Top 10 Manga & Anime Series About Games That Will Blow Your Mind

Games have been around for as long as humans exist, possibly even older if we consider that animals might have had their own version of games. Over time, these games have grown in complexity, with video games adding a new dimension to their evolution. Today, gaming is not just a pastime but a distinct culture. Although often linked to video games, it encompasses board games, card games, and role-playing games like Dungeons & Dragons. This culture has also seeped into the realms of manga and anime.

In this post, we’re excited to share a top 10 rundown of remarkable manga and anime series centered around gaming. These stories encompass various games that have become integral parts of our culture, either shaping the narrative or forming the very essence of it. The titles will be arranged in order of their overall appeal and acclaim.

10. Death Parade

The narrative unfolds around two individuals who find themselves mysteriously in a dimly-lit bar, unaware they’ve entered a lethal competition. They are clueless about how they arrived here. Decim, the bartender, and his assistant then inform them that they must participate in a bar game – be it darts, bowling, or pool – with their lives as stakes, hoping this might reveal the mystery behind their predicament. However, things don’t follow the script.

Here’s why you might want to check out Death Parade: This series offers an engaging blend of intriguing games and profound philosophical themes. It’s not just fun, but it also encourages deep thought, making it a unique addition to our list.

9. Kakegurui – Compulsive Gambler

The Elite and the Underdogs at Hyakkaō Academy: A Gambling Saga

At the prestigious private academy, Hyakkaō, the affluent students with their superior intellect and gaming prowess enjoy certain advantages, while other students grapple with low social status and a lack of strategic acumen in gambling games. The arrival of a second-year transfer student, who appears to have an uncontrollable obsession with gambling and exceptional skills, could either tip the scales or add fuel to the fire. History has shown that there’s always a risk of losing everything when it comes to gambling.

Why you might want to watch it: With a touch of the ‘seinen’ genre, Kakegurui remains captivating. It’s a thought-provoking exploration of how games can pose a significant threat to one’s psyche.

8. The King’s Avatar

The story revolves around Ye Xiu, an elite Esports player hailing from Hangzhou, China, who excels in the video game Glory. Known as the best player in this game, Ye Xiu leads his Esports team and controls the account “One Autumn Leaf.” However, due to his reluctance towards team promotional activities, he is forced to leave the competitive world and step down from the team. As he waits for a chance to return, he keeps playing Glory on a new server, creating a fresh character in the process.

Reasons to check it out: Despite being a Chinese web series, “The King’s Avatar” is definitely worth watching for gaming enthusiasts because it offers top-notch representations within the fantasy genre and focuses on a Multiplayer Online Role Playing Game (MMORPG) itself.

7. .hack//SIGN

Title Topic: The Unusual Case of Player Tsukasa in the Global Phenomenon, “The World” Online Game

In the global sensation known as “The World”, millions of players worldwide immerse themselves for hours or even entire days. However, a disruption unfolds within this virtual cosmos: Tsukasa, one of its players, becomes trapped and exhibits extraordinary abilities that quickly disrupt the game’s normal operations. Piqued by this character with seemingly supernatural capabilities, other players become drawn to Tsukasa and strive to assist him.

Here’s why you should check it out: .hack//SIGN was one of the first significant anime series that centered around a character trapped within a video game. Given its exceptional quality and historical significance, we felt compelled to include it in our list.

6. Log Horizon

Main Topic: The massive multiplayer online role-playing game Elder Tale has broken all records with its latest expansion pack, attracting millions worldwide. However, an unusual incident occurred post the game’s twelfth expansion release; approximately 30,000 Japanese players, along with thousands more who were logged in at the time of the update, found themselves trapped within the game and unable to log out.

Why You Should Check It Out: If you’re looking for top-notch anime series set in a world where players are trapped inside a video game, then “Log Horizon” should be on your list. This captivating show brilliantly illustrates the challenges and complexities that can emerge from gaming.

5. Overlord

From a passionate gamer’s perspective: I find myself delving into the tale set within Yggdrasil, an online role-playing game that’s about to bid farewell after 12 long years. The main character, Momonga, struggles to come to terms with this impending closure, as his world consists solely of this virtual realm, devoid of family, companions, or romantic connections in the real world. Known as Ainz Ooal Gown within the game, he decides to linger within Yggdrasil rather than face reality. In a twist beyond his wildest dreams, as the server was due to shut down, he’s transported instead into a new world, where the NPCs have acquired their own free will, instead of returning to our reality.

Why you shouldn’t miss it: The Overlord anime and manga series, in addition to its original written works, has gained immense popularity, making it a must-see for fans of fantasy Role-Playing Games (RPGs). If this genre appeals to you, then this is undoubtedly a series not to be missed.

4. No Game No Life

The Main Topic: Sora and Shiro are exceptionally close siblings, both in the physical world and within video games (they are not biologically related but share a deep bond). As a duo, their unique abilities make them virtually unbeatable: Sora’s keen instincts, extensive knowledge, extraordinary intelligence, and remarkable foresight contrast with Shiro’s intellect that surpasses genius.

Here’s why you shouldn’t skip watching: The captivating series No Game No Life boasts an engaging narrative and compelling characters, making it an absolute must-watch for any viewer – especially those with a passion for gaming.

3. Yu-Gi-Oh!

In the anime Yu-Gi-Oh!, we follow the story of Yugi Mutō, a fifteen-year-old student in Domino’s high school. Since his father is often away on business trips, he resides with his mother and grandfather, Sugoroku Mutō, who runs Turtle Game, a game store where their apartment is situated. Eight years prior, his grandfather had given him a gold casket plundered from an Egyptian tomb, containing fragments of a golden puzzle within. After solving this puzzle, he discovers that mastering his beloved card game will be crucial to saving the world.

Why you shouldn’t miss it: Yu-Gi-Oh! is an iconic show stemming from a trading card game that remains relevant today. Over time, the series has adapted, making it ideal for those who enjoy exciting games.

2. Fate series

Main Theme: The storyline predominantly revolves around the thrilling escapades of a teen named Shirou Emiya, who gets entangled in a deadly contest known as the Fifth Holy Grail War. To emerge victorious and restore peace, he must navigate multiple iterations of the game’s world.

Reason to Watch: The Fate series offers an intricate narrative that unfolds beautifully across its various installments. For a truly immersive fantasy RPG experience, we suggest watching the entire series from start to finish.

1. Sword Art Online

In a Glimpse: The narrative unfolds in the year 2022, introducing “Sword Art Online” – an innovative VRMMORPG. This game immerses players in a realm called Aincrad, allowing them to manipulate their avatars as if they were using their real bodies, thanks to the NerveGear, a cutting-edge virtual reality headset that stimulates the brain to mimic the five senses. Tragically, players discover they can’t log out of the game. Soon after, Akihiko Kayaba, the game’s creator, appears, revealing that death in the virtual world results in real-life demise. To escape the game, players must conquer its one hundred floors first.

Here’s why you should check it out: We found ourselves in a difficult position, but considering the massive popularity of Sword Art Online and its captivating narrative, we simply couldn’t leave it off our top picks for gamers.

2025-06-04 12:14