The overlap between anime fans and gamers is astronomically large. The two hobbies compliment each other like salt and pepper. With hundreds of amazing animes based around or inspired by video games. And thousands of amazing video games based on popular anime or paying homage to the medium.
Some of my all time favorite games are anime inspired. Some are direct adaptations of popular shows while others are their own unique story that utilizes the visual stylings of the genre. People are all too quick to write off anime inspired games just because they think they’ll be too silly or nerdy. But those people are missing out on some of the greatest games ever made.
To try and convince you I have compiled this list of addictive anime inspired games that I am certain you will love.
Genshin Impact
Undoubtedly the most popular anime inspired game currently out there. Genshin Impact is an open-world RPG that has taken the world by storm. The game is highly addictive. Partly due to the amazing exploration and engaging quests. But mostly due to the gacha style minigame that provides you with different characters and costumes.
The game has a huge range of characters to unlock. At the time of writing this article the game features 91 different characters. But there will undoubtedly be many more added as the years go on.
The world of Genshin is visually stunning. The graphics are crisp and bright. You will become totally immersed within moments. The game also features co-op for up to four players. Making it an ideal choice for you and your friends. And, in better news, it is free-to-play. The game does feature a lot of monetization options. But the core game can be enjoyed without ever spending a dime.
Doki Doki Literature Club
This is one of those rare games that will elicit a unique reaction from those who have played it. They will avoid telling you anything about the plot and urge you to just try it for yourself. And they are totally right. On the surface Doki Doki Literature Club seems like your run of the mill visual novel game with dating sim elements. But, without giving too much away, it goes far deeper than that.
We will give you a few trigger warnings now. The game touches on some heavy psychological themes. It is not for the faint of heart at all! One moment the game will make you feel like you’re playing a harmless guess the anime quiz. Then it will have you reevaluating everything you thought you knew about video games and life. I cannot recommend this title enough.
Long Live The Queen
This is another deceptive title but for more positive reasons. All the artwork and promo screenshots for this game will make you think you’re playing a wholesome anime game about being a Queen. But being royalty is no easy task.
The game is a demanding balancing act. You have to choose what skills you want to dedicate your time to and then pray to the gods above that you can survive the hostilities of court life. Assassination attempts, war, political intrigue, deception. It seems everything in this game is out to kill you. So maybe spend less time worrying about learning to ride a horse and more time studying deadly poisons.
Fair warning, this game is tough. You will lose a lot. But failure is part of the experience. Each time you will come back with more intricate knowledge of how your kingdom and its citizens function. Learn, adapt, overcome. And you will one day be able to rule with an iron fist!
Hatoful Boyfriend
Do you like dating sims? Do you like pigeons? How about a dating sim about pigeons? Well if this sounds like something you would be willing to try then I have good news for you. Hatoful Boyfriend is one of those titles that will go down in gaming history for changing the landscape.
The game plays just like any other dating sim. Except everyone is a pigeon. The game does give you the choice to have the pigeons shown as anime characters instead. But for the true experience I recommend keeping them in their true pigeon form.
The game sparked a new wave of dating simulators where people would have to try woo non-human things. Victory Belles has you trying to date different battleships. And we are sure we will see many more wacky titles like Hatoful Boyfriend in the future.
