Animated adaptations of video games generally receive more faith from players than their live-action counterparts. That’s understandable; most games are animated in one form or another, so it’s easier to replicate an aesthetic than to find actors and build sets that match the source material exactly. On top of the myriad of live-action shows based on games, there’s an equally sizable, if not larger, slate of animated series on the horizon. If you’re a fan of animated takes on the medium, here’s a snapshot of every upcoming TV series to keep an eye on with trailer links where applicable.
Arcane
One of the most popular competitive games on the planet, League of Legends, gets its own animated series this week. However, you don’t have to be a League of Legends diehard to enjoy Arcane. The series chronicles the beginnings of sisters Jinx (Ella Purnell) and Vi (Hailee Steinfeld), who get caught in a class war between the opulent Piltover and the slums of Zuan. Arcane’s unique art direction paints a beautiful picture of a world embroiled in a terrible power struggle. The 9-episode series is divided into three-episode acts: Act 1 premieres November 6, Act 2 arrives November 13, and Act 3 on November 20. | Trailer
Shenmue The Animation
Adult Swim and Crunchyroll are teaming up to produce a 13-episode animated adaptation of Sega’s beloved Shenmue series. Shenmue the Animation tells an expanded take on the events of the first game, with high-school martial artist Ryo on a quest to avenge the murder of his father. Shenmue creator Yu Suzaki describes the show as being a “more accessible” avenue to absorb the game’s story without dealing with the polarizing mechanics of the games. Chikara Sakurai (One Punch Man) directs the series, and it will be available in both Japanese and English voiceovers. | Trailer
Sonic Prime
Sonic cartoons have existed almost as long as the Blue Blur himself. Sonic Prime serves as the sixth and latest adaptation and sees Sonic fighting to save an entire multiverse. We know Isaac Jimenez Jr. will play Sonic while Nahanni Mitchell (StarBeam, The Dragon Prince) voices Amy. Like its predecessor, Sonic Boom, it will be a computer-animated show helmed by WildBrain Vancouver Studio. Man of Action Entertainment of Ben 10 fame will produce the 24-episode first season.
The Cuphead Show!
Much like Cuphead’s long-lost DLC, The Cuphead Show! has been floating around for some time now. First announced in 2019, it follows Cuphead and Mugman’s quest to repay their debt to the Devil. We got our first look a the show back in May, and the following month, Netflix announced Wayne Brady as the voice of the villainous King Dice. Cuphead is as big of a layup for an animated show as any game out there, so we’re pretty excited for this one. The only real question is whether this arrives before or after The Delicious Last Course. | Trailer