For some reason, game developers love to turn anime into fighting games. While there's little room to argue that there's quite a bit of fighting in anime, most of these fighting games turn out fairly lackluster. Bandai is looking to change that with their upcoming title based on the One Piece anime and manga.

Fans of the series who have been downloading the anime before it was licensed in the US are probably well aware of the three One Piece: Grand Battle titles available in Japan. Since the series just debuted in the US, it wouldn't really make sense to go back and release the first title. Instead, Bandai has taken all three Grand Battle titles, and combined them into one superior game that's been improved over the imports.

One Piece: Grand Battle will feature 16 playable characters, including series favorites such as Luffy and Zolo (sorry import fans, some the original Japanese names have been left out). In addition to the 16 main characters, players will be able to call upon 32 support characters for special attacks during battles. Each of the main characters will have small customization options as well. For example, players using Luffy will be able to play with his hat on or off. None of the customizations will drastically affect gameplay, but they're a nice option to have nonetheless.

The battles will take place in seven open environments that have been taken directly out of the anime. The environments vary in size, and are all interactive and somewhat destructive. Players will have to avoid various obstacles within each environment, such as exploding areas, giant rolling logs, or even mad cows. You'll also be able to use objects within the environment against your opponent. Players will be able to pick up and throw boxes, bombs, and other similar objects. Power Stone fans from the Dreamcast days will notice quite a few similarities between the two titles due to these interactive environments.

Each character will have 20 moves, plus special attacks. Each move and special attack has been taken from the series to ensure that fans will be able to perform the attacks they see their favorite characters do in the anime. There will also be a rage system that includes three different special attacks. Players will be able to link the three special attacks into one when they're low on life and in need of an extra boost to take out their opponent.

While the US version of Grand Battle will include many of the gameplay elements found in all three import titles, the story mode will be limited to what US viewers have seen. The anime and manga have been available in Japan for years, but they've only recently made it over to the US, so we're quite a ways behind in terms of story. The US version of the title will follow the story up to the Grand Line arc which is roughly episode 60 of the series. This is being done to ensure that no secrets are revealed too early.

Bandai has yet to reveal everything about One Piece: Grand Battle, but we do know that there will be six different modes of play, including a two player versus mode and Grand Battle mode. The title is set to release on the PlayStation 2 and GameCube in early September, just in time for the new season of the anime to hit 4Kids and Cartoon Network. We'll have more on One Piece: Grand Battle, including hands-on impressions in the near future.