Fighting games have long been a staple in the gaming industry, evolving through various phases and developments over the years. They have brought us iconic titles such as “Street Fighter,” “Mortal Kombat,” and “Tekken.” Creating a compelling fighting game is not just about having a unique character roster or distinctive backgrounds; it often draws inspiration from traditional entertainment brands, especially in the anime and manga genres.
Below, we will explore the top 10 fighting games based on anime that have stood out from the rest:
Note: This list only includes games that have had international releases and are based on an existing anime series.
Honorable Mention: “Jump Ultimate Stars”
This Nintendo DS title is widely regarded as one of the best fighting games based on anime of the modern era. By combining gameplay elements from “Super Smash Bros.” with the most famous characters from Shounen Jump, “Jump Ultimate Stars” is a delightful treat for fans of iconic anime/manga brands such as “Dragon Ball Z,” “One Piece,” “Naruto,” and “JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure.” Unfortunately, this product was only released in Japan, which is why it receives an honorable mention on this list.
10. One Piece: Grand Adventure
Up until 2016, almost all games based on “One Piece” had developed in the style of Koei Tecmo’s “Musou” series. Before that, several captivating fighting games like “One Piece: Grand Adventure” offered a gameplay experience focused on a full 3D environment instead of the traditional 2D style. In addition to the exciting fighting mechanics, this game also features adventure elements, allowing players to explore diverse settings faithful to the original storyline.
9. Digimon: Rumble Arena 2
If you love “Digimon” and “Super Smash Bros.,” then this PS2 game will surely entertain you. “Digimon: Rumble Arena 2” is not merely a clone of Nintendo’s series; it also creates its unique gameplay mechanics, allowing players to fight in environments where characters evolve and have health bars. With fast-paced controls and a plethora of characters to choose from, “Digimon: Rumble Arena 2” is an exhilarating experience.
8. Rave Master
This fighting game based on the anime/manga of the same name is not widely known due to its limited release on GameCube. However, it doesn’t disappoint fans of “Rave Master,” offering an engaging combat system that allows up to four players to battle simultaneously in various modes, whether in aerial combat or ground duels.
7. JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: All Star Battle
“JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: All Star Battle” is an outstanding fighting game featuring 41 characters from the legendary anime/manga series that debuted in 2013. Developed by CyberConnect2, it showcases their dedication to quality, with unique combat mechanics that allow players to experience the essence of the original series.
6. Bleach: Dark Souls
“Bleach: Dark Souls” is a product developed by Treasure for the Nintendo DS, combining fast-paced combat with strategic elements. It features a unique gameplay system that stands out among other “Bleach” games, showcasing a variety of characters and engaging combat mechanics that make it a fun experience.
5. J-Stars Victory VS+
Although we do not have an international version of “Jump Ultimate Stars,” we can at least enjoy its spiritual successor, “J-Stars Victory VS+.” This title features popular characters from Shounen Jump, offering players a chance to battle in a fully realized 3D environment with various gameplay modes to explore.
4. Tatsunoko vs. Capcom
This fighting game series combines various iconic characters from Capcom with the legendary Tatsunoko brand. One of the best versions is “Tatsunoko vs. Capcom” released in 2008, where players can witness epic battles between beloved video game characters from Capcom and classic anime figures from Tatsunoko.
3. Fate/unlimited codes
First released for arcade systems and PS2 in 2008 before transitioning to PSP and later to PlayStation Network in 2009, “Fate/unlimited codes” is a fighting game inspired by the anime “Fate/stay night.” Developed by Capcom, it offers high-quality graphics and balanced gameplay mechanics that make it a compelling experience.
2. Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 3
When it comes to series that can rival “Dragon Ball Z” in terms of the number of games produced, “Naruto” is undoubtedly at the top. The creative team at CyberConnect2 continues to produce vibrant games based on “Naruto,” with “Ultimate Ninja Storm 3” being the most captivating, featuring 80 characters and epic boss battles closely following the original storyline. It’s a game that every fan of the series should experience.
1. Dragon Ball Z: Budokai 3 / Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 2 / Dragon Ball Xenoverse
It’s rare to highlight three games in the top spot, but the reason is simple: they all draw from the rich lore of “Dragon Ball.” Yet, they each offer unique gameplay experiences. “Budokai 3” emphasizes a traditional side-scrolling battle style, while “Tenkaichi 2” provides a broader 3D environment, and “Xenoverse” allows for multiple characters to engage in battles simultaneously. Because they each possess unique elements, it’s hard to determine which is superior, but they all share a common foundation grounded in the “Dragon Ball” universe.
According to Myanimelist
