The world ofanimeis rich with unique stories and colorful visuals, making it the perfect source for equally exciting video games inspired by them. From hit franchises likeOne PieceandDragon Ballto various titles that have a unique anime-like aesthetic, there are many good choices for gamers who are avid anime watchers. It’s also been interesting to see how developers translate shows to the video game format, and make sure that they include familiar elements.
Just like watching episodes on TV, players can also invest hours in anime games, especially those with exciting gameplay, compelling stories, and vast worlds they can explore. Games can also be a gateway for players to dive into specific shows, and for anime fans to expand their horizons and find video games that fit their preferences. Fortunately, there are many anime games in different genres, ranging from fighting games tonarrative-driven RPGs, and it’s never too late to get into them.
Games that Every Anime Lover Can Enjoy
One Piece Odyssey
With over 1,000 episodes and counting,One Piececontinues to captivate fans with its exciting story and quirky cast of characters.One Piece Odysseytakes it a step further as fans explore the world while controlling Monkey D. Luffy and other members of the Straw Hat Crew. It has exciting gameplay, especially when fighting enemies, and players can experience some iconic scenes from the manga and anime. The only thingmissing inOne Piece Odysseyis the chance to play other characters beyond the Straw Hats.
Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero
Dragon Ballhas had a number of fighting games over the years, but 2024’sDragon Ball: Sparking Zeroreached massive success as players get to play over 180 characters across the franchise. It also allows fans to play with friends and other players online to hone their skills and climb up the ranks. Recently, there have been rumors thatDragon Ball: Sparking Zeromay be coming to the Nintendo Switch 2, which could make the game more accessible to people.
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba - The Hinokami Chronicles
Demon Slayerfans can relive the “Tanjiro Kamado, Unwavering Resolve” and “Mugen Train” arcs inDemon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba - The Hinokami Chronicles. This story-based RPG allows players to control characters like Tanjiro, Zenitsu, and Inosuke, as they navigate different villages and face powerful demon enemies. It’s also theperfect time to get intoThe Hinokami Chroniclesnow because the sequel is coming out on August 5.
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet
Since launching in 2022, many have already dived intoPokemon Scarlet and Violet, but those who haven’t played them yet can still catch up.Scarlet and Violetis set in Paldea, where many Gen 9 Pokemon, including unique Paradox Pokemon, inhabit various locations. The newPokemon Horizonsanime also features the Gen 9 monsters, giving viewers more reason to try out the game and build their own Pokemon team to participate in exciting Tera Raids.
Persona 5
Experiencing the entirety ofPersona 5is like living through a whole anime season, especially since players have to juggle their personal lives and their Phantom Thieves missions. Considered as one of the bestPersonagames in the franchise, the fifth installment offers immersive exploration, both in Japan and the Metaverse, and compelling storytelling that explores various moral issues. As usual, players alsobuild friendships with otherPersona 5charactersto know their backstories and gain bonuses for battles.
Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc
For anime fans who love dark themes with a side of solving crimes,Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havocticks all those boxes.Danganronpa’s plot revolves around talented students who have been forced to play a Killing Game to get out of their prison. The twist is that they also have to engage in Class Trials to find and execute the murderer.Danganronpaalso has an anime that premiered in 2013, but if players want to experience the thrill of investigating and cross-examinations during trials, playingTrigger Happy Havocfirst is the way to go.
Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trilogy
ThePhoenix Wrighttrilogy is one of the most popular mystery games, which follows the titular defense attorney as he works to prove that their clients aren’t guilty. This visual novel game lets players investigate crime scenes and analyze testimonies in court. TheAce Attorneyfranchise also doesn’t stop there, as players can also explore the stories of Apollo Justice and Miles Edgeworth in their respective trilogies.
Genshin Impact
As one of the biggest gacha games out right now,Genshin Impactdefinitely has anime vibes with its fantastical setting and storytelling, and, of course, a vibrant roster of characters with different abilities. What’s great aboutGenshin Impactis that it has an already deep lore across multiple regions, so there’s no shortage of content beyond its gacha banners. Not only that, Ufotable is also producing aGenshin Impactanimethat will surely give a brand-new look to its story.
Honkai: Star Rail
Also made byGenshin Impactdeveloper HoYoverse,Honkai: Star Railis a sci-fi fantasy turn-based game that follows a group of cosmic travelers, as they aid in getting rid of abnormalities on different planets. The game is currently in its Amphoreus arc, which will include a hugeFate/Stay Nightcrossover eventthat’s happening later this year.
