Anime Mods in Western Videogames

Western videogames have taken at least some inspiration from Japanese works over the decades, whether it’s tacky nods to popular culture staples like ninjas or more nuanced references to the country’s history, as seen in the UK-made Total War series. It stands to reason that anime and manga touches would be inevitable. What is surprising, though, is how many of these are coming from fans in the form of anime mods.

Fan-made parody trailer of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Vento Aureo, showcasing one of the myriad anime skins available for Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas (2004). Circa 2017.

It’s not exactly a new trend nor exclusive to new titles, given how even Doom (1993) can have Touhou modded in. Nonetheless, as seen in but a handful of franchises, it’s interesting to see the lengths some will go to make even the most Western game a little more Japanese.

Paradox Interactive strategy games

With titles such as the Crusader Kings, Europa Universalis, and Hearts of Iron games, to name a few, Sweden-based Paradox Interactive is known for grand strategy titles. Such a portfolio would make for an unlikely place to find anime mods. And yet a quick look over at the Steam Workshop pages say otherwise.

One of the more popular ones is the Anime Portraits mod for Crusader Kings II (2012), which does exactly what the name says. Whether it’s Scottish noblemen, Arab sheiks or nomadic princesses, it makes every character image look straight out of a visual novel. The fact that the game itself comes with an editor also means that it’s possible to port in, for example, the likenesses of Arthuria and Jeanne d’Arc from the Fate franchise. And given CKII’s infamous emphasis on backstabbing and brutal court politics, it can make for a hilarious if surreal experience.

It’s by no means the only one of its kind, either. Europa Universalis IV (2013), for instance, has a work-in-progress Waifu Universalis Beta, which goes the extra mile in remaking the background art anime-style. Then, there’s the Toastland Hearts of Anime mod for the World War II-themed Hearts of Iron IV (2016), which replaces every single political and military figure with an assortment of girls (both original and from various anime). Which isn’t even getting to submods within existing ones. Even the popular Kaiserreich: Legacy of the Weltkrieg isn’t spared, with Moereich! going even further in making more unique and consistent portraits and background art.

Gameplay footage, showcasing the Moereich submod for Kaiserreich: Legacy of the Weltkrieg. Circa 2018.

Seems like even in the more niche field of grand strategy, waifus are universal.

Fallout series

Almost from the very beginning, the classic Fallout franchise has made a shout-out to sources as varied as Mad Max and Doctor Who. By Fallout 3 (2008), this extended to Japanese works, as it’s possible to build the “Lone Wanderer” to look like Kenshiro from Hokuto no Ken. Fallout: New Vegas (2010) similarly if more blatantly had a unique melee weapon called the “Fist of the North Rawr” (a gauntlet made from a powerful Deathclaw) that lets the “Courier” rip enemies’ limbs with ease.

Fan video for Fallout 3 (2008), showing a Hokuto no Ken inspired build, which is very much possible in-game. Circa 2008.

Come Fallout 4 (2015), the fans themselves have one-upped the developers. The game’s graphics engine and overall flexibility have allowed modders to push the limits of what could be put in. Which, in turn, makes the existence of something like AnimeRace Nanakochan all the more surprising.

Video showing the AnimeRace Nanakochan mod in action. Circa 2019.

Rather than do something like plaster otaku posters or just add a few outfits based on certain shows, AnimeRace Nanakochan makes it possible to make not only the “Sole Survivor” but any female NPC character into something straight out of an anime. This is achieved by adding a new “race” that are accessed through a console command, with its own proportions, heavy customization (from skin color to eye type) and a rather varied set of facial expressions (thanks to functional mouth movement). Granted, there’s no male version yet, while the presence of cute anime girls in the very American and “realistic” styling of the Commonwealth may make them stick out like a sore thumb. The fact that the installation process requires other mods may make for a mild hurdle for other players, as well. Nonetheless, it’s rather impressive how the end result, in all its cell-shaded, Japanese-esque glory, still manages to blend rather well with the fairly bright, vibrant trappings in the rest of the game. Add in graphics mods like The Enhancer, along with a variety of outfits and armor (including power armor modeled after Gundam mecha), and Bethesda’s game can look less Western by the minute. That the game itself has a Japanese voice track also helps in creating a new sense of immersion.

According to the creator that particular mod, he was inspired to do so after being disappointed in how the appearance of one of the NPCs (Nakano from the Far Harbor DLC) didn’t seem to match up with her otherwise cute voice. That modder certainly succeeded, to put it lightly.

World of Warships

Developed by Russian studio (and Wargaming subsidiary) Lesta, OOO, World of Warships (2015) is a naval combat MMO that manages to pull off “free to play” rather than just “pay to win.” Being based mainly on World Wars I and II, with myriad historic vessels to boot, it might seem at a glance like something unlikely to attract otaku. With the popularity of the likes of Kantai Collection and Arpeggio of Blue Steel, however, the game’s seen its share of the Japanizing treatment. One that goes beyond even the developers’ own efforts, such as with the Azur Lane collaboration.

World of Warships promotional trailer for the Azur Lane crossover. Circa 2019.

Beyond the fact that Kancolle mods do indeed exist, there’s also has a more ambitious fan project, called Mermaid’s Wrath. Headed by Chobittsu Studios, this work notably overhauls the game’s audio, replacing just about every male voice track with a female one. In its present state, there is a multitude of lines, random quips and responses for various situations (whether idle or in the thick of the action). That there are also accents and cultural variations depending on the factions involved (such as British tracks for Royal Navy vessels) help in giving enough immersion to maintain suspension of disbelief.

Promotional trailer for the Mermaid’s Wrath mod, showcasing the voices. Circa 2018.

More than these, however, Mermaid’s Wrath goes the extra mile. The avatars, portraits and even the names of ship captains are similarly changed up to be all-female. While largely based on the actresses and modders themselves, they’re all done in an alluring anime style that, combined with the voice acting, really sells the proverbial waifu angle. Which isn’t even getting to the special holiday-themed variants, eccentric characters (including shout-outs to science fiction) and characters from established works like Azur Lane.

The end result can result in World of Warships coming off as more like a visual novel or dating sim, but with explosions and naval bombardment. A strange blend, to be sure, though it still manages to work.

Cultural Exchange Galore

Needless to say, the ensuing blend of East and West are seen in anime modding can make for some surreal experiences. Given their continued popularity, in spite of detractors, such works aren’t going away anytime soon. There’s something to be said about these being an example of multiculturalism or globalization done right.

Really, though, the best way to really savor those experience is to try them out yourself.