More potential to discover

With the success of Castlevania and the Cyberpunk Edgerunners anime series, it is clear that game anime adaptations are worth investing in. They can heighten a franc??hise’s standing among the mass audienc??e and attract new fans to each game.

Castlevania and Cyberpunk Edgerunners elevated the worlds they were based on. They had unique art styles, engaging characters, and intriguing storylines that should inspire ?any game anime ad??aptation. Here are a few we’d love to see follow in that same pattern.

Bloodborne

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The best live-action and anime adaptations take the source material and run with it. That’s what a studio should do with Bloodborne. It can take the gorgeous gothic world of Yharnam and layer it with a mysterious story loosely based on the game’s lore. It would be creepy, have a gripping art style, and be a huge win for Sony. Maybe it would even lead to a Bloodborne sequel at some point in the future.

Final Fantasy X

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Final Fantasy XV saw a promotional anime mini-series based on the lead protagonists�friendship. However, we haven’t received a full-on anime series based on any of the franchise’s entries. That is absolutely bizarre, considering the grand source material. Final Fantasy X has one of the strongest narratives that a game anime adaptation ?could ask for. Each character has a great story arc, and the romance between Tidus and Yuna wo??uld tantalize viewers until the very end.

Fire Emblem: Three Houses

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Fire Emblem: Three Houses would make a compelling anime series you’d want to catch every week. Each character is well-written, and there’s a compelling plot about three factions forged between former friends. There could be intense fight scenes that play out on the battlefield, making every spell and swing of the sword look stunning in animated form. A studio could also add additional scenes that bring more nuance to the original game’s plot. There’s a lot of potential for an anime based on a game as dramatic as Fire Emblem: Three Houses.

Kid Icarus

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Kid Icarus: Uprising is a thrill, despite its terrible control scheme on the 3DS. Part of what made the game’s fans toughen out the awkward controls is the script. The banter between Pit and Palutena is hilarious and would be perfect for a comedy. The action would be spectacular as Pit soars across the sky and shoots down foes. There were a few anime shorts to promote Kid Icarus: Uprising, but it would be outstanding to get a full show.

Kingdom Hearts

[caption id="attachment_370377" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Image via Square Enix & Disney[/caption]

Even the most dedicated of fans would admit that the Kingdom Hearts lore is hard to follow. However, an anime based on the series could help with that. Rather than a full game, an anime recapping the events of the mobile games Unchained X, Union X, and Dark Road would be fantastic. The dramatic story of the Foretellers and other influential characters from those games is essential for future Kingdom Hearts games, as they’re positioned to be the next antagonists of the series. Rather than watching cutscenes from the n??ow-defunct mobile game, it would be great to get an anime retelling to keep mainstream fans inform??ed.

The Legend of Zelda

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The Legend of Zelda is begging for an anime. You have engrossing characters, the gorgeous land of Hyrule, and a mighty antagonist for the hero to defeat. Breath of the Wild specifically would be fantastic for a game anime adaptation. You have the dramatic story of keeping Hyrule safe from Ganondorf, the growing relationship be??tween Link and Zelda, and mighty battles?? against the likes of Master Khoga and the Divine Beast encounters.

Metal Gear Solid

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One of the greatest game series in the eyes of many is Metal Gear Solid. However, it is so difficult to get into nowadays. Almost every game in the series isn’t available natively on the PS4 and PS5. Also, the older titles on the PS1 and PS2 have awkward controls by modern standards. An anime series based on the espionage titles would be amazing, especially with how the narrative has been praised over the years. It would catch up potential fans who missed the Metal Gear Solid franchise in its prime and?? ideally prepare them for a remake.

Metroid

[caption id="attachment_370379" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Image via Nintendo[/caption]

The Metroid series is rich in lore and stunning sci-fi world design. It would lend itself to some beautiful animated scenes and grandiose battle scenes with Ridley and other aliens across the galaxy. With Metroid Prime 4 around the corner, an anime based on this cult-favorite series could bring Samus Aran into the limelight. If the Netflix adaptation of The Witcher could make Geralt a household name, it could work for Metroid.

A new Street Fighter anime

[caption id="attachment_370404" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Image via Capcom[/caption]

With today’s animation styles and an energetic sequel on the horizon, a new Street Fighter anime would be perfect. It could give the characters more depth and get folks invested in the battles of Street Fighter 6. Additionally, the fight scenes would look spectacular and take inspiration from the splash effects from the latest game. Ideally, this anime could give us more backstory on the events of Street Fighter 6.

Xenoblade Chronicles

[caption id="attachment_370409" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Image via Nintendo[/caption]

Another Nintendo franchise that’s waiting for a game anime adaptation is Xenoblade Chronicles. Imagine seeing the stunning Gaur Plains brought to life as Shulk and the gang stroll around the environment. Furthermore, the engrossing story would capture anime fans who have never given the series a chance. The music could be adapted beautifully too. To quote Shulk, “I’m really feelin�it!�/p>

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The power of music

Square Enix's premier RPG series is known for its grand story, epic battles, and outstanding graphics, but it is also known for its Final Fantasy battle themes. Across its 36-year span, the Final Fantasy series has enlisted many talented musicians, inc??luding Nobuo Uematsu, Yoko Shimomura, and Masashi Hamauzu.

From Final Fantasy XIII's "Blinded by Light" to the original battle theme from the first FF, here are the best Final Fantasy ba?ttle themes, ranked. Let us know you??r favorites in the comments below.

10. Final Fantasy VI - "Decisive Battle"

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This upbeat Final Fantasy battle theme ups the stakes with its frenetic tune and intense drumline that keeps your heart racing. A great b?attle theme keeps you energized and "Decisive Battle" certainly does that. Something about the nostalgic 16-bit tone also adds so much that's lost within modern remakes of this track.

9. Final Fantasy XIV - "Torn from the Heavens"

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Final Fantasy XIV is known for its epic themes whenever a big battle occurs, and "Torn from the Heavens" is certainly one of those. The callback to the main theme of the series alongside its gorgeous percussion and choir makes this an unforgettable track. The stakes are raised whenever "Torn from the Heavens" is played in this grand MMORPG.

8. Final Fantasy I - "Battle Theme"

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All great series have their beginnings, and Final Fantasy I made an impression from the very start. The melody is as intense as it can get on an 8-bit system, and the flow of the piece is sublime. You'll hear how great this composition is if you check out World of Final Fantasy's interpretation of t??he track. It truly gives the original piece justice with a rocky interpretation and a?? lovely strings throughline.

7. Final Fantasy X - "Battle Theme"

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With a game that's as long as Final Fantasy X, you'll want to make sure the standard battle theme is a banger. Thankfully, it is. Tidus' journey is complemented by a track with a tasty bassline, an exciting clash of drums, and a riveting melody that will keep you focused on the fight. What a??lso helps with a battle theme such as this is the unpredictable nature ??of the track. It keeps surprising us with alterations to the song, and for the first ten times of listening to it, you'll notice a new twist on the main melody.

6. Final Fantasy V - "Clash on the Big Bridge"

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"Clash on the Big Bridge" used the SNES sound font to the absolute max. This battle theme has an impressive melody, a wonderful drumline, and will catch you off-guard with how fast it is. It's a blast to play on Theatrhythm Final Bar Line. The otherworldly playing of the?? introduction is also striking and catches your attention.

5. Final Fantasy XV - "Stand Your Ground"

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Yoko Shimomura is known for her work on the Kingdom Hearts and Street Fighter series but she brought her A-game to Final Fantasy XV.  The battle theme "Stand Your Ground" starts the track with an epic sweep of the strings section and doesn't let you go until the very end. It then gets followed by a glorious reference to the main Final Fantasy theme, just like "Torn from the Heavens." After that, the action gets elevated by a rambunctious array of the orchestra with the blissful woodwind matched with the thunderous? percussion.

4. Final Fantasy VII - "J-E-N-O-V-A."

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Whenever you hear that high-pitched synthesized intro from "J-E-N-O-V-A," you know you're in for a good time. The melody is pleasing, the drum beat elevates the action, and the bassl?ine is a grand accompaniment to the whole piece. It's a track that sounds mysterious as Cloud and his friends are unsure of what lies ahead of them. Music should help set the scene, and "J-E-N-O-V-A." does that perfectly.

3. Final Fantasy XIII - "Blinded by Light"

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Final Fantasy XIII is arguably the most controversial game in the series, but you can't deny how awesome the soundtrack is. "Blinded by Light" is one of the best Final Fantasy battle themes because it consistently engages the player with its striking melody and ability to let every instrument in the piec?e shine. The guitar in the background gives it a h??ard edge, and the heavy use of the emotive strings section makes this theme song epic, but beautiful at the same time.

2. Final Fantasy VII - "One-Winged Angel"

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=nNms5rOaGlk

When "One-Winged Angel" plays, fear strikes the heart of every Final Fantasy VII fan. The dread-filled drums, the terrifying cluster of brass, and bewildered strings section all set the scene for the evil Sephiroth. Then there's a badass guitar throughline and the deep choir that adds to the drama of the piece. Each fight with Sephiroth is meaningful, and "One-Winged Angel" makes it next level. While the Advent Children version isn't technically from a game, it is the best version; it's in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. The PS1 and Remake edit??ions of the track also deserve pra?ise, however.

1. Final Fantasy VII Remake - "Let the Battles Begin!"

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A great Final Fantasy battle theme is able to establish the danger present for your characters and motivate the player to carry on forward with the fight at hand. "Let the Battles Begin!" from Final Fantasy VII Remake successfully establishes that. The mixture of the powerful brass, thunderous drums, and emotive strings all make for a piece that truly stands out in the Final Fantasy series. Listen to it and you'll get hyped for anything: a run, pumping weights, or going to your dreaded dental appointment. "Let the Battles Begin" is a perfect battle theme, through and through, and Final Fantasy VII Remake just takes it one step further.

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It's surmised that the X/X-2 remaster sold nearly seven million

Final Fantasy X sales (and that's the series itself, including Final Fantasy X-2) have hit the 20.8 million mark since September 2021, Square Enix reports (via Gematsu).

As Gematsu points out, in October of 2013, the publisher noted that all together, the X series had hit the 14 million unit mark. To sum things up, that means that the X/X-2 HD Remaster, across the PC, PS3, PS4, Vita (!), Switch, and Xbox One platforms sold rou?ghly 6.8 million copies in nearly nine years (the remaster collection came out in December of 2013).

It's crazy to see the amount of love this series has gotten since release. When it came out I silently played it while a ton of people I knew skipped it, wrote it off, or played it and didn't like it: take your pick! All of them were some sort of rebuke of Final Fantasy X in some form, and I felt like I was the crazy one for enjoying i??t s??o much.

Fast forward to 2022 and it has the respect it deserves. Many lists of "top Final Fantasy games" put it near the top, or refer to it as a classic. I guess XIII helped codify that classic status a bi?t, but I'll take the affirmation that I was always right about this game all the same!

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Take me back to Zanarkand

My theory, that I've held for a long time now, is that no Final Fantasy hits like your first. You might come to like, appreciate, and enjoy different Final Fantasy games, but there's something about the first one?? you play that sticks with you.

Final Fantasy X was that Final Fantasy for me. I'd watched a friend play through bits of Final Fantasy VII while I was over at his house, had the demo disc with Final Fantasy VIII on it, and rented IX for a weekend. It was Final Fantasy X that finally sunk its claws in, though.

Today marks the 20th anniversary of Final Fantasy X's initial release on July 19, 2001. It feels like ages ago to me. And today on social media, fans are sharing their memories and own creations based around the series' PlayStation 2 debut.

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It's hard for me to detail how much this game resonated with me, though I do have a story that can give you a pretty decent picture. When my siblings and I were younger, my dad would sometimes rent a projector for our birthdays, so we could play video games on a big screen. It was a huge event; to a kid, playing something like Super Smash Bros. on the big?? screen was revelatory. Our games could take up a whole wall!

We also got to rent a PlayStation 2 from the local video rental place (remember how you could do that?) one year, and so I eagerly ensured we got to play Final Fantasy X. Booting it up on the big screen, it was everything I had hoped for. That opening sequence in Zanarkand gave me chills.

It was phenomenal, but we had?? one problem: we for??got we would need a memory card.

For days, I think I played through that opening sequence, from Tidus staring out over the ruins up through Besaid, Kilika, and even making it to Luca, so many times. I lost track. But I never stopped or gave up. I was enamored with th?is world, and the characters that lived in them.

Even today, that slice of the game is like comfort food to me. I boot it up and feel right at home. Certain line reads, like the blitzball fan exclaiming where she'd be sitting�East block in the front row, fifth from the right"—are seared into my memory forever?.

Final Fantasy X is a lot of things. It's a love story, it's a fantasy adventure, and yes, it's a little linear. It's linear in o?rder to illustrate a point about the pilgrimage and moving beyond the ghosts of your past, but yes. Really, it's the world of Spira that draws me in every time.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=gHyAvzTsKv8

It's so colorful and full of life, ran?ging from islands and oceans to massive mountains and deep, luminescent forests. Its music is some of the series' all-time best, ranging from the emotional "To Zanarkand" to the chill island beats of Besai??d, to the echoing chants and ringing harmonies of the "Hum Of The Fayth." Its cast is full of interesting characters, each carrying their own baggage while trying to help Yuna reach the end of her Pilgrimage.

Spira is a world constantly on the brink of destruction, with hope kept alive by faith in its summoners. And when that faith starts to wane, you get to see how each character copes with it, and finds something new to believe in. It becomes a grand story of fighting massive monsters and gods, but I loved the personal journey these characters go on, and Yuna is an incredibly compelling deuteragonist. (She also gets to shine even more in Final Fantasy X-2, which is also very good, but th?at's not for today.?)

Two decades removed from Final Fantasy X, it's still the game that opened me up to massive, sprawling fantasy epics. It's the game I playe?d for the story, and the music, and to spend time in thi??s world. I didn't care if my progress was getting reset a dozen times over. The hours spent in Spira flew by.

There might be other Final Fantasy games that are held in loftier regard, or some will argue are superior, by whatever methodology. On any given day, I might fondly hold up other Final Fantasy games too. But there's nothing like Final Fantasy X for me. It w??as the right game, at the right time, and it's hard to think anything could ever replace the place it has in ??my heart.

If you've got your own history with Final Fantasy X, or just a fond memory of the game, go ahead and leave something below. Happy 20th to Final Fantasy X, and while spe??c?ulation may swirl about where you can go from here, I'm happy enough with what we've already got.

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