Anime Games Expected to Appear at E3 2015

While the Electronic Entertainment Expo was not typically the primary event for showcasing new anime games, which were often revealed at Tokyo Game Show, it served as a major platform for localization announcements aimed at Western audiences. Heading into E3 2015, several prominent titles based on popular anime and manga properties were expected to make an appearance.

Anticipated Fighting Game Showcases

Perhaps the most anticipated anime title of the event was Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 4. As a current-generation exclusive for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC, it promised a significant visual leap over its predecessors. The development team aimed to deliver the largest roster in the series’ history while also covering the conclusion of the story from the manga and anime. Fans were hopeful for a substantial reveal of new information and gameplay footage during the convention for the game, which was scheduled for release later in 2015.

Another major crossover fighter on the horizon was J-Stars Victory Vs. Plus. This game brought together iconic characters from the Shonen Jump universe, such as Goku from Dragon Ball, Luffy from One Piece, and Ichigo from Bleach. While the original version had already been released in Japan, the Western release was set to include improvements and balance changes. With a release date of June 30, 2015, for PS4, PS3, and Vita, it was widely expected that Bandai Namco would use E3 for a final marketing push and provide more details on the enhancements.

Following the success of Dragon Ball Xenoverse and the announcement of the Dragon Ball Super anime, the franchise’s momentum was strong. Hopes were high for a localization announcement for Dragon Ball Z: Super Extreme Butoden. This 2D fighter for the Nintendo 3DS was being developed by Arc System Works, the studio known for the BlazBlue and Guilty Gear series. An official reveal for North America seemed perfect for Nintendo’s Digital Event during E3.

Dengeki Bunko: Fighting Climax was another crossover fighting game stirring interest. The title featured characters from popular anime and light novel series like Sword Art Online, along with guest appearances from Sega’s own franchises. Although Sega was not scheduled to have a physical booth at E3 2015, the company was still expected to release new details regarding the game’s localization. Fighting Climax was planned for a release on PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Vita later in the year.

Bandai Namco had previously announced that Saint Seiya: Soldiers’ Soul would be released in the fall of 2015 for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, and PC. After the initial reveal, however, information had been scarce. E3 presented an opportunity for the publisher to break the silence and showcase the game’s promised gameplay and visual improvements over previous installments.

Action Titles and Musou Spinoffs

One Piece Pirate Warriors 3 had already launched in Japan, and its Western release was approaching. Bandai Namco was expected to feature the game prominently at E3. While its gameplay was similar to the other Musou-style titles in the series, it introduced enhancements, including the ability for players to summon other characters to perform powerful combination attacks. The game was set to release on PS4, PS3, and Vita.

Koei Tecmo was continuing its trend of adapting popular intellectual properties into its Musou format with The Heroic Legend of Arslan Musou. Based on the acclaimed anime and manga, the game would allow players to fight as key characters and relive iconic events from the story. A Western localization was considered highly likely, and many anticipated that an official announcement would be made at the convention.

Two Sword Art Online games were also on the radar. Sword Art Online: Hollow Fragment, which had been a surprise commercial success on the PlayStation Vita, was being brought to the PlayStation 4 with an improved English localization. At the same time, its sequel, Sword Art Online: Lost Song, was also confirmed for a 2015 Western release on both PS4 and Vita. E3 was a key opportunity for Bandai Namco to showcase both titles and demonstrate the series’ growth.

Role-Playing and Rhythm Game Hopes

The Persona series, which began as a gaming franchise, had also become a significant presence in the anime world. Developer Atlus had two major titles that were candidates for an E3 showing. The most prominent was Persona 5, the next mainline entry in the celebrated RPG series. Anticipated for release on PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 3 later in the year, any new trailer or gameplay reveal would have been a highlight of the show for JRPG fans.

Alongside the hype for Persona 5, Atlus was also preparing to launch Persona 4: Dancing All Night for the PlayStation Vita on September 29, 2015. This rhythm game spinoff featured the beloved characters and soundtrack from Persona 4 and was another title many hoped to see more of at the event.

Years had passed since the last Digimon RPG was released in North America, creating a strong demand from fans. Bandai Namco had recently released Digimon Story: Cyber Sleuth for the PlayStation Vita in Japan to positive reception. While the publisher had remained quiet on the subject, the fan community was hopeful that E3 2015 would finally bring an announcement of a Western localization.