Despite many claiming that Digimon constantly looms in the shadow of its oft compared predecessor Pokemon, the Digimon franchise has built up its own respectable following in the 20 or so years that the IP has been around. Even the franchise’s recent video games – like the much anticipated tactical strategy game Digimon Survive – have received considerable attention.
Now, in celebration of the original anime's twentieth anniversary the first Digimon anime series, Digimon Adventure, is getting a new reboot. The series is set to be animated by Toei Animation, who co-animated the latest Digimon movie, Digimon Adventure: Last Evolution Kizuna, with Studio Deen. However, the rebooted series will apparently differ slightly from the original series in terms of its setting and narrative.
For those who may be unaware, the original Digimon Adventure anime series that this reboot is based off of first aired in 1999. The series followed a group of characters called the DigiDestined, who are summoned to the Digital World by Digivice that appeared to them during summer camp. In the Digital World, the characters befriend Digimon partners and search for a way to return home.
While the original series took place in the current time of 1999 when the series aired, it gradually updated to modern times as new entries in the series were released. However, one of the bigger changes for the reboot is that the series will be set in 2020 – nearly 21 years after the original series took place. What’s more is that the characters will remain the same but appear slightly younger than their original appearances.
According to a Tweet translated by @JP_Excelsior on Twitter, the reboot will still be a retelling of the original anime’s events. The anime will be set in the year 2020, will feature modern technology, and the main cast will appear younger than their original counterparts. Additionally, the catalyst for their transportation to the Digital World will be different this time around.
Though some fans may take issue with some of the changes, it could very well provide a refreshing modern twist on the beloved franchise’s roots. Additionally, the reboot may finally tie up some storylines that never got resolved from the original series.
With Digimon Adventure now celebrating its twentieth anniversary, it seems like this will be a good year for Digimon fans. With some promising new screenshots and updates from the upcoming Digimon Survive title, it looks to be a game that fans of the series won’t want to miss. Hopefully, the anime reboot and new game are exactly what fans of the franchise are hoping for.