While 2015 has some solid anime games (such as Dragon Ball Xenoverse and One Piece Pirate Warriors 3) 2016 is looking even better. So which of the upcoming titles should you be checking out? Find out in our list of our top ten most anticipated anime games of 2016.
10. Senran Kagura Estival Versus
Estival Versus is the latest installment of the Senran Kagura beat-em-up series. It features the biggest roster of playable characters of more than 24 playable characters, including returning favorites with upgraded move sets. The PlayStation 4 version also supports online multiplayer with up to 10 players while the Vita is capable of supporting four players. If you are looking to try out the Senran Kagura series, Estival Versus should be a good place to start.
You can preorder Senran Kagura Estival Versus, which is releasing on the 15th of March, with this link on Amazon.
9. Megadimension Neptunia VII
With the latest Hyperdimension Neptunia game, Idea Factory decided to add more depth to the combat with new character link attacks, parts break mechanic as well as a second transformation. In terms of plot, the upcoming title is split into three distinct chapters as well. So, even if you did not enjoy the previous installments of the series, there are a lot of improvements in Megadimension Neptunia VII that should make it worth checking out.
The Playstation 4 JRPG is launching on February 2nd. Preorder Megadimension Neptunia VII here.
8. Sword Art Online: Hollow Realization
In Hollow Realization, players get to explore the “Sword Art Online” world from the very beginning. Reiki Kawahara, the author behind the novels, will be penning the story as players will get to control Kirito. The gameplay team is also expected to improve upon the combat and exploration elements from the previous installments as well. Needless to say, fans of Sword Art Online should definitely keep an eye on Hollow Realization.
Bandai Namco is expected to release the latest game in the series sometime before the end of 2016.
7. Arslan: The Warriors of Legend
After the success of the One Piece Pirate Warriors series, Omega Force will be blending its Dynasty Warriors gameplay formula with another popular anime, The Heroic Legend of Arslan. You get to play as your favorite characters as you relive your favorite moments from the story. With excellent cell-shaded visuals to boot, The Heroic Legend of Arslan fans should definitely be excited for the upcoming videogame.
Arslan: The Warriors of Legend, which is releasing on the 9th of February for the PS4 and Xbox One, can be preordered with this page.
6. One Piece: Burning Blood
One of the most popular anime, One Piece, will be getting a new fighting game in 2016. In Burning Blood, you will be able to play as your favorite characters, including Monkey D. Luffy, Nico Robin, Portgas D. Ace, Roronoa Zoro and Trafalgar Law. Along with being able to use the flashy devil fruit abilities, you can also perform the powerful “Haki” attacks. One Piece: Burning Blood is a must buy for fans of the anime.
You can reserve the anime fighting game, which is releasing for the PS4, Xbox One, Vita and PC later in 2016, with this link.
5. Pokken Tournament
Another fighting game to keep an eye on is Pokken Tournament, as you will be able to pit the most popular pocket monsters against each other. The roster includes Charizard, Gengar, Lucario, Mewtwo and, of course, Pikachu. With the company behind Tekken, Bandai Namco Games, handling the development of the project, Pokemon fans should be in for a treat with the upcoming Wii U exclusive fighter.
Pokken Tournament releases on March 18th in North America. You can preorder the Wii U software product, which comes bundled with a Shadow Mewtwo Amiibo card, here.
4. God Eater 2: Rage Burst
Three years after the release of the original God Eater 2 in Japan, Bandai Namco will finally be localizing the long-awaited game in the North American region. Rage Burst added a new chapter, enemies, weapons as well as the “Rage Burst” mechanic (which will give you additional buffs during battles). Thus, the wait will be worth it as American gamers will be getting the most complete experience of the monster hunting game.
God Eater 2: Rage Burst is expected to come out for the PS4, Vita and PC later in the summer.
3. Attack on Titan
Attack on Titan is one of the most impressive anime to come out in recent years, mostly due to its thrilling action sequences where soldiers use their Three-Dimensional Maneuvering Gear to fight against giant man-eating titans. The upcoming game, which is also being developed by the aforementioned Omega Force, will let gamers play through these exhilarating fights as their favorite characters, including Eren, Krista, Levi and Mikasa.
The Attack on Titan game is slated to come out for the PS4, PS3 and Vita before the end of 2016.
2. Digimon Story: Cyber Sleuth
Not only is Digimon back, the digital monsters are looking better than ever in the new JRPG. As a detective trying to solve a mystery, you get to acquire, battle, train and Digivolve with over 200 different types of Digimons. In the turn-based battles, you can also combine attacks to create powerful combinations. In a year of big JRPGs, make sure you don’t missed out on this quality role-playing game, especially if you are a fan of Digimon.
Digimon Story: Cyber Sleuth is releasing on February 2nd for PS4 and Vita. Preorder the Vita version with this page.
1. Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 4
With Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 4 being the first game in the series to be developed for current-gen consoles, the development team has added even more visual flair to the already impressive looking anime fighting series. The roster is also looking like the best yet as it encompasses the entire series, including The Last: Naruto the Movie. The fourth installment of the series is shaping up to be the best yet. So, it should be no surprise that Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 4 is our most anticipated anime game of 2016.
You can reserve Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 4, which is coming out on February 9th for the PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC, with this link.
In addition to the above-mentioned games, Mobile Suit Gundam: Extreme VS Force and JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Eyes of Heaven have also been announced to come out in the west in 2016. So this year will be an exciting one for fans of anime and videogames.