If you ask any experienced gamer for their opinion on anime games released years ago, they probably won’t tell you anything spectacular about this genre of video games. These games are usually released after the great success of the anime, as was the case with the Dragon Ball anime series. After the great success of Dragon Ball, the first anime video game was released just a few months after the anime series.
However, no matter how much the anime and manga series hit the world and become incredibly popular all over our planet, it cannot be said that success is equal when it comes to video games. Simply put, the titles so far have mostly had some flaws or just didn’t bring a real anime-inspired feel. Perhaps the developers failed to transfer all the brilliance and amazingness from the anime series to the video game.
However, although there were many such titles, there are also some that were quite good, and even excellent. To present the best anime-inspired video games ever released, we decided to create one list with the best titles voted by gamers. So, without further ado, if you’re ready, let’s get started.
5. Doki Doki Literature Club
If you have never played Doki Doki Literature Club, you can easily get the wrong impression of this video game. Namely, although at first glance this anime-inspired game looks pretty silly, you actually have to dive deeper to understand what this is about. Trust us, the gameplay is nothing like you can expect from a four schoolgirl.
We almost forget, there are four characters, Natsuki, Yuri, Sayori and Monika and all four are schoolgirls who are members of the literature club. The main problem with this title-heavy themes that appear as you progress in the game. Simply, this is not a game for everyone, because it brings quite serious and shocking things. For example, there are motives like depression, madness, and even suicide. However, if this is not a problem for you, then Doki Doki Literature Club is the good one.
4. Dragon Ball FighterZ
Unlike the previous anime-inspired video game, this one brings exactly what the title suggests. Yes, there’s a lot of fighting and a lot of violence here, but it’s just Dragon Ball. The game is quite well done in many segments and can be said to convey the feeling and impressions we gained while watching the popular anime series.
We especially like the fact that a good number of heroes known from the anime are available, as well as their enemies you are fighting against. Also, you can choose between a villain or a good guy. You just don’t have to be on the side of good if you don’t want to. It is totally up to you. In that case, you choose between Cell, Frieza, Beerus, Kid Buu, Buu and Captain Ginyu.
Gameplay is very interesting, especially if you are familiar with the legendary Dragon Ball franchise. As for the platform, Dragon Ball FighterZ can be played on PS4 or Xbox One, PC and Nintendo Switch.
3. Tales of Berseria
There is no doubt that you have heard of the popular “Tales of” series of video games. This is literally one of the longest existing and most popular video game series ever. In addition to the many great titles we have had the opportunity to play in previous years, one in particular caught our attention, and that is Tales of Berseria.
It was actually released not so long ago, in 2016, with versions for PS3, PS4 as well as Microsoft Windows. When it comes to story and gameplay, we have to admit it’s at a pretty high level, far ahead if we compare it with some other not-so-good titles. This is a traditional JRPG with a good story that has revenge as the main theme. Namely, the main character is Velvet Crowe, a young but badass girl looking for vengeance. Her brother was killed, and she must now avenge his death.
Although almost all games on our list are based on the success of the anime series, this game was actually the inspiration for Tales of Zestiria the X anime series (along with Tales of Zestiria video game). All in all, Tales of Berseria brings you a great story, as well as quite good gameplay and interesting development.
2. Catherine
We may have shocked you a little while ago with the Doki Doki Literature Club, but believe us, there are other games with “explicit” content and a PEGI18 rating. One such title is Catherine, a game that contains certain sexual motives. However, that doesn’t mean you should dismiss it as a bad title. On the contrary, Catherine is the right thing for open-minded gamers, those who are willing to try something new and feel a different gaming experience.
The plot takes place around Vincent Brooks, a guy who suffers from nightmares. Interestingly, the whole action in this anime game takes place when Vincent is asleep, so it can be said that his nightmares are a source of fun for you. As for Catherine, at first glance, she is an attractive young girl, who is also Vincent’s girlfriend, but she is actually a succubus. As for the gameplay, we said that it mostly takes place when Vincent is asleep, where he runs away from monsters or fights against them.
1. Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot
Perhaps expected, but at the top of our list is another title from the Dragon Ball series that is actually the latest one in franchise (January 16, 2024). As with the first mentioned, Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot includes a lot of characters that are specific for Dragon Ball world, so there is no doubt that you will have great fun with this anime-inspired video game.
In addition to great graphics and details, this video game also brings side activities. Wondering why you need side activities? Simply, this is a way to improve the performance and skills of your character, which is Goku. Because it is truly one of the best titles among anime-inspired video games, but also because of the history of the Dragon Ball franchise itself, Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot is deservedly at the top of our list.
