The Electronic Entertainment Expo is not usually an event made for showcasing anime games as these titles are typically announced at Tokyo Game Show. With that said, E3 is a great time for localization announcements and showcases for western audiences. Below, you can find our list of anime games to expect at the upcoming event.
Dengeki Bunko: Fighting Climax
Although Sega won’t be physically present at E3 2015, the company could still provide some new details on the localization of Dengeki Bunko: Fighting Climax. For the uninformed, the crossover fighting game features characters from popular anime series such as Sword Art Online along with cameos from Sega franchises.
You can preorder Dengeki Bunko: Fighting Climax, which is coming out for the PS3 and Vita later this year, with this link on Amazon.
Digimon Story: Cyber Sleuth
Years have passed since we got a RPG based on Digimon. Fortunately, Bandai Namco recently released Digimon Story: Cyber Sleuth for the PlayStation Vita in Japan. The publisher has been quiet regarding a possible localization. Hopefully, we will get some news on the North American release at the upcoming event.
Dragon Ball Z: Super Extreme Butoden
With the recent success of Dragon Ball Xenoverse and the upcoming Dragon Ball Super anime, the Dragon Ball brand is looking stronger than ever. It is about to get even better with Dragon Ball Z: Super Extreme Butoden, a 2D fighter which is being developed by the same studio behind BlazBlue and Guilty Gear. An announcement for the 3DS exclusive would be perfect for E3, especially at Nintendo’s Digital Event.
The Heroic Legend of Arslan Musou
Koei Tecmo is combining another stellar I.P. with their Musou style. The latest game is based on The Heroic Legend of Arslan anime and manga as it will allow players to relive some of the more iconic events. With localization looking likely, we may be able to get some news at the convention.
J-Stars Victory Vs. Plus
Another anime crossover fighting game is J-Stars Victory Vs. Plus, which pits some of the more iconic Shonen Jump characters (such as Goku from Dragon Ball, Luffy from One Piece and Ichigo from Bleach) against each other. While the original Japanese release had some flaws, the development team is making some improvements with the western release. With any luck, Bandai Namco will provide more info during E3 2015.
J-Stars Victory Vs. Plus is releasing on June 30th for the PS4, PS3 and Vita. Reserve the crossover title here.
Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 4
Perhaps the biggest upcoming anime game, Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 4 is a current-gen only experience. Thus, the already impressive visuals will look even better. Not to mention that it will also have the biggest roster of the series to date in addition to covering the end of the story from the anime and manga. Hopefully, we will get a huge blowout of new info for the anticipated game.
Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 4 is coming out later this year for the PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC. You can preorder the fourth mainline installment of the series with this page.
One Piece Pirate Warriors 3
Another anime game that has already been released in Japan is One Piece Pirate Warriors 3. Although it is similar to the previous installments of the series, the sequel also made some improvements (such as the ability to summon other characters to perform a combination attack). With the release coming soon, you can expect Bandai Namco to show off the sequel at the Electronic Entertainment Expo.
You can preorder One Piece Pirate Warriors 3 for the PS4, PS3 and Vita here.
Persona 4 Dancing All Night and Persona 5
Although Persona started out as a gaming franchise, it has gained a lot of traction over the years in the anime space. Atlus has two games that they could show off at E3: Persona 4 Dancing All Night for the PlayStation Vita in addition to Persona 5 for the PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 3.
You can pre-purchase Persona 4 Dancing All Night, which is coming out on September 29, with this link. Persona 5 is also expected to come out sometime later this year.
Saint Seiya: Soldiers’ Soul
Bandai Namco quietly announced that Saint Seiya: Soldiers’ Soul will be coming out for the PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3 and PC in the fall season of this year. Since then, however, the publisher has been relatively quiet. With any luck, we will see some of the gameplay and visual improvements at the convention.
Sword Art Online: Lost Song and Sword Art Online: Hollow Fragment
Sword Art Online: Hollow Fragment became a surprise hit when it was released for the PlayStation Vita last year. Bandai Namco will be bringing the first game to the PlayStation 4, with a better localization, later this year. The company also announced the western release for the sequel, Sword Art Online: Lost Song, for the PS4 and Vita in 2015 as well.
Based on the above-mentioned games, anime fans have plenty to look forward to at this year’s Electronic Entertainment Expo.