Have you ever imagined your favorite game coming to life, or your life turning into a game? Wouldn’t it be amazing to live such an adventure? In The Gamer, the main character, Jee-Han, loves gaming more than anything else. Suddenly, his life transforms to resemble a game, where he can even see levels and stats over people’s heads while completing daily tasks for his mother.
15. The Rising of the Shield Hero
Genre: Action, Adventure, Drama, Fantasy
Iwatani Naofumi, an ordinary otaku with a passion for games and manga, finds himself summoned into a fantasy world as one of four legendary heroes, each armed with a unique weapon. Naofumi, however, is assigned the Shield—a defensive weapon with limited offensive capability—while the other heroes wield swords, spears, or bows. Initially optimistic about his new life, Naofumi’s excitement quickly turns into betrayal when he’s falsely accused of a heinous crime by a member of royalty. Abandoned by his fellow heroes and mistrusted by the people, he becomes an outcast.
Naofumi’s journey as the Shield Hero is a struggle not only against monstrous threats but also against the prejudices and obstacles placed by the very people he’s meant to protect. Over time, he gathers a loyal party, including Raphtalia, a demi-human slave girl he buys to help him fight, who grows to become a steadfast companion. The narrative follows his progression from a rejected and isolated hero to a powerful figure who earns respect through resilience, intelligence, and sheer determination. The Rising of the Shield Hero is filled with moral complexity and a strong redemption arc as Naofumi fights against a society that wronged him.
Both The Rising of the Shield Hero and The Gamer feature protagonists who experience growth through game-like mechanics and skill-building. However, while The Gamer is more lighthearted, Shield Hero delves deeply into themes of betrayal, loyalty, and resilience, creating a more complex emotional journey.
14. World Customize Creator
Genre: Isekai, Adventure, Harem
Tagami Yusuke is transported to a world called Caltsio, where he is bestowed with the title of “Evil God of Calamity” due to his unique powers. His main ability, “Customize Creation,” allows him to alter the world around him to his will, a gift that initially causes fear and suspicion among the locals. Despite being labeled a threat, Yusuke quickly finds a place among the people and pledges to use his abilities to help those who have accepted him.
As he forms alliances, Yusuke learns of Caltsio’s complex social and political issues, especially the divide between those who can manipulate natural elements and those who cannot. His journey in this world is not just about using his powers but about earning the trust of those around him while facing opponents who see him as a dangerous outsider. As he grows stronger, Yusuke’s character development is shaped by his relationships with his allies and his commitment to protecting his newfound home. Like The Gamer, World Customize Creator emphasizes skill-building and tactical growth in a game-like setting, but with a distinct focus on loyalty, alliances, and strategic use of powers.
13. Tower of God
Genre: Action, Adventure, Drama, Fantasy
Bam, a young boy who has lived his entire life in darkness, finds himself following his only friend, Rachel, into the mysterious Tower. The Tower is an enigmatic, multi-layered structure that grants wishes and bestows incredible power on those who reach its peak. However, every floor comes with deadly trials, monsters, and rivalries, as each level presents unique challenges that push contenders to their limits.
The story is a gripping blend of adventure and suspense, with Bam navigating his way through both physical obstacles and intricate, sometimes ruthless, political dynamics. As he rises, Bam builds alliances with diverse characters, each with their own motivations, fears, and dreams. Like The Gamer, Tower of God focuses on a protagonist who grows stronger over time, adapting to the unique challenges that each level presents, though Tower of God incorporates an ongoing sense of mystery and psychological tension.
12. Log Horizon
Genre: Action, Game, Adventure, Magic, Fantasy
When thirty thousand Japanese gamers find themselves unable to log out of the MMORPG “Elder Tale,” the once-familiar world of digital fantasy becomes their new reality. The protagonist, Shiroe, a reclusive college student, finds himself thrust into this world and must use his intelligence and strategic prowess to navigate its complexities. Known for his incredible tactical mind, Shiroe becomes a central figure in the city of Akihabara as he organizes guilds and builds alliances.
Unlike many similar stories, Log Horizon places emphasis on the social, political, and logistical challenges that would arise in a world where gamers are forced to survive, build a community, and even negotiate with NPCs, who display a surprising amount of autonomy. Shiroe’s journey from a solo player to a leader reflects his growth not only as a strategist but as a friend and ally to those around him. Like The Gamer, Log Horizon explores growth through game mechanics, but it focuses more on teamwork, social systems, and the mechanics of managing an MMORPG world.
11. Maze Age Z
Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Dungeon, Magic
Jung Won-Jun, a college student, finds himself transported to a kingdom within the world of Emmes, in the body of a noble with a small, struggling fiefdom to manage. As he adapts to his new identity, he must confront the realities of ruling and take on the challenges that come with defending his territory. He interacts with powerful allies and rivals while learning about the intricacies of politics, diplomacy, and survival in a medieval, dungeon-filled environment.
As he navigates his surroundings, Jung encounters a series of trials that test his wit and strategic abilities. Similar to The Gamer, Maze Age Z is built around skill progression, but with a greater emphasis on resource management and the nuances of leadership in a fantasy setting.
10. Toaru Ossan no VRMMO Katsudouki
Genre: Fantasy, Adventure, Comedy
Tanaka Daichi, a 38-year-old salaryman who wants a break from the stress of work, decides to dive into the world of virtual reality gaming through the VRMMO game “One More Free Life Online.” Entering the game under the username “Earth,” Daichi decides to take an unconventional approach, focusing on unusual skills like potion-making and crafting rather than the traditional combat-focused skills. His journey is filled with quirky and humorous moments, as he explores the game with a laid-back attitude.
Unlike traditional VRMMO protagonists, Daichi’s skills don’t make him the most powerful character in the game, but they allow him to enjoy the experience in his own unique way. His unorthodox path highlights the importance of creativity and relaxation in gaming, setting it apart from other adventure-driven series. Like The Gamer, Toaru Ossan no VRMMO Katsudouki brings humor and charm to the game-like experience, but with a focus on a relaxed and unique exploration of gaming possibilities.
09. Re: Monster
Genre: Isekai, Fantasy, Adventure
Tomoku Kanata, a former human, is reincarnated as a low-ranking goblin named Rou in a harsh, survival-driven world. However, he retains his memories from his previous life, along with the unique ability to gain powers by consuming various creatures and objects. This skill allows him to evolve rapidly, progressing from a weak goblin into a formidable entity as he assimilates the strengths of everything he eats. The story follows Rou’s quest for survival and power as he transforms into increasingly powerful forms, learning new skills, and assembling a group of allies along the way. Much like The Gamer, Re: Monster emphasizes a game-like system where the protagonist levels up and acquires new abilities through experience, creating an immersive, evolving journey of power and survival.
08. Ore to Kawazu-san no Isekai Hourouki
Genre: Slice of Life, Fantasy, Comedy
Kouno Tarou, an ordinary college student, is unexpectedly summoned to a fantasy world by a powerful but eccentric magician who accidentally grants him extreme magical powers. After discovering his near-unlimited potential, Tarou uses his powers to revive the magician, who now appears in the form of a talking frog. Together, they embark on a lighthearted journey of exploration, experimentation, and adventure in this whimsical world, with Tarou often bumbling through his incredible new powers. Like The Gamer, Ore to Kawazu-san no Isekai Hourouki mixes humor with supernatural elements, with the protagonist discovering and experimenting with his abilities, though with a more relaxed and comedic tone.
07. Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon?
Genre: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Romance, Fantasy
Set in the vibrant city of Orario, Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon? follows Bell Cranel, an earnest young adventurer who dreams of becoming the greatest dungeon crawler. With the support of his goddess Hestia, Bell delves into the dangerous, monster-infested dungeons beneath the city, where each encounter brings opportunities for growth. Bell’s journey combines action, romance, and the thrill of exploring unknown depths, with his abilities and skills steadily leveling up, similar to the progression seen in The Gamer. Both stories focus on growth through leveling and challenges, though DanMachi also explores themes of loyalty, faith, and romantic bonds with a cast of memorable characters.
06. Tsuyokute New Saga
Genre: Fantasy, Adventure, Action
After a brutal battle with the Demon Lord that leaves his world in ruins, young swordsman Kyle is miraculously sent back in time. Armed with memories of the events to come and his hard-earned battle experience, he sets out to rewrite history, aiming to prevent destruction and ensure a better future. Determined to grow stronger with each step, Kyle uses his foresight to approach familiar challenges with new strategies. Tsuyokute New Saga mirrors The Gamer in its focus on leveling up and skill enhancement, though it adds a unique twist of time-travel and second chances, bringing a sense of urgency and purpose to Kyle’s journey as he refines his skills to outmaneuver fate.
05. The World is Full of Monsters Now, Therefore I Want to Live as I Wish
Genre: Fantasy, Adventure, Action
Kudou Kazuto’s life takes a drastic turn when he discovers that his world has been overrun by monsters. To his surprise, he realizes that killing these creatures grants him experience points, allowing him to level up and acquire new skills, much like in a game. While society crumbles under the monstrous invasion, Kazuto decides to carve his own path, using his newfound powers to survive in this deadly environment. Similar to The Gamer, this series explores themes of skill-building and adaptation, with Kazuto strategically developing his abilities to navigate the chaos around him. His journey is a tale of resilience, resourcefulness, and self-determination in a world where only the strongest survive.
04. Return to Player
Genre: Action, Fantasy, Survival
When monsters invade Earth and turn the world into a survival game, only the chosen “players” are granted powers to fight back. Kim Sehan, one of the last players to survive the apocalyptic onslaught, faces seemingly insurmountable odds as he battles through countless challenges. Just when he’s about to succumb, he’s given a miraculous opportunity to rewind time and start over. Determined to prevent humanity’s downfall, he uses his knowledge of future events to level up faster and recruit allies who can help alter fate. Return to Player shares The Gamer‘s game-based progression and intense focus on high-stakes survival, but adds a twist of time travel, which heightens the tension as Sehan tries to avoid the failures of his previous life.
03. I Log in Alone
Genre: Action, Fantasy, Adventure
In a world where individuals with special powers can enter “Sky Castles” to undertake quests and gain abilities, Jung Si-woo has never been chosen. Despite this, he accidentally finds himself in an underground dungeon where he can start leveling up. Through grit and determination, he discovers his own unique skills, embarking on a journey to grow stronger and navigate dungeons without the advantages of others. I Log in Alone mirrors The Gamer’s emphasis on self-improvement and strategic power-building, but it uniquely portrays a protagonist who must forge his own path to power in a world where he initially seems destined to be left behind.
02. Solo Leveling
Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Shounen
In a world plagued by monsters, Sung Jin-Woo is known as the weakest of all hunters, those who protect humanity from these supernatural threats. But after narrowly surviving a brutal dungeon, he awakens with a unique power that allows him to see quests and level up like in a game. This newfound ability transforms his life, propelling him on a journey from being the weakest to the strongest. Solo Leveling and The Gamer both feature protagonists whose lives suddenly adopt RPG mechanics, with quests, skill trees, and constant growth toward immense power. Solo Leveling, however, intensifies the stakes with life-threatening battles and a darker exploration of strength and sacrifice.
01. Life Howling
Genre: Action, Fantasy, RPG
Jung Yoon-Hwan leads an ordinary life until he begins experiencing vivid dreams set in a dangerous RPG-like world. In these dreams, he fights monsters, gains new abilities, and forms alliances. But he soon discovers that the skills he learns in this dream world transfer into his real life, bringing new challenges and potential dangers into his everyday existence. Life Howling aligns closely with The Gamer in its RPG-inspired mechanics, where both protagonists gain strength and abilities from game-like scenarios. With a mix of fantasy and reality, Life Howling explores the psychological toll of living in two worlds, creating an engaging, intense experience that pushes Yoon-Hwan to his limits.
Dev King is a passionate fan of manga, manhwa, and webtoons, with a love for Korean, Japanese, and Chinese cartoons. Always exploring new worlds and stories, he finds joy in every unique style and plot twist.
