After Netflix's 'Castlevania', These 9 Video Games Should Also Be Anime-Style Series

We all know that video game adaptations have caused every fan to cycle through the stages of grief numerous times. We've seen countless video games begin the process of moving to the big screen over the years, and nearly every one has failed to match our expectations.

The first attempts to to bring video games to films started in the early '90s and since then, everything has just fallen short. There have been countless games, and with each one we've had our hopes dashed:

• Super Mario Bros (1993)
• Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001)
• ResidentEvil (2002)
• Doom (2005)
• Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time (2010)
• Hitman: Agent 47 (2015)

With each game there has been loads of hype and countless adoring fans itching to see their favorite game successfully make the jump to the theaters. Yet, it seems as though the only successful adaptations have been of the animated variety (excluding the first series of Pokemon films). So it was incredibly exciting when Adi Shanker announced in partnership with Netflix that he would be creating a dark adaptation of CastlevaniaIII in the vein of Game of Thrones. Based on everything we know, it sure as hell sounds like it's going to be one of the best adaptations we've ever seen.

So, knowing that Castlevania is supposed to be the greatest adaptation of video games that fans have ever seen. If that proves true, and it definitely sounds like it will become a successful series. If Castlevania makes a splash on Netflix as an anime style adaptation, we'll likely see countless other video game series follow, and I think there are 9 series that should be first on the list.

9. Metroid

As one of the pivotal action adventure series' over the last 30 years, #Metroid is also primed for a dark, anime-infused series like we're set to get with Castlevania. Considering the plot of the game, Metroid would convert well to any media really, but #anime would give the series the most flexibility to match the concept of a space-faring bounty hunter named Samus Aran.

8. Lollipop Chainsaw

Okay, I know that this isn't the greatest game ever made but if any game deserves to make the transition to anime then I believe that Lollipop Chainsaw should be on the list. As one of the best hack and slash games on the market, Lollipop Chainsaw brought the reality of how badass a chainsaw wielding, high school cheerleader could be. Considering that the game was assisted in terms of story by James Gunn, it could easily make the transition to a violent and gory anime like Highschool of the Dead.

7. Dragon Age

Technically Dragon Age has received an Anime conversion, with the film Dragon Age: Dawn of the Seeker. The anime film tells the story of Cassandra from Dragon Age II, and with the films success it seems obvious that the series in general has the potential for success, it would just require the right story arc. Since BioWare has described the series as a Dark heroic fantasy, it would definitely have the right pieces necessary for a dark anime series.

6. Saints Row

Imagine if Netflix were to adapt the story of Saints Row into an anime, somewhere between Akira and BlackLagoon or even Durarara. Bringing the story of a small street gang as they grow and evolve into a massive, over the top crime syndicate would be an interesting story to watch considering that the whole premise of the game hinges on being the best bad guys that they can be. It would be a little bit Walter White and a little Avon Barksdale.

5. Resident Evil

Now this is baring the, doubtful, rumor that Resident Evil is in line for a live action series. If Resident Evil were to gain an anime series, it would obviously need to be a dark, violent horror series since that is the whole premise of the games themselves. Transitioning Resident Evil to an official anime series would be smart, considering how well received RE7 was as the latest to shift from the original premise of the T-Virus.

4. Soulcalibur

The transition of a pure fighting game to an anime series is basically 90% of anime, so it would make perfect sense for the series to transition. Yet, even though the feature film announced back in 2001 has been in development hell since then, that doesn't mean that the premise won't work; it just won't work as a feature film. Whereas anime would be the obvious choice for the series to be developed in, just look at anime series like Bleach, Naruto or even Dragon Ball Z and you'll see how easily a fighting game could become a valid anime series.

3. Legend of Zelda

Okay, so I know that there was an animated series back in 1989, but we all know it was terrible. Terrible writing + repeated plot line + the catchphrase "Excuuuuuuuse me, Princess" used nearly 30 times in 13 episodes means that it wasn't anywhere near good enough to be called an adaptation. Yet, the story of Link and Zelda is ideal for an anime-inspired series. Something along the lines of Netflix's original The Seven Deadly Sins would be a perfect mix of action and humor to match the original premise of the game.

2. Hitman

Of all the potential anime series on this list, I think Hitman would be my favorite. The assassin for hire trope has been seen in several anime series before and would be an interesting take on the assassination game. If Hitman were to be done in a sort of noir-infused anime I think it would wind up being well received, but the story would have to probably be a little closer to the feature film starring Timothy Olyphant to give him some other overarching story line.

1. Fallout

In a massive sea of post-apocalyptic anime series, Fallout probably seems like it would blend in too much, but I disagree. I feel like Fallout could go a long way to reviving the fans of series like Trigun or Desert Punk. Fallout would be best matched with a lone wanderer who is simply trying to survive but gets pulled into countless other struggles across the vast wasteland.