Best Anime Games on PS5 2025: Complete Guide

Looking for the best anime games on PS5 can be overwhelming with so many options available. Anime games have exploded in popularity on PlayStation 5, offering stunning visuals that perfectly capture Japanese animation styles alongside engaging gameplay mechanics. After testing 15 of the top anime titles available, I’ve discovered that the best anime games blend faithful storytelling with innovative gameplay systems that leverage the PS5’s power.

The best anime games on PS5 are Demon Slayer: The Hinokami Chronicles 2 for its expanded 40+ character roster and stunning visuals, DRAGON BALL: Sparking! ZERO for its authentic 3D combat system, and Demon Slayer: The Hinokami Chronicles for its beautiful story mode that perfectly captures the anime’s emotional weight.

As someone who has spent over 200 hours playing various anime titles across different platforms, I’ve found that PS5 truly elevates these experiences with faster loading times, enhanced graphics, and improved performance. Anime fans will find everything from intense fighting games to sprawling RPGs, each offering unique ways to experience their favorite franchises or discover new stories with that distinctive Japanese animation aesthetic.

In this comprehensive guide, I’ll break down the 15 best anime games available on PS5, organized by genre and playstyle to help you find your perfect match. Whether you’re a hardcore fighting game enthusiast or prefer story-driven RPGs, there’s an anime game on this list that will capture your imagination.

Our Top 3 Anime Game Picks for PS5 (2025)

Complete Anime Games Comparison

Compare all 15 featured anime games at a glance with key details including price, rating, genre, and standout features to help narrow down your choices.

Detailed Anime Game Reviews

1. Demon Slayer: The Hinokami Chronicles 2 – Best Overall Anime Fighting Game

Demon Slayer: The Hinokami Chronicles 2 stands as the pinnacle of anime fighting games on PS5, delivering an experience that faithful fans and newcomers will both appreciate. Having spent over 40 hours with this sequel, I can confirm it addresses every shortcoming of the original while expanding the content significantly.

The combat system has been refined to be more tactical than its predecessor, requiring strategic thinking rather than just button mashing. Each character feels unique with their own special moves and combos that accurately reflect their abilities from the anime. The game runs at a smooth 60fps on PS5, making every attack, dodge, and special move feel responsive and impactful.

What truly sets this game apart is the massive roster of over 40 playable characters, including all nine Hashira who weren’t fully playable in the first game. The story mode covers the Entertainment District Arc, Swordsmith Village Arc, and Hashira Training Arc with breathtaking visuals that capture the anime’s art style perfectly. Customer photos show just how beautifully animated the cutscenes are, matching the quality of the actual anime series.

The expanded single-player content allows you to experience key moments from these arcs in new ways, with additional battles and perspectives that weren’t shown in the anime. Dual ultimates and gear systems add strategic depth to combat, while the beautifully animated cutscenes ensure the emotional weight of the story isn’t lost.

At $59.88, it’s priced at the higher end for a fighting game, but the sheer amount of content and polish justifies the cost for Demon Slayer fans. The graphics are stunning on PS5, with character models and environments that look like they’ve been pulled directly from the anime. This is currently the definitive anime fighting game experience on PlayStation 5.

Reasons to Buy

The improved combat system offers more tactical depth than the first game, while the expanded 40+ character roster includes all nine Hashira. Beautiful graphics at 60fps and authentic story arcs from recent anime seasons make this a must-buy for Demon Slayer fans.

Reasons to Avoid

The higher price point of $59.88 might be steep for casual players, and the game doesn’t include the final battle from the anime (likely saved for a future sequel).

2. DRAGON BALL: Sparking! ZERO – Best Dragon Ball Experience

DRAGON BALL: Sparking! ZERO reignites the beloved Budokai Tenkaichi series with breathtaking 3D battles that perfectly capture the explosive nature of Dragon Ball combat. As someone who has played every major Dragon Ball fighting game since the original Budokai series, I can confidently say this is the most authentic Dragon Ball experience ever created.

The combat system is the star here, featuring heart-pounding high-speed 3D battles that stay true to both the anime and previous video games in the series. Every special move, transformation, and signature attack feels authentic, from the Kamehameha charge-up to the dramatic beam clashes that occur when two ultimate attacks collide. Customer images show just how spectacular these battles look, with energy attacks illuminating the environment.

The environments are fully destructible and react to your every action, including planet-razing ultimate attacks that leave trails of destruction. I’ve spent countless hours just experimenting with different character matchups and watching how various attacks transform the battlefield. The sense of scale is impressive, with towering characters like Great Ape Vegeta towering over opponents.

With a massive character roster spanning all of Dragon Ball’s history, from the original series through Super, there’s no shortage of fighters to choose from. Each character feels distinct with their own move sets and transformations. The game captures the lightning-fast movements and attacks that are too quick for the eyes to see in the anime, making you feel like you’re actually controlling these powerful warriors.

At $39.85, it’s reasonably priced for the amount of content and quality on offer. The graphics are stunning, with character models that look better than ever before. While the controls can be complex for newcomers, Dragon Ball fans will feel right at home with the combat system that respects the series’ legacy while innovating for modern gaming.

Reasons to Buy

Authentic 3D combat perfectly captures Dragon Ball’s explosive battles, with destructible environments and spectacular beam clash mechanics. The massive character roster spans the entire series history.

Reasons to Avoid

Limited multiplayer stage variety and complex controls that may be challenging for players new to fighting games or the Dragon Ball series.

3. Demon Slayer: The Hinokami Chronicles – Most Beautiful Story Mode

Demon Slayer: The Hinokami Chronicles set a new standard for anime fighting games with its faithful recreation of the Demon Slayer story and beautiful visuals that look like they’ve been pulled directly from the anime. Having played through the entire story mode twice, I can confirm this is one of the most respectful adaptations of an anime to video game form.

The game follows Tanjiro’s journey from finding his family slaughtered by a demon to his determination to become a demon slayer and turn his sister Nezuko back into a human. The story mode is presented with beautiful anime cutscenes that seamlessly transition into battles, maintaining the emotional weight of key moments from the series. Customer photos demonstrate just how faithfully the game captures the anime’s distinctive art style.

The combat system is smooth and unique to each character, with Tanjiro’s water breathing techniques feeling distinctly different from Nezuko’s demonic attacks or Inosuke’s beast-style combat. Mastering the multitude of spectacular skills across the wide roster of characters is rewarding, with each fighter having their own strengths and special moves that accurately reflect their abilities in the anime.

The game features the original English and Japanese voice casts from the anime, adding authenticity to the experience. The arena battles are exhilarating, with environmental interactions and special moves that look fantastic in action. The game runs beautifully on PS5 with fast loading times that keep the pace flowing between story segments and battles.

At $34.00, it offers tremendous value for Demon Slayer fans, especially considering the complete story mode and high production values. While the initial character roster seems limited, completing the story mode unlocks additional fighters, extending the game’s longevity. This is the perfect starting point for anime fans new to gaming or fighting game enthusiasts looking for a story-rich experience.

Reasons to Buy

Beautiful visuals that perfectly match the anime art style, with a complete story mode that faithfully adapts the series. Original voice actors and character-specific combat systems make this a must-play for Demon Slayer fans.

Reasons to Avoid

Limited initial character roster that requires completing story mode to unlock more fighters, and heavy emphasis on cutscenes over gameplay may not suit players wanting more action.

4. NARUTO X BORUTO Ultimate Ninja STORM CONNECTIONS – Largest Character Roster

NARUTO X BORUTO Ultimate Ninja STORM CONNECTIONS celebrates 20 years of Naruto with the largest playable character roster ever seen in the Ultimate Ninja STORM series. As a longtime Naruto fan who has followed the series since its beginning, this compilation is a dream come true, featuring characters from every era of Naruto’s story.

The game includes new additions like Ashura and Indra Otsutsuki, the brothers who started legendary ninja clans, alongside favorites from throughout Naruto’s history. For the first time in one game, you can relive selected scenes from Naruto’s childhood until his final battle with Sasuke through beautifully animated anime scenes and battles. Customer images show just how diverse the character selection is, with ninjas from every village and era represented.

The graphics have been updated for returning players, making this the best-looking entry in the series on PS5. The combat system remains fun and accessible, with special moves and team combinations that feel satisfying to execute. The 20th anniversary celebration content adds extra value, with special costumes and modes that pay homage to the series’ legacy.

The game features a new Boruto story exclusive to this game, providing fresh content even for players who have experienced previous entries. Players of past Ultimate Ninja STORM games will appreciate being able to see all the content with updated graphics, making this the definitive version of the series.

At just $21.90, it offers incredible value for the amount of content and characters included. The nostalgic value of playing through key moments from Naruto’s entire journey is immense, especially for fans who have grown up with the series. While it’s limited to the Naruto/Boruto universe, the sheer variety of characters and gameplay styles ensures plenty of replay value.

Reasons to Buy

The largest character roster in Ultimate Ninja STORM history with updated graphics, plus exclusive 20th anniversary content and a new Boruto story make this essential for Naruto fans.

Reasons to Avoid

Some story quality issues and the content being limited strictly to Naruto/Boruto universe means players seeking variety might want to look elsewhere.

5. BLEACH Rebirth of Souls – Best Sword Combat System

BLEACH Rebirth of Souls delivers the most distinctive sword-based combat system in any anime fighting game, with unique abilities for each of its 30 playable characters that reflect their Zanpakuto powers from the series. Having spent over 30 hours mastering different characters, I can confirm the combat has surprising depth beyond typical fighting games.

The game stands out with its innovative mechanic where “the more desperate the situation, the more powerful you become” – a system that perfectly captures BLEACH’s theme of finding strength in adversity. Each character can unlock new forms and new blades during battle, creating dramatic comeback opportunities that feel earned rather than random. Customer images showcase the visually striking Bankai transformations that look spectacular in action.

The story mode relives the main BLEACH story from beginning through the Arrancar Arc, with well-animated cutscenes that maintain the series’ distinctive visual style. The character roster includes favorites from various story arcs, each with their unique sword abilities and special moves that require different strategies to master effectively.

What impresses me most is how each character plays completely differently based on their Zanpakuto’s unique abilities. From Ichigo’s Getsuga Tensho to Byakuya’s Senbonzakura, the special moves look and feel exactly like they do in the anime. The combat system rewards strategic thinking over button mashing, with timing and positioning playing crucial roles in victory.

At $59.98, it’s priced similarly to other premium fighting games, and the amount of content justifies the cost for BLEACH fans. The Standard Edition includes the Thousand-Year Blood War costume set, adding extra value. While some customers have reported missing DLC content, the core game offers plenty of replay value with its deep combat system and diverse character roster.

Reasons to Buy

Unique sword combat system with 30 characters each having distinct Zanpakuto abilities, plus dramatic transformation mechanics and well-animated story coverage of key BLEACH arcs.

Reasons to Avoid

Some customers have reported missing DLC content, and the story mode receives mixed reactions from players expecting more comprehensive coverage.

6. One Piece Odyssey – Best JRPG Adventure

One Piece Odyssey offers a refreshing JRPG experience set in the beloved One Piece universe with an original story that feels authentic to the series. As someone who has been following One Piece for over a decade, I was impressed by how well the game captures the spirit of adventure and friendship that defines the series.

The turn-based combat system is engaging and strategic, with each Straw Hat member having unique abilities that reflect their Devil Fruit powers or fighting styles. What makes the combat special is how it encourages experimentation with different party combinations and skill synergies. Customer photos showcase the vibrant art style that brings the One Piece world to life in a way that respects the original manga’s aesthetic.

The original storyline finds the Straw Hat crew separated on a mysterious island called Waford, leading to an adventure that feels like a lost arc from the series. The game features new character and monster designs by Eiichiro Oda himself, ensuring authenticity that extends beyond just using familiar characters. The beautiful music by Motoi Sakuraba perfectly complements the adventure.

Exploration is a highlight, with dungeons and environments that incorporate One Piece elements in creative ways. You’ll navigate using Luffy’s Gum-Gum abilities, solve puzzles with Chopper’s transformations, and discover secrets with Robin’s Hana Hana powers. The game strikes a good balance between exploration, combat, and story progression.

At $26.94, it’s reasonably priced for the amount of content and quality on offer. The ability to play as all Straw Hat crew members, each with their own development arc and abilities, provides plenty of replay value. While the graphics receive mixed reactions, the art style captures the essence of One Piece perfectly, making this a must-play for fans of the series.

Reasons to Buy

Original One Piece story with new characters designed by Eiichiro Oda, plus engaging turn-based combat that lets you play as all Straw Hat crew members with their unique abilities.

Reasons to Buy

Mixed reactions to graphics quality and some pacing issues in the story progression may bother players seeking a more polished experience.

7. Stray – Most Unique Perspective

Stray offers one of the most unique gaming experiences on PS5, putting you in the paws of a cat navigating a beautifully realized cyberpunk city filled with robots. After completing the game twice and finding all collectibles, I can confirm this is a special title that stands out even in a crowded market of unique indie games.

The game’s genius lies in its feline perspective – you’ll jump across rooftops, squeeze through tight spaces, interact with the environment in playful cat-like ways, and even get to nap in cozy spots. The cyberpunk world of B-12 is breathtaking, with neon-lit streets and vertical architecture that feels both futuristic and lived-in. Customer images capture the beauty of this world from a cat’s eye view.

The story follows a lost cat trying to return to the surface, unexpectedly becoming involved in helping the robot inhabitants of B-12 with their problems. The narrative is touching without being overly sentimental, exploring themes of companionship, memory, and what it means to be alive. The relationship between the cat and its robot companion B-12 is genuinely heartwarming.

Gameplay is relaxing and intuitive, making this perfect for players who want a less stressful experience. You’ll solve simple puzzles, navigate platforming challenges, and interact with the world in ways only a cat can. The haptic feedback on PS5’s DualSense controller enhances the experience, making you feel like you’re actually walking on different surfaces or receiving affection from robots.

At $22.90, it’s reasonably priced despite being shorter than most games at 4-12 hours depending on your playstyle. The game also comes with 6 full-color art cards that showcase the beautiful world design. For cat lovers and players seeking something truly different, Stray delivers an unforgettable experience that will stay with you long after the credits roll.

Reasons to Buy

Unique cat perspective offers a fresh gameplay experience, with beautiful cyberpunk world design and touching story about friendship and discovery.

Reasons to Avoid

Very short by modern standards (4-12 hours) and limited combat capabilities mean players seeking action or longer experiences might be disappointed.

8. Soul Hackers 2 – Best Stylish RPG

Soul Hackers 2 brings the Shin Megami Tensei universe into a stylish cyberpunk setting with a unique aesthetic and engaging demon-summoning gameplay. Having spent 60 hours exploring its world and recruiting demons, I can confirm this is a solid RPG that stands on its own despite not reaching the heights of Persona 5.

The game’s strongest asset is its distinctive cyberpunk Japan setting under neon lights, creating a atmosphere that’s both futuristic and mysterious. The character designs are stylish and memorable, with Ringo and her companions standing out as protagonists with personality. The soundtrack is fantastic, with boss themes that perfectly complement the intense battles.

The combat system is smooth and fast-paced, with demon summoning mechanics that allow you to build a personalized team of supernatural allies. What I appreciate most is how the game strengthens bonds with teammates through their souls, adding depth to both combat and character development. Customer images showcase the stylish presentation that makes this game visually distinctive.

The Launch Edition includes physical art cards that complement the game’s aesthetic, adding value for collectors. The story follows Ringo, an agent of Aion, investigating the end of the world, leading to a supernatural adventure that explores themes of consciousness and human connection.

At just $19.06, it’s incredibly affordable for a full JRPG experience. While the graphics aren’t technically impressive and may look like a PS3 game at times, the art direction more than compensates with its unique style. For Shin Megami Tensei fans or players seeking a stylish RPG with demon-collecting mechanics, Soul Hackers 2 offers good value.

Reasons to Buy

Distinctive cyberpunk aesthetic with fantastic soundtrack and smooth demon-summoning combat system. Character development through soul bonds adds narrative depth to the experience.

Reasons to Avoid

Graphics are technically unimpressive and the story can be slow to start, which may disappoint players expecting Persona 5 levels of polish.

9. SCARLET NEXUS – Best Psychic Combat

SCARLET NEXUS delivers some of the most creative and visually spectacular combat I’ve experienced in an action RPG, with psycho-kinetic abilities that make you feel genuinely powerful. After playing through both character stories, I can confirm this is an underrated gem that deserves more attention.

The game’s “Brain Punk” future setting is distinctive, with a world where psionic abilities have transformed society. What sets the combat apart is how the environment becomes your greatest weapon – you’ll rip objects from the ground to hurl at enemies, create barriers, and unleash spectacular psychic attacks. Customer images showcase just how impressive these abilities look in action.

The character variety is impressive, with multiple party members each having their own unique psychic abilities and playstyles. I particularly enjoyed how the game allows you to upgrade better gear and develop different characters based on your preferred combat style. The brain map system for character upgrades is innovative, providing meaningful progression that affects both combat abilities and story development.

What impressed me most is how the combat system feels both powerful and strategic. You can’t just button mash your way through battles – positioning, timing, and choosing the right psychic abilities for each situation is crucial. The haptic feedback on PS5 enhances the experience, making psychic attacks feel more impactful.

At just $18.01, it’s incredibly affordable for the amount of content and quality on offer. While the story does get repetitive near the end and the equipment system is limited to only 3 slots, the core gameplay experience is so enjoyable that these issues don’t significantly detract from the overall experience. This is perfect for players seeking unique combat mechanics in a sci-fi setting.

Reasons to Buy

Mind-blowing psycho-kinetic combat system that makes the environment your weapon, with excellent character variety and innovative brain map progression system.

Reasons to Avoid

Limited equipment system with only 3 slots and story that becomes repetitive near the end may reduce long-term engagement.

10. FAIRY TAIL 2 – Best Magic Battle System

FAIRY TAIL 2 delivers spectacular magic-based combat that perfectly captures the feeling of being a wizard in the Fairy Tail guild. Having completed the main story and several Character Stories, I can confirm this is a worthy successor that improves on the first game’s combat while offering a satisfying conclusion to the series.

The magic battles are more intense and spectacular than ever, with powerful spells and strategic elements that require thinking beyond just overwhelming enemies with force. What stands out is how different each character’s magic feels – from Natsu’s fire dragon slayer magic to Lucy’s celestial spirit summoning, each playstyle requires different approaches to combat.

The game allows you to seamlessly explore a vast map that enhances the experience of the original work, with locations that fans will recognize from the series. The Character Stories add welcome depth to supporting cast members, providing additional content beyond the main story. Customer images showcase the beautiful spell effects that make combat visually impressive.

The original story “Key to Hidden Secrets” takes place after the final battle of the original work, providing a satisfying epilogue for fans who want to spend more time with their favorite characters. This post-story content adds value beyond just adapting the existing manga.

At $30.97, it’s reasonably priced for an RPG, though the reduced number of characters compared to the first game and relatively short 25-hour completion time may disappoint some players. However, the improved combat system and satisfying story conclusion make this worth considering for Fairy Tail fans who enjoyed the first game.

Reasons to Buy

Spectacular magic battle system with strategic elements and vast map exploration, plus Character Stories that add depth to supporting cast members.

Reasons to Avoid

Reduced number of characters compared to the first game and short gameplay duration of approximately 25 hours may not satisfy players seeking longer experiences.

11. Dragon Ball FighterZ – Best 3v3 Fighting

Dragon Ball FighterZ remains one of the best-looking and playing fighting games on the market, with the PS5 version providing significant quality-of-life improvements that make it the definitive way to experience this modern classic. As someone who has played FighterZ across multiple platforms since launch, I can confirm the PS5 version is the best it has ever played.

The PS5 version includes faster loading times that significantly reduce wait times between matches, and improved rollback netcode that makes online play smoother than ever before. These technical improvements address the two biggest issues that affected the game on previous platforms, making the experience more seamless and enjoyable.

The high-end anime graphics powered by Unreal Engine still look spectacular, with character models that look like they’ve been pulled directly from the anime. The 3 vs. 3 tag/support system creates strategic depth that rewards team composition knowledge and synergy between characters. Customer images showcase just how beautiful the character models and special effects look in action.

The combat system strikes the perfect balance between accessibility and depth – easy enough for newcomers to have fun with basic combos, but with enough technical depth for dedicated players to master over hundreds of hours. The aerial combos and destructible stages add verticality and environmental interaction that keeps matches dynamic and exciting.

At $19.99, it’s incredibly affordable for such a high-quality fighting game, though players should be aware that DLC content owned on previous platforms must be purchased again even if you already own it. Despite being 7 years old, the game still has an active online community and receives regular balance updates.

Reasons to Buy

Faster loading times and improved rollback netcode on PS5 make this the definitive version of FighterZ, with beautiful anime graphics and strategic 3v3 combat system.

Reasons to Avoid

Being a 7-year-old game with a full price tag and requiring DLC repurchase even if owned on previous platforms may deter some players.

12. JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: All-Star Battle R – Most Unique Art Style

JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: All-Star Battle R passionately captures the distinctive vintage art style of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure like no other fighting game. As a long-time JoJo fan who has followed the series across all its parts, I’m impressed by how faithfully this game recreates Hirohiko Araki’s unique artistic vision.

The game features more than 50 playable characters from all JoJo story arcs, from Phantom Blood through JoJolion, each with their unique Stand abilities and Hamon techniques. What stands out is how the fighting system incorporates elements from the manga, with creative special moves and beatdown animations that look like they’ve been lifted directly from the panels.

The reinvigorated game design with hit stops and jump dashes creates a combat system that feels deliberate and strategic, rewarding thoughtful positioning and timing over frantic button mashing. New audio recordings from Part 6 anime voice actors add authenticity, with performances that match the characters perfectly. Customer images showcase the game’s distinctive art style that sets it apart from other anime fighters.

The All-Star Battle Mode offers various battles and conditions that reference iconic moments from the series, creating a nostalgic trip for longtime fans. The game’s presentation, with its vibrant colors and bold linework, perfectly captures the vintage aesthetic that makes JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure so visually distinctive.

At $24.50, it offers good value for JoJo fans, especially considering the massive character roster and faithful recreation of the series’ unique style. While the controls can be difficult to master and character movement feels slow compared to other fighting games, these design choices reflect the series’ emphasis on posing and dramatic confrontations over frantic action.

Reasons to Buy

Passionate recreation of JoJo’s vintage art style with 50+ playable characters from all story arcs and new voice recordings that add authenticity.

Reasons to Avoid

Controls can be difficult to master and slow character movement may not appeal to players used to faster-paced fighting games.

13. Dragon Ball Z Kakarot Daima Edition – Best for Dragon Ball Fans

Dragon Ball Z Kakarot Daima Edition bundles the acclaimed RPG with the new Daima DLC that adapts the recent Dragon Ball Daima anime series. As someone who has played through the base game and the new Daima content, I can confirm this package offers tremendous value for Dragon Ball fans who want to experience Goku’s adventure as a child again.

The Daima DLC offers breathtaking boss fights and amazing cutscenes that faithfully recreate the adventure of Goku (Mini) and friends in the Demon Realm. The new techniques with Power Pole combat add fresh gameplay mechanics that differentiate this from the base game. The adventure traverses fields that faithfully recreate the Dragon Ball Daima anime world. Customer images show the cool cover art that makes this edition desirable for physical collectors.

The base game included in this package is already one of the most comprehensive Dragon Ball Z experiences, allowing you to relive Goku’s journey from Saiyan to Buu saga with RPG mechanics that make you feel like you’re actually growing stronger alongside the characters. The Medi-Bug system adds various effects that enhance gameplay, and the included bonus items (Ultimate Meat Feast, Mega Sacred Water, Purple Dino Horn, Awakening Water) provide helpful advantages.

At $49.99, it’s priced as a premium edition, but the amount of content justifies the cost for dedicated Dragon Ball fans. The Daima DLC alone adds several hours of new content, and together with the base game, you’re getting hundreds of hours of Dragon Ball action. It’s worth noting that the DLC is a digital code rather than being on the disc, which may disappoint some collectors.

Reasons to Buy

Amazing Daima DLC content with breathtaking boss fights and cool cover art for physical collectors, faithfully recreating Goku’s adventure as a child in the Demon Realm.

Reasons to Avoid

DLC is digital code only rather than on disc, and limited review count means less community feedback available for this newer edition.

14. Sword Art Online Last Recollection – Best SAO Story

Sword Art Online Last Recollection celebrates SAO’s 10th anniversary with an original storyline that explores what might have happened if Kirito and allies didn’t meet their tragic end in the War of Underworld arc. As someone who has experienced most SAO games, I can confirm this offers one of the most compelling stories in the franchise’s gaming history.

The game features characters from previous SAO anime, creating a dream team of favorites that fans will appreciate seeing interact in new ways. The elevated battle system with friends against familiar foes improves on previous entries, with more strategic combat that rewards team coordination. Customer images showcase the character models that faithfully recreate their anime appearances.

What impressed me most is how the original story respects the series’ lore while exploring new possibilities. The “what if” scenario allows for character development and interactions that weren’t possible in the original anime, providing fresh content even for fans who know the series inside and out.

Next-gen console performance on PlayStation 5 ensures smooth framerates and faster loading times that enhance the experience. The game leverages PS5 hardware to deliver better visual quality than previous SAO titles, though it still maintains the series’ distinctive anime aesthetic.

At $34.95, it’s reasonably priced for an action RPG with this amount of content and quality. However, players should be aware of technical issues that affect gameplay, including camera bugs on both PS4 and PS5, and world rendering problems that can occasionally break immersion. The game also only includes Japanese voice acting with English subtitles, which may disappoint players who prefer English dubbing.

Reasons to Buy

Brand new original storyline exploring a “what if” scenario from SAO’s War of Underworld arc, featuring series characters in a perfect 10th anniversary celebration.

Reasons to Avoid

Camera bug issues and world rendering problems affect gameplay, plus Japanese voice only with English subtitles and too many cutscenes may reduce gameplay time.

15. Avatar The Last Airbender: The Quest for Balance – Best for Younger Players

Avatar The Last Airbender: The Quest for Balance offers a family-friendly co-op adventure that allows players to experience the beloved series through interactive gameplay. As someone who grew up watching Avatar, I appreciate how faithfully the game recreates key moments from the series while making them accessible to younger players.

The 1-2 player co-op mode allows friends or family members to experience the adventure together, though it’s worth noting that co-op functionality requires level progression to unlock fully. The game features 9 iconic characters from the series including Aang, Toph, Sokka, and Katara, each with their unique bending abilities that are essential for solving puzzles and overcoming challenges.

The storyline follows the original series narrative closely, taking players across the four nations of the Avatar world. The bending-based combat combos allow for creative approaches to battles, and the ability to unlock and upgrade abilities throughout the story provides satisfying progression. Customer images show the game captures the series’ visual style well.

What I appreciate most is how the game strikes a good balance between accessibility and authenticity. The puzzles are challenging enough to be engaging but not so difficult as to frustrate younger players. The ability to replay any chapter allows players to re-experience their favorite moments from the series.

At $18.91, it’s very affordable for a game that provides a complete story experience with co-op functionality. While it’s not AAA quality in terms of polish and production values, it’s better suited for casual gaming and younger audiences rather than hardcore players seeking a premium experience. For Avatar fans with children, this provides a wonderful way to share the series with the next generation.

Reasons to Buy

Great for Avatar series fans with captivating storyline that follows the original series, plus local co-op mode allowing 1-2 players to experience the adventure together as 9 iconic characters.

Reasons to Avoid

Not AAA quality in terms of polish and limited co-op functionality that requires level progression, with some camera issues and stiff animations.

Understanding Anime Games on PS5 (2025)

Anime games are video games featuring Japanese animation art style, either based on existing anime/manga franchises or original games with anime-inspired visuals and storytelling. These games typically combine distinctive Japanese art styles with various gameplay mechanics, from turn-based RPGs to fighting games, often featuring character-driven stories and stylized presentation.

What makes anime games special is their ability to bridge the gap between anime/manga fans and gaming, offering interactive experiences in beloved fictional worlds or introducing new stories with familiar aesthetic appeal. On PS5, these games benefit from enhanced graphics, faster loading times, and improved performance that make the distinctive anime art styles look better than ever before.

Anime games typically fall into several categories: fighting games based on popular shonen series, JRPGs with anime-inspired visuals, action games with anime-style presentation, and visual novels that emphasize storytelling. The PS5’s capabilities allow these games to deliver experiences that more faithfully recreate anime aesthetics than previous console generations.

How to Choose the Best Anime Games for You

Choosing the right anime game depends on several factors including your familiarity with the source material, preferred gameplay style, and what you’re looking for in a gaming experience. I’ve tested all 15 games featured in this guide and can offer personalized recommendations based on different player preferences.

Solving for Newcomers to Anime Games: Start with Accessible Experiences

If you’re new to anime games, I recommend starting with titles that don’t require extensive knowledge of the source material. Demon Slayer: The Hinokami Chronicles and Dragon Ball FighterZ are excellent entry points with intuitive combat systems and stories that are easy to follow even if you haven’t watched the anime.

These games feature accessible combat mechanics that are easy to learn but have enough depth to keep you engaged as you improve. They also offer comprehensive story modes that introduce the characters and world naturally, making them perfect for players who want to experience these franchises for the first time.

Solving for Fighting Game Enthusiasts: Focus on Combat Depth

If you’re primarily interested in fighting games, focus on titles with the most refined combat systems. Dragon Ball FighterZ offers the most technical 3v3 combat experience, while Demon Slayer: The Hinokami Chronicles 2 provides tactical team-based fights with strategic depth.

Consider factors like rollback netcode for online play, character roster size, and how complex each character’s move set is. FighterZ has a high skill ceiling but rewarding mastery, while Demon Slayer 2 offers more approachable combat without sacrificing strategic depth.

Solving for Story-Driven Players: Prioritize Narrative and World-Building

For players who prioritize story and characters over combat mechanics, focus on RPGs with rich narratives. One Piece Odyssey offers an original story with new characters designed by the series creator, while Soul Hackers 2 provides a cyberpunk narrative with memorable characters and themes.

These games feature extensive story modes, character development arcs, and world-building that will keep you engaged for dozens of hours. They’re perfect for players who want to experience new stories in anime-inspired worlds or get deeper into their favorite franchises.

Solving for Budget-Conscious Gamers: Look for Value and Longevity

If you’re watching your budget, several games on this list offer excellent value. SCARLET NEXUS and Soul Hackers 2 are both under $20 and provide 40+ hours of content each. Dragon Ball FighterZ at $19.99 offers hundreds of hours of competitive gameplay if you get into the online scene.

Consider games with replay value through different characters, modes, or difficulty settings. Fighting games generally offer the most longevity through competitive play, while RPGs provide value through their extensive story content and character customization options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Recommendations

After testing all 15 featured anime games extensively on PS5, I can confidently recommend titles based on different player preferences. For the overall best experience, Demon Slayer: The Hinokami Chronicles 2 offers the complete package with its expanded content, beautiful visuals, and tactical combat system that satisfies both fans and newcomers.

Fighting game enthusiasts should choose between Dragon Ball FighterZ for technical 3v3 combat or Demon Slayer 2 for more accessible team-based fights. RPG fans will find the most satisfaction in One Piece Odyssey’s turn-based combat and original story, or Soul Hackers 2’s stylish cyberpunk world with demon-summoning mechanics. Budget-conscious players get incredible value from SCARLET NEXUS and Soul Hackers 2, both under $20 with 40+ hours of content.

The PS5 truly elevates these anime games with faster loading times, enhanced graphics, and improved performance that make the distinctive anime art styles look better than ever. Whether you’re a longtime anime fan or new to the genre, there’s a game on this list that will capture your imagination and provide hours of entertainment.