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Eiichiro Oda’sOne Pieceis a legend in the animanga industry. Not only does it boast unparalleled world-building but also a massive host of beloved and memorable characters, and a devoted fanbase of millions across the world.
Even with all of its grand and legendary positives and successes, the franchise has had one constant glaring weakness that it just cannot seem to get rid of- its video game adaptations.
Unlike other anime franchises that are popular among anime and manga fans ( likeDragon Ball,Naruto, or evenDemon Slayer),One Piececan’t seem to deliver a proper and standout gaming experience from any of its games. Definitely not any that can be called ‘above mediocre’ or those that resonate with fans.
A track record of missed opportunities
While theOne Pieceworld is a treasure trove of potential just waiting to be excavated by the gaming industry, it just does not seem to be possible if history is to be believed.
Although the massive colossus of a narrative offers endless possibilities for adventure and exploration, all the gaming adaptations consistently fail to capture the grandeur and magical attraction it possesses. Many famed gaming companies produced titles likeOne Piece: World SeekerandOne Piece Odyssey.
All of these games had very promising concepts if one saw them on paper in isolation, but they fell flat when they were finally put into action due to therepetitive gameplay or outdated mechanics.
“This new role is a big deal”: One Piece Game Can Finally be a Reality as the $21 Billion Franchise Hires Former Weekly Shonen Jump Editor-in-Chief
In contrast,Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot,Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm,and many other such games have captivated players with the game’s dynamic storytelling and life-like combat sequences.
What’s holdingOne Pieceback?
There is an entire generation of action games that came to be defined by games likeBudokai TenkaichiandXenoverse. Even in recent times, this hype hasn’t seen a decrease, as even before the game launched,Dragon Ball: Sparking Zerohad arecord-breaking number of pre-orders.
Even newer anime titles likeSolo LevelingandBungou Stray Dogsare leveraging their popularity to create very good gaming experiences for their fanbase. Meanwhile,One Piecegames are barely struggling to stay afloat, and they often fall short and end up disappointing the loyal audience each time.
Despite having a well-crafted world with rich lore and a vast setting, these games fail to translateOda’sgeniusinto a proper game.
“They would never do that because it’s not DB”: Bandai Namco Could’ve Made the Canceled One Piece Game an Absolute Hit Had It Followed in Dragon Ball Z’s Footsteps
ManyOne Piecegames stick to safe, predictable formats instead of experimenting with the massive size of the series’ universe. The potential is undoubtedly hidden there, and it is a gold mine. But untilOne Piecegames rise to meet it, the franchise’s gaming legacy will remain a dark spot in One Piece’s stellar and legendary record.
You can streamOne Pieceon Netflix and Crunchyroll.
Chandra Shekhar
Anime Writer
Articles Published :856
Chandra Shekhar is an Anime Writer at FandomWire with over 800 published articles under his belt. A law student by training but a storyteller at heart, he blends his sharp analysis with a deep love for all things anime. From the old-school Yu Yu Hakusho to the eldritch horrors of Lord of the Mysteries, his knowledge spans decades and genres. When he’s not writing, he’s likely buried in webnovels, silently hoping his favorite ones get the anime adaptation they deserve.
