Anime battles, especially shounen, have always been a testament to the creativity of their creators. These series showcase characters flaunting their powers with systems that can vary from one story to another. Throughout the history of manga and anime, viewers have been introduced to numerous power systems. From Ki in Dragon Ball, Devil Fruits and Haki in One Piece, Chakra in Naruto, Reitsu in Bleach, Nen in Hunter x Hunter, and newer ones like Quirk in My Hero Academia, Breathing Styles in Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, and Cursed Energy in Jujutsu Kaisen, fans are familiar with them all. These systems are elements that make viewers understand the strength of the heroes and the danger posed by the villains. However, there are many other power systems in other anime that are equally potent but less popular due to their less mainstream status. Nonetheless, these underrated power systems can make the series just as exciting to watch. Here are the top underrated power systems in anime, as compiled by Game Rant.
8. Sigil – Darwin’s Game
Genre battle royal has been around for years with its explosion starting in the early 2000s. One of such is Darwin’s Game. This anime is about a deadly game where characters are forced to kill each other and survive until they become the last ones standing. Darwin’s Game introduces a new element to the genre by allocating powers to each player. For instance, the protagonist can materialize weapons, and the female lead has high spatial and temporal awareness as she knows where everything is in space and time. The battles depend on how each power can alter the fight’s course and defeat the opponent.
7. Special Abilities – Code:Breaker
Code:Breaker is a shounen anime set in modern times. The series is about strong people bestowed with Code Numbers, which starts from No. 6 (weakest) and keeps rising to No. 1 (strongest). They are employed by a secret organization called Eden and tasked with neutralizing corrupt political figures. Each power is different and varies in strength. Some can control elements like electricity and fire, while some possess more abstract powers like death and life. Over the numbers are those given specific names such as Code:Emperor and Code:Seeker, which could not be given numbers because they are too powerful.
6. Count – Plunderer
In the world of Plunderer, everyone has a number on their body known as a Count. This number can correlate to anything, such as the distance traveled, the number of praises received, or how many times they mention how tasty something is. The higher the number, the better. This is because those with lower numbers are in danger of touching zero and being sent to the Abyss. In Plunderer, those with higher Counts can command those with lower counts. If the latter refuses and starts a Startheft Bout where the winner receives a portion of the loser’s Count, then a battle ensues. There is also the option of battling with ballots, which are objects that grant someone special abilities in combat again. But, only high-ranking soldiers can issue it; otherwise, those possessing it will be deemed a criminal.
5. Gourmet Food and Appetite Energy – Toriko
Food glorious food. Toriko takes the concept of food to a new level, with the scale of Appetite Energy/Food Energy as the fundamental part of the series’ world and the source of all its power. The higher the energy, the stronger the character. The protagonist, Toriko, is a member of the Four Heavenly Kings, tasked with finding the God Menu – real food and taste experiences. The more rare and delicious the food, the higher its energy, and the stronger the protagonist becomes.
4. Dying Will Flames – Katekyo Hitman Reborn!
Hitman babies, mystical dots, high school mafia boss, mafia rings, and Dying Will Flames are the main parts of the power system in Katekyo Hitman Reborn! Similar to Nen in Hunter x Hunter, what makes this power system unique is the fact that no power vastly surpasses another’s. There are seven Dying Will Flames in the anime, each possessing unique properties. Each flame can be bequeathed through a mafia ring and used to open a special box containing further abilities. However, not every ability is superior to the others. Additionally, these flames cannot be manifested by just anyone except those who are willing to stake their lives to establish their will.
3. Innocence – D. Gray Man
Innocence is a power system unique to the D. Gray Man anime. It is a substance that has the power to combat the demonic beings in the series. Innocence is specific to each wielder, and it also changes form and nature depending on who wields it. It is an intriguing power that adds depth to the series, making it more enthralling.
In conclusion, these underrated power systems may not be as popular as some of the mainstream ones, but they are equally entertaining and captivating. Each of these power systems adds a unique element to their respective anime, making them much more exciting to watch.
