Over three years after its initial release,Guilty Gear Striveis still going strong with upcoming developer support in the form of more character additions for the foreseeable future. As a title that can be credited with helping to usher in the currentfighting game evolution of the 2020s, it has managed to reach a far wider audience than its niche, anime-inspired origins were ever expected to. Following the announcement of Arc System Works' partnership with Sanzigen Studios to produce theGuilty Gear Strive Dual Rulersanime series, it seems that the franchise could also pave the way for similar titles in another medium.
There have already been several anime adaptations of video games, but these typically feature the traditional 2D animation that the style is associated with. Now that the usage of 3D graphics in anime production has grown in recent years, however, it’s possible for a fully 3D experience likeGuilty Gear Strive Dual Rulersto be made in a way that visually matches the cinematics of the video game. As just one of many franchises with deep worldbuilding that stretches beyond the confines of its in-game narratives,Guilty Gearis capable of setting an example for other anime series which are just as faithful to their own IPs.
Guilty Gear Strive Dual Rulers is a Natural Progression for the Series' Storytelling
Guilty Gear’s Story Mode is Essentially Already an Anime
Ever sinceXrdbrought the historically sprite-based franchise into 3D,the story ofGuilty Gearhas been presented in a manner unlike any other fighting game. Instead of playing through a set of contextualized fights, the narratives of bothXrdandStriveare presented as completely non-playable, animated cutscene movies. While these have proven controversial at times among players who would directly engage with the plot, this design has shown a clear interest in the anime format for years now.
Dual Rulers Honors the Feel of Modern Guilty Gear
The art style of the older 2DGuilty Geartitles lent itself well to more traditional anime intro movies that have always prompted fans to desire a full series, but the transition to 3D necessitated a new approach instead. On the topic of staying true to the current look ofStrive,Dual Rulers' associate producer Seiji Mizushima said toDexerto:
“Making an anime and being able to continue a story, showing that off, and particularly for the Guilty Gear world — a world that already exists, with the richness of the setting, the richness of the characters —being able to show that without falling out of line of what has been put in place before…Seeing this as a kind of an entry point into the series and into this world, as well as being able to get really strong reactions from old fans — that’s what excites me the most,”
Several Anime Games Could Follow Guilty Gear’s Example with Their Own Adaptations
The Rise of 3D Anime Complements Sprawling Video Game IPs
With the implementation of 3D graphics in anime only becoming more impressive by the year, the industry has the opportunity to do similar justice to many IPs which previously would have made more sense in 2D. While a title built onexpansive lore likeNier: Automatahas already received a traditional anime that stays true to its original look, it can easily support another outing which remains even truer to the graphics of the game.
The likes ofKingdom Heartsor the growinglegacy ofXenobladetitlesfeature complex worldbuilding that benefits from supplementary material, and closely matching their visual style outside the confines of game mechanics has the potential to be a dream come true in the eyes of many fans. Considering that there even other franchises under Arc System Works' belt, such asGranblue Fantasy, with its own adaptation potential, the success ofGuilty Gear Strive Dual Rulerscould very well mark the beginning of a new trend.
Guilty Gear -Strive-
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“Guilty Gear -Strive-“ is the latest entry in the critically acclaimed Guilty Gear fighting game franchise. Created by Daisuke Ishiwatari and developed by Arc System Works, “Guilty Gear -Strive-“ upholds the series’ reputation for a high octane soundtrack, groundbreaking hybrid 2D/3D cell-shaded graphics and intense, rewarding gameplay.Discover the Smell of the Game with Guilty Gear -Strive-! Immerse yourself in new gameplay mechanics designed to be simple and welcoming for fighting game newcomers, yet deep and creative for veterans. Ride the Fire into a heavy metal inspired alternate future full of over-the-top action, style and fun! Blazing!Head into the final confrontation with That Man, the person responsible for all the destruction and damage to the world and and it’s inhabitants. Join Sol Badguy, his rival Ky Kiske, and a total starting roster of 15 unique characters as they face the astonishing conclusion to a story 20 years in the making!
