Japan might not be the biggest country on the planet, but they have a strong culture and history. That being said, they are very meticulous when it comes to making video games, and it’s not strange as Japanese video games are often praised. They are one of the best developers when it comes to JRPG titles, as well as some hack-and-slash and fighting games, so we gotta pay a homage to those great efforts. Below is the list of best Japanese games for PC. I hope you enjoy, or else, an angry Samurai will cut off your head!
Japanese Games: What are they?
As its name suggests, gaming titles that originated in or were developed in the country Japan are referred to as “Japanese games.” Japan is well-known for creating a wide range of innovative and original video games in a variety of different genres. The nation has a significant and lengthy video game industry history.
Japanese video games frequently feature distinctive visual aesthetics, some really good narrative approaches, and gameplay elements, in contrast to those produced in other nations. RPGs, action games, platformers, fighting games, graphic novels, and other genres make up this diverse collection.
The emphasis on narrative in Japanese video games is one of their distinguishing characteristics. Japanese video games are known for their deep storylines, expansive environments, and character-driven themes.
List of the Top Japanese Games for PC
Love games that feature Japan or have characters based on Japan? Here we listed the best Japanese games available on PC –
1. Nioh
First on the list is no other than Nioh. This role-playing action game nails it when it comes to being a Japanese game. I don’t like to call Dark Souls games a genre, but this game is very souls-like due to its difficulty and some gameplay similarities. You complete various levels and at the end of every level is a boss, who is, of course very hard and will make you break your gamepad if you get too nervous. Seriously, Nioh is an AMAZING game, but it isn’t for those who play games just to relax. It’s a nerve-wracking experience, with an amazing story featuring legendary Samurais and epic setting. Don’t miss this game and don’t give in!
2. Nier: Automata
When you hear about Nier: Automata, you can often see the word “underrated” immediately next to its name. The hard truth is that Nier: Automata is indeed a very underrated PC game and that its destiny isn’t the brightest it can be. Now, if you ask me about the game genre, I can’t simply answer your question. It combines great hack-and-slash gameplay with various 2D elements as well as strong RPG elements. That being said, Nier: Automata lets you upgrade your weapons, explore and progress through the game. Furthermore, Nier: Automata isn’t a game that you’ll finish in just a couple of hours, giving it a very high replayability value.
3. Dark Souls 3
Dark Souls 3 is what it sounds like. It’s dark and it will take your soul in a matter of seconds! It’s easily one of the hardest video games of all time and its dark atmosphere just adds that heaviness to it. Dark Souls 3 is an action RPG title that forces you to go balls-to-the-wall when it comes to survival. You are all alone here and no one is here to help you but DEATH. It’s hard, it’s ruthless and it comes at you like a bulldozer, threatening to slap you directly in the face. If you are up for a punishing, yet rewarding experience, then why wait? This juggernaut is all yours!
4. Tekken 7
This year was a great year for fighting games for PC. We got some pretty amazing games like Tekken 7 so I really can’t ask more, else I would be a fool. Tekken 7 brings back that arcade feeling of the old PlayStation games right in your face. It has beautiful graphics, nice animations and even a single-player game mode which isn’t jaw-dropping, but still a good addition. The real fun, however, comes from a multiplayer and that’s where Tekken 7 shines. You can now grab your gamepad and kick your friends’ ass and laugh at them while you do so!
5. Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain
Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain was a huge commercial success, and it’s not strange, having in mind that Hideo Kojima is the star here. This old bastard knows his job and he once again proved to be a worthy video game designer. However, this stealth game isn’t quite finished and polished near the end, as Hideo Kojima had some problems with Konami, before eventually being kicked out. Shame on you, Konami! MGSV: The Phantom Pain offers more than 20 hours of a campaign… what more to ask for?!
6. Pro Evolution Soccer 2018
Japanese games aren’t just about Samurais and stuff, but also a bit about sports games. With that in mind, let’s mention Pro Evolution Soccer 2018, a fierce rival to FIFA 18. This football game is awesome, to say the least. It has nice graphics, the physics are vastly improved and you know… there is a Master League which I simply adore. One thing that bothers every PES game is non-licensed teams, but not all of them, so it’s forgivable. Get a couple of beers and enjoy a realistic PES experience.
7. The Evil Within 2
Japanese horror is known to be frightening and intense as fuck, thus we have a new game called The Evil Within 2. This game is here to scare the living hell out of you, being one of the best horror games I’ve ever played! It does everything as it should and executes its presentation in an elegant, precise manner. Here I think about the amazing story, a half open-world setting, lots of stomach-twisting enemies and spooky atmosphere. You’ll get all of that in The Evil Within 2, but gather some courage before playing it.
8. Resident Evil 7: Biohazard
Resident Evil 7: Biohazard made its way to the shelves this winter with the goal to make it even more fierce. This game is, indeed a masterpiece of the horror genre. RE7: Biohazard ditched third-person shooting elements for a first-person experience, that’s much more immersive and up close. It doesn’t rely on a big, open world like The Evil Within 2, but rather on providing a claustrophobic experience and constant sense of dread. Ok, you get it. Resident Evil 7: Biohazard is going to scare you a lot which is why you should dim the lights and get your headphones for this game. Thank me later.
9. Silent Hill: Homecoming
While Resident Evil series focused on a real body horror, Silent Hill series was always about twisting and playing with your mind. Silent Hill: Homecoming isn’t an exception. The game follows a story of Alex Shepherd who returned to his hometown, only to be greeted by a dense fog and vast, empty town. The game gets you going pretty quick, and you’ll quickly be fighting against the monsters and completing various puzzles in order to progress in the game. A pretty cool effort, I must admit!
10. Get Even
If you want a different horror experience, you should try Get Even. The game made its release in the summer of 2017 and that’s a perfect time to be scared and confused. Get Even is a game about reclaiming your memory as you take a deep breath and dive right into the darkest corners of your mind. The game is played from the first-person perspective, which makes it all the more immersive. Furthermore, Get Even encourages shooting, so it isn’t just another walking simulator.
11. Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2
Castlevania series is known for some great hack-and-slash adventure games, but what more to expect from a typical Japanese game? Japanese developers always deliver a top-notch experience when it comes to combat, exploration, and adventure. The same goes here. This gothic game is about Dracula, who is slicing and dicing his way through the game in order to beat Satan. So, are you ready to beat Satan’s ass? You can do it in this game!
12. Dragon’s Dogma: Dark Arisen
Open-world games are overwhelming at the moment, but Dragon’s Dogma was released just at the right time. And no, this isn’t a typical Ubisoft-style open-world game, but a true effort from Capcom. Many of you may not have heard of Dragon’s Dogma, and I’m very sorry if you haven’t as it’s a kick-ass game. A huge open world awaits you to explore it, and with stunning visuals and deep character customization, Dragon’s Dogma aims to be an immersive and pleasurable experience. It’s a singleplayer game, with no multiplayer.
13. Dead Rising 4
Another game from Capcom is Dead Rising 4. Sure, Dead Rising is one of the most popular zombie games franchise, which focuses on slashing, bashing and shooting zombies with whatever you could find. As much as I like Dead Rising 4, I must admit that almost nothing has changed, which can be both good and bad. Still, Dead Rising 4 sets you on an epic adventure, as you kill those ugly zombies and even take selfies with them, to show your grandchildren, or whatever. It’s literally like a playground for killing zombies and that’s bloody delicious!
14. DmC: Devil May Cry
Hack-and-slash genre was never this fun with DmC: Devil May Cry. I mean, how could you not recognize this game? It has an amazing story, interesting characters, and rock-solid visuals. This game is released just a few years ago and it serves as a reboot of the famous game. The game features a dynamic environment which can change according to player’s action, focusing on killing the player. Everything in this game is around you, so don’t be ashamed to kill… a LOT!
15. Bayonetta
Bayonetta is developed by an experienced game development team that stands behind juggernauts like Resident Evil and Devil May Cry. So, this is some sort of a badass game? Believe it or not, Bayonetta is one of the best action titles ever! I don’t know how the game got so underrated, as it definitely shouldn’t be. On top of that, it features a female protagonist which is pretty well scripted and animated and is more interesting than 90% of male protagonists. Good job, guys!
16. Lost Planet: Extreme Condition
Lost Planet: Extreme Condition is a forgotten game but by no means a forgettable experience. This game throws snow and frost directly in your face and immediately throws you into action. It’s a third-person shooter with amazing gunplay, combat, enemies and boss fights. As it’s a Japanese game, you can expect some pretty heavy fights and smart enemies. It’s like a Dead Space 3 on steroids, and that can’t be any way near bad.
17. Mark of the Ninja
Mark of the Ninja is an entertaining 2D game, but man… it’s intense as hell! This stealth game is one of the best I’ve ever had the chance to play. Don’t let the 2D graphics and animation fool you, as the game does a pretty neat job when it comes to storytelling and immersion. Mark of the Ninja lets you complete the missions in various ways, but stealth is almost always an option. You can complete the game without killing anyone whatsoever! It’s just a few bucks, thus being a low-spec game that you can play on almost any PC.
18. Dead or Alive 5: Last Round
Dead or Alive 5: Last Round is a typical Japanese game on the first and on the second look. Do you remember that Nioh game? Well, KOEI TECMO GAMES is a studio behind this game, so things are quite serious here. It’s an amazing fighting game that resembles the mechanics of Tekken 7, but of course, Tekken 7 is one of the best fighting games ever. Stil, Dead or Alive 5: Last Round isn’t to be overlooked; it’s, in fact, a great effort.
19. Project Cars 2
Project Cars 2 is published by Bandai Namco Entertainment and is a strong contender for our list. As its name says, Project Cars 2 is a car racing PC game with a focus on realistic car behavior. This simulation game isn’t about going balls-to-the-wall all the time, but knowing when you can do so. It’s a slow-paced racing game made for patient players who like some fast cars. Oh, and there is a pretty cool selection of cars, so you can drive anything from old-timers to supercars. Furthermore, Project Cars 2 is one of the best visually-appealing games in this genre, so be prepared to upgrade your GPU.
20. Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 4
Who doesn’t like Naruto? I mean, you don’t have to be from Japan to enjoy the game or series, right? Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 4 might have a long name, but it’s also worth playing. The graphics are cartoonish, as you can expect, but it’s fascinating how development team handled them with such precision. Every single animation is beautiful and fights are long and brutal. Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 4 is by no means an easy game, and if you are a great warrior, you can do wonders here!
21. Persona 5
A fascinating narrative, tactical turn-based fighting, and social simulation features all come together in Persona 5, a role-playing game. You take on the role of a high school student who learns they may access the Metaverse, an alternate reality set in contemporary Tokyo.
You and your comrades, known as the Phantom Thieves in this parallel reality, invade corrupt people’s palaces and fight the Shadows there in an effort to change their hearts. Persona 5 is a must-play for lovers of the genre because to its stunning graphics, endearing characters, and compelling plot that tackles themes of rebellion and personal development.
22. Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice
The acclaimed creators of the Dark Souls series have created the action-adventure title Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice. You take on the role of Wolf, a shinobi with a katana and a prosthetic limb filled with numerous tools who fights in a feudal Japanese setting. The game’s fierce sword duels, stealth gameplay, and difficult boss encounters will put your reflexes and ability to the test.
With its distinctive combat system that emphasises timing and precision, Sekiro distinguishes out. Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is a masterpiece that exemplifies the finest of Japanese game design with its magnificent aesthetics, evocative world, and a deep sense of accomplishment when you succeed in overcoming its severe difficulties.