Basing a video game on an anime is a great way for a developer to build a compelling narrative in an already-established setting and borrow hyped-up fans from a popular series like Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot. The relationship benefits the fans as well, often letting them step into the shoes of their favorite protagonists and providing a deeper dive into the lore of their favorite shows. As displayed by the recent hit that is Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot, a well-crafted game can even make experiencing long-familiar story arcs fresh and fun again.
The close relationship between anime and games often goes the other way as well, with great games like Danganronpa or Persona 5 spawning their own anime adaptations. Unfortunately, with the exception of Dragon Ball Z, many recent games based on anime have fallen short of expectations or have simply gone just a bit too long without a sequel.
Despite their amazing traversal mechanics, the time may have passed for Attack on Titan games, but the Naruto Ultimate Ninja Storm games share a developer with Kakarot and could benefit from another entry in the series. Meanwhile, many My Hero Academia fans hope that My Hero One's Justice 2 can redeem the disappointment that was the first iteration of the game.
While fighting games like Jump Force can draw huge rosters from plenty of popular anime, there is something very special about the way that Kakarot allows players to experience a great story from the perspective of a select few favorite protagonists. The RPG formula works well in that regard, pushing players to search for the same growth that the characters do. As much as Kakarot is not a typical RPG, it still uses the format to great effect. There are plenty of other anime that deserve the same treatment, and some that would work even better as RPGs.
New Anime Video Games
The most promising candidates for an RPG in the vein of Kakarot may be other big shonen anime that can compete with Dragon Ball Z in viewership and popularity. Even though it is not ongoing, Bleach would be a great choice for a combat-centric RPG. With hundreds of episodes and an enjoyable protagonist, Bleach could be a real contender if it were ever adapted into a game. Likewise, One Piece has huge popularity as one of the "Big Three" shonen anime/manga, and has a massive setting with plenty of story arcs and character growth to explore.
While Bleach and One Piece are more likely to get games due to their popularity, there are plenty of classic anime that might make even better games if given the right attention. Namely, an adaptation of Cowboy Bebop into an RPG similar to The Outer Worlds would be an incredible, if extremely unlikely, use of a phenomenal setting and iconic characters. Fullmetal Alchemist, Sailor Moon, and Hunter X Hunter all have unique power systems and combat that could be adapted into very interesting game mechanics, just as the Attack on Titan games took full advantage of its setting to make for unique gameplay.
While big shonen anime with long-standing popularity may be the most likely to get adaptations, recent hits have just as much potential. Demon Slayer, for one, already has massive popularity, great characters, and combat that can easily be seen fitting right into and action-RPG. If any ongoing anime is going to get a game adaptation, it is likely Demon Slayer. Another option is Konosuba due to its popularity with western audiences and broad appeal to anyone aware of the massive isekai genre. A Konosuba game would be a welcome break from the gritty action of other anime games because of its overwhelming focus on comedy, plus it has a setting literally built for RPG systems.
Refreshes
Unfortunately, many anime that seem perfect for video game adaptations do get them, but end up with rushed, poorly made flops instead of the masterpieces that they deserve. Sword Art Online: Fatal Bullet was not particularly well received, despite the massive popularity of the anime series. Likewise, RWBY's game was a letdown despite how how much potential it had. My Hero One's Justice was an adaptation of one of the most popular anime currently airing, but it left many fans wanting more. My Hero One's Justice 2 has the opportunity to fix the mistakes of its predecessor, but many fans are now skeptical that it will succeed.
Yugioh and JoJo's Bizzare Adventure both have games that are considered cult classics, and could easily do well with remasters or brand new adaptations. Yugioh in particular is a nostalgic franchise for many, even if it isn't the best source material for a traditional RPG. Then again, The Witcher 3 was one of the best RPGs of all time, and plenty players spent most of that game enjoying the card game Gwent.
Narrative-Driven Games
There are plenty more great stories from anime that can be told in games, even if an RPG isn't the best format. At least one of these tales will almost certainly be coming soon: Dragon Ball Super. Most of Super is spent in tournament arcs, so it probably wouldn't work to well as an RPG. Even so, many players of Kakarot are hoping for Super DLC, and at the very least, its popularity may inspire a Super-based DBZ: Kakarot game in the near future.
Other great tales like Neon Genesis Evangelion or Claymore will probably never get major games because anything based on them would be far too ambitious, but character driven narratives like Death Note or Mirai Nikki might make the most sense as episodic narratives a la Telltale games. Regardless of genre, the storytelling inspiration that great anime can provide to a game's narrative, combined with the medium's penchant for character design and over-the-top combat make it a shame that so few anime see good enough game releases worldwide.