The PS5 has become a great place for anime fans to enjoy their favorite shows in game form. From fighting games to RPGs, there are many options that bring anime-style visuals and storytelling to Sony’s latest console. Players looking for the best anime games on PS5 can find everything from Dragon Ball and Persona titles to unique visual novels and action adventures that capture the essence of Japanese animation.
These games often feature colorful art styles, over-the-top action, and deep stories that anime fans love. Some are based on popular shows like Dragon Ball, while others create their own anime-inspired worlds. The PS5’s power makes these games look better than ever, with fast loading times and smooth gameplay that puts players right into their favorite anime-style adventures.
1. Persona 5 Royal
Persona 5 Royal stands out as one of the best JRPGs available on PS5. This enhanced version of the original Persona 5 brings additional content and improvements that make it worth playing, even for those familiar with the base game.
The PS5 version runs at a smooth 60fps, giving players a more fluid experience compared to previous releases. This technical upgrade makes the already stylish visuals pop even more on current generation hardware.
For newcomers to the series, Persona 5 Royal offers an engaging story about high school students who discover they have special powers. They use these abilities to change the hearts of corrupt adults while balancing their regular school lives.
What makes this game special is how it combines turn-based combat with social simulation. You’ll spend time building relationships with other characters, which directly impacts your battle abilities.
The Royal edition adds new characters, story segments, and a semester to the school year. These additions aren’t just tacked on—they’re thoughtfully integrated into the main story.
If you’re trying to decide between versions, the Royal edition is the better option as it includes all DLC and added content. The Ultimate Edition packages everything together for new players.
The game’s distinctive anime art style is immediately recognizable, with bold colors and flashy animations during battles and cutscenes. Menu transitions are slick and contribute to the game’s unique personality.
Music plays a huge role in the Persona experience. The jazzy soundtrack sets the tone perfectly for both action sequences and quieter moments.
Persona 5 Royal’s story tackles mature themes like abuse of power and finding your identity. Despite these heavy topics, the game balances serious moments with humor and friendship.
Combat requires strategy as you exploit enemy weaknesses and chain attacks together. The satisfaction of landing a perfect sequence of moves never gets old throughout the 100+ hour adventure.
Even in 2023, Persona 5 Royal holds up remarkably well against newer titles. Its blend of style, substance, and engaging gameplay loops makes it essential for anime and RPG fans with a PS5.
2. Final Fantasy XVI
Final Fantasy XVI brings a darker and more mature storyline to the PS5. This action-focused game moves away from traditional turn-based combat and offers an exciting real-time battle system.
The game takes about 55 hours to complete, making it a substantial adventure for players who enjoy epic stories. Many fans appreciate the clear influences and intriguing plot that keeps players invested throughout.
Combat in Final Fantasy XVI is fast-paced and dynamic. Players control Clive, who can unleash powerful abilities and summon legendary beings called Eikons during battles.
The world of Valisthea offers gorgeous landscapes and impressive visuals that showcase the PS5’s capabilities. Each region has unique designs and challenges to overcome.
Character development is a strong point in the game. The relationships between characters feel natural and their growth throughout the story adds depth to the experience.
Final Fantasy XVI has been described as a breath of fresh air for the franchise. Even though it explores the series’ darkest themes yet, it manages to create an engaging experience that both longtime fans and newcomers can enjoy.
Music in the game continues the Final Fantasy tradition of outstanding orchestral scores. The soundtrack enhances emotional moments and makes battles feel more intense.
The game’s side quests provide additional context to the world and its inhabitants. These optional adventures often reveal interesting stories and reward players with useful items.
Players who enjoy anime-inspired games will find plenty to love in Final Fantasy XVI. The cinematic cutscenes and character designs show clear influence from Japanese animation styles while maintaining the unique Final Fantasy aesthetic.
Despite being more action-oriented than previous entries, the game still includes RPG elements like character progression and equipment customization. These systems add depth without overwhelming players new to the genre.
3. GUILTY GEAR -STRIVE-
GUILTY GEAR -STRIVE- brings the fast-paced action and stunning visual style that fans of anime fighting games crave. This latest entry in the series continues the tradition of gorgeous anime visuals while updating gameplay for modern players.
The game features smooth, fluid combat that’s both accessible to newcomers and deep enough for veterans. Each character has unique moves and playstyles, making the roster diverse and exciting to explore.
What makes STRIVE stand out is its striking visual presentation. The game blends 2D and 3D elements to create battles that feel like playing through an anime. Character animations are smooth and packed with personality.
The soundtrack deserves special mention. GUILTY GEAR has always been known for its rock music, and STRIVE continues this tradition with heart-pumping tracks that match the intensity of the fights.
Story mode offers an engaging narrative for those who want more than just battles. The tale follows familiar characters in new situations, expanding on the complex GUILTY GEAR universe.
Online play runs smoothly thanks to rollback netcode. This makes matches fair and responsive even when playing against opponents from different regions.
For single players, there’s plenty to do beyond story mode. Training options are robust, with tutorials that break down complex fighting concepts into manageable lessons.
The PS5 version takes advantage of the console’s power. Loading times are minimal, and the game runs at a consistent frame rate even during the most chaotic moments.
New players might find the timing of special moves challenging at first. However, the game offers enough simplicity to help newcomers while maintaining depth for experienced fighters.
Character designs are striking and memorable. From returning favorites to new additions, each fighter has a distinct look and fighting style that stands out in the crowded fighting game genre.
Regular updates have added new characters and balance changes since launch. The developers actively listen to player feedback, making STRIVE a constantly evolving experience.
4. Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero
Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero has taken the PS5 by storm, becoming Bandai Namco’s third best-selling game already. This fighting game brings back the beloved Budokai Tenkaichi gameplay that fans have missed for years.
The game shines with its stunning visuals. Many players consider it the best-looking Dragon Ball game ever made, with character animations that truly capture the energy of the anime. The attention to detail makes every fight feel like you’re watching an episode of the show.
Gameplay is fast and exciting. Players can recreate their favorite Dragon Ball battles with a huge roster of characters from across the series. The 3D arena fighting system gives you freedom to zip around battlefields, just like in the show.
For Dragon Ball fans, this game is packed with fan service. From iconic moves to classic battle arenas, everything feels authentic to the series. The game lets players experience fights from multiple sagas, keeping the content fresh and exciting.
Combat can be tricky to learn at first. The game provides all the tools to create amazing Dragon Ball fights, but mastering the controls takes practice. New players might find the learning curve steep.
The variety of game modes offers something for everyone. You can play through story campaigns, challenge friends in versus mode, or test your skills online against players worldwide. There’s always a new way to enjoy the game.
Spike Chunsoft’s development work has created a fighting experience that feels both familiar to long-time fans and fresh for newcomers. The combat system has enough depth to keep players engaged for hours.
The game takes the foundation of previous titles and raises it to new levels. With the PS5’s power, battles are more explosive and responsive than ever before. Loading times are minimal, keeping players in the action.
For anime fighting game fans, Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero stands as one of the most complete packages on PS5. It captures the spirit of the show while delivering satisfying gameplay that rewards skill and practice.
5. Scarlet Nexus
Scarlet Nexus stands out as one of the most impressive anime-style games available on PS5. This action RPG offers players a unique combat system that feels perfectly at home on the PlayStation 5 controller, with many players noting that it feels absolutely amazing during gameplay.
The game runs smoothly on PS5 despite its detailed environments and fast-paced combat. Players will notice the highly-detailed graphics and impressive performance that the PS5 hardware enables for this title.
Scarlet Nexus features a compellingly dark story that keeps players guessing throughout the experience. The narrative unfolds with enough twists to keep gamers invested, essentially providing multiple seasons worth of anime story within a single game.
The combat system is where Scarlet Nexus truly shines. Players can use psychokinetic powers to throw objects at enemies, creating a fun and fresh battle experience. This mechanic works alongside more traditional melee attacks to create a combat flow that feels both innovative and satisfying.
Visual style is another strong point for this game. Scarlet Nexus embraces its anime roots with stylish character designs and flashy special effects that pop on PS5. The game’s aesthetic creates an insane anime experience that fans of Japanese animation will appreciate.
The RPG elements add depth to the gameplay. Character progression feels meaningful, with new abilities and powers unlocking as players advance through the story. This system keeps the combat from getting stale even after many hours of play.
Some reviewers have even called Scarlet Nexus the best RPG of its release year, which speaks to the quality of this title. The game successfully blends action gameplay with RPG elements in a package that feels fresh and exciting.
For PS5 owners looking for an anime-style action RPG with a strong story and unique combat mechanics, Scarlet Nexus delivers on all fronts. It takes advantage of the console’s capabilities while providing an engaging experience from start to finish.
6. Demon Slayer: The Hinokami Chronicles
Demon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba- The Hinokami Chronicles brings the popular anime and manga to life on PS5. Players can follow Tanjiro’s journey as he fights to turn his sister Nezuko back from a demon to a human.
The game retells the first season of the anime with faithful accuracy. You’ll slash through demons using the Water Breathing technique and other fighting styles from the show. The visuals capture the distinctive art style that made the anime so popular.
Combat feels exciting but some players find it gets repetitive. The roster of playable characters is somewhat limited compared to other anime fighters. Still, fans of the series will enjoy playing as their favorite Demon Slayer Corps members.
Story mode lets you relive key moments from the anime. Cut scenes use the game engine rather than anime footage, but they stay true to the source material. Boss battles against powerful demons serve as exciting highlights throughout the campaign.
Good news for fans – a sequel is on the way! Demon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba- The Hinokami Chronicles 2 releases August 5th, 2025. Pre-orders will be available soon for those who want to continue the adventure.
The game includes both story mode and versus mode options. This gives players variety between following the narrative and testing their skills against friends or AI opponents. The versus mode adds replay value after completing the main story.
While not perfect, Hinokami Chronicles offers solid gameplay for Demon Slayer fans. The game succeeds most when it focuses on the emotional journey of Tanjiro and Nezuko. Their bond forms the heart of both the anime and this game adaptation.
PS5 players benefit from enhanced visuals and faster loading times compared to the PS4 version. Both versions contain the same content, but the PS5 edition provides a smoother experience overall.
7. Jujutsu Kaisen Cursed Clash
Jujutsu Kaisen Cursed Clash brings the popular anime series to life on PS5 with fast-paced 2v2 battles. Players can create tag teams using their favorite Jujutsu Sorcerers and Cursed Spirits from the show in any combination they want.
The game features more than 15 playable characters, each with their unique “Cursed Techniques” that fans will recognize from the anime. Mastering these special moves is key to winning matches and climbing the ranks in the game.
Combat in Cursed Clash is team-based, letting players switch between characters during fights. This tag-team approach adds strategy as different character combinations can create powerful synergies on the battlefield.
Fan reactions to the game have been mixed. Some players on Reddit have mentioned that the gameplay feels wacky and the animations are mediocre. The story mode has also received criticism for being simplistic, mostly showing screenshots from the anime.
Despite these criticisms, fans of the series might still enjoy playing as their favorite characters. The game captures the essence of Jujutsu Kaisen’s supernatural battles, even if it doesn’t push the PS5 hardware to its limits.
The game has received post-launch support, with DLC packs adding more content. The Shibuya Incident DLC expanded the roster and added new scenarios based on that popular story arc from the series.
For anime fans looking for a fighting game experience, Cursed Clash offers accessible gameplay that doesn’t require mastering complex button combinations. The simple controls make it easy to jump in and start using spectacular cursed techniques right away.
Visually, the game adopts a cell-shaded style that attempts to recreate the look of the anime. While not the most technically impressive PS5 game, it maintains the distinctive visual identity that fans recognize.
If you’re a Jujutsu Kaisen fan who wants to experience battles between characters like Yuji Itadori, Megumi Fushiguro, and various curses, this game offers that opportunity in an accessible package.
8. NARUTO X BORUTO Ultimate Ninja STORM CONNECTIONS
The NARUTO X BORUTO Ultimate Ninja STORM CONNECTIONS game for PS5 celebrates the 20th anniversary of the Naruto anime series. It’s the newest addition to the popular Ultimate Ninja STORM franchise, which has sold over 27 million copies worldwide.
This fighting game brings together characters from both the Naruto and Boruto series. Players can experience key moments from Naruto and Sasuke’s journey, starting from the Chunin Exams all the way to the Fourth Great Ninja War.
The game includes an exclusive original Boruto story that was created specifically for this release. This new storyline introduces two brand-new characters to the Naruto universe, giving fans fresh content to explore.
Combat in the game stays true to the series’ signature style. The flashy jutsu attacks and ultimate moves make each battle feel like a scene straight from the anime. The controls remain accessible while offering depth for serious players.
The character roster is impressive, featuring fighters from across the entire Naruto timeline. From classic favorites to newer Boruto characters, there’s someone for every fan to play as.
Visually, the game shines on PS5 with smooth performance and vibrant colors that capture the anime’s style. The cel-shaded graphics look crisp and fluid during both cutscenes and battles.
According to Metacritic reviews, this title is considered “the most complete and extensive game” in the popular anime series to date. For Naruto fans with a PS5, it offers the definitive ninja battle experience.
Players looking for which Naruto game to buy on PS5 will find this the most up-to-date and content-rich option. It combines the best elements of previous games with new content.
The multiplayer features let friends battle each other locally or online. Testing your ninja skills against real opponents adds lasting value beyond the story modes.
9. Genshin Impact
Genshin Impact is a free-to-play action RPG that has captured the hearts of anime fans worldwide. The game offers a massive open world called Teyvat, where players can explore breathtaking landscapes and uncover hidden secrets.
Players control characters with different elemental powers that can be switched during gameplay. This creates fun combat possibilities when elements mix together – like freezing enemies with water and ice combinations.
The anime art style in Genshin is gorgeous, with colorful environments and detailed character designs. The game regularly adds new regions, characters, and stories through updates.
What makes Genshin stand out on PS5 is the enhanced performance. The game runs smoothly with faster loading times and better visuals compared to other platforms.
The story follows a traveler searching for their lost sibling. Along the way, they meet many characters with their own stories and personalities. The voice acting is available in both Japanese and English.
Gameplay combines exploration, combat, and puzzle-solving. Climbing mountains, gliding through the air, and discovering hidden treasures makes exploring Teyvat exciting.
While Genshin uses a gacha system for obtaining new characters and weapons, you can enjoy the main story and exploration completely free. Many players spend hundreds of hours in the game without spending money.
The game supports cross-play between PlayStation, mobile, and PC players. This means you can continue your adventure on different devices or play with friends regardless of their platform.
Regular events and festivals keep the content fresh with new challenges and rewards. The developers continually add more content, making it a game that grows over time.
For anime fans with a PS5, Genshin Impact offers an immersive world with beautiful visuals, engaging combat, and an expanding story – all without an initial cost to try.
10. Ni No Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom
Ni No Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom brings a magical world to the PS5 with its beautiful art style and engaging gameplay. It features enchanting character designs from legendary artist Yoshiyuki Momose and a soundtrack by famous composer Joe Hisaishi.
The game follows the story of Evan, a young king who must build his own kingdom after being overthrown. Players will explore a colorful world, battle monsters, and gather citizens for their growing realm.
Unlike the first game, Ni No Kuni II uses a more action-based combat system. This change makes fights more exciting and hands-on compared to the turn-based style of the original.
One unique feature is the kingdom building aspect. Players can develop their own town, recruit specialists, and research new technologies. This adds a fun strategy element to the adventure.
The game also includes Skirmish battles, where you command small armies against enemy forces. These battles offer a nice break from regular combat and exploration.
Some players have noted that the game failed to meet all expectations, particularly compared to the beloved first title. However, many others find it superior to the original with fewer barriers between the player and the game.
The PS5 version runs smoothly with faster loading times and crisp visuals. While not built specifically for PS5, the game still looks great on the newer hardware.
For anime fans, Ni No Kuni II is often listed among recommended RPGs for PlayStation consoles. Its Studio Ghibli-inspired visuals and charming story appeal to both anime lovers and RPG enthusiasts.
The Prince’s Edition includes all DLC content, giving players extra dungeons, equipment, and story content. This version offers the most complete experience for new players.
Evolution of Anime Games on the PS5
The PlayStation 5 has transformed anime gaming with powerful hardware that brings beloved series to life in ways previously impossible. Game developers have embraced both visual enhancements and deeper anime storytelling techniques.
Advancements in Graphics and Performance
PS5 anime games now feature near cinema-quality visuals thanks to the console’s improved processing power. Titles like Persona 5 Royal showcase fluid 60fps gameplay with vibrant color palettes that perfectly capture anime aesthetics. Character models display intricate details, from facial expressions to clothing textures.
Load times have virtually disappeared, creating seamless transitions between gameplay and cutscenes. This technological leap allows developers to maintain the fast-paced action sequences anime is known for without performance drops.
Many newer titles use the DualSense controller‘s haptic feedback to enhance immersion. When playing Dragon Ball: Sparking! ZERO, players can feel the impact of powerful attacks through the controller.
Ray tracing technology adds realistic lighting effects to anime worlds, making environments more dynamic and expressive.
The Influence of Anime Culture on Game Development
Japanese animation has deeply shaped PS5 game design philosophies. Developers now regularly incorporate:
- Episodic storytelling with dramatic cliffhangers
- Character-driven narratives with deep personal growth
- Stylized art that preserves anime aesthetics while utilizing modern graphics
- Voice acting from professional anime talent
The popularity of streaming services has expanded western interest in anime, creating a larger global market for these games. This broader audience has encouraged developers to create more diverse anime games beyond fighting genres.
Crossover projects between game studios and animation houses have become common. Games are developed alongside anime series, with each medium enhancing the other’s storytelling.
Community feedback plays a crucial role in development, with studios closely monitoring fan reactions to ensure authentic anime experiences.
Gameplay Innovations in Anime Games
Anime games on PS5 have pushed boundaries with creative mechanics that blend traditional gameplay with distinctive anime elements. These innovations enhance both playability and immersion.
Immersive Storytelling and Character Development
Persona 5 Royal stands out with its social link system. Players form relationships with characters, unlocking new abilities and deeper storylines.
Dragon Ball games use power scaling mechanics that mirror the anime’s progression. In Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero, characters transform mid-battle, changing movesets and strategies.
Many anime games implement visual novel elements alongside action sequences. Doki Doki Literature Club Plus subverts player expectations by using meta-narrative techniques.
Dialog choices with branching consequences appear in titles like Scarlet Nexus, where player decisions affect both story outcomes and gameplay advantages.
Unique Art Styles and Animation Techniques
Cell-shading techniques create the hand-drawn look of anime. Popular anime games use this style with PS5’s power to render details previously impossible.
Dynamic camera angles during special moves mimic iconic anime sequences. King of Fighters XV uses cinematic camera shifts during super moves that feel pulled straight from action anime.
Art style variations exist across different franchises:
- Stylized realism: Nier: Automata blends anime aesthetics with detailed environments
- Vibrant cel-shading: Dragon Ball games use bright colors and bold outlines
- Watercolor effects: Some titles use painterly techniques for backgrounds
PS5 anime games take advantage of ray tracing and HDR for stunning visual effects during special attacks and transformations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Anime games on PS5 offer diverse experiences from role-playing adventures to action-packed fighting games. Players often have specific questions about which titles provide the best value and experience.
What are the top-rated anime games available on PS5?
Persona 5 Royal stands as one of the highest-rated anime games on PS5. This JRPG combines stylish visuals with deep gameplay and a compelling story.
Final Fantasy XVI also ranks highly with critics and fans. It brings stunning graphics and an engaging combat system to the PlayStation 5.
GUILTY GEAR -STRIVE- has received praise for its beautiful animation and balanced fighting mechanics. Many fighting game enthusiasts consider it a must-play.
Which anime games for PS5 offer the best multiplayer experience?
GUILTY GEAR -STRIVE- provides excellent online matches with rollback netcode that reduces lag issues. Its lobby system lets friends easily connect and battle.
Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero delivers thrilling multiplayer battles where players can recreate iconic fights from the anime. The game supports both local and online play.
Genshin Impact, while not PS5-exclusive, offers cross-platform multiplayer that lets friends team up for adventures regardless of their gaming device.
Are there any must-play free anime games on the PS5 platform?
Genshin Impact tops the list of free anime games on PS5. This open-world action RPG provides hundreds of hours of content without requiring any purchase.
Tower of Fantasy is another free option with anime-inspired visuals and gameplay. It features an expansive world to explore and various characters to collect.
PSO2: New Genesis brings the classic Phantasy Star Online experience to PS5 as a free-to-play title with regular updates and events.
How do the best anime games on PS5 compare to those on PS4?
PS5 anime games generally offer improved loading times compared to their PS4 counterparts. Games like Scarlet Nexus load almost instantly on PS5.
Visual enhancements are noticeable in titles available on both platforms. PS5 versions typically feature better resolution, frame rates, and special effects.
Controller features like haptic feedback and adaptive triggers add immersion to PS5 versions. Final Fantasy XVI uses these features to make combat feel more impactful.
Could you list some popular anime-inspired games newly released for PS5?
Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero launched recently with incredible visual fidelity and a massive roster of characters from the Dragon Ball universe.
Granblue Fantasy: Relink brought the popular mobile game to PS5 with beautiful graphics and action-packed gameplay.
Black Myth: Wukong, while based on Chinese mythology rather than Japanese anime, features an art style and combat system that appeals to many anime game fans.
Which anime games on PS5 are considered fan favorites by the gaming community?
Persona 5 Royal consistently tops fan polls and discussions about the best anime games. Its blend of daily life simulation and dungeon crawling resonates with players.
Dragon Ball games, especially the new Sparking! Zero, have a dedicated following due to the franchise’s massive popularity.
Scarlet Nexus has developed a passionate community that appreciates its unique brain-punk setting and dual-protagonist story. The game’s psychokinetic combat system also draws praise from fans.
