[From Game to Anime Fall 2018] Like Tales of Zestiria the X? Watch This!

As Dragon Ball and Naruto fans undoubtedly know, video games based on anime are a dime a dozen. Unsurprisingly, the same holds true in reverse! Putting aside visual novels like Steins;Gate or Caligula, role-playing games are among the most sought out titles for such a conversion. While Final Fantasy prefers to use anime as a means to expand upon an already established universe, the Tales Of games tend to favor a more straight-forward approach. Based on Bandai Namco's 2015 release, Tales of Zestiria the X represents the pinnacle of "game to anime" adaptations. Possessing gorgeous visuals, stunning action, and a complex story; in certain ways, ufotable's anime improves upon the source material! Feel like watching but not playing a video game? These currently airing anime are definitely worth checking out!


Like Tales of Zestiria the X? Watch Hangyakusei Million Arthur (Operation Han-Gyaku-Sei Million Arthur)

  • Episodes: 7+
  • Aired: October 2018 – Ongoing

King Arthur and Excalibur is a tale as old as time, but Square Enix's gaming franchise takes this classic story and adds a pinch of MMO goodness! Coinciding with the release of a Japanese MMORPG titled Han-Gyaku-Sei Million Arthur, J.C.Staff's anime centers around six different versions of Arthur who are tasked with traveling back in time to break the legendary sword. In this alternative universe, history was distorted due to the insane amount of energy released by Arthur pulling Excalibur from the stone. In order to protect the past, present, and future; multiple Arthurs have banded together to right what was wronged!

Major Similarities Between Tales of Zestiria the X and Hangyakusei Million Arthur (Operation Han-Gyaku-Sei Million Arthur)

1. Hold the Filler

Tales of Zestiria the X's plot is truly epic. Essentially, the protagonist is inadvertently elected to serve as some sort of Messiah, and Sorey's journey impacts the entire world. Hangyakusei Million Arthur strikes a somewhat more lighthearted tone than ufotable's series, but the cast's actions feel meaningful. Both anime are pushing towards a crucial endpoint, and the fights reflect this sense of finality. Hangyakusei Million Arthur has already been renewed for a second cour, and the anime unmistakably appears to be building towards an eventful climax. MMORPGs and JRPGs might be packed with side-quests and filler, but these adaptations remove the excess fat!

2. Battles

Tales of Zestiria is an Action-RPG, therefore, the anime dedicates a substantial amount of its runtime and resources to fluidly recreating the source material's battles. Square Enix's franchise prefers to not cling to one genre, but Hangyakusei Million Arthur is chiefly an adaptation of 2018's MMORPG. Consequently, fights are given a great deal of importance. Traditionally, Excalibur tends to be a sword, but the series is more than happy to play fast and loose with this aspect. Equipped with a wide range of awesome weapons, the colorful characters are always seconds away from an explosive battle!



Liked Tales of Zestiria the X? Watch Merc Storia: Mukiryoku no Shounen to Bin no Naka no Shoujo

  • Episodes: 9+
  • Aired: October 2018 – Ongoing

Released exclusively on Japanese mobile devices, Merc Storia: Yujutsushi to Suzu no Shirabe is a free-to-play turn-based RPG set in a conventional fantasy universe. In this world, monsters pose a dangerous threat to humans, and healers are the only people capable of taming the beasts. A healer apprentice with little experience but a ton of determination, Yuu stumbles upon a mysterious girl in a bottle named Merc. Whether by accident or not, Merc's presence seems to awaken Yuu's innate ability, and the boy embraces the life of a healer!

Major Similarities Between Tales of Zestiria the X and Merc Storia: Mukiryoku no Shounen to Bin no Naka no Shoujo

1. More Than Tradition

Tales of Zestiria the X's setting treads the line between redundancy and originality. On the surface, Glenwood echoes countless generic fantasy environments based on the Middle Ages; however, this impression only lasts a couple of episodes. Merc Storia takes a similar approach. Despite the undeniably cute fantasy aesthetic, the anime steadily reveals itself to be far more nuanced than it seems initially. As Sorey learns more about Glenwood, Tales of Zestiria the X begins to explore religious and social themes. While the tone never quite gets as grim as ufotable's series, Merc Storia is not afraid to ask hard questions!

2. Adventure

Merc Storia's premise asks Yuu to explore various areas to assist anyone requiring a healer. As a result, the episodes can feel somewhat formulaic. Tales of Zestiria the X dedicates more time to its central plot, but Sorey's mission demands the protagonist travels across the entire continent. One of the anime's most enjoyable components is the adventurous spirit that permeates the entire narrative, and this element is also present in Merc Storia. Yuu's quest constantly leads to quirky places occupied by peculiar people! Exploration is its own reward!

Final Thoughts

Tales of Zestiria the X took an existing property and effortlessly adapted it into an unrelated medium! Taking place in comparable fantasy worlds and featuring enough action to entertain any gamer, Merc Storia: Mukiryoku no Shounen to Bin no Naka no Shoujo and Hangyakusei Million Arthur are perfect replacements for Tales of Zestiria the X!

If you have any thoughts on any other shows that are similar to Tales of Zestiria the X, please leave a comment below with your suggestion! In the future, do not forget to check Honey’s Anime for more articles offering great recommendations.

Hangyakusei-Million-Arthur-dvd-225x350 [From Game to Anime Fall 2018] Like Tales of Zestiria the X? Watch This!

Writer

Author: Mark Sammut

Born and raised on a small island in the Mediterranean, my life goal is to experience as many different ways of life as possible. Since time and money are in short supply, anime and film provide the best opportunity to experience far away cultures and worlds. When I'm not watching the latest episode of Gintama, or wondering what series to watch next, you can find me in the corner of the closest coffee shop; writing away on my aging laptop.

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