I have only read the manga, and am planning on watching some adaptations so that I can talk to people who haven't read the manga, and maybe understand why some people prefer to watch a watered down version. I will also put some games on this poll.
Should I watch any of the anime?
- Thread starter GroovyGooberUWU
- Start date
As far as animation goes, the 1997 adaptation remains the only one that feels like it understood the manga. The movies tried to make it into something else (and failed), and the 2016 series is overall terrible. So while it's not perfect by any means, I would recommend the 1997 series if you have to watch any of them. It did a fine job with the constraints it had at the time. And it has a great soundtrack.
For video games, the Dreamcast game is interesting because the story and characters were created by Miura. But it looks dated now, like all 3D games from that era, and its gameplay was lacking in the first place. Might be best to just watch someone play through it on YouTube (without commentary for the best experience).
The PlayStation 2 game was fun to play when it came out, but is of limited interest otherwise. I would describe it as being a competent third-person action game. To be clear: it's no "God of War". One of its highlights back then were the cinematics, but that was 20 years ago. The game also takes liberties with the story to rework the events of the manga into a game-compatible format, which is excusable, but makes it less interesting than the Dreamcast game in my opinion. Lastly, it has a little bonus scenario Miura came up with that involves an apostle dealing with illusions. It's spread out over the course of the game in a way that makes no sense, but I guess it's nice that it exists. Also of note: the game was originally Japanese only, but there are English mods for it now.
And finally there's Berserk Musou, which I didn't play. That fact probably speaks for itself. It's one of the weakest Musou games out there as far as I know, and is basically just the usual Musou gameplay with a Berserk coat of paint on top. Not worthwhile as far as I'm concerned.
For video games, the Dreamcast game is interesting because the story and characters were created by Miura. But it looks dated now, like all 3D games from that era, and its gameplay was lacking in the first place. Might be best to just watch someone play through it on YouTube (without commentary for the best experience).
The PlayStation 2 game was fun to play when it came out, but is of limited interest otherwise. I would describe it as being a competent third-person action game. To be clear: it's no "God of War". One of its highlights back then were the cinematics, but that was 20 years ago. The game also takes liberties with the story to rework the events of the manga into a game-compatible format, which is excusable, but makes it less interesting than the Dreamcast game in my opinion. Lastly, it has a little bonus scenario Miura came up with that involves an apostle dealing with illusions. It's spread out over the course of the game in a way that makes no sense, but I guess it's nice that it exists. Also of note: the game was originally Japanese only, but there are English mods for it now.
And finally there's Berserk Musou, which I didn't play. That fact probably speaks for itself. It's one of the weakest Musou games out there as far as I know, and is basically just the usual Musou gameplay with a Berserk coat of paint on top. Not worthwhile as far as I'm concerned.
the main thing I'm worried about is the accessibility of certain things. like, I know the Dreamcast game is probably gonna be good, but I don't have a Dreamcast. I played sonic adventure on a collection disc that also had bass pro fishing and crazy taxi as a kid, but I don't have an actual Dreamcast. and as an American who prefers to not use emulators, there really isn't an easy way to get my hands on a copy of berserk ps2. I don't really want to pay for crunchy roll to watch 1997, but I don't know if its on any other streaming services. I suppose berserk musou would be accessible, but as you said, its quality is up for debate. I would like to watch the golden age Trilogy for the more brutal eclipse, which I don't even know how it could be more brutal, but once again, I don't know what streaming services have it for free.
NightCrawler
Aeons gone, vast, mad and deathless
I'd add that the Dreamcast game soundtrack is on par with the 97 anime one. Truly astounding work by Hirasawa.
Yeah that's going to be difficult if you don't have a budget for it. Getting the PS2 game used from Japan isn't very hard, but it'd cost you a little, and then you'd need a Japanese PS2 to play it (or a modded one).
Yeah it's not "more brutal" at all. They depicted the rape quite tastelessly though, maybe that's why you've heard that. Personally I didn't find the third movie better than the other two.
aight.
I think you should skip all of that and watch this https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S9UdwfQfztk&list=PLaR_E6Rv9yWH6MWGD9-EbDCzhd2b2uT5v
I've actually watched that before since I really didn't care about spoilers for something that's the same story as what I've already read, and I had enjoyed the video, but I do slightly prefer lady Emily's video.
Gotta mention Berserk Redux (created by @ApostleBob ), it takes the best parts from each adaptation and combine them into ~10H watch.
It is using the English dub for consistency, but (unlike most of the English dubs for anime) its pretty good!
It is using the English dub for consistency, but (unlike most of the English dubs for anime) its pretty good!
I will watch that. it sounds freaking cool!
Let me know how you like it. It's my best attempt at making a single narrative that pulls together all the media. I aim to make the transitions between different animes as seamless as I can, and present them into movie format.
before I watch it, I need to know where it is. is it on YouTube?
