One Piece Games: Why Focusing on Individual Pirates Could Revolutionize Gameplay

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One thing that’s widely acknowledged is that “One Piece” has become one of the most popular anime series in the industry, with numerous elements playing a part in its longevity and success. However, it’s the strong bond within the Straw Hat Pirates that has likely sparked this phenomenon. While individual members like Luffy, Zoro, Sanji, and Nico Robin have been featured in fighting games such as “Jump Force”, they are typically presented together as a team. This trend is evident in official “One Piece” games like “One Piece Odyssey”, but there’s room for improvement to encourage more individual storylines in the future.

The Straw Hat Pirates are difficult to split up in any game with a narrative, whether it’s canonical or not, due to the way their characters and skills fit together seamlessly, and because their histories are so intricately connected that it seems odd for any member to be absent from the others for an extended length of time. Except for the two-year gap following Ace’s death at Marineford, and Sanji’s prospective arranged marriage after officially joining the crew, only one member has been separated thus far. This dynamic offers an opportunity for more One Piece games to delve into for greater gameplay value.

One Piece Games Could Do With a Main Act

Due to the complex and interconnected backstory of the Straw Hat Pirates, developers often include all of them in their game titles. However, a challenge arises when creating an engaging experience for each character, as it can become difficult to justify every inclusion. In many instances, players might overlook a character’s presence due to the vastness of the game world. Gameplay systems like parties, as demonstrated in One Piece Odyssey, are one solution, but even these options demand extensive story development that most games may not have.

In essence, the “Persona” series sets a high bar for contemporary JRPG party systems, and playing through “Persona 5” typically demands at least 96 hours just to cover its storyline. Unfortunately, “One Piece Odyssey” fell short of this benchmark, and this is an area where the developers could potentially make enhancements. To prevent a similar issue of a diluted narrative in future games, they might consider altering their approach by emphasizing a single character’s journey instead of a collective plot. This would allow for a more in-depth exploration of that character’s storyline as the main protagonist.

A Solitary Approach to One Piece Games Could Benefit Creativity

As a game enthusiast, I can’t help but see potential in crafting a single-player narrative inspired by the rich history of One Piece characters, like Zoro for instance. From his humble beginnings learning swordplay with Kuina in the village of East Blue, to his days as a bounty hunter before crossing paths with Luffy and joining the Straw Hat Pirates, there’s a wealth of captivating stories waiting to be told. This approach not only aligns perfectly with the One Piece timeline but also allows for ample creative liberty when delving into the lore without any repercussions.

Furthermore, by focusing on individual stories, the series could branch off into standalone spin-offs distinct from the original narrative. Out of the 1123 episodes broadcast so far, around 95 episodes of One Piece are filler episodes that stray from the main storyline. In a similar fashion, developers might opt to send a single member of the Straw Hat crew on a solo mission while the rest continue their journey in the One Piece saga. The game One Piece Odyssey could serve as an example for this kind of narrative development, although it would feature a solo protagonist that offers a more engaging experience for gamers.

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2025-02-13 00:44