It’s a no-brainer that this would make it on the list for any anime fan. The hit and run, smash and button mash game is a great free for all for many anime fans. With the inclusion of so many Shonen Jump anime characters to choose from in this anime fighting mosh pit, fans will enjoy pitting characters from different anime and manga series together in the Super Smash Brothers-esque title. Where else would you be able to see Goku vs. Luffy?

Azur Lane is a popular mobile game based on an alternate timeline of World War II. The game was deemed as a “clone” to its Japanese cousin, Kantai Collection, but has arguably surpassed it. Azur Lane is known for its interesting character dynamics and how each character is up in arms based on navy battleships. It’s definitely a notable anime series for mobile players that is entertaining to play on the go.

The .hack//G.U. Last Recode is a remastered collection of the .hack//G.U franchise that includes all previous title games: Rebirth, Reminiscence, and Redemption, along with an exclusive: .hack//G.U Reconnection. If you’re unfamiliar with .hack//G.U, the series follows Haseo, a character who is on the search for the murderer of his best friend in an MMORPG setting. The player (you) plays along as another character in virtual reality. .hack//G.U Last Recode being a remastered edition brings life to the old graphics of the game from its initial years and has fans of the .hack// anime series raving for more.

The Ni no Kuni Series is an intriguing series that includes many hours of gameplay with its beautiful 2D anime art style directed by Yoshiyuki Mimose of Studio Ghibli. One of the most notable tites, Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch presents a lighthearted story with emotional aspects that has players enjoy it even more.

This series is a must for those that enjoy non-fighting style games. The characters are hilariously depicted in the courtroom setting with a fast paced and intriguing story that grabs player's attention. The series is known for its crime investigations and character interactions, as well as their memorable and quirky characters. There’s no “objection” that this would make it on the list.

Okay, but who does not like Dragon Ball Z? The Dragon Ball franchise is one of the biggest and baddest in anime. Dragon Ball Z fighters is arguably the best Dragon Ball game in the franchise thus far, taking place during the setting of Dragon Ball Super. The game style plays similarly to Marvel vs. Capcom, where players make teams of fighters to face off other teams. The 3v3 style and game dynamics gives players the hype on this game having the potential to become one of the next top fighting games to be played competitively.

Xenoblade Chronicles is an action RPG that involves playing in a real time action based battle system. There are several titles under the series: Chronicles, Chronicles X, Chronicles 2, Chronicles 2: Torna- The Golden Country, and Future Connected. Each game does not directly share their settings, and each has their own cast of characters, but each game is loosely connected to one another. What players really love about the game is its great storyline with enriching character casts that are deeply entertaining and get players even more invested into the series itself. 

NieR: Automata is both renowned and underrated at the same time. The story takes place in a post apocalyptic setting between three different arcs based on three different characters that are combat androids, dare I not spoil anymore explaining further. The graphics and music of the game are both absolutely breathtaking on top of its unique storyline. Every part of the game from the character art, gameplay, to the side quests, are full of so much detail, it’s a no wonder that this game has received crazy high reviews across the board.

Ah yes, Final Fantasy meets Disney, two loves in one. The Kingdom Hearts franchise is a series loved by so many. With the many installments across several consoles, the game is accessible to many but nothing beats the main PlayStation storyline. Playing as Sora, a child destined Keyblade Warrior, you travel through many “Disney Worlds” in search of his friends, meeting casts of Disney and Final Fantasy characters along the way. Although the game does have a cliché yet endearing story of friendship, it touches the “hearts” of many players along with its beautifully orchestrated music, it truly is “Dearly Beloved.”

If you enjoy strategy games, Fire Emblem is a series you must absolutely try. Since its two Japanese speaking fighters debuted in Super Smash Bros: Melee, the game has grown immensely. With many titles to choose from, it can be overbearing to decide what to play first. The games typically include a war like setting where players must strategize where to place their warriors on the map, taking note of character stats in order to become victorious. The games come with little quirks with character support systems, cooking events, and even a dating simulator. Yes, a dating simulation in an anime like war game. Fans enjoy choosing their waifus or husbandos. If you’re into that I would check it out, especially in the popular latest installment of the series, Fire Emblem: Three Houses for the Nintendo Switch.

One of my favorite anime styled games, The Tales Series. There are several titles for the Tales Series, I grew up playing Tales of Symphonia and spent thousands of hours on replays. The characters throughout the different titles are all so unique in their own ways. The games do a wonderful job in displaying a motley crew in every storyline and how they get along together and with their interactive character dialogue, making you feel like you’re also part of the team. While Tales of Symphonia is my favorite of the franchise, notable titles also include Tales of Vesperia, and Tales of the Abyss, both which run amazing storylines and voice acting on top of that. The series is one I would personally recommend to players hands down.

If you have never heard of Final Fantasy, I do not know what to tell you. This series is one of the biggest in the RPG world along with its numeric titles. One of the most renowned titles being Final Fantasy VII, with its latest remake in 2020. The games all feature their own universe of characters in their own unique settings, and turn based battle systems. The music is immaculate, and really digs into emotions, well, depending which title you play. (I’m looking at you Final Fantasy XIII…). In all honesty, they are all great games worth playing and with many titles, we may never, ever truly witness a final, Final Fantasy.

Persona, previously known as Shin Megami Tensei: Persona, is a widely popular anime styled RPG that gets players going. The game is known for its quirky humor and dialogue among multidimensional characters, as well as its strong urban fantasy storyline. The series has  catchy songs and music video-like openings, on top of its inclusion of pop culture references and easter eggs, that always put a smile to my face. The four person turn based battles are usually a gameplay of the old ages, but Persona keeps it all fresh in check for players of this generation. 

Becoming increasingly popular, Genshin Impact is on the rise on many players’ lists. Genshin Impact is an open fantasy world RPG that allows players to switch characters during gameplay. The game is breathtakingly beautiful from its detailed anime characters to its gorgeous environmental scenery in the open world, basing elements off of real world cultures. The story follows a set of twins that visit different worlds in the realm of Teyvat, however, the two twins get separated. One is sealed away and is deemed under the title as the “Traveler,” who later awakens and embarks on a mission to seek their missing twin. Aside from the game's storyline, its side quests, cooking, alchemy, and character designs are all assets in making the game engaging for players. Best of all, the game is free!

You know it, we all know it, we have probably all played it sometime in our lives, it’s here, it’s there, it’s everywhere. POKEMON. Arguably the most well known game franchise, if not, at least one of the most known, Pokemon is a series played by many. From the handheld days of Pokemon Red and Blue to portable, mobile Pokemon Go and the new MOBA Pokemon Unite, which is basically League of Legends but you can main a Pikachu. The series is just so versatile, it really can be for everyone. With so many styles of gameplay across different platforms, along with its own anime and card game, Pokemon is the top of the top on this list. The franchise has taken the world by storm, and will only continue to grow. It is truly a series loved by everyone. All I ask is when will Ash finally pay Misty back for her bike?