‘Massive’, ‘gargantuan’, ‘behemoth’ – none of these words truly describe the COLOSSAL impact that Attack on Titan, also known as Shingeki no Kyojin, has had on pop culture. The original smash hit manga was written and illustrated by now-legendary creator Hajime Isayama, which debuted back in 2009, and the anime that followed in 2013 by WIT Studio (MAPPA took over the reins for the final season) catapulted the franchise to new heights.
This blockbuster animated series quickly became synonymous worldwide as the quintessential modern anime. With both the manga and the anime concluded, it may appear the franchise has reached its final ‘Rumbling…’ But is that true?
Did you know about the theme park attractions, theatrically released films, video games and a… musical?
With Supa-Star voice actor Trina Nishimura (Mikasa Ackerman) set to join us at Supanova in Melbourne (March 29-30) and on the Gold Coast (April 12-13), joined by Bryce Papenbrook (Eren Yeager) in Victoria, we examine the top ways to get your AoT fix in 2025.
UNFORGETTABLE ATTRACTIONS
There have been many attractions based on this titanic franchise. Many were for a limited time, such as the AoT: 4D Experience at Fuji-Q Highland and Universal Studios Japan’s Attack on Titan: Race for Survival VR rollercoaster, however, there’s a permanent attraction that one can visit in Japan… if you dare! Attack on Titan: The Attraction offers non-stop thrills and terrors at Sega’s Tokyo Joypolis indoor theme park and arcade in Odaiba, Tokyo.
Guests are enlisted as volunteers at the Trost District Training Corps exam centre, where they undergo examinations to join the fight against the Titan horde. These examinations are interrupted when the Colossal Titan breaches the wall, putting everybody in danger of becoming food for the ferociously famished monsters. How it ends depends on the choices the volunteers (you) make.
This walkthrough attraction is a must for fans, featuring beloved characters including Levi and the aforementioned Colossal Titan. The extensive theming, live actors, animatronics and special effects bring the story of AoT to life. Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to get up and personal with the Titans, they’ll be practically salivating to see you…
Attack on Titan 2 – A.O.T.2
CINEMATIC AND GAMING CONQUESTS
The franchise is no stranger to the big screen, with live-action adaptations released in 2015. Despite these endeavours, the more popular and successful cinema releases have been the anime recap films. These films are episodes of the series cut together, with some scenes reworked or added.
Attack on Titan: The Last Attack collects the two-part finale, recut for an enhanced cinematic experience. Relive the excitement on the largest screen possible, one last time, when The Last Attack releases in select cinemas on February 6.
For those seeking a gaming adventure, you can still get your Omni-Directional Mobility gear on for 2015’s A.O.T. Wings of Freedom and its sequel, 2018’s Attack on Titan 2 – A.O.T.2. The nape-severing combat, yoyo-like controls of the O.D.M gear and brutally difficult Titan enemies pushed players’ skills to the limit back in the 2010s, and continue to present a tough-as-nails challenge now.
The story of A.O.T.2. followed the first two seasons of the anime and introduced RPG elements to the gameplay loop. This included a customisable protagonist and a slice-of-life mode where players can hang out with their favourite characters and give gifts. High affinity with characters can yield serious combat and character buffs. The game received a massive expansion in 2019, as the Final Battle DLC let players experience the events of the third season.
Despite being older games released in the Xbox One and PS4 era, they are still available to buy on most digital store fronts. You can play them on PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch (A.O.T.2. only).
TITANIC THEATRICS
“My Soldiers push forward! My soldiers scream out! My soldiers dance!”. This is just a paraphrase of Erwin Smith’s epic final speech, but his soldiers do dance, and sing, in Attack on Titan: The Musical.
Attack on Titan: The Musical
Have you ever imagined Eren and the gang performing choreographed dance sequences, aerial acrobats and singing about their emotions while slaying Titans? Perhaps you always wished that Mamma Mia or Singin’ in the Rain featured a teensy bit more cannibalism? Debuting in Osaka to critical acclaim in 2023, before moving to Tokyo the same year, this official musical is a mad dream come true.
The Musical roared triumphantly beyond the walls overseas to New York last year for a limited season. With 2025 just beginning, another run of shows is quite possible, so fans are recommended to keep an eye on the website.
The series may have ended, but the wings of this franchise live on. Fans are spoiled with choices when it comes to AoT-related activities they can dedicate their hearts to!
Catch Titan legends Trina Nishimura and Bryce Papenbrook* (Melbourne only) at Supanova in Mar/Apr!
LEAD IMAGE – Attack on Titan: The Last Attack
