The past decade has been positively packed with anime-inspired games. They’ve gone above and beyond in delivering vibrant visuals, heartfelt storytelling, and (of course) utterly brilliant gameplay. Whether you’re battling baddies in an RPG, recreating iconic fights from your favorite shows, or even spinning reels in a slot game, you anime fans have had a lot to celebrate! Here’s our pick of the very best anime games of the decade — with a couple of surprises that you might not have seen coming. So, let’s get stuck in, shall we?
Genshin Impact (2020)
Platforms: PC, PlayStation, Mobile
Genre: Action RPG
If you’re into sprawling open worlds, elemental combat, and characters so gorgeous they might as well have stepped out of a studio’s latest hit anime, Genshin Impact has you covered. Some game releases make waves, not Genshin Impact, this game basically flooded the internet.
If you like puzzle solving and world building then Teyvat is a veritable playground. There’s also the excitement of rolling for that elusive 5-star character — many of us have been stuck on that! My time in Mondstadt was spent hopping between serene cliff tops and chucking wind-powered attacks at enemies, all while wondering why my gacha luck is so cursed. Sound good to you? I couldn’t recommend it highly enough.
Persona 5 Royal (2020)
Platforms: PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, PC
Genre: JRPG
Stylish. Chaotic. Completely unforgettable. That’s Persona 5 Royal in a nutshell. You join the Phantom Thieves to battle corrupt adults and bring justice to the world while balancing the horrors of, you know, being a high school student.
The art style is pure eye candy, with bold anime visuals paired with a soundtrack that’s made for strutting. Let’s not even start on the dungeons – each one is a wild ride, dripping with symbolism and packed with challenges that’ll leave your thumbs aching (in the best way possible).
Dragon Ball FighterZ (2018)
Platforms: PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch
Genre: Fighting
If you’ve ever dreamed of actually being Goku (admit it, who hasn’t?), Dragon Ball FighterZ is where it’s at. This isn’t just another button-masher – it’s a carefully crafted anime brawl fest brought to you by the geniuses at Arc System Works.
Each combo, each ki blast, feels like you’re orchestrating your own episode of Dragon Ball Z. The transitions between moves? Chef’s kiss. Recreating Goku vs. Frieza’s iconic clashes felt like I’d been handed the keys to the Dragon Ball kingdom.
Moon Princess 100 Slot (2021)
Platforms: Online Slot Games
Genre: Slot
Now, here’s a curveball for you – anime hasn’t just conquered the RPG and fighting genres. It’s taken over slot games too, and Moon Princess 100 is proof. Moon Princess 100 is the long anticipated follow up to the original Moon Princess slot. You’ll be able to find it in any good online slots catalogue and as soon as you open it up you’ll realise how it made it to this list. This little beauty from Play’n GO is a love letter to the magical girl genre. If you grew up wishing you could fight evil by moonlight (cough Sailor Moon fans), this one’s for you.
Three princesses — Love, Star, and Storm — are your guides, each with powers that trigger during gameplay The cascading reel mechanic keeps things fast-paced, while the Free Spins round lets you pick a princess to lead you to victory.
Tales of Arise (2021)
Platforms: PC, PlayStation, Xbox
Genre: Action RPG
The Tales series has been around forever, but Tales of Arise? That’s the one that took things to the next level. Its visuals are drop-dead gorgeous, with fluid animations and stunningly designed characters that feel ripped straight from a top-tier anime.
The combat is the cherry on top. You’ll string together Artes and team combos so slick they look choreographed. And the story – freedom fighters, forbidden love, and a heavy dose of mystery – keeps you glued to the screen. It’s the kind of game you’ll play until 3 a.m., telling yourself ‘just one more quest’.