Anime to video game adaptations possess slim options. These adaptions are either developed into an arena battle fighter or a sandbox game to explore the anime’s universe. Shonen anime such as Naruto and Dragon Ball Z have maintained an immense library of games dedicated to the sub-genres. However, a rare occasion amongst the adaptations occurs when popular series are envisioned as fighting games. A 2D game with flashy visuals and fan service through an array of moves. I cannot think of a better series that translates better as a fighting game than Jujutsu Kaisen.
Shonen: The Ideal Fighter Candidate
Referenced earlier above, shonen is perfect for video game content. The genre holds a magnitude of in-universe lore and special moves that fascinate fans. However, the fighting game inclusion for the genre does not have a grand selection. Few shonen fighting games like Hokuto no Ken (Fist of the North Star), Naruto Shippuden: Clash of Ninja Revolution 3 and JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Heritage for the Future occupy the near vacant catalog. Each representative providing a cult following aside from the well-renowned Dragon Ball FighterZ.
The charm of these infrequent games is the ability of picking a favorite character and performing nostalgic moves. Granted, arena fighters provide the same results, stringing together combos with inputs and timing are gratifying versus a push of a button. As you grow as a player, there is also pride in how you progress with that character. The satisfaction of being an optimal form of that character against the competition is an enjoyable feeling. Shonen fighting games provide replay value through familiarity and challenging ways that offer higher reward with equal risk.
What Does Jujutsu Kaisen Have?
Jujutsu Kaisen (JJK) captures the nature of the shonen and enriches the genre. The main character goal is simple and benefits from a sound plot. With an expansive list of characters, intricate abilities, and popular moves to reference, it is hardly a wonder for its ranked position. JJK also has a strong understanding of weapon style fighting and martial arts that stand equal to powerful skills. Half the groundwork for creating a traditional fighting game for Jujutsu Kaisen is there along with a sizeable fan following. Trending high in the Weekly Shonen Jump rankings and a movie release has certainly opened doors to other pastures.
How Would a Jujutsu Kaisen Game Play?
The other half revolves around mechanical direction for a JJK fighting game. System wise, a tag team fighting game that focuses on two versus two appears to be a good fit. Most fights in Jujutsu Kaisen rarely see a solo jujutsu sorcerer by their lonesome unless they are absurdly strong. Encapsulating this teamwork that uses numbers as an advantage can benefit with a tagging out system like Marvel vs Capcom: Infinite. Of course, with less frequency on the constant switching in the Capcom published game. The game could also set a solo option to fight against their opponent with extra health and extra special meter. This is naturally borrowing from systems like Skullgirls and Tekken Tag Tournament 2 with their unique character selection methods. Whether a player chooses two sorcerers, or one would add experimentality and dynamic combinations that mirrors the series.
What Arcs to Cover?
Shonen video games summarize a substantial portion of the story’s progression. The next year (2023) release of JJK’s season two would continue from season one’s finale and cover the anticipated Shibuya Incident Arc. Depending on the release of this partial concept of a game, connecting with events of chapters one through the season two finale appears is favorable. I would also wager that the best time to announce this project is near the end of the second season. Given the length of Jujutsu Kaisen’s longest arc, I have doubts that the new season can cover the scale of the Shibuya Incident in twenty-four episodes. What better way to fill time for the inevitable third season than to play a Jujutsu Kaisen centered fighting game?
Conclusion
Regardless of my wild speculations, I stand by that Jujutsu Kaisen is a great candidate for the next anime fighting game adaptation. A game where a rushdown Yuji Itadori fighting a well-rounded character like Megumi Fushigoro is sure to turn heads. A proper selection of DLC characters outside of the base roster up is an exciting prospect as well. Dragon Ball FighterZ and the return of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: All Star Battle will hopefully garner intertest for this cult following for anime fighting games. A popular shonen series converted into a robust fighting game is always exciting for newly released games. If there was any other modern series that would fit the bill, then it is Jujutsu Kaisen.
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