Various things can motivate video games, from political events to novels. However, the one thing that is always guaranteed to give good inspiration is animes and mangas, especially dark ones. Dark manga video games offer a unique and compelling experience for players. Additionally, they feature complex and thought-provoking storylines, as well as well-developed characters, and intricate artwork.
The gritty and mature themes of dark manga games can also provide a sense of realism and depth that is not often available in other types of games. Additionally, these games usually have atmospheric visuals that create an immersive and engaging experience for players. Let’s take a look at a few such titles that came over time.
9 Astro Boy: Omega Factor
Astro Boy: Omega Factor is a 2D action-adventure video game released for the Game Boy Advance in 2004. The game is based on the popular manga and anime series Astro Boy and follows the titular character's adventures as he battles against various robotic enemies. The game features classic side-scrolling gameplay, fast-paced action, multiple power-ups, and special abilities for Astro Boy.
Additionally, Astro Boy: Omega Factor also features multiple levels, boss battles, and cutscenes, which help to provide a rich and engaging experience for players. Overall, Astro Boy: Omega Factor is a must-play for fans of the series and those looking for a thrilling action-adventure game.
8 Attack on Titan
Attack on Titan is a 2016 action video game developed and published by Koei Tecmo for the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC. Based on the popular manga and anime series of the same name, the game follows the story of Eren Yeager and the Survey Corps as they fight against the Titans, giant humanoids that threaten humanity. The game features fast-paced combat, and players use the 3D maneuvering gear to fight Titans and defend their territories.
Attack on Titan also allows players to experience the story from different perspectives, recruit and develop characters, and form teams to take on the Titans. It is a must-play for fans of the series and those looking for an action-packed game with intense battles and a thrilling story.
7 Black Clover: Quartet Knights
Black Clover: Quartet Knights is a 2018 action fighting video game developed and published by Bandai Namco for the PlayStation 4 and PC. Based on the popular manga and anime series Black Clover, the game features fast-paced and intense battles in a team-based action game.
In Black Clover: Quartet Knights, players can choose to play as one of the main characters from the series and use their unique magical abilities and spells to defeat opponents. The game also features a single-player and multiplayer mode, allowing players to team up with friends or randoms.
6 BLEACH Brave Souls
BLEACH Brave Souls is a 2015 action RPG game developed and published by KLab for mobile devices & other platforms. Based on the popular manga and anime series BLEACH, the game follows the story of Ichigo Kurosaki and his friends as they battle against Hollows and other supernatural enemies. Players control a team of characters, each with unique abilities, and progress through various levels, fighting enemies and bosses along the way.
BLEACH Brave Souls also features a multiplayer mode, allowing players to compete against others. Players can also collect and upgrade characters, weapons, and other items to improve their chances of winning. The game's free-to-play nature makes it a must-play game for fans of the series and anyone looking for a fast-paced action game on mobile.
5 Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc
Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc is a 2010 visual novel adventure game by Spike Chunsoft that came out on PSP and later on PC. The game is based on the popular Danganronpa series and follows the story of Makoto Naegi, who is trapped in a school with a group of students, all of whom are "Ultimate" students excelling in their chosen fields.
In Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc, the students are forced to participate in a killing game in which they must slay one of their own. Their goal is to uncover the truth and identity of the mysterious Monokuma, a black and white bear who is the driving force behind it all. The game features a mix of investigation, puzzle-solving, and mystery elements and a unique story-telling style that keeps players on the edge of their seats.
4 Cowboy Bebop: Tsuioku no Serenade
Cowboy Bebop: Tsuioku no Serenade is a 2005 action-adventure video game developed and published by Bandai for the PlayStation 2. The game is based on the popular anime series Cowboy Bebop. It follows the story of Spike Spiegel and the crew of the spaceship Bebop as they take on various missions and battle dangerous criminals.
Cowboy Bebop: Tsuioku no Serenade featured fast-paced action, a mix of melee and ranged combat, and various playable characters. The game also features a variety of environments, from the bustling city streets to the vast reaches of space, and a storyline that stays true to the series.
3 Fist of the North Star: Lost Paradise
Fist of the North Star: Lost Paradise is a 2018 action RPG by Sega that is exclusive to PlayStation 4. The game mirrors Fist of the North Star, a highly successful anime and manga series, and follows the story of Kenshiro, a warrior who uses a deadly martial art known as Hokuto Shinken to defeat his enemies.
Fist of the North Star: Lost Paradisefeatures fast-paced and violent combat, using hand-to-hand fighting skills and weapons to defeat hordes of enemies. Players can also explore the post-apocalyptic world, interact with NPCs and complete various side missions.
2 Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex
Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex is Bandai's 2004 shooter video game for the PlayStation 2 and later on PC. The game is based on the popular anime and manga series Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex, following the story of Motoko Kusanagi and her team of agents in Public Security Section 9 as they fight against cyber-criminals and hackers.
Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex features fast-paced action, various weapons, and cover-based shooting mechanics. Additionally, it features a story mode that follows the events of the anime and a special ops mode that allows players to take on new missions.
1 JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Eyes Of Heaven
JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Eyes of Heaven is a 2016 fighting video game developed and published by Bandai Namco for the PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 4. The game is based on the popular manga and anime series JoJo's Bizarre Adventure and features characters across the series.
JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Eyes of Heaven features fast-paced and intense battles, with players able to control different characters and use their unique abilities and "Stands" (supernatural entities) to defeat opponents. It also features a story mode that follows the series' events and a free battle mode that allows players to take on opponents in one-on-one or two-on-two battles.