The best anime themed games Posted Aug 8, 2023

There has long been a crossover between fans of anime and video gamers, and the combination of the two was always going to be popular. There are a number of games that use anime themes and a number of anime tropes and stylistic features that have made their way into the mainstream.

The early days of the internet saw fans of niche pastimes joining together online, forming virtual groups of shared interests and allowing fans to discuss gaming, animation, and a range of other subjects. Some of the most popular games were anime themed, and the combination of the two has resulted in some worldwide gaming hits, including:

Dragon Ball FighterZ

As one of the best-known anime games, Dragon Ball FighterZ took the world by storm when it was first released in 2018. The format was popular as players liked being able to choose the characters that would play on their team, tackling either the computer or another player to see who can best the other in battle.

The game received positive reviews for its range of characters and many describe it as one of the best fighting games available, The story follows the fortunes of Android 21, a human who has become an android and is trying to protect the souls of the world’s greatest warriors in Dragon Balls.

The game was nominated for a slew of awards, and it won a number of them including the Game Critics Award for Best Fighting Game, ESPN Esports Game of the Year, and the Fan Favourite Fighting Game at the Gamers’ Choice Awards.

Astral Chain

For those that like their anime super dramatic, then this game is packed with busy boss fights, brightly coloured graphics, and a plot that really drives the action as the game unfolds. The gameplay features puzzles to be solved, side quests to be completed, some platform exploration and more, then this game has a bit of everything.

The collaboration between PlatinumGames and Nintendo yielded a game that was widely praised by critics and fans alike, reading number one in the UK games charts on the week of its release. It was one of the best-selling games on the Nintendo Switch in the year of its release, with players enjoying the elements of role-playing, investigative exploration, and combat.

Anime-themed casino games

While there are plenty of games created to bring an anime universe to life, the enduring popularity of casinos has resulted in a range of traditional games with anime themes designed to appeal to fans of both. There are plenty of games that use the easy-to-recognise style of anime with instantly familiar games such as roulette and slots.

Because anime is such a recognisable stylistic choice, it can turn any game into a themed option with the addition of traditional anime animation. From games such as poker and blackjack to live roulette and slots, there are plenty of anime-themed casino games to choose from for those that want to combine two interests.

Nine Hours, Nine Persons, Nine Doors (999)

This game requires more than one playthrough to understand the whole story, but this will be a treat for gamers that want more of the engaging storyline that makes this game so much fun. Styles around the idea of an escape room, the player is marooned on a cruise ship with eight other passengers and must find their way out before the ship sinks.

The intensity of the action drives players through the game as they try to find the clues that will lead to freedom, As the threat levels intensify, players can enjoy the excitement of trying to solve the puzzles against the clock as they explore the many layers of this game.

Ni No Kuni: The Wrath of the White Witch

Fans of Studio Ghibli will recognise the style of the animation, the storytelling, and the way the plot is told through the characters. Typical of the style of Japanese Role Playing Games, players must find their way through the beautifully rendered world, making their way through a series of challenges before completing the game.

Players can make their way through the game by completing side quests and following the fortunes of the main protagonist as they explore towns and tackle the challenges the game delivers.

Dragon Quest 11

This ever-popular series has earned thousands of fans through its fun and engaging gameplay, as the characters make their way through a colourful and appealing world designed to make anime fans feel right at home. Indeed, the famed games designer Akira Toriyama, known for his work on the characters in Dragon Ball FighterZ and Chrono Trigger, worked on the characters featured in Dragon Quest II.

Anime fans will appreciate the sheer volume of games available in their preferred style, and gamers can enjoy games that are fun and exciting.