Some of the best games inspired by Kentaro Miura’s Berserk

Tales of Berseria

The next entry may surprise a few of you. Without actually playing the game, and only having cursory knowledge of it, it would be difficult to see the comparison between Berserk and Tales of Berseria. But even the names themselves are very similar when pronounced phonetically in Japanese. Plus, the game’s main character, Velvet, can also be seen as a female version of Guts. The similarities don’t stop there, however.

Funnily enough, it would be spoilers for both Berserk and Tales of Berseria to talk too much about the story. Just know that the similarities are too numerous to count. Some detractors of the game even say that Berseria is like Berserk to a fault. While it obviously doesn’t go as dark as Berserk (few pieces of media really do), the story beats and characters you meet along the way are undeniably linked to it. The game is a lot of fun and if you are looking for something to scratch that Berserk itch without being too intense, this is definitely one to check out.

The Dark Souls series

This is the last one, the big one. You all knew it was coming, but it can’t not be here on this list. The entire Dark Souls series is so absolutely drenched in reverence to Berserk it is hard to know where to even begin. The tone, world, monster designs, armor, and weapons are all so lovingly inspired by Miura. The game’s director, Hidetaka Miyazaki, was 15 when Berserk began publication in 1989. He has said in many interviews how influential the manga was to him as a young man and well into adulthood.

These are more than just mere Easter eggs or direct callouts, though. Every piece of Berserk brought into the Souls series is clearly done with a love and respect for the source material. Many fans have hoped for years that From Software would just make an actual Berserk videogame. But many would argue that they already have. Not only does the game match Berserk in its style, but also in its gameplay.

The Souls games are infamous for their crushing difficulty. But those that take the time, and have the patience, to master its intricacies are rewarded with some of the most satisfying moments in gaming. The world of Berserk is dark, cruel, and unforgiving — much like the world of Dark Souls. But just like Guts, learning to come to terms with your own frustration, anger, and grief can result in something truly wonderful. It is clear that Miyazaki truly understands what makes Berserk so great.

A legacy series

I myself got into Berserk much later in life while I was in high school. I had heard people talk about how dark, depressing, violent, and sadistic it was. While it is all of those things at times, it is also something much more. While I may have came for the violence, I stayed for the hope. Not to mention Miura’s gorgeous drawings, something that I don’t think I will ever see again in comics or manga. He truly was a master at what he did; that rare breed of genius that comes along once every generation.

While it is sad that Guts’ story will now likely never end, it is also sort of poetic. Guts’ struggle will be eternal, just as it has always been. Just like it is for all of us. But true strength comes in moving forward and keeping what, and who, is important to you as close as possible. We never know what is around the corner in life, and we must be prepared for it. But, at the same time, we must never lose sight of what is important. Life can hurt, and bad things happen, but we move forward and we carry on. Just like Guts always did.

Rest in peace Miura. You will be missed, but you will be remembered forever.

But most importantly, thank you.