Made in Abyss - The Anime That Wants to Be a Video Game 

You can't really play when your eyes are full of blood and tears.

I came here from the future to tell you that Chunsoft is making a game of Made in Abyss

Fact: Whenever I heard people talk about Made in Abyss, I thought it was Maid in Abyss. So, I imagined it being an anime about a little maid living deep underground, trying to clean the place and take care of the adventurers coming down.

"The anime rushed through a lot of manga chapters" No. No it didn't. In fact, the opposite is true. That whole episode where Riko has to survive on her own while Reg is incapacitated is anime only.

Uncle Lovecraft's fun time murder hole™

But Geoff, if it was a game, it would've had a crappy anime adaptation.

"Not convinced its anime of the year material it's been hyped up to be" Who's gonna tell him?

I LOVE that MiA "should've" been a video game, but ISN'T. I'm a professional in the animation industry with experience in all stages of animation. Throughout my career, one thing that always stuck with me was something one of my teachers once taught us. "To create a compelling animated series, write something else you love into your animation. Something outside of animation that interests you. " This has been done countless times in ALL animated masterpieces. Every sports or game anime, every trade-based anime, every animation with a strong theme or statement. The best stories are the ones in which audiences pick up on, and enjoy a creator's passion for their interests. Recently, Coco's done it with music. MiA's no different. Clearly, the creator has a passion for video game tropes, and in my opinion that passion was better expressed through animation than it would've been in a video-game. I consider animation to be one of the most expressive and versatile art forms. Animation's limitless, more so than live action or video games. Unlike live action, animators can rework shots and character performance as much as they want in post. They aren't limited to choosing their best takes. They aren't limited by outrageous special effects budgets. Compared to games, animation can be more expressive with shot composition. "Cameras" can be designed and placed with full creative control, unrestricted by game mechanics. Furthermore, Animation has better control of pacing. Sure, some of MiA's emotional scenes could've been covered in cutscenes, but inevitably, the tone and pacing would be loss as soon as control returns to the player. At that point, the players mind would switch from "omg what have I just watched" to "shit what do I do now so I don't get a game over". I DO love games too (Undertale, Chrono Trigger, FF3/6, Tales of Symphonia) and I respect them as storytelling platforms. But I've seen creators' passion for video games applied to video games a TON of times. I've experienced characters who are designed and act like Reg in countless games. I have explored worlds designed like Abyss in countless games. Until now, I have NEVER seen that passionate love for what makes video-game great applied to manga or animation this well. This is why I love this show so much. It's a new fresh way to experience video game-inspired tropes in a different form of storytelling. Instead of experiencing Reg's arm as a Video Game mechanic, we get to experience it as a plot device. That sorrow you feel whenever he fails to grab something in the anime is NOT the same sorrow you'd feel if you missed a grab in a game and had to reload and try again. Tbh, I wouldn't ENJOY MiA half as much as a video game. It'd be a good game, but it wouldn't be a unique experience. Yes it COULD'VE been a video game, but that doesn't mean it SHOULD'VE. Imo, this video's title is FAR from the truth :P

Press F to pay respects to Mitty

A game like this would require very skilled designers and some deep pockets to create. A modern AAA game publisher doesn't have the balls to get behind something like this.

"The note that it ends on is emotionally satisfying" Seriously? That last episode felt like it ripped my heart out, threw it to pack of wolves that shit it out onto an expressway for it to get run over by twenty semi trucks then get washed down into the sewars only for rats to slowly devour it piece by piece. That last episode was amazing, but emotionally satisfying? I don't think that's the word I would use.

"i might love (the world) even more if i was able to explore it for myself" Are you suuuuure about that? Are you reeeaaally sure about that? Everyone who explores that world in the show appears to have an extremely bad time

The Universe would make a good game, but the Story is better suited for a traditional visual storytelling medium. Made in Abyss is not so much about the abyss than about Riko, Reg and friends in the abyss. In fact, the videogame influences look more like they are coming to the opposite direction: Making a manga that feels like a game. Given the creator's experience in the industry, i feel this is just as likely, if not more, than that he wanted a game but had to settle with a manga. I think Made in Abyss is too good at little details of characterization and visual storytelling (something most videogames suck at) to be made ''because he couldnt make a videogame instead''.

"The anime adaptation rushes through a lot of manga chapters" ....WHAT? Have we even watched and read the same series? They prolonged the story and the chapters is what you mean. The pacing overall was kind of slow (but not too slow to leave you bored) and they included some extra scenes in the beginning Orth episodes as well as the layer explorations. Mind you they only covered 26 and a half manga chapters in a 14 episode-length TV series, which is less than 2 chapters per episode, and the manga pacing is much faster. Other than that, I can see the video game style of the setting and plot, but I don't think the series would be better as a game. The manga as a stand-alone piece is very unique and Tsukushi's artwork would be very difficult to replicate.

Made in Abyss is the Dark Souls of Loli Slaughter.

Well now your wish has come true

People are going to take the title as an insult, but I don't get why. Video games aren't the same as other media, but they aren't lesser media.

But on a bigger topic. Child murder in anime:ok In movies:Ok Tv shows:Why isn’t Carl dead yet? Video games:No none of that!

Who came here after the videogame announcement?

The fact you were able to predict the genre of the upcoming game is incredible

We'd never get the beauty and mechanics that it would deserve.

the LORE

I'm honestly surprised you couldn't find more interesting things to talk about than the MiA difficulty curve and video game likeness. This anime is jam packed with symbolism, nuances, and is ultimately a fresh take on Dante's Inferno. A lot of the parallels you make to video games are Hero's Journey tropes that can be applied to any story-telling medium, especially shonen/adventure tales. The only way MiA could be a video game is with a huge production budget from someone like Square Enix. The setting is too wondrous to waste on anything less. The Abyss is a character on its own, and would have to be rendered to exquisite detail. I think I prefer the art of Osamu Masuyama in this case.

we did it guys made in abyss game is confirmed for 2022

Just hope we get technology that simulates smells by the time the game comes out so we can find out if Nanachi does indeed smell good.

This show is Cave Story: The Anime 1. Set in an extremely large, elaborate cave with several "zones/layers". 2. Incredibly sadistic evil scientist villain who turns children into monsters. 3. Robotic boy teamed up with a blond girl. 4. ADORABLE FLUFFY BUNNY GIRL YOU WANT TO HUG FOREVER I rest my case.

Who’s here after the announcement for the game?

8:20 "Uncle Lovecraft's Fun Time Murder Hole" should have been the name of the series.

To be honest, when I saw the first couple of episodes I had this nostalgic feeling I was watching one of those action RPGs of the SNES era, it had the mood pretty well-crafted.

I agree to an extent - I can see that it could have started as the idea for a game but I don't think it *should* have been one

well this video aged well

Oh belive me. That "If you want more read the manga" feeling was right. You should deffinetly read the manga. It's awsome.

You haven't convinced me that Made in Abyss could be a video game, because not once in your review did you call it the 'Dark Souls of anime'

*obligitary jrpg fishing minigame*

i guess he really did call it

Reg is just like Megumim. ECSPROSION! And then he is useless.

So... Made in Abyss is the Dark Souls of anime?

I don't read manga but I've read this one, and the anime went pretty much exactly how the manga went, and had more of the third layer which the manga didn't unless it was in the extra chapters, I'm a little confused you saying it rushed over the chapters.

Rather than Made in Abyss being "supposed to be a video game", or "originally being designed to be a video game", I see this anime as an anime with video game APPEAL. Made in Abyss, at least for me, displays what I would describe as "the perfect video game". However, any game with the premise of Made in Abyss would not have fulfilled the potential of the premise itself due to the difficult-to-implement gameplay elements. Games that implement all of the distinct gameplay mechanics that you mention in the video such as cooking, platforming and fighting often do it in a way that is worse than what actually happens in the show. Let's think about this: How would platforming work in this game, and how would the player control Reg's arms? The "right" option here according to the anime is to have the player be able to grab any surfaces, and have it be like a hookshot, letting the player move freely. This is extremely hard to do in a game, since it needs to be percise, and the player needs to do this in many distint scenarios. What I assume would happen in a real game is what I believe is the "wrong" option, which is having there be specific points in the map to which the player can grapple to or use to grapple to another specific point, using only one button to perform it and maybe using it in some quicktime events in addition to normal gameplay. For me, this just ruins the freedom the show presents to the viewer. Also, the fact that Reg's cannon can destroy terrain poses a huge problem as well, and having it only destroy terrain when "the story uses it" would also take away from this freedom. In addition, some concepts that exist in the show would pose a problem in video game format. The curse of the abyss, for example, would make backtracking in this game impossible, and I feel like it would suck to not be able to backtrack in an open-world game. These are only a few reasons, but I hope they justify the point that I'm trying to make. What Made in Abyss does, is let you imagine this perfect game, and doing so in a manner that skips any problem with the gameplay (since there is no gameplay in anime or manga) and focusing entirely on videogame-like world building and storytelling. I believe this is a big reason for why this anime is so succesful - because it heavily appeals to video game players, which take up a large part of anime viewers according to my knowledge. My point is, this anime works really well becasue it is NOT a video game. Sure, I'd love to play a video game that gives me the same experience I've had while watching the show, but I'm afraid that it's extremely hard or almost impossible to do. Video format is just the better option here.

imagine part one: season of 13 episodes part two: movie part 3: videogame part 4: papas rod dlc

You predicted it, and it's actually happening!!!!!

Do we ask for Houseki no Kuni content now?

This aged well. Made in Abyss Binary Star Falling Into Darkness, an action-RPG by Spike-Chunsoft was just announced for a 2022 release

Guess what, it's gonna be a video game!

Made in a Abyss WAS a video game! Look up Dark Cloud 2

I actually think it would be worse as a video game. That is its emotional impact would be less powerful in a platformer than in anime form. Games have a tendency to move toward empowerment with momentary loss a la bioshock. Made in Abyss is kinda the opposite, it's the constant feeling that the characters have no power and are doomed but go on anyway. Like it says in the op they go on even though they know they will never return. I just don't think you would get the same terror experience from a jrpg platformer.

You're too hung up on this idea - so much so that you're missing the forest (of temptation) for the trees... (of temptation? Meh.) While it wouldn't surprise me that the IP was originally intended to be a game, that doesn't necessarily have _any_ bearing on the anime it became. Even from a world-building standpoint. LOTS of settings began as game ideas whose end product didn't remotely resemble a game. For example, the sci-fi thriller "The Expanse". Great series filled with well-developed characters, setting and plot, filled with unexpected twists and political intrigue. It's basically A Song of Ice and Fire, in space. It was intended to be a tabletop RPG. Then it was supposed to be a computer RPG. It actually became a book series (and now TV series) and nothing about it feels "gamified". All the things you mentioned as evidence of game theory... are actually just basic storytelling techniques used in endless shows, books and films. Ya know that! Riko and Reg have opposed personalities and complimentary skills because they are foils for each other. Character foils organically create good, dynamic storytelling. The show begins with a short skirmish into the main setting followed by an encounter with something dire to represent the scope of the world and what the characters will eventually have to face and overcome, because it's basic foreshadowing. Open the story with something interesting, exciting and meaty. It introduces the world, main characters and antagonist or conflict (in this case, the Abyss itself) to hook the viewer/reader before reeling it in and fleshing everyone out a bit. It's a tease. This is writing 101 - _not_ exclusive to games. All of the same points could be made about the original Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, Psycho-Pass... countless shows and movies. Trying to present them as proof this story was meant for a game... that's reaching. Major shoe-horning. You also (maybe intentionally) glaze over all the themes of the show that _scream_ anime, like the super shounen-y societal structure complete with a special organization that has ranks designating skill-level, topped with mysterious legendary heroes whom are constantly foreshadowed and have the super unique (but ultimately shallow) unrealistic personalities of demi-gods. None of that is in your typical JRPG formula, but it's the bread and butter of countless anime.

And now a game was confirmed.

When the RU-vidr asks for your opinion in the comments but doesn't even repsond a a single comment... Every damn time.

Three years later, and it’s now getting a video game adaptation along with it’s second season!

The fact that it actually has a video game adaptation now makes this so much better.

And now it's a game. And it looks promising.

I can't believe it's finally coming xD

A friend introduced this to me and ALL i could think of was "Cool, when's the videogame coming out?" Every plot progression seems designed to introduce a new mechanic; I would love to have discovered this during play ...I badly want this videogame.

Well, this video aged like fine wine

Welp...this aged.

When watching made in abyss (literally finished it a few days ago) I thought I would love to play this as a game but then I thought about it and I just can't find a way to make this a good game.

It is and it's called the Etrian Odyssey series. Not that anyone else played that though...

OMG! I literally had to stop the video so I could laugh when you said "Uncle Lovecraft's fun time murder hole" . Best thing I've heard all day.

When I started watching it, my first thought went to Etrian Odyssey. Although mainly comparing their societies, rather than game mechanics.

I think I have to disagree with your idea that the plot structure matches a video game more than a manga. To begin with, many manga and light novels can be described in much the same way. Spice and Wolf, Sunday without God, Re:Zero. None of these centralize combat, but switching 'boss battle' for 'facing a major threat/antagonist' makes it fit practically perfectly. To a greater or lesser extent, these may also have drawn from video games, but they could never *be* video games. The journey structure with arcs is common. In this case, those arcs are built around layers and different groups of characters because the plot is defined by Reg and Riko *not* bringing everything down with them. Of course there is combat and antagonists, how else do you make more than 30 minutes of engaging conflict in this setting? There's only so many times people can fall or eat bad stuff, and only so much coincidence an audience can tolerate for some powerless kids to survive an environment which has to come across as dangerous. In fact, Made in Abyss without these things would be more tolerable as a platforming game, where such repeated occurrences would be acceptable, than it would as a manga. I hope what I'n trying to say has come across. I certainly think there is a lot of influence from game design in this show, but I just think hat extends to a fair part of the medium at this point.

Rejoice! For your wish has been granted.

After 3 years it will be one!

THIS AGED LIKE FINE WINE

unfortunately with konami as his old workplace. putting forth an idea like made in abyss must have been shot down imidiately. so it warms my heart that he tried so hard to make this real.

It’s getting an game! Hyped but also know I’m gona retouch the feelings 😭

seeing this after they confirmed a made in abyss game

If the mangaka were in charge of developing the game, then sure But it's far more likely the video game rights would get sold to a shovelware company that would make it way too simple (and still sell truckloads because of the IP)

But hey, that's just a theory. A WEEB THEORY.

I know how fun it is to image something you like being adapted into another type of media, but while in concept might seem like an amazing idea, more probably than anything it might end up not being good.

I love that you cut in scenes from New Game for this video. It's both relevant and my favourite anime.

ITS NOW A VIDEOGAME

I have never enjoyed playing a single JRPG as much as Ive enjoyed watching Made In Abyss

I feel like you can apply everything here to really any shonen anime

I have news for you guys They have announced Made In Abyss Season 2 and the game!!

I Need This In My Life

I think that’s what makes made in abyss so special, in a video game the plot would, let’s be honest, be pretty mundane.

7:46 You might want to link the original creator of those game mockups. facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1507350919344822&set=pcb.1507352332678014&type=3&theater

I completely disagree. Could it make a great game? Sure, it certainly could. However, it is much better off as an anime and manga, at least to begin with. A game can always be made later, but games consistently fail in several respects that an anime and manga can tell much better. Firstly- Made In Abyss is far too narrative driven of an anime for the story to be confined into periodic cutscenes and other loose story bits thrown about occasionally. Similarly, due to how character driven the plot is, there would be troubles confining that character growth and development within the cutscenes and story bits. There’s a reason very few games are able to tell stories at the same level as many of our favorite movies, and the stories they do tell, while many are great, are often formatted way differently than in a episodic show or series. Secondly, it is almost impossible to replicate such an astounding level of art in a video game. There are certainly games with great art nowadays, but nothing approaching anime like Made In Abyss and More modern Ghibli films. Simply put- a game would have lacked numerous critical elements that made the anime so dear and special to all of us. It could make a great game some day, but that game will never fully rival the anime, and it was much better off being created as a manga/anime first.

I love how this version summarizes the finale of the series as a "cutscene."

Made in Abyss game sounds really cute! I wasn't as emotionally invested in it but I admired the pacing, art and animation, and thought put into designing the world and creatures in it. I disagree with you, maybe Made In Abyss is inspired by videogames, but I don't think it was intended to be one. Those who've played videogames are more awed by the setting because it seems like the anime knows how to make a fantasy otherworldly setting since they always explore it themselves in games. The anime is just about the journey of two kids in this weird and unforgiving world, and the story is linear so there's no point in it needing a game. And if it were a game it sounds like it would be a really really long game. I think you're just not liking it as much because you keep thinking about playing videogames, but I personally liked just watching the journey not being apart of it.

aged like fine wine

Let’s Goooo! They announced season 2 AND a Video Game!

Well well well, here we are. 2022 will have a lot of surprises

I see made in abyss as a beautiful hellscape where there would be permanent consequences and no forgiveness to the player.A game where resource management and gathering is critical.Where you have to use resources to keep the characters alive as you go back up the abyssals Edit: it would be a place where the line between hardcore and casual would be blurry and you'd have to develop your own skills to for everything ahead of you in your journey Respawn would exist but it would be harsh For example if you respawn you will spawn with half the stats you hand before dying

The author did already say one of his inspirations for Made in Abyss is Cave Story.

I'm honestly glad it's an anime rather than a game (yet, here's hoping we get both eventually). The script for the anime allows for plot points and emotional moments that would take a back seat to action in a video game. Reg's weakness tied into his laser leaves him completely helpless for long periods of time, and is able to kill an immortal creature, suggesting it would blow away any creature you may come across in a game. Rather than being designed for the explicit purpose of becoming a game, I believe it was made to incorporate the best elements of games with the best elements of more traditional storytelling.

I just binge this yesterday, but all these clips make me want to watch it again.

I needed to come back to this video now that they announced a video game in this series, Made in Abyss: Binary Star Falling into Darkness, and feel as though you defiantly called it.

The manga gave me heavy Ever Oasis and Hollow Knight nostalgia

In the Ozen boss battle, there should be three endings. The first ending, is the ending in the anime, Ozen beats the crap out of Reg and makes you go ten days in the survival section but with very easy difficulty. The second ending is the tie, Reg puts up a hell of a fight but is passes due to exaustion and pain when out when Ozen's pals come in, you go to the survival level but for only five days but with double difficulty. The third ending is the victory, you beat the living crap out of Ozen and she is beaten to the pulp and passes when her pals come in, you do have the survival level but only for a day, but with triple difficulty.

Dude, this was so well done!

Bonedrewd ≠ Bondrowd Great video otherwise! I'm surprised it's taken this long for a reviewer to bring up the game like nature. I knew that the mangaka had worked on other game titles before but not all the specifics. I really hope this gets a good game adaptation so we all can get a chance to explore the Abyss!

I could imagine MiA as a really good game. But I am glad that it is an anime. Otherwise I would not have discovered this masterpiece

It took three years but we're getting a game. You were either a time traveler or you were just really good at making predictions.

been 3 years, but looks like they know too, they are making a game

It is now a game 👁👁

Except one tiny complaint, I agree with your opinion completely: It's just... I never thought of Made in Abyss as a JRPG, but the vertical version of Breath of the Wild. Your random Swords become random Artifacts and it is your choice how you're gonna play this game. Action-focused in a more "Reg-like" manner or less looting monster but sneaking around them, crafting potions and searching the area. A huge area, which is completely yours to discover, a makeshift map which you have to fill in by yourself. An absence of people but hundreds of interesting places to visit. So... yes: Made in Abyss is truly a Video Game...Explanation Point

I'm curious about your opinion about the game (made in abyss: binary star falling into darkness)

I am just here to say, "THIS GUY FREAKING CALLED IT."