Ask John: Are There New Video Game Anime Adaptations on the Way?

Question:
I’m an avid anime and video game fan. My question is, are there any more video game series that will be convert to anime series?

Answer:
Especially because of the close connection between the anime and video game industries in Japan, there will always be anime adaptations of video games (as well as video game adaptations of anime).

On the Japanese front, the recent Final Fantasy Unlimited and Kanon TV series were both based on video games, as was the Sakura Taisen motion picture. The currently on air Happy Lesson, Pocket Monster, Rockman.EXE and .Hack//SIGN anime TV series, as well are all anime adaptations of video games. The upcoming Puchi Puchi Yushi anime TV series from Gainax is an adaptation of their Princess Maker PC game franchise.

In America, AD Vision has the translation and distribution rights to the Sakura Wars television series, Zone of the Enders OAV and TV series, Ganbare! Goemon TV series (Mystical Ninja), Spectral Force OAV series and Wild Arms: Twilight Venom TV series. Bandai has the translation rights to the Melty Lancer OAV series and .Hack//SIGN TV series. Manga Entertainment has been perpetually delaying the American release of the Virus: Virus Buster Serge anime TV series that was very loosely based on the Sega Saturn Virus adventure game. Media Blasters recently released Jewel Bem Hunter Lime and will be releasing the Ys OAV series. And Right Stuf recently announced their acquisition of the translation rights to Comic Party. And 4Kids Entertainment will be premiering the Hoshi no Kirby anime TV series on American television.