Anime and video games share an electrifying synergy—both deliver immersive worlds, compelling characters, and unforgettable action. Over the years, we’ve seen successful crossovers, like Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm, Dragon Ball FighterZ, and Demon Slayer: Hinokami Chronicles. But what about the vast universe of characters who haven’t gotten their own game spotlight yet? Many anime protagonists and side characters are bursting with personality, power, and depth that could make them incredible video game heroes.
In this blog, we’ll explore 19 anime characters who would make excellent video game protagonists. From power-packed fighters to emotionally complex heroes, these characters could easily headline the next great RPG, action-adventure, or narrative-driven game.
Why Anime Characters Belong in Video Games
Video games offer the perfect playground for anime characters. With their unique powers, dramatic arcs, and rich worlds, anime protagonists are practically made for interactive storytelling. Video games not only bring these characters to life but also let fans become them—fighting battles, making choices, and experiencing their stories firsthand.
Imagine stepping into Levi Ackerman’s boots as you soar through the skies, slicing titans, or using Lelouch Lamperouge’s Geass to manipulate your way through strategic warfare. The possibilities are endless.
Criteria for Selection
To narrow down our list, we chose characters based on the following:
- Strong combat or narrative potential
- Distinct personality and development arc
- Abilities that fit video game mechanics
- Fan popularity and iconic presence
- Genre adaptability (RPGs, action, puzzle, strategy, etc.)
Let’s dive in!
1. Levi Ackerman – Attack on Titan
Ideal Genre: Third-person action / stealth combat
Why He Fits: Levi’s agile, high-speed combat style would be perfect for a stealth-action game akin to Ghost of Tsushima or Metal Gear Solid. His ability to move with surgical precision through enemy ranks offers dynamic gameplay potential.
2. Killua Zoldyck – Hunter x Hunter
Ideal Genre: Open-world stealth RPG
Why He Fits: Killua’s assassin skills, speed, and lightning abilities make him a natural fit for open-world exploration and stealth-based missions. Players could upgrade his Nen abilities and stealth techniques through experience.
Game Concept: “Zoldyck Legacy” – A coming-of-age RPG set in a world of hunters and hidden enemies.
3. Gojo Satoru – Jujutsu Kaisen
Ideal Genre: Stylish action brawler
Why He Fits: Gojo’s overwhelming strength, domain expansion, and limitless powers scream “boss-level gameplay.” His character would shine in high-difficulty, stylish combat games like Devil May Cry or Bayonetta.
Game Concept: “Infinity Surge” – You control Gojo as he takes on cursed spirits with cinematic flair.
4. Roy Mustang – Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
Ideal Genre: Tactical RPG
Why He Fits: Mustang’s alchemy-based flame attacks would be great in a game combining puzzles, strategy, and turn-based combat. Players could use environmental elements to trigger chain reactions and defeat enemies.
Game Concept: “Flame Alchemist: Tactical Ignition” – A war-torn alchemy RPG with deep moral decisions and fire-driven combat.
5. Yoruichi Shihouin – Bleach
Ideal Genre: Martial arts action
Why She Fits: Known for her speed and close-combat skills, Yoruichi could shine in a fast-paced martial arts game with combo-based mechanics, transforming forms, and stealth missions.
Game Concept: “Black Cat Blitz” – An action adventure with shapeshifting stealth and electric-fueled martial arts.
6. Thorfinn – Vinland Saga
Ideal Genre: Historical combat RPG
Why He Fits: Thorfinn’s brutal, realistic combat style fits perfectly with grounded games like Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla or Hellblade. His emotional transformation adds narrative depth.
Game Concept: “Vinland Warrior” – A gritty Viking-era game with survival, exploration, and personal vengeance at its core.
7. Saber (Artoria Pendragon) – Fate/stay night
Ideal Genre: Fantasy action RPG
Why She Fits: A sword-wielding knight with a regal code of honor and mystical powers? Saber would thrive in a game like Elden Ring or Dark Souls, where combat meets storytelling.
Game Concept: “Fate: Avalon’s Wrath” – Players wield Excalibur in a branching narrative of fate, war, and sacrifice.
8. Tanjiro Kamado – Demon Slayer
Ideal Genre: Narrative open-world RPG
Why He Fits: While Tanjiro is already featured in games, he hasn’t had a solo RPG. His Breath styles, kind nature, and quest for redemption deserve a deep, single-player journey.
Game Concept: “Demon Slayer: Path of Flame” – A full-scale RPG with skill trees, moral choices, and demon-hunting quests.
9. Violet Evergarden – Violet Evergarden
Ideal Genre: Narrative adventure / emotional RPG
Why She Fits: Violet’s journey is emotional, introspective, and deeply human. She’d fit perfectly in games like Life is Strange or To the Moon, where storytelling is central.
Game Concept: “Letters to the Heart” – A visual novel-adventure hybrid where players write letters, build relationships, and unlock memories.
10. Ichigo Kurosaki – Bleach
Ideal Genre: Dimension-hopping action
Why He Fits: Ichigo’s hybrid abilities (sword, Hollow, Quincy powers) offer a diverse move set. Imagine mixing elements of Kingdom Hearts and Final Fantasy.
Game Concept: “Bleach: Worlds Collide” – A dimension-hopping RPG full of battles, allies, and Hollow threats.
11. Reigen Arataka – Mob Psycho 100
Ideal Genre: Comedic RPG
Why He Fits: Reigen would be perfect for a humorous turn-based RPG where bluffing, charisma, and fake powers actually win battles. Think Undertale meets Persona.
Game Concept: “Spirit Consultant: Reigen” – Talk your way out of danger, or call Mob when things get real.
12. Shinra Kusakabe – Fire Force
Ideal Genre: Aerial combat brawler
Why He Fits: With his flame-jet feet and high-speed mobility, Shinra could lead a vertical combat game focused on quick dashes, stylish finishers, and aerial boss fights.
Game Concept: “Flame Ignition” – High-speed firefighting combat and city exploration under threat from the Infernals.
13. Nana Osaki – NANA
Ideal Genre: Rhythm + drama simulator
Why She Fits: Nana’s punk rock journey, emotional struggles, and music career could inspire a hybrid game blending Guitar Hero with character-building and life simulation.
Game Concept: “Rockstar Heart” – Make choices, write songs, and rise to stardom while managing love, friendship, and fame.
14. Tohru Honda – Fruits Basket
Ideal Genre: Cozy visual novel / life sim
Why She Fits: A wholesome game where you build friendships, unlock Zodiac mysteries, and create a found family would reflect Tohru’s warmth and sincerity.
Game Concept: “Zodiac Bonds” – Balance school life, emotions, and magic secrets in a heartfelt story.
15. Lelouch Lamperouge – Code Geass
Ideal Genre: Strategy + Visual Novel
Why He Fits: Lelouch’s mind games, Geass power, and complex political plots would make for a deeply strategic title where players choose alliances and manipulate outcomes.
Game Concept: “Geass Rebellion” – Tactical combat meets visual novel with world-changing decisions.
16. Mikasa Ackerman – Attack on Titan
Ideal Genre: Combat stealth platformer
Why She Fits: Mikasa deserves her own game. Stealth missions, Titan chases, and emotional flashbacks would make for gripping gameplay.
Game Concept: “Blades of Freedom” – An emotional campaign packed with Titan combat and personal sacrifice.
17. Rimuru Tempest – That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime
Ideal Genre: Monster evolution RPG
Why He Fits: With his ability to absorb and mimic abilities, Rimuru fits perfectly into a Pokémon-style creature evolution system with town-building mechanics.
Game Concept: “Tempest Realm” – Build a kingdom, battle enemies, and become a legendary slime hero.
18. Edward Elric – Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
Ideal Genre: Puzzle-action hybrid
Why He Fits: Edward’s alchemy is a gameplay mechanic waiting to happen—transforming elements, solving puzzles, and engaging in fast-paced fights.
Game Concept: “Steel and Soul” – Reconstruct, destroy, and reshape the world through alchemy-based puzzles and battles.
19. Homura Akemi – Puella Magi Madoka Magica
Ideal Genre: Time-loop thriller
Why She Fits: Homura’s time-traveling storyline could support a narrative-rich mystery game like Outer Wilds or Twelve Minutes.
Game Concept: “Time Fractured” – Solve magical mysteries and reset timelines to save Madoka and unravel the truth.
Bonus Section: Dream Crossovers
- Gojo + PlatinumGames = stylish over-the-top cursed battles
- Lelouch + Firaxis = Code Geass as a tactical strategy game
- Violet Evergarden + Dontnod = a letter-writing, choice-based drama
- Saber + FromSoftware = Arthurian dark fantasy RPG
Final Thoughts: Anime and Games—A Perfect Match
The bridge between anime and video games is only growing stronger. Fans crave immersive experiences that go beyond passive watching. The idea of playing as your favorite anime character, shaping their journey, mastering their powers, and stepping inside their world is no longer far-fetched—it’s becoming reality.
As anime continues to dominate pop culture, we hope game developers take notice. The potential is limitless, and these 19 characters are just the beginning.