The intersection of anime and gaming has never been stronger. Major franchises receive quality adaptations, original anime-styled games flourish, and the line between watching and playing continues to blur. 2025-2026 has delivered some exceptional titles that every anime fan should consider. Here’s our comprehensive guide to the best anime games of the current generation.
Jujutsu Kaisen“>Major Franchise Adaptations
Dragon Ball: Sparking! ZERO
The Budokai Tenkaichi spiritual successor fans demanded finally arrived, and it exceeded expectations. Sparking! ZERO delivers the most comprehensive Dragon Ball fighter to date: 180+ characters spanning the entire franchise history, destructible environments that actually matter, and combat that captures the series’ earth-shattering scale.
The game’s attention to source material shows in every detail. Iconic techniques like Goku’s Instant Transmission and Vegeta’s Final Flash aren’t just moves—they’re recreations of specific manga panels and anime moments. For Dragon Ball fans, this is the definitive gaming experience.
Best for: Dragon Ball fans who want comprehensive roster coverage and cinematic battles
One Piece Odyssey
Turn-based JRPG meets One Piece in a surprisingly heartfelt adventure. Odyssey takes the Straw Hats through an original story that revisits iconic arcs while developing an emotionally resonant new narrative. The combat system is accessible but strategic, using character relationships and elemental affinities meaningfully.
What elevates Odyssey is its genuine understanding of One Piece’s appeal. The crew’s banter, the emotional beats, the sense of adventure—it feels like playing through an arc Oda himself might have written. Fans of the manga and anime will find this deeply satisfying.
Best for: One Piece fans seeking story-driven JRPG experience
Naruto x Boruto Ultimate Ninja Storm Connections
The latest entry in CyberConnect2’s long-running Storm series continues the tradition of spectacular visual presentation. The game covers content through Boruto’s current arcs while refining the combat system fans love. New accessibility features make the flashy battles approachable without sacrificing depth.
While the Storm formula might feel familiar to longtime players, the execution remains impressive. Seeing anime-accurate recreations of recent Boruto moments alongside classic Naruto fights justifies revisiting this series.
Best for: Naruto/Boruto fans wanting cinematic fighting experience
Original Anime-Styled Games
Persona 3 Reload
Atlus’ complete remake of the influential JRPG sets new standards for remakes. Every aspect has been rebuilt: visual presentation rivals Persona 5, quality-of-life improvements address original frustrations, and expanded social links deepen character relationships. The result is the definitive way to experience one of gaming’s most thematically ambitious stories.
The “anime game” label undersells what Persona 3 achieves. Its exploration of mortality, connection, and meaning remains powerful. The improved presentation makes these themes more accessible than ever.
Best for: JRPG fans seeking deep story and character development
Hi-Fi Rush
Tango Gameworks’ surprise release delivers rhythm-action gaming with infectious anime-styled presentation. Every element—combat, environment, cutscenes—syncs to music. The result feels like playing inside an anime opening sequence. Stylish action, humor, and genuinely excellent boss fights create one of the generation’s most joyful experiences.
Hi-Fi Rush proves anime styling can elevate any genre. Its Western development with Eastern aesthetic influences creates something fresh.
Best for: Action game fans who appreciate stylish presentation
Tales of Arise
The Tales franchise reaches new heights with Arise’s refined real-time combat and stunning Unreal Engine 4 visuals. The story of two worlds’ intertwined fate delivers emotional beats that rival the best anime. Party dynamics create genuine investment in character relationships.
Best for: Action JRPG fans seeking substantial story
Gacha Games Worth Playing
Genshin Impact (Ongoing)
HoYoverse’s open-world phenomenon continues expanding with substantial content updates. The anime-inspired visuals, free-to-play accessibility, and genuinely impressive exploration make it the most successful anime-styled game globally. New regions maintain quality while expanding the already massive world.
Gacha mechanics remain controversial, but the core game is playable without spending. For the patient, it offers hundreds of hours of quality content.
Best for: Open-world exploration fans with patience for gacha systems
Honkai: Star Rail
HoYoverse’s turn-based sibling proved the studio could succeed outside action gameplay. Star Rail combines accessible turn-based combat with typically gorgeous presentation and surprising narrative ambition. The galactic setting enables creative world designs impossible in Genshin’s fantasy.
Best for: Turn-based fans seeking stylish mobile-friendly option
Blue Archive
Nexon’s tactical RPG combines strategy gameplay with slice-of-life character stories. The gap between cute aesthetics and surprisingly dark narrative creates tonal whiplash that somehow works. A dedicated community appreciates its unique position in the gacha landscape.
Best for: Strategy fans seeking character-driven gacha
Fighting Games
Guilty Gear Strive
Arc System Works’ masterpiece continues receiving support years post-launch. The visual presentation—hand-crafted animations that look impossibly good in motion—sets the standard for anime fighting games. Aggressive, rewarding gameplay balances accessibility with depth.
Even non-fighting-game players should experience Strive’s visual achievement. It’s simply the best-looking anime game ever made.
Best for: Fighting game enthusiasts and visual presentation appreciators
Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising
Arc System Works’ refinement of their Granblue fighter improves accessibility while maintaining competitive depth. The expanded roster and modes make it the definitive version. Gorgeous presentation maintains Arc Sys’ reputation.
Best for: Accessible fighting game seekers
Hidden Gems
Dungeon Meshi: Taste of the Dungeon (2026)
The Delicious in Dungeon adaptation translates the manga’s cooking-adventure concept into roguelike gameplay. Harvest monsters, cook meals, survive dungeons. The gameplay loop captures what makes the source material compelling.
13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim
Vanillaware’s narrative masterpiece deserves wider recognition. Its non-linear storytelling across thirteen protagonists creates one of gaming’s most ambitious narratives. The gorgeous 2D art showcases Vanillaware’s signature style.
Upcoming Releases to Watch
- Jujutsu Kaisen: Cursed Clash 2: Following mixed reception of the first game, the sequel promises refined combat
- Demon Slayer: The Ultimate Showdown: Next iteration of the action series
- Elden Ring DLC: While not anime-styled, heavily influenced by dark fantasy anime
Platform Recommendations
PC: Best overall platform—most games available, mod support, performance advantages
PlayStation 5: Japanese games often perform best here; exclusive content for some titles
Switch: Portable option for JRPGs; performance compromises on demanding titles
Mobile: Gacha games and ports; varies widely in quality
Conclusion
Anime gaming has evolved from license cash-grabs to genuinely excellent experiences. Studios now understand that anime fans demand quality matching the source material. The games listed here represent the best of that evolution—experiences that stand alongside their anime inspirations rather than beneath them.
Whether you prefer fighting games, JRPGs, or action adventures, anime gaming offers excellent options. The medium’s interactive future looks bright.