Nowadays, when it comes to cartoons, the main attention is pointed toward animes. Animes are Japanese cartoons which often tend to speak about much more serious topics, although they can be fun, too. Generally, animes are one of the most popular cartoons at the moment and you’ve probably played several anime games that you didn’t even know they are such genre. You know what? Let’s cut the crap and proceed straight to our list of 20 Best Anime Games for PC.
1. Dragon Ball FighterZ
As a kid, I’ve been addicted to Dragon Ball series and this addiction made me want to play some Dragon Ball games. Surely, we had some decent Dragon Ball games, but Dragon Ball FighterZ is probably the best game of such kind. So, what makes this game so special? I could probably spend a millennia going through all the facts, but I will only say that the fights and characters in this game are fantastic. Not to talk about a great multiplayer, where you can kick your friend’s ass or perhaps get your ass beaten. Either way, Dragon Ball FighterZ is one of the best fighting games you can play at the moment.
2. Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 4
While Dragon Ball series was focused mainly on fighting and breath-taking fighting moves, Naruto Shippuden was here to produce an amazing story and atmosphere. Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 4 is the newest game in the franchise, and oh boy, does it deliver! The graphics in this game are similar to Dragon Ball FighterZ, although the fighting mechanics are somewhat different. Of course, this game has a very handy combat and streamlined controls, meaning that you’ll have a good time beating your opponents. I’m very impressed with how the developer handled this project.
3. TEKKEN 7
There’s always been some kind of rivalry when it comes to Tekken and Mortal Kombat series. While I still prefer Mortal Kombat and a freezing Sub-Zero’s breath, TEKKEN 7 is one of my favorite games ever. You aren’t going to use super-powers and surreal abilities to fight, but a pure skill and reflexes. Do you think you can handle a good TEKKEN 7 player? Hmph, I bet you can’t, but you can buy the game and start enjoying. It’s fun as hell and you won’t mistake!
4. TERA
MMORPG games are awesome, especially if they are free. In fact, everything that’s free is welcome! As a pretty meticulous gamer, I choose my titles pretty carefully, and although I’m not a fan of this genre, TERA invoked something in me. TERA features an action-packed gameplay and a huge open world to explore. Alongside amazing characters, TERA strives to bring you an amazing atmosphere and multiplayer that’s jaw-dropping. It will cost you literally nothing to try the game, yet it’s an unforgettable experience.
5. Secret of Mana
Secret of Mana was originally released in 1993, which is the time when even I didn’t exist! Yes, I’m not that old, but neither is the game we are talking about. We need to give props to Secret of Mana (2018) due to being an amazing remake of the old game. Because Square Enix took the things under their control, I wasn’t in doubt this will be an amazing game. If you like great JRPG, story-driven titles, then Secret of Mana is great for you, albeit a little expensive for what it offers.
6. Nier: Automata
Nier: Automata is an underrated game that will force you to show your full potential, or you’ll otherwise die. I don’t know why this game is overlooked, though. It could be an unforgiving difficulty or simply a release date which didn’t do a favor to the developers. Either way, Nier: Automata is a masterpiece and a game that writes its own story. On one side, it’s a hack & slash title and on the other, a great anime-inspired game with a deep, deep story. The game is now very cheap, so I think it’s finally a moment to give this a test run.
7. Tales of Zestiria
Bandai Namco is a Japanese developer that’s known for some fascinating Japanese games. This time, Bandai came with Tales of Zestiria, a fantasy game that’s all about storytelling, fighting, and role-playing. Yeah, this is pretty much a story-driven game with great characters, cartoonish graphics, and immersive atmosphere. The only drawback I would point out is the lack of multiplayer, but who needs a multiplayer when you can enjoy a pretty good singleplayer story?
8. Sword Art Online: Fatal Bullet
Sword Art Online: Fatal Bullet is a freshly-baked game developed by DIMPS and published by Bandai Namco. Although it’s called Online, I’m quite surprised we have a singleplayer mode here. On the online side, there’s a LOT of shooting, but also a deep character progression. As the game comes with RPG roots, you’ll be able to create your own character, customize it to the thinnest bits and engage in unforgiving battles. An anime shooter game? You must be kidding!
9. Onmyoji
Do you know those early access games that cost you more than an actual game? There are tons of them and most of them are optimized for a PC that only a few of us can buy. However, Onmyoji is a game that will cost you slightly more than a pocket change and its optimization is pretty neat. Onmyoji is a turn-based strategy game with the main focus being PvE and PvP battles. The graphics are pretty good in the game, and I like the fact that there is a cross-platform available, so you can play against the players on different consoles.
10. Final Fantasy XV
Final Fantasy is a legendary gaming franchise that will always have a special place in my heart. I don’t know why, but this Final Fantasy XV has a very strange, yet very pleasant atmosphere. In this game, you aren’t going to use just swords, but also cars and guns. I’m pretty surprised that the game moved in a modern direction and much to my surprise, this approach was pretty successful. The only problem here is that the game is available for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, but there is good news too- it will be available for PC in March!
11. Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2
I know we’ve had a Dragon Ball game already, but come on, if you are a true anime fan, you can’t complain. Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 already had a pretty good base to build upon- an amazing prequel to this game. Xenoverse 2 makes a grand return to the franchise, boasting high-end graphics, amazing animations, nerve-wracking fights and lots of unforgiving moments. If you love Dragon Ball franchise, be sure to play this game first and then FighterZ.
12. Toukiden 2
If you played Nioh, you probably know about Toukiden 2 and KOEI TECMO GAMES, an amazing Japanese game developer company. This company is all about the role-playing games, great hack & slash fights and lots of dangerous enemies to fight against. Toukiden 2 is such game and fortunately, they did a pretty good job of balancing an immersive story, role-playing, and fighting. Get ready to explore the in-game world because you’ll need a lot of time to do so, being it alone or with your friend.
13. Yu-Gi-Oh! Legacy of the Duelist
I remember the time when I got used to watching Yu-Gi-Oh! before I go to bed and I would even watch a reprise in the morning, even though I’ve already seen that episode. Well, Yu-Gi-Oh! Legacy of the Duelist is same when it comes to addiction it can cause! This card game is here to give you the best Yu-Gi-Oh gaming experience you can get, by introducing brand new and old characters and mixing them up for a perfect mixture of fun. You’ll like this game even if you don’t know anything about the franchise or anime.
14. CrossCode
CrossCode is an early access 2D game set in a very distant future. Even though it’s a 2D game and reminds greatly of those old-school JRPG titles, CrossCode manages to be very fun to play. As a role-playing game, there are lots of dialogues to participate in, a fast-paced combat and generally colorful graphics and GUI. However, the game will probably undergo some changes before its full release since it’s in an early access stage. If you love JRPGs, don’t care about the graphics and love to see an intriguing story and setting, then you can try CrossCode.
15. Dragon Knight
For those who like true anime games, Dragon Knight is a must-play. The reason I say this is that the game looks, feels and plays like a true anime. You won’t get too much of high-end Crysis-like visuals, but a highly-detailed animated graphics. Furthermore, this game is often reported as a game containing nudity and sexual content, which is… well, I suppose both good and bad. When you put this aside, you get a fantastic 2D role-playing game with lots of fast-paced combat, solid storytelling and… *cough* hot Japanese chicks. And you know what? It will cost you a few bucks!
16. Closers
Closers is a crazy game, crazy game that will immediately suck you into its atmosphere and setting. As you know, Japanese developers love to work on various RPG titles, and from this, we got a name called JRPG (Japanese Role-Playing Game). Well, Closers is one of those RPG titles which focuses on epic battles and typical anime storyline. The gameplay revolves around so-called Closers and you can choose one of them to play with. Regardless of your choice, you’ll be introduced to the game’s core pretty quick and engage in combat against horrific monstrosities as you fight to save the humanity once more!
17. My Life as a Maiden
My Life is a Maiden is an authentic anime game that puts you in a role of a 17-year old boy who’s been bullied for his feminine look. And, what does he do? He then starts dressing as a girl in order to stay undetected and avoid being bullied. Much to his surprise, he quickly becomes popular among the school girls, which is a pretty interesting thing to start with. As you’ve probably guessed, this is a story-based game that will spare of any action and embark you on a journey of this young boy. Be careful, though- the game isn’t exactly for kids.
18. The Crooked Man
The Crooked Man is an indie game developed by Uri Games. Yeah, you probably haven’t heard of this crew, but they have an amazing game behind themselves. Wondering what game is it? Oh, it’s The Crooked Man! While not being exactly my type of game, it’s still a lot of fun because of its horror elements, great story, and overall dark atmosphere. If you came here for the graphics, you’ll be disappointed to see the low level of detail, but as far as I’m concerned, games aren’t only about graphics.
19. Six Days of Snow
Six Days of Snow was released in December of last year and it’s a pretty good game for its price. Wait, how much does it cost? Oh, yeah, it’s nothing! Just a few days before the New Year, I got to play this game and from my great experience, you can expect a story-driven adventure that aims for a great atmosphere. I know many of you guys like action games, but this is more for relaxing after a hard day of work or school. As I grow old, I begin to praise this type of game. It’s fun, entertaining and sometimes very intriguing.
20. Heart of Crown
For the end, we got a pretty good game called Heart of Crown. No, it’s not Hearts of Iron or anything like that since this is an Anime game. This is another game with great scenario campaigns and deck-building gameplay which does a pretty good job of giving you a good time. Essentially, there are tons of challenges to be completed, the card play is pretty neat and the good old cartoonish graphics are here. The only complaint about this game would be its price. If you get over that fact, you’ll get a pretty entertaining and authentic title.