As a longtime fan of Studio Ghibli and a seasoned gamer, I can wholeheartedly affirm that these games embody the spirit of Miyazaki and his team in their own unique ways. From the enchanting visuals to the deeply emotional narratives, they’ve managed to capture the essence of Ghibli’s world-building brilliance.
Established by Hayao Miyazaki, Isao Takahata, and Toshio Suzuki, Studio Ghibli has significantly shaped the terrain of Japanese animation since its establishment in 1985. This renowned animation studio’s skill in crafting captivating narratives with profound messages has resonated across various creative platforms worldwide, encompassing film, television, and gaming. An illustrative instance is their collaboration with developer Level-5 for the RPG series “Ni no Kuni,” where they created animated sequences within the games, released in 2010.
Studio Ghibli’s mark extends beyond direct collaboration with game developers, as evidenced by its presence in titles like “The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild” and “Soulframe”. This influential Japanese animation studio continues to leave an indelible impact on the gaming world, inspiring creators to develop visually breathtaking games that push the boundaries of artistic expression.
7 The Wandering Village
Inspired By Nausicaä Of The Valley Of The Wind & Princess Mononoke
In the story titled “The Roaming Settlement“, people are forced to leave their homes due to harmful plants and spores. As they search for refuge, they encounter an immense, wandering beast which they name “Onbu.” They decide to make their home on this creature’s back and establish a mutually beneficial relationship as they both seek a new, uncontaminated place to live.
In essence, “The Wandering Village” is often likened to a “city-building game with a distinctive flavor,” reminiscent of “Howl’s Moving Castle.” However, the primary inspirations for this game, as shared in Stray Fawn’s Kickstarter campaign, were actually “Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind” and “Princess Mononoke.” Markus Rossé, animator and tech artist at Stray Fawn Studios, revealed to 80 Level that they aimed for a detailed painterly style to align with the aesthetic of Studio Ghibli.
6 Hoa
Inspired By My Neighbor Totoro
Hoa is an engaging game that immerses players in the beautifully hand-painted settings of Studio Ghibli, seen through the perspective of a small fairy. Crafted by Scrollcat Studios, Hoa offers a peaceful platforming experience with a diverse array of enchanting creatures who aid Hoa on her adventure through stunning forests and other landscapes reminiscent of Ghibli’s works.
Son Tra Le, the art director of the game, infused her affection for the movie “My Neighbor Totoro” into the game “Hoa”, thereby allowing players to relive a similar enchanting experience that she felt while watching the film.
She shared with The Los Angeles Times: “If you pick any frame from My Neighbor Totoro, it would make you wish to live there forever.” Regarding their approach to adapting Studio Ghibli’s art style for the game, Hoa’s lead Ryo explained to 80 Level that they invested a significant amount of time in watching all Ghibli films, researching their backdrops, analyzing techniques, and then figuring out how to replicate that essence.
5 Europa
Inspired By Ghibli In General
In October 2024, the game titled Europa is scheduled for release and it’s set on Jupiter’s smallest moon. Players assume the character of Zee, an android exploring the transformed terrain of a deserted Utopia, uncovering the secrets of the abandoned human colony, such as the fate of the last human settler. Throughout their journey, Zee utilizes various modes of transport including running, gliding, and soaring through the air with the aid of the Zephyr jetpack. This jetpack can also be upgraded to enable Zee to fly indefinitely across Europa.
In the game Europa, created by Helder Pinto and his team, they haven’t explicitly stated any direct influences from Studio Ghibli. However, upon observing the trailer and concept art, it seems that Europa’s environments and world-building are significantly inspired by the enchanting artwork of Studio Ghibli. Moreover, the narrative emphasis on an “intimate tale of growing up and humanity’s bond with nature” resonates strongly with devoted fans of Studio Ghibli.
4 Yokai Inn (In Development)
Inspired By Spirited Away
The development of Yokai Inn wouldn’t have been possible without Studio Ghibli serving as a significant influence. The game’s concept was sparked by drawing inspiration from numerous Studio Ghibli films, with Spirited Away being particularly influential, and Princess Mononoke and Whisper of the Heart also playing key roles in the design process. The main areas where this impact is evident are in the character designs and color schemes. Furthermore, Shiba Pixels aimed to capture the enchanting sense of wonder and adventure from these films and translate it into their game.
Visitors can anticipate inviting mystical creatures known as yokai to their inn, which they will gradually enhance by gathering resources, cultivating crops, and creating crafts. This game, referred to by Shiba as a combination of “Animal Crossing” and “Harvest Moon“, with a touch of “Stardew Valley“, seamlessly integrates the most appealing aspects of these games while imbuing them with a Ghibli-inspired atmosphere.
3 Spiritfarer
Inspired By Spirited Away
Nurtured by independent studio Thunder Lotus, the captivating game Spiritfarer invites players on a journey through the intricate stages of loss and mourning. The narrative follows Stella, who assumes the role of Charon, Hades’ ferryman, as she escorts spirits to their afterlife destination. Along the way, Stella fulfills tasks assigned by these souls, enabling them to find tranquility in their final resting place.
Drawing inspiration from the rich tapestry of Greek mythology, the game Spiritfarer shares a strong resemblance to Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away in its intricate portrayal of various spirits and their narratives.
In an interview for The Escapist’s documentary, Rodrigue Duperron, Thunder Lotus’ marketing director, mentioned that their game was heavily influenced by the film “Spirited Away,” particularly the concept of a hotel for spirits. Meanwhile, 2D artist Marie-Christine Levesque pointed out that the bathhouse in the movie served as a major inspiration, with its chaotic coexistence and the character who manages everything while trying to solve problems, similar to Stella’s role in “Spiritfarer.
2 Rogue Spirit
Inspired By Studio Ghibli In General
In the game titled Rogue Spirit, players assume the role of the Ghost of the former Prince of the Kingdom of Midra. The realm he once cherished is being ravaged by a sinister force called the armies of Chaos. To save his land, the Prince must seize control over these malevolent entities and assimilate their abilities to ultimately vanquish them.
The game, created by independent studio Kids With Sticks, drew inspiration from Studio Ghibli’s body of work since its inception, rather than a specific film. Instead, they utilized the overall atmosphere and visual style of Ghibli art to enrich their game’s storytelling. As stated by Kids With Sticks to 80 Level, “We primarily draw inspiration from Miyazaki’s films in terms of color schemes and design. The harmony of contrast and appropriate color palette form the foundation of our work. This is possible because Ghibli movies employ traditional painting techniques (watercolor, gouache), which result in unique color combinations.
1 Forgotton Anne
Inspired By Ghibli In General
The game “Forgotton Anne” boldly showcases its resemblance to Studio Ghibli’s aesthetic, with its creators having learned directly from the masters themselves. In an interview with GamePilgrim, it was revealed that two of the game’s animators were personally taught by the creators of Ghibli. This education is evident right from the start, as the opening cutscene leaves one speechless with its beauty and grandeur. The resemblance extends beyond just the hand-drawn art style, as the world and narrative of “Forgotton Anne” echo the enchanting and emotionally resonant stories that are characteristic of Studio Ghibli’s works.
As an enthusiast myself, I can’t help but highly recommend “Forgotton Anne” to fellow anime fans, especially those with a penchant for Japanese studio masterpieces. But even if you’re not a die-hard fan, this game could still resonate with you if you’re seeking a captivating narrative, intriguing puzzles, and compelling characters in a richly built world. The campaign offers multiple paths to entice repeat playthroughs, adding another layer of depth to your gaming experience.
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2024-10-01 10:24