The Best Anime RPGs

Anime RPGs are some of the most in-depth games within their genres. They offer long stories, a unique art style, and plenty of gimmicks that give each game its own unique identity. There are plenty of long-standing franchises as well as experiments that kick-start their own series.

Some games have that classic turn-based combat that is simple to understand, while others make it, so your choices in the narrative will determine how the battles end. So if you love anime, JRPGs, and the chance to experience some stories that you will never forget, then check out some of the best Anime RPGs.

10 Kingdom Hearts

Anime And Disney Combined

Kingdom Hearts is a strange combination of Disney and Square Enix properties. It’s an unlikely combination that shouldn’t mix, but it somehow managed to spawn an entire series while looking good doing it.

Kingdom Hearts is where you want to start your journey, as it brings original anime characters like Sora together with Disney’s Goofy and Donald. With real-time combat and elements of RPG leveling up and encounters, this is one anime RPG you want to play if you want to start exploring the genre more.

9 Persona 5 Royale

Stealing Hearts

Persona 5 Royale is the definitive version of the fifth mainline game of the Persona series. Nothing gets more anime than this as you explore Japan, go to school, develop a romance, and fight off the inner palaces of other people’s minds.

As an RPG, this game is perfectly stylized to deliver some of the most unique dungeons and even combat UI. This is the perfect game to give you a modern taste of what Persona has to offer before you jump back and experience some of the older titles.

8 Genshin Impact

A Gacha Game Worth Pulling From

Genshin Impact took elements of gacha games as well as the stylized approach of Breath of the Wild’s exploration to deliver something unique in the mobile gaming arena. Genshin Impact has dozens of anime characters to choose from, each with their own unique abilities.

You’ll need to level up your characters and provide them with upgrades such as weapons and items unique to them. With so many unique designs and personalities, you are bound to find a character that you resonate with and want on your team.

7 Fire Emblem Engage

Think Before You Move

Fire Emblem Engage carries over the core gameplay of the Fire Emblem franchise while also improving it. It often feels like you’re playing chess, with each character having their own strengths, weaknesses, and movement patterns. So, not only are the characters fun to learn more about, but they are also interesting to see in action.

You’ll need the mind of a strategist to master this game. Every choice you make can have consequences on the battlefield, whether it means seeing one of your characters snuffed out forever or getting through the fight without losing anyone.

6 Neptunia: Sisters VS Sisters

Game Consoles Personified

The Neptunia franchise has always done a great job of turning the idea of video game consoles into anime characters. It also excels at theming the conflicts they face with real issues within the industry. Perhaps retro consoles are making a comeback, or a console is at risk of becoming obsolete.

Neptunia: Sisters VS Sisters has Nepgear and her friends fighting for the fate of Gamindustri after they get knocked out for two years. The game has combat, which is both strategical and contains hack-and-slash elements. If you love gaming, puns, and cute anime girls, then this is a game for you.

5 Digimon Survive

Part Novel Part RPG

Digimon has always been known for touching on much darker topics than other monster-taming franchises. Digimon Survive takes a more narrative approach to the anime RPG, where your interactions with your partner Digimon have a direct effect on how they develop and where the story goes.

Half of the gameplay has you reading through the story and making choices. The other half has you fighting other Digimon or even befriending them, depending on how you interact with them during combat. Ultimately, this anime story is yours to write.

4 Atelier Ryza: Ever Darkness & the Secret Hideout

Brewing Up Something Good

Atelier Ryza: Ever Darkness and the Secret Hideout is the game that kicked off the Ryza era of the Atelier franchise. Not only is this an excellent anime RPG to start off with, but it also has unique mechanics and an intriguing potion crafting system.

Alchemy is one of the greatest components of the game, with the mechanic requiring you to learn new recipes, find ingredients, and produce items that will help you out in battle or outside of it. This anime RPG has even had an anime adaptation due to its popularity.

3 Dragon Quest XI S

A Traditional JRPG

If you’re looking for one of the best JRPGs of all time, Dragon Quest XI S has that classic storytelling with a more traditional combat style. With your fate being intertwined with a long-forgotten hero, it is up to you to stop the darkness that looms overhead.

Dragon Quest XI S excels in everything from combat to story, but the most notable trait is that the characters are all unique with their own hopes, dreams, and aspirations. With those Akira Toriyama designs, it is impossible not to fall in love with their stories.

2 Visions of Mana

A Vibrant World

Visions of Mana is by far one of the most colorful anime RPGs to look at. Everything from the environment, character designs, and stars in the sky feel vibrant. While the gameplay and story feel a bit more old-school, it’s the artistic style that makes you want to keep playing from start to finish.

From fighting monsters in vivid fields to trekking through the frozen mountains, there is plenty to explore in this world to make the adventure feel worthwhile. Harness the power of the elements and carve out your own destiny.

1 Final Fantasy 7 Remake

A Classic Reimagined

Final Fantasy 7 changed the landscape of gaming by getting more players into the franchise than ever before. Final Fantasy 7 Remake covers everything from the first disc of the original game with fully updated graphics and gameplay mechanics.

This is an anime RPG for old and new fans alike. As Cloud and his companions fight against the Shinra Corporation, they must secure victory before greed causes the entire planet to collapse on itself. This is a masterpiece reborn for the modern era.