Isekai stories have their share of fans, but there’s one thing that defines most of them. It’s borrowing elements from games, more specifically, RPGs.
While that’s not bad per se, this has also spread to other anime in the genre recently — that’s why some of them feel like isekai despite not being part of the genre.
If you’re tired of them, here are some fantasy series that do not rely on game-like elements of the setting.
The original Berserk anime from 1997 has become a classic — and also a perfect example of how to make a dark fantasy series. It manages to combine extremely graphic and dark content with a classic fantasy feeling of epicness, something many anime struggle to do.
Despite the anime being made over 20 years ago, it is visually appealing to modern fans as well. There’s a certain charm in how anime was animated back then. However, be prepared to read the manga after finishing it — and understand that we are probably never getting a proper adaptation for the rest of it.
Moribito – Guardian of the Spirit
Moribito – Guardian of the Spirit (Seirei no Moribito) follows a spear-wielding mercenary Balsa protecting an emperor’s son. It’s probably the closest the anime can offer to the fantasy adventure fairy tales.
Despite being based on a novel series for children and teenagers, it is surprisingly mature. Balsa has been noted by many as an example of a great female protagonist. The anime expands on the plot of the books, making it more entertaining for older audiences.
The Ancient Magus' Bride
The Ancient Magus' Bride (Mahou tsukai no Yome) is a character study with a slow-burn romance attached. However, it also excels at a thing you probably haven’t thought of: being a fantasy anime that actually feels magical.
With how many anime try to define and structure its magic systems, the series is actually bold for doing the opposite. Magic in The Ancient Magus' Bride isn’t something to define as a proper system: it’s pure magic in the most pristine sense of the word.
From the New World (Shinsekai yori) is a story of the life of a group of people in a post-apocalyptic dystopia. Despite the seemingly serene fantasy setting, the anime is actually a psychological horror — a realization that comes slowly but steadily.
From the New World provides social commentary on many issues. In a sense, the actual plot of the anime is a puzzle that only pieces itself together in the very end. Its beauty lies in its stellar execution of its themes.
Utawarerumono is based on a series of visual novels. Despite that, it doesn’t really feel like any other fantasy anime taking inspiration from RPGs.
On the contrary, the plot is very unique (even if it goes a little bit insane near the end of Season 1), and the setting is closer to that of high fantasy books. The second and third seasons feature mostly a new cast, but they’re great as well.
Sadly, we don’t get many of these nowadays.
Isekai stories have their share of fans, but there’s one thing that defines most of them. It’s borrowing elements from games, more specifically, RPGs.
While that’s not bad per se, this has also spread to other anime in the genre recently — that’s why some of them feel like isekai despite not being part of the genre.
If you’re tired of them, here are some fantasy series that do not rely on game-like elements of the setting.
The original Berserk anime from 1997 has become a classic — and also a perfect example of how to make a dark fantasy series. It manages to combine extremely graphic and dark content with a classic fantasy feeling of epicness, something many anime struggle to do.
Despite the anime being made over 20 years ago, it is visually appealing to modern fans as well. There’s a certain charm in how anime was animated back then. However, be prepared to read the manga after finishing it — and understand that we are probably never getting a proper adaptation for the rest of it.
Moribito – Guardian of the Spirit
Moribito – Guardian of the Spirit (Seirei no Moribito) follows a spear-wielding mercenary Balsa protecting an emperor’s son. It’s probably the closest the anime can offer to the fantasy adventure fairy tales.
Despite being based on a novel series for children and teenagers, it is surprisingly mature. Balsa has been noted by many as an example of a great female protagonist. The anime expands on the plot of the books, making it more entertaining for older audiences.
The Ancient Magus' Bride
The Ancient Magus' Bride (Mahou tsukai no Yome) is a character study with a slow-burn romance attached. However, it also excels at a thing you probably haven’t thought of: being a fantasy anime that actually feels magical.
With how many anime try to define and structure its magic systems, the series is actually bold for doing the opposite. Magic in The Ancient Magus' Bride isn’t something to define as a proper system: it’s pure magic in the most pristine sense of the word.
From the New World (Shinsekai yori) is a story of the life of a group of people in a post-apocalyptic dystopia. Despite the seemingly serene fantasy setting, the anime is actually a psychological horror — a realization that comes slowly but steadily.
From the New World provides social commentary on many issues. In a sense, the actual plot of the anime is a puzzle that only pieces itself together in the very end. Its beauty lies in its stellar execution of its themes.
Utawarerumono is based on a series of visual novels. Despite that, it doesn’t really feel like any other fantasy anime taking inspiration from RPGs.
On the contrary, the plot is very unique (even if it goes a little bit insane near the end of Season 1), and the setting is closer to that of high fantasy books. The second and third seasons feature mostly a new cast, but they’re great as well.
