Anime became mainstream in America during the 1990s and 2000s, inspiring developers to create video games based on these programs. While the anime games subgenre temporarily declined, they have reemerged with force thanks to excellent titles in the 2020s.
In 2024, players were treated to numerous fun and over-the-top fighting video games and fantasy classics. One of the best examples is Metaphor: ReFantazio, a Studio Zero game published by Sega and Atlus that earned a Game of the Year nomination.
This title delivers classic anime visuals through excellent character modeling and rendering, presenting cutscenes during critical plot points to maintain a nostalgic vibe. In addition, the superb soundtrack complements the story and enhances the overall video game experience.
Another noteworthy 2024 anime game is Persona 3: Reload, released in February 2024. While the plot remains unchanged from the original 2006 title, the gameplay, enhanced visuals, and new voice work showcase how far developers have come, drawing inspiration from Persona 4 and Persona 5.
Like Metaphor: ReFantazio, Persona 3: Reload uses cutscenes to blur the lines between an anime video game and a TV show. This title surpasses its predecessors with in-game models and sets a high standard for future anime games.
While story-driven titles are compelling, anime’s mainstay has always been arena fighter games. Although anime-inspired arena fighters are released regularly, gamers have long awaited a refreshing option to revitalize the genre. With Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero, players got a nostalgic experience and one of the best releases of the last decade.
Dragon Ball boasts one of the best track records of any series in terms of adaptations, with 2018’s Dragon Ball FighterZ considered one of the greatest anime fighting games to date. The new Dragon Ball game had big shoes to fill—and has succeeded admirably. With over 180 playable characters, exploring each one could take months. While the game features a storyline, your choices influence the characters you encounter along the way. Additionally, Episode Mode and Custom Mode add depth to the experience.
Gamers eagerly anticipated Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero to reinvigorate the series, and it delivered one of the largest playable rosters ever. This anticipation translated into impressive sales, as the title sold 3 million units worldwide within 24 hours of its release.
What does the future hold for anime titles? Developers are likely to continue leveraging the success of TV shows and their corresponding video games. For instance, Dragon Ball Daima premiered in 2024 as the sixth program in the franchise’s history.
Video game publishers have also returned to classic series to excite gamers and tap into nostalgia. Bleach is another great example, with the sequel anime series continuing its third season in 2024. Complementing the show, Bandai Namco announced Bleach: Rebirth of Souls for a 2025 release.
While the One Piece anime is reportedly on hiatus until 2025, gamers can still enjoy the latest installment in the video game series. One Piece Odyssey relives the anime through a turn-based JRPG format. Its combat and storytelling provide a comprehensive experience with solid mechanics. Overall, it’s an excellent introduction to the One Piece franchise and one of many impressive recent anime-based games.
The resurgence of anime games owes much to the genre’s growing popularity and engagement. More viewers and fans mean developers are increasingly likely to create games based on popular TV series. Experts project the anime industry to grow by nearly 10% annually until 2030, further boosting its current $31 billion value.
Metaphor: ReFantazio, Persona 3: Reload, and Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero are some of 2024’s biggest video game highlights. Each offers compelling narratives, stunning visuals, and detailed character renderings. Their remarkable success ensures an exciting and optimistic future for anime gaming.
