In that they both frequently push the boundaries of how much absurdity can be represented in a single work of media, anime and video games have many similarities. It appears as though both sides are encouraging one another to come up with the most ridiculous move. Nevertheless, over the past few decades, a number of well-known anime brands have made the transition to video games thanks to this link.
In light of this, we’re looking at some of the best anime video games ever created. We are only considering anime games on this list that originated from officially recognized franchises. Even though video games like Persona 5, Ni No Kuni, the Tales of Saga, and Asura’s Wrath proudly display their anime roots, their primary focus is on becoming their own creations. These are the top anime video games ever made.
15 Best Anime Games Of All Time
In this article you can find out the best 15 anime games of all time.
15. Dragon Ball Z: Budokai HD Collection
Developer: Dimps
Publisher: Bandai Namco
Platform(s): PS3, Xbox 360
It’s not unexpected that a large number of people became fans of the Dragon Ball series as children given how popular the show was in the early 2000s; but, the Budokai series had an equally big impact on those whose parents forbade them from watching Cartoon Network in the evenings. The action of the anime and manga was reproduced in the Budokai games, which gained popularity worldwide by emphasizing battle over Kamehameha charging scenes. Actually, any Budokai game may rank higher on this list, but since the HD Collection offers two games for the price of one, we’ll choose it.
Two Budokai games—Budokai 1 and Budokai 3—that were first released for the sixth generation of consoles were included in Dragon Ball Z: Budokai HD Collection. These games were transferred to the PS3 and Xbox 360 with a number of enhancements. Budokai 3 covers the Buu Saga as well as other GT arcs, whereas Budokai 1 only covers the Saiyan Saga until the Android/Cell Saga. Budokai 3 had the guts to incorporate Omega Shenron, something FighterZ did not.
Dragon Ball Z, Kakarot is also a game that’s worth checking out if you’re searching for one that faithfully recreates the main plot arcs of Dragon Ball Z.
14. Initial D Arcade Stage 8 Infinity
Developer: SEGA
Publisher: SEGA
Platform(s): Arcades
It’s probably a good thing that the words “Initial D” have sent off the sounds of Eurobeat to scream at maximum volume in your mind. There are so many incredible hits on that soundtrack.
Over the years, a lot of Initial D games have been launched on various platforms. However, if you’re searching for the greatest, you’ll need to visit the arcades to play one of the Arcade Stage games. Our recommendation is Stage 8 Infinity.
The main focus of Initial D is the excitement of street racing, and the Arcade Stage series includes a number of the characters and vehicles from the franchise. Should you ever come across an Initial D Arcade Stage 8 Infinity machine in the wild, there will be an abundance of tracks to keep you going back for more. Instead, we’ll grab a console game from Initial D and play it.
13. Ultimate Muscle: Legends Vs. New Generation
Developer: AKI/Syn Sophia
Publisher: Bandai Namco
Platform(s): GameCube
Even though Dragon Ball Z was the most popular anime series on children’s TV networks in the early 2000s, those years weren’t without their high points. Growing up at that time, people may also recall seeing advertisements for Ultimate Muscle, the much anticipated anime about professional wrestling. The games themselves are excellent as well; among the best wrestling games available is Ultimate Muscle: Legends Vs. New Generation.
The ultimate Ultimate Muscle game, Ultimate Muscle: Legends Vs. New Generation, brings together the biggest characters from the genre in a massive brawl. Although Ultimate Muscle: Legends Vs. New Generation may not seem like the most innovative game, it is powered by the same engine that powers Def Jam and WWF No Mercy.
The anime source material is also heavily referenced in Ultimate Muscle, which only heightens the ridiculousness of the action. Indeed, that is a positive thing.
12. Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm Legacy
Developer: CyberConnect2
Publisher: Bandai Namco
Platform(s): PC, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
Over the course of the franchise’s two decades, many video games have been inspired by the Naruto series. While some fans may have their own particular favorites, the most recognizable is undoubtedly Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm. Fortunately, Ultimate Ninja Storm Legacy is the ideal acquisition if you’re eager to learn more about the Ultimate Ninja Storm series and Naruto overall.
All four Ultimate Ninja Storm games are included in Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm Legacy, which encompasses the whole Naruto Shippuden saga in all four games. It doesn’t include every little detail seen in the anime and manga, but it does cover every major plot point and has enough sequences and narrative material to let new viewers catch up.
It also helps that it’s among the best anime games available for purchase, with excellent gameplay.
11. Yu-Gi-Oh: Master Duel
Developer: Konami
Publisher: Konami
Platform(s): PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X & S, Nintendo Switch, Mobile
Yu-Gi-Oh is an anime and card game that is inextricably linked, unlike Pokémon, which is a video game, anime, and trading card game with many variances. For this reason, even though Master Duel, the most current Yu-Gi-Oh video game release, has no direct ties to any of the anime series, it nevertheless showcases the beloved kids’ card game in all of its splendor.
Master Duel, the purportedly definitive digital version of Yu-Gi-Oh, has more than 10,000 cards spanning the trading card game’s entire history. It’s true that you can summon Exodia on your first turn to win a match right away. Depending on your point of view, this is either as brilliant or as broken as it sounds.
Master Duel is the ideal anime game if you’ve ever wanted to play Yu-Gi-Oh but didn’t have the money to collect cards or just thought the game looked nice in the anime.
10. Attack On Titan 2: Final Battle
Developer: Omega Force
Publisher: Koei Tecmo
Platform(s): PC, PS4, PS Vita, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
It’s no secret that Attack On Titan is the most popular anime at the moment, but despite how popular the manga and anime are, there aren’t that many video games that are based on the show. Attack On Titan 2: Final Battle is as close as you can go to truly donning some omni-directional mobility gear without passing out every five seconds, but what is there is compelling.
Like a lot of other anime games on this list, Attack on Titan 2 lets you create your own character and hang out with the main cast. Players can relive the events of the first two anime seasons in the main campaign, and the third season is also available with the Final Battle DLC.
We most likely won’t have to wait long for an Attack on Titan 3 that features the entirety of Season 4.
9. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Hinokami Chronicles
Developer: CyberConnect2
Publisher: SEGA
Platform(s): PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X & S, Nintendo Switch
Demon Slayer, the most recent anime to be featured on this list, has been sweeping the globe in recent years. The video game adaptation of Demon Slayer, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Hinokami Chronicles, is a good place to start for newbies if you enjoy gorgeous sword fights, overwhelming powers, and stories with a good deal of emotion.
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Hinokami Chronicles is a 3D brawler that resembles the Naruto Ultimate Ninja Storm games. It is based on the first season of the anime and follows the story of the Mugen Train feature film.
Tanijiro Kamado, the main character of the series, enlists in the Demon Slayer corps in an effort to transform his sister from a demon back into a human. Regretfully, instead of joining the Demon Converter corps, he joined the Demon Slayer corps. Tanijiro, you silly.
8. My Hero One’s Justice 2
Developer: Byking
Publisher: Bandai Namco
Platform(s): PC, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
My Hero Academia is another contemporary anime mainstay that has grown rapidly to become one of the most fascinating, must-watch series of the last ten years. That degree of instant celebrity was bound to result in some video game spin-offs, and since the franchise is built on players knocking each other out, a three-dimensional brawler makes perfect sense. Thankfully, Justice 2: My Hero One is a fantastic brawler and a beautiful homage to My Hero enthusiasts.
With the help of hundreds of characters from the whole series, My Hero One’s Justice 2 lets users assemble their ideal squad of heroes and villains to battle it out both locally and online.
Furthermore, the campaign mode takes you through several pivotal battles from the anime and manga’s past, so Justice 2 from My Hero One is a great place to start if you’re seeking for a quick introduction to the brand.
7. Mobile Suit Gundam Extreme VS. Maxiboost ON
Developer: Bandai Namco, VSTG Project
Publisher: Bandai Namco
Platform(s): PS4
Just below the most of those Kingdom Hearts spin-offs., Mobile Suit Gundam Extreme VS. Maxiboost ON would likely be near the top of our list if we were ranking games based only on how tongue-twisting their names are. It should come as no surprise that there have been numerous Gundam games over the years, ranging from multiplayer extravaganzas to Dynasty Warriors clones, as Gundam is regarded as the de facto father of the mech anime genre.
The second category includes Mobile Suit Gundam Extreme VS. Maxiboost ON. Fans of any Gundam series should enjoy Mobile Suit Gundam Extreme VS. Maxiboost ON, a 2v2 multiplayer shooter that was first released as an arcade game.
With 185 distinct mech suits throughout the series’ many decades, thrilling action, and more, Mobile Suit Gundam Extreme VS. Maxiboost ON is deserving of a spot among the greatest anime games ever created.
6. One Piece: Pirate Warriors 4
Developer: Omega Force
Publisher: Bandai Namco
Platform(s): PC, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
One Piece seems to have taken the lead as the largest running Shonen property at the moment with the conclusion of the Naruto Shippuden series. Global readers and watchers have been enthralled with Monkey D. Luffy and company’s exploits, and the video games in the franchise have also been quite entertaining. While your favorite One Piece game may vary from person to person, Pirate Warriors 4 is a solid choice.
One Piece: Pirate Warriors 4, a One Piece-inspired retelling of Dynasty Warriors, had its own unique plot that unfolded throughout an unfinished arc when the game was released. If nothing else, Omega Force avoided mishandling the Wano arc’s conclusion like the authors of Game of Thrones did with Season 8.
One Piece: Pirate Warriors 4 is an excellent game, however the Musou type games may not be for everyone.
5. Berserk And The Band Of The Hawk
Developer: Omega Force
Publisher: Koei Tecmo
Platform(s): PC, PS3, PS4, PS Vita
Alright, so it appears that Omega Force has included a good number of anime games into the well-known Musou model. The greatest of the best, in the opinion of many, was Berserk and the Band of the Hawk, which is based on a well-liked anime and manga series that surprisingly hasn’t seen many video game adaptations over the years. Other notable titles included Fist of the North Star: Ken’s Rage and Arslan: The Warriors of Legend. All we can hope for is a ton of Berserk references in Elden Ring instead.
The tale of the well-known anime and manga is adapted in Berserk and the Band of the Hawk; the primary campaign of the game spans the Golden Era arc and ends with Falcom of the Millennium Empire arc.
Since the main character, Guts, carries a greatsword larger than most men, Berserk naturally lends itself to a hack-and-slash style of gameplay. For this reason, Berserk and the Band of the Hawk are highly recommended.
4. JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: All-Star Battle R
Developer: CyberConnect2, Bandai Namco
Publisher: Bandai Namco
Platform(s): PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X & S, Nintendo Switch
The anime and manga series are as odd, absurd, and wonderful as they come, so the “bizarre” aspect of JoJo’s odd Adventure is truly deserved. JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: All-Star Battle R is absolutely fantastic if you want to get in on the action but reading or watching just isn’t cutting it. This is the perfect game for fans of JoJo since it has a massive cast of characters.
JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: All-Star Battle R skillfully adapts the renowned artwork of Hirohiko Araki into a furious combat game. Every character in the game features distinct skills and actions that are derived from their own fighting style, powers, and stand.
Unquestionably one of the greatest anime games ever developed, JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: All-Star Battle R offers a variety of modes that draw on the rich history of the franchise.
3. Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2
Developer: Dimps
Publisher: Bandai Namco
Platform(s): PC, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
Like the Budokai games previously noted, the most Dragon Ball games games choose to just retell the franchise’s key arcs. As such, Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 was a welcome change of pace. Xenoverse was more like Dragon Ball combined with Doctor Who than a simple reenactment of the greatest moments in anime history. It allowed you to travel across time and experience the history of anime for yourself.
In Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2, users can design their own character by selecting from a variety of races seen in the Dragon Ball universe. After that, you’ll take on the role of a Time Patroller, tasked with exploring the timeline and making sure evildoers are unable to tamper with events. It turns out that things start to go wrong.
Even if understanding parts of the objectives requires prior knowledge of Dragon Ball, Xenoverse is still a fantastic way to get started with the biggest anime franchise ever created.
2. Fist of the North Star: Lost Paradise
Developer: Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio
Publisher: SEGA
Platform(s): PS4
Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio is the video game developer that one may trust with a prominent manga and anime series like Fist of the North Star. For the first time, the creators of the Like A Dragon (previously known as Yakuza) series adapted the proven model to an anime adaptation with Fist of the North Star: Lost Paradise. The outcome is an action role-playing game that adheres to the original source material while feeling instantly recognizable to fans of Like A Dragon.
The original story of Fist of the North Star: Lost Paradise strongly incorporates elements and characters from the first half of the anime and manga series. Players take on the role of Hokuto Shinken martial arts expert Kenshiro in this game. While Kenny Boy pursues his wife Yuria in a post-apocalyptic wasteland, Kenshiro finds her in a city named Eden, which is purported to be a haven amidst the carnage.
But not everything in Eden is as it seems, and Kenshiro must unravel the mystery using the only method he knows: punching guys until he declares them dead.
1. Dragon Ball FighterZ
Developer: Arc System Works
Publisher: Bandai Namco
Platform(s): PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X & S, Nintendo Switch
Dragon Ball FighterZ is among the best anime games available today. Really? Dragon Ball FighterZ is unquestionably the game for you if you’re looking for an anime that truly respects the source material and pays homage to memorable moments in a way that feels authentic. Even so, FighterZ’s 3v3 tag fighting action fills a big void left by the absence of a new Marvel vs. Capcom game, making it one of the best fighting games out there at the moment.
Characters from several anime and manga sagas are combined in Dragon Ball FighterZ to create a cleverly designed fighting game that is simple to pick up but requires many hours to properly master. FighterZ has characters from DBZ, GT, Super, and even a few original characters created by Akira Toriyama himself, in addition to the DLC.
Dragon Ball FighterZ is the best anime game ever created, in terms of video games.
Superior to all else and everything.