Cancelled AKIRA game for Sega Genesis

[Luke]

Ever wondered if there was a planned Sega Genesis video game adaptation of iconic anime film Akira that never quite made it to shelves? Well if you were one of those who did wonder something so obscure yet specific, then you are in luck because footage has leaked of a cancelled Akira game for the Sega Genesis.

The footage that has made its way online comes from a grainy recording of gameplay dating back to 1994’s Consumer Electronics Show event (CES). While the footage showcases the Sega Genesis version of Akira, there was also plans for a Super Nintendo and Game Gear version as well. Unfortunately all plans were cancelled after several development staff left the project leaving it to be neglected and ultimately cancelled indefinitely.

Have a gander at the Sega Genesis version in the video below. The game looks like it involved a lot of motorcycle riding and not a lot else but hey it was an Akira game!

What do you guys think of this?

[Franky]

My thing is that I don't believe everything should have adaptations of any kind. Some light novels shouldn't become Manga, some Manga shouldn't become Anime, some anime shouldn't become movies, etc. This game looks cool because it's like an "out-of-the-vault" looking back on what could have been, but I'm not sure it could've been much good as a video game. Thing is, Akira is not one of those films that's all gung-ho with the action, it's not a film that can be made into a worthwhile video game. It's got a lot more beneath the surface rather than just guns or combat. Anime, Manga, Series', etc, that I feel as though are the most translatable in terms of video game adaptations are that of Shonen ones. Naruto easily became a game, Bleach easily became a game, One Piece easily became a game, because there's a lot fo room to grow, there's an adventure to go on, and there are plenty of enemies to fight. Akira, I just don't think would've worked the same way.