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For many fans of anime and video games, there’s an understandable crossover between the two genres. That said, if you are a fan of both playing video games and watching anime, then you’re going to love this list, as we’re going to be sharing with you some of the best anime video games ever made.

Computer games influenced by anime and manga have been around since the early days of gaming, and there have been some great anime games over the years. Great anime games don’t just display the characters accurately and their sources’ environment, either; they are fun to play, too. A lot of anime is packed with extreme action and eccentric characters, lending the format well to video game adaptations. 

Anime games can give a distinct taste from the regular AAA titles. From solving puzzles to monster hunting, these games can go to any extent to make you feel indulged in the game. Just like there are so many anime variations, the best anime-influenced games vary drastically from thoughtful and reminiscent to mystery and horror.

Certain anime games are low-cost cash-ins. Others are genuinely decent titles, which will better inspire you and incorporate concrete gameplay elements to make them as pleasant as possible. However, this list is somewhat arbitrary because people seem to choose games based on their anime, but we think many believe that some are more fun to play than others.

Below is a list of 10 games which, according to our own humble opinion, are the best anime video games of all time.

Dragon Ball FighterZ

This absurdly famous anime seems the ideal alternative for a frantic, button-based fighting game, as the cast spends half its time chucking the energy beams of the planets. This is a 3v3 squad mechanically engaged fighting game that was developed by Arc Machine Works and released by Bandai Namco Entertainment

Many things about this game may remind you of the simple combo system and tag team mechanics of the Marvel versus Capcom franchise. Basic combos can be done many times by tapping a button, ensuring that nearly everyone can collect a controller and take any fantastic movement. Super attacks and meteorological attacks are similar and can be executed by any of the characters in-game.

Dragon Ball FighterZ

Dragon Ball FighterZ‘s presentation and the overall feel is unreal. It’s advantageous if the soldiers throw their fists, balls of force, or teleport to the 2D level. No other fighting game, not even Mortal Kombat, is as unbelievable as the crushing fighting mechanics of Dragon Ball FighterZ

Dragon Ball FighterZ is a game designed for fans of the franchise. It does a better job of making itself open to a wide variety of ages and skills. Beyond the necessary presence of Goku, Vegeta, and their respective progeny, the roster has a good collection of friends and enemies from all over the series, including younger characters such as Beerus and Hit, without being over-emphasized.

The story mode is split into three single chapters that take care of the different characters in the world of Dragon Ball. The idea of the story mode is a little unclear, but Goku and his friends are knocked out at once because of unexplained motives.

As a character, somehow, you are linked to Goku, and you have to journey across the world to revive your friends and to oppose evil clones. Since you can mix and match characters in your list, the story mode provides several interesting dialog moments as characters that would not usually communicate with exchanging quips and comparisons before encounters.

This game is undoubtedly one of the best anime games ever made; the mechanics, smoothness, story, overall gameplay is not only fluid but also fun and enjoyable.

Bayonetta

Bayonetta is a classic anime game released in 2009 by Platinum Games. It is a fast-paced hack and slash game, very similar to the style of Devil May Cry

bayonetta

The actual game is swift, smooth, and easy to manipulate character gestures. There is nothing censored, either in the terms of nudity and death. That means that yes, it would be a fantastic game of the original animated movie, but for others, it can be a little strong. 

Even though the game doesn’t have modern 4k textures in the game, the fluid and innovative mechanics will help you to stay inside the beautiful world of Bayonetta. The combat is seamless, which allows the gamers to hack and slash monsters to oblivion. 

Whether you are an anime fan or a fan of the hack and slash genre, you are going to enjoy this classic.

Naruto Ultimate Ninja Storm 3

It is no doubt that if you watch anime, you would have heard of Naruto. That being said, if you do not have a broad knowledge about Naruto, and the different arrays of character in the show, then you will have trouble completely understanding the story of Naruto Ultimate Ninja Storm.

But when you take the time to plunge into this massive anime collection, you can find one of the best anime games for a PC.

NARUTO Ultimate Ninja STORM

Structural similar to its predecessor, Ultima Ninja Storm 2, this Bandai Namco battling game can also be anticipated to traverse the 12-hour story of classic Naruto themes; such as friendship and brotherhood. You will participate in such JRPG-lite goals, such as side-quests, shopping, and collecting on either side of the battle. 

Its unique adventure model remains true to the anime, providing an innovation not typically seen in an action game. Its improved battle structure and its robust character pool allow you to experience offline or online matches that have you exploring each individual’s ins and outs.

But don’t worry, for this is a game everyone would like, whether or not you can even pronounce the name Naruto correctly. This game is the most complete Naruto game ever made, and skipping this won’t be a good idea. So, if you are a Naruto fan, this game is a must-play. 

Attack On Titan 2

Attack on Titan is one of the best anime of recent times. The basic premise of the story tells the tale of humanity’s fight against Titans, whose only purpose is to feed on humans. The first Attack on Titan game was released in 2016, and now Koei Tecmo is back with a follow-up, the imaginatively titled Attack on Titan 2

The Attack on Titan franchise — including the manga, animation, and live-action movies — is the subject of an assault on society with walls hundreds of meters wide to hold Titans out to save humanity.

Attack on Titan 2

They use an omnidirectional agility system to swing and to better align themselves to cut the back of Titans’ necks to fight these over dominated citizens.

Attack’s core gameplay on Titan 2 is somewhat similar to the first one but has minor enhancements that better the experience. Players can quickly raise and swing through the ODM signature equipment of the series. It feels beautiful and makes a pleasure of the easy act of crossing.

Titans can be just as fun, thanks to the ease of commands. Using timely and correctly angled attacks, players may connect themselves to particular titanic pieces to inflict as much damage as possible. It is not especially hard to get Titans down, but effectively it poses the challenge.

Attack on Titan 2 is an excellent adaptation of its older counterparts, a much stronger sequel that fans are waiting for. You will enjoy rationalized gameplay, characters, battle mechanics, and the game’s visuals, along with the gaming fans.

Bleach: The Blade Of Fate

Bleach: The Blade of Fate is a 2D action game featuring the Bleach anime’s characters. This game is made in such a way that both beginners and experts will enjoy it. The game can be played on Nintendo DS with 28 players. While 14 characters are unlocked from the get-go, the other 14 characters have to be opened by playing the story mode. 

Bleach The Blade Of Fate

Battles are usually crisp and fast-paced. It causes the fight to be waged on the upper and lower level of the ground. Each character has various types of combat that offer a lot of variation. If you get bored with the offline mode, though, good news: there is an online mode as well! In this mode, you can play with people from all around the world.

Blade of Fate isn’t just Bleach’s finest game yet, but it is also the best match to make the Nintendo DS a true masterpiece. Packed with graceful gestures, enjoyable game modes, and excellent graphics, this game is faithful to anime and pays attention to the classical 2D action games in one tidy, compact pack. Even if you’re not a fan of Bleach, you should not skip this on Nintendo DS.

Digimon Story: Cyber Sleuth

Most of the cartoons of Digimon were broadcast nationwide from 1999 to 2002 on Fox Kids. The games, at least the ones published in America, never really lived up to the expectation. Digimon was darker and older than its peers, though, which earned them a lot of die-hard fans.

These die-hard fans lamented the loss of their beloved show, thinking it would never be reincarnated. All of this changed, however, in 2015 with the release of the Digimon Story Cyber Sleuth, a game that revitalized everyone’s love for Digimon. It was reissued with Digimon Tale Cyber Sleuth: PC and Switch Hacker’s memory.

Digimon Story Cyber Sleuth

Initially exclusive to PlayStation platforms, both games are now included in a Digimon Tale Cyber Sleuth: Full Edition bundle for the Nintendo Switch and PC.

Though Digimon plays a deciding role in resolving these core mysteries, the characters play a supporting role in the story for some time. Cyber Sleuth is essentially the tale of his human characters, making anyone who wishes to spend a lot of their time at the Digimon mildly disappointing because most of the audience wants to play the game as a Digimon character. 

Nevertheless, the battle against another Digimon is at the center of the gameplay and quickly the most addictive side of Cyber Sleuth. Players control up to three Digimon in turn-based combat, each with its own attributions and possible status consequences, choosing between specific assaults and particular abilities. The battle system is easy to learn, open, and immersive. 

If you’ve ever liked Digimon but didn’t play any of Digimon titles, then this is the perfect way to try and understand the Digimon world.

And even those that didn’t watch Digimon may have an excellent time, and those who played them already can even return to the initial cyber sleuth and admire their enhancements from the memory of Hacker. The added portability of the Nintendo Switch has made the game more accessible.

One Piece: Pirate Warriors 4

One Piece: Pirate Warriors 4 is probably the latest released game on this list. Developed by Omega Force and published by Bandai Namco, this game was released on March 27, 2020.

One Piece is one of the industry’s longest-running anime. The anime adaptation is currently in 925 episodes and shows no indication to end the series.

Because of its success, the franchise has produced several video games over the years, from action games to the regular hacking and slashing music in the Pirate Warrior series. This game is the fourth installment in the Pirate Warriors series and is a sequel to One Piece: Pirate Warriors 3.

One Piece Pirate Warriors 3

The story mode of Pirate Warriors 4 aims to sum up almost 900 one-piece story plot episodes in a 15-hour campaign. Fitting 900 episodes in a game with the content only lasting for 15 hours is, well, insane. Due to this, you will get a gist about how one piece world is and a general overview of the anime in an entertaining way. 

The original Japanese cast thoroughly articulates both the anime and game, and there is a healthy mixture of storytelling, still, photos, and scenes from the show are recreated in the game by Omega Force’s signature engine.

Pirate Warriors 4 consists of the following six significant arches: Alabasta, Enies Lobby, Paramount Battle, Dressrosa, Entire Cake Island, and the original version of the Wano Arc. Each of these exists only for Pirate Warriors 4 to be completed because it is not finished yet in its manga. Each chapter has a choice of replayable characters, some of which limit you to a single character, while others allow you to select from a wide range of heroes present on the stage.

The gameplay of Pirate Warriors 4 is split mainly into two sections: story mode and Treasure Log mode. The story mode can be episodically played through the story arcs listed above with multiple different characters and goals in each different arc.

These levels can be played in free log mode with any character after completion, but the Treasure Log mode and is the most enjoyable way to finish the game.

One Piece: Pirate Warriors 4 is another big action in the spinoff series that offers fans a nice ride for some time before they start to feel very monotonous, due to the lack of something special to differentiate themselves from other games in this genre. Pirate Warriors 4 is totally worth a visit, whether you are a fan of One Piece or a fan of warriors’ franchises. Pirate Warriors 4 is a must for all the fans of Luffy and the one-piece series.

Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch

Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch was developed by one of the most famous JRPG developers, Level-5 and Studio Ghibli animations, and it was first released in 2011 for PlayStation 3. After getting some rework, it launched again as a remastered mode on more platforms such as Nintendo Switch, PS4, and PC. 

There are no new quests or features, but when something as pure and lovely as Ni no Kuni was made accessible for a wider audience, then the people can only get happier.

It features vivid colors, outlandish characters, and a rather severe and still joyful plot that fans of Ghibli can easily predict. Yet it also features the old-school RPG features skilled in Level-5 grinding, an explorative highlight, and a tranquil global adventure.

The animators of Studio Ghibli gave not only a modern and memorable animated scene; they also focused on the concept of the character and the animation of the game.

ni no kuni

The outcome is as impressive as you expect since the game is almost ideally based on animated sequence and in-game graphics. It is not only a technically but artistically and esthetically stunning game. The green fields of the game are simply stunning, but so are all the other environments – from the arid desert to the dungeon.

Ni No Kuni’s core strength lies in its powerful cast of characters, his heartbreak, and recognition in a tear-jerking plot. Oliver, a well-known Motorville boy, is the subject of the plot. After the death of his mother, his tears fell on one of his soft dolls, named “Drippy,” High Lord of the Fairies.

Drippy discovers that the dark djinn Shadar has ravaged his planet, but that there may be a way of protecting his mother in this other world. This is the basic premise of the game, and we won’t spoil it further for you.

However, the environment building goes beyond narrative and stunning views. The voice and music of the game are also amazing and can bring an extra dimension to every new area and character. Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch is just an amazing game with a stunning fusion of typical timeless JRPG mixed with gorgeous graphics, a delightful plot, a great cast of characters. It boasts a strong plot and a marvelous, beautiful world to discover.

Astro Boy: Omega Factor

Astro Boy: Omega Factor is a shooting platform game, developed by Treasure and Hitmaker for Game Boy Advance, and released by Sega. Astro Boy: Omega Factor is a classic and comes with straightforward mechanics, so people of every age can enjoy this.

Astro Boy: Omega Factor is your basic sprint, leap, platformer shooting game with a couple of diagonal shooting sequences that change the gameplay and add variations in the game. Astro Boy has a simple punch/kick combination attachment, a laser finger, a bigger finger-laser weapon pistol, a rush attack, and a machine-gun attack that hits all enemies. 

astro boy omega factor

Some of the dangerous attacks are unusual and can only be used when you have the EX power. Regular attacks, such as the finger laser and the punch, can be charged. Jet boots are equipped so that they can leap higher or move rapidly from one part of the screen to another. You can use the jets which are equipped through the inventory per-hop, as you increase your skills throughout the game. 

In addition, Astro Boy pays careful attention to customization that allows players to level up their character and balance the game. Thanks to the fact that there are multiple characters to be met, developing and leveling up the characters is a breeze.

Although the game might be a bit outdated in today’s generation (as it was released almost 18 years ago), things like a different style, interesting mechanics, and well-tuned gameplay make Astro Boy: Omega Factor a classic masterpiece.

Doki Doki Literature Club

Doki Doki Literature Club! is a casual, visual novel and psychological horror game. It was released in 2017 by American freeware visual novel, developed by Team Salvato for macOS, Microsoft Windows, and Linux.

The characters are well made, and they all have a lively story with loads of exciting and unforeseen plot. In this game, you will have to spend most of the time reading and clicking different game sections to progress further in the story.

Don’t let cute girls with squishy cheeks and the cheerful animations and graphics fool you into believing this is a peaceful game, though. This game already made it clear with a warning message that the game is anything but. 

doki doki literature club

The game reveals from the start that Doki Doki has a lot to find and give behind its cute and sweet façade, with its alarm message that the game is not recommended for children. This game is a disturbing psychological horror that will haunt you for a while after you are done with the game.

Doki Doki can be very challenging for anyone who does not like or typically plays graphic novels and dating sims. The vivid and lively colors, the anime art designs, and the same bubbling music on a continuous loop will automatically welcome you, though.

It’s a game with a classic anime plot, where a high school guy in Japan has been encouraged to join a literature club by her childhood friend, Sayori. Doki Doki is just packed with lovely girls that let you fawn over them. You will find yourself composing poetry in a minigame to share with your new friends or doing various other tasks in the game.

Doki Doki Literacy Club! It is a totally different game that not many have experienced. This is definitely not for people with a weak heart.

There is not a lot of gameplay, either; this game is more or less a definitive visual book. Although not groundbreaking, the game was an exciting experience with likable characters and a well-done plot that ends in an impressive finale. Not to forget, this game is available for free on Steam. Why not give it a try, and decide for yourself?

Honorable Mentions

We can conclude that these ten games are some of the best anime games ever made; while things like this are subjective, We have done our best to compile a compelling best anime games list. Below are a couple of honorable mentions which couldn’t make the list but still are great games, nonetheless.

Yu-Gi-Oh! Legacy of the Duelist: Link Evolution

How can we miss to add a Yu-Gi-Oh game to the list? A list without a Yu-Gi-Oh game would be incomplete. If you’re a Yu-Gi-Oh hardcore fan, then you will love this game. It features more than 150 classic battlings through different Yu-Gi-Oh generations! 

yu gi oh

You can have a whopping 10,000+ cards in your collection, but unlocking all these cards will take a considerable chunk of your time. Yu-Gi-Oh! Legacy of the Duelist: Link Evolution is very similar to the anime itself. From the game mechanics to the rules, all things are well executed by the developer. This is a must-try if you’re a Yu-Gi-Oh fan.

DMC: Devil May Cry 5

Devil May Cry is a long-running, multi-year iteration game series. The last Devil May Cry was released in 2013, and it received very poor reviews from the audience and the critics. In recent years, Capcom‘s efforts have centered on Resident Evil, Street Fighter, and Monster Hunter.

They then veered off with different performance studies to create a fun surprise for Devil May Cry 5 with a different taste, which finally got a positive response from the gaming community.

devil may cry 5

Devil May Cry 5 takes you to the Red Grave City, where a giant demon spawning tree (the Qlipoth), has taken root thanks to a powerful demon known as Urizen.

Nero and Dante have returned to chasing devils from the previous games, as well as the addition of a new character named V, a spate of devil’s attacks worldwide. The trio is here, and this is a marvelous game for all the action lovers out there.

FAQs

Question: What is the bestselling anime game?

Answer: The highest selling franchise for anime games is Pokémon; originally released on February 27, 1996, this game has racked more than 368 million in sales, which is remarkably impressive. 

Next comes the Dragon Ball franchise, which was released first on September 27, 1986, and has sold more than 53.5 copies of games to date.

Street Fighter sits at the third position, with 45 million sales since the start of the franchise, established on August 30, 1987.

Gundam and Yu-Gi-Oh are the next in line to these top three bestselling games, with 30.90 million and 21.8 million sales, respectively.

Question: Why are all anime games the same?

Answer: While not all anime games are similar, there is no denying the fact that most of the games related to the anime genre feel, and play the same. There can be several reasons for the question of why every anime games are similar; a few of the reasons can be:

Low Budget. A game is much more challenging to produce and requires much more financial power than anime. Suppose proper financial support is not given to the developer. In that case, the chances are high that the developers will copy and paste concept from similar games without putting much effort into developing a new mechanic. Games need to be challenging, accurate anime representation, and it must be enjoyable as well; keeping all these conditions checked together is not an easy task.
Story. The stories are not at all-immersive and are just a copy-paste from their anime counterparts. This can dissuade many people from buying the game if the game’s story is similar to the anime.
Concept. Anime games are not games with complex mechanics; most of them are button mashing with simple movements.

Question: Which anime video games are coming out soon?

Answer: The future looks bright for anime games, many games are setting for release in the year 2021.

These are some of the games we have high hopes for:

• Atelier Ryza 2: Lost Legends & the Secret Fairy (January 26, 2021) 
• Inazuma Eleven: Great Road of Heroes (2021)
• Digimon Survive (late 2021)
• Scarlet Nexus(Mid 2021)
• Re: Zero – The Prophecy of The Throne(January 28, 2021)

Question: What anime would make a good game?

Answer: There are several anime that still haven’t ventured into the gaming world. So many anime can be turned into good gameplay. Everyone would be happy if they can play games and control their favorite characters through games.

Trigun, Kill la Kill, Full Metal Panic, Gatchaman Crowds, The Big O, Redline, Fire emblem, Aggrestuko, and Chainsaw Man are some of the anime which would be unique adaptations for a game.

Question: What is the best place to buy these anime games?

Answer: Just like standard games, anime games can be bought from the same places. For Xbox and Playstation, they can be bought from their respective online stores. For Nintendo Switch and other portable consoles, they can refer to online websites like Amazon or respective official sites. PC gamers will have more options: Steam, GoG, Epic games are some reliable websites to buy these games.

Question: Is there an age limit to play these anime games?

Answer: Every game has its own age barrier. There are some games which even a five-year-old can play; on the other hand, there are games like Doki Doki Literature Club, which is not recommended for children below 13 years of age. In short, every game is different, and there is no base age for anime games. To find the age limit of a particular game, it is suggested to visit the website of that game for more information.

Which Among the 12 Games is Our Top Pick?

It was hard enough to compile the best list of anime games, for all the reasons given in each section. We firmly believe that all the games mentioned above are notable and worthy. But if we have to choose only one game from the above list, that would be Dragon Ball: Fighterz. 

This game is not only one of the best anime games ever made, but also ranks up pretty high in the best overall games category. In general, reviewers who cited art design, battle system, the casting of playable characters, and story mode gave positive reviews; several people have called it Dragon Ball‘s greatest game and one of the best matches in years.

It is a genuinely excellent fighting game with a low entry barrier and a high degree of learning. You are promised a fantastic time with FighterZ, even if you just like mashing buttons.

It shipped over two million copies a week after release and became the most quickly sold title for the Dragon Ball. It also set a Steam record for the largest number of concurrent game users.

This game is quick and easy to comprehend for beginners to combat games, but it’s still really enjoyable and has some challenging functions for veterans.

The cast is really fun to play with and find a good band. This is a game that feels amazing to play, not just because the controls are sensitive, but also because the game structure is so simplistic and yet so profound. Thus, whether you like the genre or not, Dragon Ball: Fighterz is not a game to miss out on.