation of the ''manga'' in any medium until the ''anime'' came out roughly seven years later, which would adapt the exact same arcs that the game did. The biggest problems of the game are the lack of balance among the less-important characters, and its relatively late release on the console's cycle.

* ''{{Anime/Robotech}}: The Macross Saga'' for the UsefulNotes/GameBoyAdvance is an OK shmup. You can switch between Jet, Guardian, and Battloid modes, each of which has its own individual advantages (The jet is fast, but fires slowly, Guardian mode is slower, but fires faster and can touch the ground, and Battloid mode moves very slow, but can fire quickly in all directions.)

* ''Manga/RurouniKenshin'''s UsefulNotes/PlayStation game, ''Juuyuushi Inbou Hen'', is regarded as the best game based on the series, since the rest are an average HackAndSlash and poor fighting games. It's an RPG with an original story where the cast of the show fights against the [[UsefulNotes/SanadaYukimura Sanada]] Ten Braves, and the combat system is based on TacticalRockPaperScissors swordfights where the player character can have an advantage after successfully reading ahead the enemies'actions.

* Most of the ''Anime/SailorMoon'' video games are either fun-but-mediocre or downright bad. ''VideoGame/SailorMoonAnotherStory'' for the UsefulNotes/{{SNES}}, however, is a genuinely engaging RPG that manages to seamlessly meld the continuities of the anime ''and'' [[Manga/SailorMoon manga]]. It's horrendously easy, but there's such great attention to detail in terms of characters and settings that you can't help but not care.

* While pretty much every single ''Manga/ShamanKing'' game ranged from "awful" to "passable", ''Shaman King: Master of Spirits'' for the [[UsefulNotes/GameBoyAdvance GBA]] is a fun, addictive {{Metroidvania}}-style game with great gameplay, great graphics and a fun little original plot; the producers were obviously careful when making the game, as they inserted both manga-only characters/spirits and anime-only characters/spirits. The game is great for long-time fans and newcomers alike, complete recommendation. The sequel, ''Master of Spirits 2'', was not as loved due to reusing almost every single boss from the first game [[spoiler: with the exception of the final boss, swapping Magister with Hao]], but had more spirits and new stages, and is also worth checking. Ironically, they are one of the few examples of Japanese-developed games based on an anime that [[NoExportForYou didn't make in their own home country]].

* ''Manga/TensaiBakabon'''s Sega Mark III[=/=][[UsefulNotes/SegaMasterSystem Master System]] game is well-regarded among fans for its decent platforming gameplay and a chaotic story that fits the series' tone. It also got a NintendoHard Mario-like game for the [[UsefulNotes/NintendoEntertainmentSystem NES]], ''Heisei Tensai Bakabon'', which is remarkable for trying to do a platforming game with an out-of-shape 40-year old protagonist that plays [[SurprisinglyRealisticOutcome exactly like he should]] - running in a realistic (and sloppy) way, getting damaged if he [[InertiaIsACruelMistress runs too fast to a wall]], struggling to climb, getting FallingDamage, etc.

* The UsefulNotes/PlayStation2 ''[[Anime/{{Gigantor}} Tetsujin 28]]'' video game reuses the same engine as ''Remote Control Dandy'' and ''VideoGame/RobotAlchemicDrive'' with a few modifications, such as flight and grappling. While the story mode is rather shallow, the game engine is an extremely fun first person ''[[CameraScrew AND]]'' third person giant robot fighting game, as the "remote control" gameplay of the developer's previous games was probably inspired by Tetsujin to start with.

* The ''Anime/TimeBokan'' meta-series got two fun and colorful {{Crossover}} ShootEmUp games for the UsefulNotes/PlayStation[=/=][[UsefulNotes/SegaSaturn Saturn]] starring Anime/{{Yatterman}}'s iconic TerribleTrio driving the franchise villains' vehicles ([[LastChanceHitPoint and their own tandem bike]]) while facing each hero's cornucopia of cartoony robots.

* ''Manga/TokyoMewMew'''s UsefulNotes/PlayStation game is very loved by the fandom, and with good reason. An accessible and competent RPG with solid gameplay, ''gorgeous'' 2D sprites and animations, a nice original plot (featuring a GodCreatedCanonForeigner who went on to become a fandom darling), plus RelationshipValues (of the non-romantic variety... mostly) to make the experience feel like a legitimate episode of the show. It was sadly never released stateside (as the [=PS1=] was long dead by the time ''Mew Mew'' left Japan) and no fan translations exist as of the time of this writing, but is an absolute must play for any fan who can get around the language barrier.

* The ''Anime/UltimateMuscle'' UsefulNotes/NintendoGameCube fighter (and to a lesser extent the [[UsefulNotes/PlayStation2 PS2]] version) is generally considered above average and came out of left field for some reviewers considering how obscure the license was compared to anime licenses like ''Manga/DragonBall'' and ''Manga/{{Naruto}}''.
** That's largely because it was developed by wrestling game masters AKI, creators of the legendary [[UsefulNotes/Nintendo64 [=N64=]]] Wrestling/{{WCW}} and Wrestling/{{WWE}} games.

* ''Manga/UruseiYatsura: Dear My Friends'', a point-and-click AdventureGame for the UsefulNotes/SegaCD by Creator/GameArts, greatly impressed anime fans, at least those with passing knowledge of spoken and written Japanese.

* ''The Manga/ViolinistOfHameln'' has a UsefulNotes/SuperFamicom release ([[NoExportForYou yes, it's Japan-exclusive]]), and it's actually quite good. One notable mechanic is Flute's ability to don costumes in order to help her and Hamel cross obstacles like SpikesOfDoom. You can also [[FastballSpecial throw Flute at your enemies]] if you don't want to kill them with musical notes instead.

* While most of the ''Manga/YuYuHakusho'' games are fairly derivative fighting games, ''Yu Yu Hakusho'' / ''Special'' for the UsefulNotes/SuperNintendo are GenreBusting cinematic fighting games with solid gameplay. Likewise, Creator/{{Treasure}}'s ''Yu Yu Hakusho Makyō Tōitsusen'' had a very innovative fighting game engine with the possibility of simultaneous four-way matches.

* ''Zillion'', a fairly good ''Franchise/{{Metroid}}''-like game for the UsefulNotes/SegaMasterSystem, was loosely based on an anime. It only barely counts as a licensed game, since the anime was co-produced by Creator/{{Sega}} and was made to promote a Sega toy (which not coincidentally resembles the Light Phaser).

** And then there's ''VideoGame/FistOfTheNorthStarLostParadise'', done by the same people behind Creator/{{Sega}}'s famous ''VideoGame/{{Yakuza}}'' franchise, which takes the overall setting of the manga series and places it in a ''Yakuza''-style sandbox environment. The ''Yakuza'' games' combat engine fits FOTNS's brutal violence like a glove, with Kenshiro's signature finishing attacks taking the place of Heat Moves. The game also doesn't lack for minigames, even in the post-apocalypse; a baseball-esque game with Kenshiro batting at motorcycle-riding mooks with an I-beam, bartending [[MundaneUtility with Kenshiro using Hokuto Shinken to mix drinks]] (it is as funny as it sounds), buggy races, card games, and even retro video games (including [[EmbeddedPrecursor a FOTNS game that had been released on the Master System!]]).

* ''Manga/GeGeGeNoKitaro''[='=]s platforming games range to the mediocre to the very good, but none of them could be really called bad -- not even the Creator/{{Nintendo}} one, which is pretty good for the era. The stand-outs are Creator/{{Konami}}'s UsefulNotes/PlayStation and UsefulNotes/GameBoyAdvance outings, the former a retro-styled platformer and the latter a great {{Metroidvania}}.

** All of the ''Hamtaro'' games have been considered great games, usually getting 7.5 or 8 scores in reviews. Of course, it does help that all the games were made by Creator/{{Nintendo}} first and [=AlphaDream=] (responsible for the VideoGame/MarioAndLuigi games) later! Nintendo really liked the whole concept of Hamtaro!

* ''[[Anime/FullmetalAlchemist2003 Fullmetal Alchemist: Dual Sympathy]]'' for the DS isn't anything mindblowing and fairly easy, but it's also a pretty fun BeatEmUp following the story of the [[Anime/FullmetalAlchemist 2003 anime]], with the DS touch screen throwing in some moments for minigames and drawing alchemic circles to add a bit of variety as well.

* The venerable ''Anime/RecordOfLodossWar'' has had two game adaptations, both of which were quite good:
** The self-titled Dreamcast game is a solid ActionRPG with a focus on weapon upgrading and clearing out enemy lairs that's aged quite well.
** More recently, ''VideoGame/RecordOfLodossWarDeedlitInWonderLabyrinth'' is a fun, well-made {{Metroidvania}}.

* 1997's ''Franchise/GhostInTheShell'' game for [[UsefulNotes/PlayStation [=PS1=]]] was a solid (if not tad too easy) third-person shooter with good graphics, interesting wall-climbing mechanics and superb soundtrack and voice acting (the voice cast being the same as in [[Anime/GhostInTheShell the 1995 movie]], despite of the game not sharing continuity with it).

* ''[[Anime/FullmetalAlchemist Fullmetal Alchemist: Dual Sympathy]]'' for the DS isn't anything mindblowing and fairly easy, but it's also a pretty fun BeatEmUp following the story of the [[Anime/FullmetalAlchemist 2003 anime]], with the DS touch screen throwing in some moments for minigames and drawing alchemic circles to add a bit of variety as well.

* ''Manga/DeathNote'' got three video games for the UsefulNotes/NintendoDS: the first two, ''Kira Game'' and ''Successors to L'' are average clones of famous TabletopGames ''TabletopGame/Werewolf1986'' and ''TabletopGame/ScotlandYard''. The third, ''L the proLogue to DEATH NOTE'', is a better game by virtue of being a BombDisposal RoomEscapeGame with investigation sections and the constant help of the detective L.

* This may not fully count, but ''VideoGame/PokemonYellow'' was heavily influenced by the anime adaption of the original video games. It took the original gameplay, but started you out with Pikachu, made all 3 starter Pokémon available in-game, had several appearances by Jessie and James as mini-bosses, and there was even a secret surfing minigame based off of the episode "The Pi-Kahuna" (though you needed a Pikachu that knew Surf, only obtainable from Creator/{{Nintendo}} events or ''VideoGame/PokemonStadium''. The UsefulNotes/VirtualConsole version has the minigame fully playable, without Pikachu needing to know Surf). To top it all off, every Pokémon received new sprites that resembled their anime appearances as well as being leaps and bounds better-looking than the originals. In addition, there are several moves and other elements that were also inspired by the anime, such as Pokémon learning or being able to learn new moves. This included Squirtle and Staryu being able to learn Rapid Spin, and Charizard being able to learn Fly.

* ''Manga/DeathNote'' got three video games for the UsefulNotes/NintendoDS: the first two, ''Kira Game'' and ''Successors to L'' are average clones of famous TabletopGames ''TabletopGame/{{Werewolf}}'' and ''TabletopGame/ScotlandYard''. The third, ''L the proLogue to DEATH NOTE'', is a better game by virtue of being a BombDisposal RoomEscapeGame with investigation sections and the constant help of the detective L.

** All of the Hamtaro games have been considered great games, usually getting 7.5 or 8 scores in reviews. Of course, it does help that all the games were made by Creator/{{Nintendo}} first and [=AlphaDream=] (responsible for the VideoGame/MarioAndLuigi games) later! Nintendo really liked the whole concept of Hamtaro!
*** Nintendo apparently liked it to the point of actually listing the games in ''VideoGame/SuperSmashBros Brawl'''s chronicle.

** The ''Shippuden'' game has been renowned even by people who aren't interested in Naruto at all, particularly for the tag-out fighting style and surprising amount of SceneryPorn and well-utilized CelShading.

** The ''Ayanami Raising Project'' games, especially the UpdatedRerelease versions for [[Creator/NintendoDS DS]] and [[UsefulNotes/PlayStation2 PS2]] with an unlockable Asuka mode. The player takes on the role of a 2nd Lieutenant at NERV and is assigned as Rei's (or Asuka's) guardian, which means interacting with the girl and managing her weekly schedule (periodically interrupted by the Angel battles from the anime). The games are [[{{Moe}} adorable]] and highly immersive, and have lots of replay value thanks to the multiple endings, personalities and outfits that Rei and Asuka can take on. It helps that every line of dialogue is fully voiced by the seiyuu from the anime.

* The ''Anime/UltimateMuscle'' UsefulNotes/NintendoGameCube fighter (and to a lesser extent the [[UsefulNotes/PlayStation2 PS2]] version) is generally considered above average and came out of left field for some reviewers considering how obscure the license was compared to anime licenses like ''Manga/DragonBall'' and ''Manga/{{Naruto}}'').

* The ''Manga/{{Bleach}}'' {{Fighting Game}}s for the UsefulNotes/NintendoDS, UsefulNotes/PlayStation2, UsefulNotes/{{PSP}} and UsefulNotes/{{Wii}} got decent-to-positive reviews, especially the DS fighters, which were developed by Creator/{{Treasure}}, which are legitimately regarded as some of the best DS fighting games and a solid SpiritualSuccessor to the company's own Manga/YuYuHakusho fighting game on the UsefulNotes/MegaDrive.

** And in 2013, Creator/CyberConnect2 (Naruto Shippuden above, ''VideoGame/AsurasWrath'') released [[VideoGame/JoJosBizarreAdventureAllStarBattle a new fighting game]] that spans the entire story, with characters from every part. Filled with thousands of nuances towards the manga (every animation is a reference to the manga) and [[OverlyLongGag amazing music]]. And it is the absolute best of all of them. How good? [[http://gematsu.com/2013/08/famitsu-review-scores-issue-1284 The game managed to score a perfect 40/40 in Famitsu]] - the first licensed game EVER to do so, and one of only 21 games in the magazine's history to manage so.

*** Later Shippuden Ultimate Ninja Storm games have been considered by some to be a ''better'' manga adaptation than the anime, as they've been outpacing the anime and having a cinematic quality to their story modes while the anime has been bogged down by filler and plagued with low-budget animation.
** The Shippuden game has been renowned even by people who aren't interested in Naruto at all, particularly for the tag-out fighting style and surprising amount of SceneryPorn and well-utilized CelShading.

** The [[UsefulNotes/Nintendo64 [=N64=]]] game isn't without flaws (excessive button mashing among them), but overall it's still a pretty amazing game; the soundtrack consists of 20-odd tracks from the anime all of which are done very well[[hottip:*:most notably Cruel Angel's Thesis, Thanatos, A Step Forward Into Terror, The Beast 2, and Ode to Joy]]; several of the Angel battles from the show were adapted in a way that works very well for each individual mission, its visuals are of consistently good quality, and while it doesn't seem to have a consistent measure of difficulty between missions even on the same setting, it overall is very fun to play, and definitely comes recommended. Shame it's [[NoExportForYou not released anywhere except Japan]].

** The ''VideoGame/GihrensGreed'' series of turn-based strategy games is also known to be pretty good, offering players a chance to not only play out events from the UC timeline (up to ''[[Literature/MobileSuitGundamHathawaysFlash Hathaway's Flash]]'') but also ''alter them'' to various outcomes...[[NoExportForYou except they're not released outside Japan]].

* ''Anime/FutureGPXCyberFormula'' had lots of licensed and doujin games throughout its run. While the first installments are somewhat mediocre, the later games, especially the four UsefulNotes/PlayStation2 games, the [[UsefulNotes/NintendoGameCube GameCube]] installment, and the doujin PC games (especially ''SIN Drei Plus''), are highly faithful to the anime and are incredibly fun to play too. [[NoExportForYou Too bad they aren't released overseas.]]

** ''VideoGame/DragonBallOnline'' was an MMORPG and a canon DistantFinale, and despite [[NoExportForYou not being released officially outside Korea and Taiwan]], it still enjoyed a wide Western audience thanks to its customization, mechanics, and extensive PVP system. It was shut down in 2013, but is getting a fanmade UpdatedRerelease called ''Dragon Ball Onlline: Revelations'' in the near future, fixing any flaws it had and making it even better. In addition, ''VideoGame/DragonBallXenoverse'' incorporated story elements from ''Online'', along with character customization.

** There are actually many non-fighter ''Dragon Ball'' games that are good. Platform/RPG/Zelda-like games ''[[VideoGame/DragonBallZTheLegacyOfGoku The Legacy of Goku II]]'', ''[[VideoGame/DragonBallZTheLegacyOfGoku Buu's Fury]]'' and ''VideoGame/DragonBallOrigins'', while all pretty easy, are also quite fun. ''[[VideoGame/DragonBallZAttackOfTheSaiyans Attack of the Saiyans]]'', an RPG for the DS, can also qualify if you can forgive its SurpriseDifficulty.

** Konami's ''Captain Tsubasa J: Get to Tomorrow'' plays like a normal soccer games with an addition of super moves feature. It's decent.

** While on the subject, ''VideoGame/FistOfTheNorthStarTwinBlueStarsOfJudgment'' by Creator/ArcSystemWorks (the guys behind ''VideoGame/GuiltyGear'') deserves mention, not just for its superb gameplay and soundtrack, but for [[ShownTheirWork its amazing faithfulness to series mythos]]. Aside of most of the anime's original voice cast returning, you'll find that the dev team really did think of everything, from [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=asV8GPM5qPo Souther's immunity to the Zankai Ken]] to [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U8zx9qxCSvM several]] [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QWSlTvWmZTY recreations of]] [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q032-Ksqf4A iconic scenes,]] and dozens of blink-and-you'll-miss-it nods in-between. That said, the game was highly divisive in Japan for its [[GameBreaker/FightingGames extremely unbalanced]] cast and ridiculous quantity of [[LauncherMove juggles and rebounds]] that don't fit the setting.

** While on the subject, ''VideoGame/FistOfTheNorthStarTwinBlueStarsOfJudgment'' by Creator/ArcSystemWorks (the guys behind ''VideoGame/GuiltyGear'') deserves mention, not just for its superb gameplay and soundtrack, but for [[ShownTheirWork its amazing faithfulness to series mythos]]. Aside of most of the anime's original voice cast returning, you'll find that the dev team really did think of everything, from [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=asV8GPM5qPo Souther's immunity to the Zankai Ken]] to [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U8zx9qxCSvM several]] [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QWSlTvWmZTY recreations of]] [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q032-Ksqf4A iconic scenes,]] and dozens of blink-and-you'll-miss-it nods in-between. That said, the game was highly divisive in Japan for its [[GameBreaker/FightingGames extremely unbalanced]] cast and ridiculous quantity of [[LauncherMove juggles and rebounds]] that don't fit the setting, giving it the FanNickname of "''[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WDpTq9ZFbWU End of the Century sports game]]''"