So I finally replaced by copy of the book and picked up the GM screen. It's a long story but let if suffice to say that hyperactive children, coffeehouses, quadruple shot lattes, and RPG books do not go together like chocolate and peanut butter. Now that I can give the book a serious read through and have a few friends that have expressed interest in playing I'm trying to absorb as many Anima related/relevant films as possible for ideas.

Any suggestions?

Gonna start with obvious Anime:

Ninja Scroll, or on the opposite end Avatar: the Last Airbender (if you have kids, my daughter loves it!), either Vampire Hunter D, or Record of Lodoss war, and Final Fantasy: Advent Children. As far as non animated: The Forbidden Kingdom comes to mind, Brotherhood of the Wolf, or...

Record of Lodoss War is very good.

Japanime :

Escaflowne, Lodoss (1st one), RG Veda, Madara,

Manga :

Vagrants, Madara,

Movies :

Chinese TV series Condor Hero (2006), Chinese Ghost Story, Azumi, Aragami, Krull, legend of Zu, Zu warriors, Wolfhound, Conan, Beastmaster, the Sword and the Sorcerer

Manga:

Qwan

Suikoden 3

Berserk

Basilisk/The Yagyu Ninja Scrolls

Clamore

Anime:

Basilisk

possibly El-Hazard

Legend of Crystania

Berserk

Claymore

inu-yasha.

slayers

sounds about right

Berserk

...man, that series leaves everything behind IMO. I'm so glad I didn't see the prologue episode (Black Swordsman) before watching the rest. It actually ruins the surprise. I found the final chapters completely amazing as a result.

One anime series that I'm finding very intriguing to use is called, Spice and Wolf . For one thing there isn't much in the way of fighting it's mostly about character development and a lot of political intrigue mostly relating to trading. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't going to use material from this series in my campaign.

Movies: Most J live action movies, old kung fu movies (Bruce Lee and Drunken Master)

I think what helps me the most is the video games series Dynasty Warriors but that is just me.

just finished watching a good one: Samurai Champloo

@Raybras

Yes, that was an excellent series.

Keylime said:

Mugen: Forget all the formal crap, about coming at me one at a time... I'll take ALL you ******* on!

best line ever

Raybras said:

So many good one-liners.

There were already many good suggestions, so I won't repeat what is already written.

But there is more:

I think a good source of inspiration could also be "Scraped Princess":

You have main characters which are hunted, you have a high fantasy setting with magic and monsters, a strong church and forbidden (ancient) technology. And also the backstory seams to share some similarities with Anima

If you like a less serious approach, consider Mahou Senshi Riui (Rune Soldier Louis) as a source. Also "Those who hunt elves" might give you some more ideas for comedy adventures.

There is also a story arc of Magister Negi Magi dealing with a visit in the magical world. This story arc might offer some ideas for monsters and magic use, but since magic is widely known in this world, it's not an entirely sufficient source.

Also have a look at "Tenjou Tenge" and "Bastard" (also "Berserk", which was mentioned before) for some ideas about flashy a**-kicking. While neither setting really fits into Anima's Gaia, they are a great example of personal power and over-the-top combat maneuvers.

Efferdan said:

Would like to second this suggestion - it can take a while to get into, but I really enjoyed this series.

AJC

Samurai Western Danjanku is pretty good, though its a western, so its a lot of gun fighting, but has a good feel.

Vampire Hunter D, but not the second one, its not as good

Blood: The Last Vampire, yes its modern, but the rpotagonist spends the whole time using a sword. Both the anime and the live action

I'm suprised no one has mention Escaflone, just an amazing piece of work.

Slayers, Claymore, FF games, any thing like that can really work. Alot fo animes can do, just fine one that you think works for you.