As one of the most esteemed names in global animation, Studio Ghibli has left an indelible mark on the cinematic landscape since its inception in the 1980s. The renowned Japanese animation studio is celebrated for producing captivating films that transport audiences into their vividly imagined realms.
Fans of animation, film, and storytelling are likely familiar with iconic Ghibli films such as Spirited Away and Princess Mononoke. The appeal of these movies extends beyond traditional audience realms, reaching into fields like gaming where many titles evoke Ghibli’s enchanting aesthetic and emotive storytelling.
While it’s uncertain if these games consciously draw inspiration from Ghibli’s creations, the thematic and visual parallels are striking. Below are ten games that resonate with the enchanting essence of Studio Ghibli’s work.
10 Spiritfarer
The Joy of Life and What Comes Next
Exploring mortality, Ghibli films like Grave of the Fireflies tackle life’s transience. Spiritfarer invites players to embrace this inevitability with joy. Set in a whimsical afterlife, players manage a boat that ferries spirits to their final destinations, interweaving moments of lightheartedness with poignant reminders of departure.
9 Forgotton Anne
No, That’s Not a Typo
In the spirit of Ghibli’s whimsical storytelling, Forgotton Anne offers a unique exploration of animated objects in a realm where forgotten things reside. Players navigate through this vibrant world as Anne, encountering lost items personified as characters, each with yearning for meaning. Solving their dilemmas influences the narrative, adding depth to gameplay.
8 Spirit
Even Spirits Need a Soak
Inspired by the mystical bathhouse from Spirited Away, Spirittea positions players at the helm of a once-thriving bathhouse catering to neglected spirits. Through managing the bathhouse and forging connections with townsfolk, players work to rejuvenate both the spirit world and the human community.
7 The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
A Massive, Beautiful World
While many indie games embody Ghibli’s charm, prominent titles like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild also encapsulate its essence through expansive landscapes and immersive worlds. The breathtaking vistas of Hyrule and adventurous gameplay evoke the spirit of exploration found in Ghibli films, particularly in scenes reminiscent of Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind.
6 Flowers
A Small Critter in a Magical Forest
Reflecting Ghibli’s penchant for the mystical, Hoa invites players to assume the role of a small creature navigating a stunning hand-painted forest. As players encounter myriad enchanting inhabitants, the game’s gentle pacing and low stakes echo the calming themes prevalent in Ghibli’s less intense productions like My Neighbor Totoro.
5 Eastward
A Fantastical Setting Full of Mystery
Similar to Ghibli’s ability to juxtapose the fantastical with the ordinary, Eastward establishes a narrative in a world on the verge of collapse. Following protagonists John and Sam, players traverse through dilapidated locations and explore profound mysteries that unfold in a setting rich with charm and subtle fantasy.
4 Behind the Frame: The Finest Scenery
The Importance of Art
Studio Ghibli instills a profound appreciation for art, a theme echoed in the game Behind the Frame: The Finest Scenery. This beautifully rendered puzzle game captures the essence of creativity and the emotional impacts of artistic expression. Its art style, reminiscent of Ghibli, offers an engaging experience that remains with players long after completion.
3 My Time at Portia
A New Life in a Reviving World
In My Time at Portia, players immerse themselves in a post-apocalyptic yet rejuvenating environment where life flourishes amidst uncertainty. This farming and adventure simulator cultivates the Ghibli spirit of resilience and community, challenging players to restore a once-vibrant town while unearthing its forgotten history.
2 Mika and the Witch’s Mountain
Hire a Delivery Witch
Drawing inspiration from Kiki’s Delivery Service, Mika and the Witch’s Mountain features a young witch navigating her vibrant island while running a courier service. Enhanced by exploration and magical deliveries, this game beautifully captures the charm and innocence that define Ghibli’s storytelling tradition.
1 Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch
Literally Co-Produced by Ghibli
Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch, co-produced by Studio Ghibli, Level-5, and Bandai Namco, exemplifies the studio’s collaboration across different mediums. This enchanting role-playing game is imbued with the signature art and storytelling Ghibli is known for, as players join young Oliver on a harrowing quest to restore his mother through a magical realm.
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