Fans of anime and fans of video games usually meet in the middle like some sort of real-life example of a venn diagram. As such, it’s only naturally there be some pretty great games that fans of Japanese animation can play and enjoy. Here are the top 10 best anime video games of all time. These are all video games based on the anime. Sorry, Pokemon! Enjoy the list and let us know which one’s your favorite in the comments down below!
Best Anime Video Games (Video Games Based on Anime)
Naruto Ultimate Ninja Storm 3
The Naruto Ultimate Ninja Storm series brings the anime to life. The characters leap and bound across the screen, firing off dazzling moves and displaying their prowess in combat. The characters and animations are all beautifully done and the game is simple yet complex, allowing beginners to easily jump in and seasoned players to seize control of a match.
The third entry in the series is a realization of the combat and story modes. It cuts out the majority of the fluff that was present in previous games, making for a more streamlined experience. The stunning quick time events that have defined the series are still present, showing off the gorgeous visuals and each major fight culminating in a true spectacle.
Best Anime Video Games (Video Games Based on Anime)
Dragonball Z Budokai 3
Dragon Ball Z Budokai 3 is a fun and fast-paced 2.5D fighter that tosses every Dragon Ball Z character into the mix. With plenty of fighters to choose from and dozens of unique moves to pull off, it’s easy to let hours slip by, just honing your skills.
The game also mixes quick time events with combat to creating more visually arresting fights. Not to mention, the story is as fun as ever to play through. More than anything though, it captures the spirit of the show, letting us relive all of our favorite fights and even see how some of our dream match-ups would turn out.
Best Anime Video Games (Video Games Based on Anime)
Bleach: Dark Souls
It may not be the most visually impressive Bleach game on the market, but it captures the spirit of the show better than any of the Dynasty Warriors style games that the series has spawned. This tightly-knit 2D fighter is all about unleashing stylish special moves, outwitting your opponent, and knowing when to go on the defensive.
It’s easy to jump into a match and train your skills, or play through the story and try to take on more challenging opponents.
Best Anime Video Games (Video Games Based on Anime)
Attack on Titan
Attack on Titan for the PS4 may be a unique take on the musou style of game, but it is much deeper than your typical Dynasty Warriors title. The game lets you literally swing through trees and buildings, strategically dismantling Titans and feverishly avoiding their attacks.
Actually taking down the nude giants is exhilarating and tactical. Keeping an eye on your gas canisters and blade sharpness makes the entire experience more than just swinging around and cutting Titans at the nape of the neck.
Best Anime Video Games (Video Games Based on Anime)
Dynasty Warriors: Gundam Reborn
This mixture of Dynasty Warriors and the Gundam series is a match made in heaven. Piloting sleek humanoid robots and tearing through hordes of enemies doesn’t get boring easily. The Gundam’s massive blades and customizable armor make for a different kind of action game.
Staying true to the rock ‘em sock ‘em robots style of the show, the game is all about unleashing your Gundam’s full power, making sure that no enemies can get past you, no matter what weapons you wield.
Best Anime Video Games (Video Games Based on Anime)
Tatsunoko vs Capcom
Tatsunoko is one of Japan’s premier animation studios. It seemed like a strange choice to pit the studio’s characters against Capcom’s slate of heroes but it ended up being one of the best fighting games in recent memories.
The over the top characters of Capcom are right at home beside the colorful heroes of Tatsunoko. The fighting is more refined than any game in the vs series had been up to that point and it showed why the characters of both sides had endured for so long.
Best Anime Video Games (Video Games Based on Anime)
Yu-Gi-Oh Forbidden Memories
Set in both ancient Egypt and modern times, Yu-Gi-Oh: Forbidden Memories offered players a multilayered storyline that not only explored the lore of the show in more depth, but offered up plenty of opportunities for dueling.
A good Yu-Gi-Oh game needs to be able to represent the drama and excitement that the card game takes on in the anime. Every time a card is played, it needs to feel like an event, and Forbidden Memories does just that.
Best Anime Video Games (Video Games Based on Anime)
Digimon World
The relationships between the player and their digital monsters is the focal point of Digimon World. You don’t just explore and battle. Raising your critter into a formidable creature is part of the fun too.
It’s also great to fight and see other creatures from the show. It takes the heartfelt relationships each character has with their Digimon and distills them into a fun and easy to jump into game. The simplicity is one of its greatest assets.
Best Anime Video Games (Video Games Based on Anime)
One Piece Pirate Warriors 3
A lot of anime series have been turned into Dynasty Warrior style games but One Piece has done it better than most. Each member of the crew of the Thousand Sunny has a unique set of skills, perfect for decimating hordes of enemies.
Fighting your way through the entire story of the show and manga takes time and practice, as you learn how to take full advantage of each character’s play style and abilities. The devil fruit users are essentially super-powered pirates, making for a very chaotic experience.
Best Anime Video Games (Video Games Based on Anime)
.hack
Venturing into a fictional MMORPG, .hack is an action RPG all about computer hacking and the destruction of a virtual world. It’s an incredibly unique take on the source material, offering up an RPG unlike anything we had seen before.
It’s a fairly traditional action RPG, filled with enemies to fight, treasures to seek out, and stories to uncover. The .hack games were created alongside the other parts of the brand, creating a sense of cohesion between the games and anime that exists in few other franchises.
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