Updated January 23, 2019 1.4k votes 475 voters 34.4k views
Voting Rules
Vote up the anime RPGs that you can't stop playing.
Role-playing games are the perfect genre for anime video games. The epic stories; the intense combat, and beautiful animation that's well associated with anime offer the perfect ingredients to create the best anime role-playing games. Considering the insane popularity of smartphone gaming in Japan, it's no surprise that there are so many anime RPG games for mobile. However, console gaming has its vast library of anime RPGs as well. Some of which are inspired by popular anime series, such as Digimon, while others are strongly influenced by the art and storytelling of anime, like Ni no Kuni paying tribute to Studio Ghibli.
Below are 15 anime RPGs that every anime fan should play. Make sure to vote up the anime games you want others to play too.
For many fans, Persona 4 was their gateway into the Persona series. The fourth installment in the Persona series had the player investigating a strange string of murders involving the mysterious TV channel called the "Midnight Channel." The game has a one-year setting where the player engages in various daily activities as a high school student living in a rural area of Japan. You'll not only learn how to master your supernatural avatars known as Personas but engage in high school hijinks and romance as well. The incredible mystery and high school backdrop make for a great experience.
Tales of Symphonia is a real-time fantasy RPG that takes place in the fictional world of Sylvarant. A young warrior named Lloyd Irving accompanies his childhood friend, Colette Brunel, as she embarks on a quest to re-energize the world with mana. Along the way, they discover their efforts to save their world is endangering the existence of another world parallel to theirs. The cel-shaded anime presentation is charming and the real-time fantasy battles are engaging from level 1 to 100.
The 11th installment in the Dragon Quest series might be its best ever. In a game that beautifully balances being a love letter to the series, while opening itself up to newcomers, Dragon Quest XI follows the protagonist as they embark on their hero journey through the wonderful world of Lotozetasia. Akira Toriyama, the man behind the Dragon Ball series, returns once again as the art designer for Dragon Quest XI.
Kingdom Hearts is the ultimate RPG crossover featuring the magical world of Disney and Square Enix. As the new Keyblade hero, 14-year-old Sora must travel through various worlds based on iconic Disney movies to find his lost friend Kairi. He's not alone, as Donald and Goofy are there to aid in battle, along with other memorable Disney characters. Reliving Disney cinematic history through the game is amazing. The over-the-top combat also thrills with its crazy range of physical attacks, magic spells, and Disney-themed summons, such as the Genie from Alladin or Mushu from Mulan.
Skies of Arcadia is a fantasy RPG that reimagines the "Golden Age of Piracy" as taking place in the skies above than on the seven seas. A young air pirate named Vyse is on a mission to stop the Valuan Empire from getting its hands on ancient weaponry capable of destroying the world. In addition to traditional RPG battles, players can explore the vast skies to discover hidden areas, engage in airship battles against rival pirates, and even go bounty hunting for wanted criminals.
Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc is an RPG-ish adventure game that has the player investigating the deadly killings that occur at Hope's Peak Academy. One minute the player is living out everyday anime school life; the next has them interrogating their fellow students over a shocking murder discovery Ace Attorney style. The captivating murder mysteries and eccentric cast of characters will have you glued to your seat.
