Some anime-inspired video games can appear quite shallow with similar fighters from one game to the next. Undoubtedly, anime series have spawned numerous video games with some that may not inspire gaming accolades, yet others are true gems for gamers everywhere. Exceptional mobile anime games now manage to bring anime magic to the video game form and the popularity of these classics attests to this. Here we have chosen our overall favorites.
1. Dragon Ball FighterZ
Dragon Ball Fighter tops our list and this should be no surprise to anime gamers. It boasts every aspect of what an anime video game should offer as it perfectly mimics the anime series and highlights what makes the anime series so great. It also keeps gamers returning, even after the newness wears off. The story, visuals, music, and design are all top-notch.
Gameplay has depth and includes lots of appealing DLC Dragon Ball Z story characters and even a dojo. While this game may not be perfect, it certainly comes close when evaluating anime video games. Created by Arc System Works, it was published by Bandai Namco Entertainment and can be enjoyed on a variety of systems including Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, PS4, and a PC. It sold more than 8 million copies in its first three years on the market.
2. Naruto Ultimate Ninja Storm 4
If you love arena fighters, then you know the value of the Naruto Ultimate Ninja Storm series. The Ninja Storm 4 anime video game has expanded to include Road to Boruto which is a kind of climax for the complete game series together with the incredible Naruto story. There are over 100 different story characters not including multiple character iterations. A sequel to Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 3, it has received accolades for fantastic visuals and a great story together with mesmerizing action sequences.
Featuring Naruto Uzumaki and Sasuke Uchiha, it takes place during the Fourth Shinobi World War. One great feature is the possibility to switch characters while battling.
Bandai Namco Entertainment published this 2016 action fighting game for PC’s Stem, Xbox One, and PS4 after being developed by CyberConnect2. The game is accessible for various player levels making it a perfect competitive arena for gamers while staying true to anime and manga creeds. The Ultimate Ninja Storm 4 is a very close competitor for our top choice with Dragon Ball FIghterZ.
3. Attack on Titan 2
If you are a fan of Hajime Isayama’s manga series, then you will love this game! Hacking and slashing with Scout’s Omnidirectional Mobility gear are now thoroughly enjoyable thanks to an improved narrative and players have the opportunity to customize or even design their character of choice.
Using Titan manga’s first 50 chapters, gamers can return to and re-experience their favorite anime series scenes. While running from Titans you can relive exciting scenes from the anime and manga second season. This game is more challenging than the first ‘Attack on Titan’ and uses a more advanced AI in the game.
4. Astro Boy: Omega Factor
Often referred to as the Godfather of Manga, Osamu Tezuka created this 2003 classic anime. The GBA game Astro Boy: Omega Factor was a tribute to Astro Boy but also other Tezuka creations. Developed by Treasure and Hitmaker, this video anime game uses a classic ‘beat’em up’ combat with great visuals and a solid design of the game levels.
Featuring some of the 2003 anime series’ plots, it is based on a variety of Astro Boy incarnations including time travel from Marine Express or the city of Robotina in Antarctica. There’s even a subplot involving ‘Death Mask’. One appealing feature is the game’s variety of endings. You’ll need to play repeatedly to discover what the true ending is after all.
5. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba (The Hinokami Chronicles)
This is a 3D fighting adventure that refers to Koyoharu Gotouge’s manga series together with the Ufotable by director Haruo Sotozaki. This video game allows you to revisit the Demon Slayer’s first season’s events and then proceed on Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba the movie: Mugen Train released in 2020. Developed by CyberConnect2, developers of the Naruto: Ultimate Ninja anime series, it was released globally by Sega and by AniPlex specifically in Japan.
An appealing factor that assuredly accounts for some of this game’s popularity is that it was developed for multiple platforms that not only include OC and Xbox, but PlayStation and Nintendo Switch as well. The game follows the exploits of Tanjiro Kamado who enters the Demon Slayer corps to change Nezuko, his demon sister, back into a human. This game includes single-player modes and allows for local gaming and multiplayer online opportunities.
Conclusion
While numerous anime games aren’t worth mentioning, perhaps too many to count, there is still a selection of real gems in the best Japanese anime art tradition. These games have earned their place in video gaming history whether mobile games or fighting games. Our list of favorites garnered attention, excited gamers, and introduced more fans to the anime video game genre.
