Thanks to Bandai Namco Games, 2015 is looking to be a big year of releases in terms of new videogames for anime fans. All of the big franchises (Dragon Ball, Naruto Shippuden and One Piece) are getting new entries this year along with a few unexpected surprises. So what are the top five anime-based game releases that you should consider buying? Take a look in our best anime games releasing in 2015 list below.
5. Digimon Story: Cyber Sleuth
The main rival to the Pokemon games is retuning in 2015 exclusively on the PlayStation Vita. Digimon Story: Cyber Sleuth marks a return for the franchise to the RPG genre as you will be able to explore several futuristic locations based on real-life cities. You can also capture and train a robust roster of digital monsters. For fans of Digimon, Cyber Sleuth is shaping up to be a stellar title.
Unfortunately, Digimon Story: Cyber Sleuth is only coming out in Japan on the 12th of March. With that said, Bandai Namco Games did mention that they will begin to talk about possibly localizing the game based on the amount of signatures that were gathered in an online petition. Hopefully, we will see a translated release sometime before the end of 2015.
4. J-Stars Victory Vs+
The Jump Stars series composes of fighting games that use characters from many different anime franchises. Due to potential licensing issues, the games were never released outside of Japan. That is, until now with the upcoming release of J-Stars Victory Vs+. The latest installment pits some of the biggest names from the Bleach, Dragon Ball, Naruto Shippuden, One Piece and other popular franchises against one another. The game can support team battles of up to four players in addition to a new arcade mode.
J-Stars Victory Vs+ should be launching in the summer of 2015 for the PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3 and Vita. Preorder it now with this link on Amazon.
3. One Piece: Pirate Warriors 3
The popular One Piece Musou spin-off series is back with a third installment. In terms of story, you will get to play through the very beginning of Luffy’s journey up and until the Dressrosa Arc where you have to defeat Donquixote Doflamingo. The game also features improved graphics, more enemies on screens and more “epic” boss encounters. Along with the PS3 and Vita, One Piece: Pirate Warriors 3 is also the first game in the series to be released on the PS4 and PC (via Steam).
One Piece: Pirate Warriors 3 is also expected to launch next summer. Reserve the sequel here.
2. Dragon Ball Xenoverse
The latest Dragon Ball game offers an unique twist as you will be able to create your own character and have him or her travel in time through various big events in the anime. As a result, you will be able to relive some of the most memorable moments in Dragon Ball Xenoverse. In terms of gameplay, you can also participate in battles of up to six participants (three versus three) in full 3D destructible locations. The new game looks to be the best installment for the franchise in recent years.
Dragon Ball Xenoverse is due to arrive on the 24th of February for the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PC (via Steam). You can preorder the console versions with this page.
1. Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 4
Along with the Nartuo manga ending, CyberConnect 2 also has one more game in the Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm series to deliver. The fourth mainline installment is only coming to the PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC platforms, which should allow them to beef up the already impressive visuals to even greater heights. The team also promises that Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 4 is going to be the most “compressive” game yet that is based on the popular anime and manga series.
For fans of Japanese animation, the new Naruto game should be a must play. So make sure to preorder it with this link on Amazon.
We normally have to wait some time into a new console cycle to get new anime games. Fortunately, this is not the case with the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One thanks to the above-mentioned releases in 2015.