If there’s one area where the PS5 absolutely shines, it’s in the visual department.
Games on PS5 look simply gorgeous, allowing the individual art styles and aesthetics their developers have so lovingly crafted to enhance the gameplay in ways we’ve never seen before.
Naturally, one of the biggest beneficiaries of this benefit on PS5 are anime games; the cartoony, exaggerated art style of anime lends itself perfectly to the high graphical fidelity of this generation.
Since that’s the case, there are lots of great anime adaptations and anime-style original games to play on PS5, so without further ado, let’s take a look at the best PS5 anime games in 2023!
Genshin Impact
We’d be remiss if we didn’t mention Genshin Impact, Hoyoverse’s excellent open-world RPG that you can play on your PS5 right now for absolutely nothing.
Some players have pointed to a somewhat predatory gacha mechanic, but for the most part, everyone agrees that Genshin Impact has a wealth of content that you can enjoy without paying a penny.
Its anime-inspired story is compelling and satisfying, and its element-based combat encourages trying out different team combinations to get the most out of its deep systems.
Persona 5 Royal
Everyone who plays Persona has a different favourite title in the series, but for many, Persona 5 is where the franchise truly hit its stylish stride.
Persona 5 Royal adds even more content to the original; it’s likely you’ll spend over a hundred hours playing through Joker’s journey this time around, and that’s assuming you’re not a completionist.
With strategic turn-based battling, incredible visuals and music, and an emotionally resonant story to enjoy, Persona 5 Royal is the definitive anime-style JRPG on PS5.
Guilty Gear Strive
No list of great PS5 anime games would be complete without mentioning Arc System Works and the incredible work the studio does bringing anime-style fighting games to life.
Such is the case for Guilty Gear Strive, which boasts beautiful anime visuals that must be seen to be believed. You’ll struggle to play another 2D fighter after you’ve experienced this one.
Once you drink in the visuals, though, be prepared to engage with a fighting system that’s simultaneously oceanically deep and massively accessible, as well as a cast of diverse and exciting characters.
Doki Doki Literature Club Plus!
The more we say about Doki Doki Literature Club Plus!, the more we feel we might be spoiling it, so we’re just going to say that it’s worth picking this one up, even if you’re not usually a fan of anime visual novels.
Things start out straightforwardly enough, with your otome-style protagonist joining a literature club in which you and the girls in the club share works you’ve composed with one another.
From there, though, Doki Doki Literature Club Plus! takes a bit of a turn, shall we say, and the game becomes a different beast entirely, but you’ll have to play it yourself to find out why and how.
13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim
Technically speaking, 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim is a PS4 game, but this is such a quintessential PlayStation anime experience that we simply have to include it on this list.
The game is a hybrid of visual novel and mecha strategy RPG, and what’s more, the visual novel storytelling is done in a non-linear fashion, so you can experience whoever’s story you like at any given time.
This means that the completely insane story of 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim might take you a while to piece together, but the unique and creative approach to narrative means it’s well worth your time.
Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch Remastered
Few names are more synonymous with high-quality anime productions than Studio Ghibli, and their fingerprints are all over this lovingly-crafted JRPG from legendary developer Level-5.
While sequel Ni no Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom isn’t worth your time due to its insipid gameplay and unfinished feel, Wrath of the White Witch feels like the genuine article. It simply screams love and care in every aspect of its design.
The combat might feel slightly wonky at times, and the whole thing is a touch on the easy side, but Wrath of the White Witch tells an endearing story and presents a beautiful world in which to get lost.
Tales of Arise
With Tales of Arise, Bandai Namco promised a refreshed version of the long-running Tales series that could be enjoyed by anyone, whether they were a franchise veteran or a newcomer.
Largely, that goal has been accomplished. While Tales of Arise’s systems and storytelling will feel familiar to series fans, the game is accessible enough that new players can enjoy it as well.
The story takes anime tropes in some interesting directions, and although the dialogue can be a touch verbose at times, this one’s worth experiencing if you’re looking for great anime-style JRPGs on PS5.
One Piece Odyssey
Last but not least on our list, here’s a game that’s actually directly based on a real anime. One Piece Odyssey is a turn-based JRPG adventure that tells an all-new story in the One Piece universe.
You play, of course, as One Piece hero Monkey D. Luffy, who’s sailing with his crew one day when they’re shipwrecked on a mysterious island surrounded by storms.
Together with your crew, you must discover the truth behind the island, find a way to escape, and beat back the enemies that threaten to overwhelm you.
Conclusion
The PlayStation 5, with its powerful graphics capability, has redefined the landscape of anime gaming. From the ethereal open-world realms of “Genshin Impact” to the nostalgic yet thrilling adventures in “One Piece Odyssey,” 2023 offers a plethora of experiences that truly capture the essence and aesthetics of anime. Whether you’re a fan of heart-rending visual novels like “Doki Doki Literature Club Plus!” or seek adrenaline-pumping action in games like “Guilty Gear Strive,” the PS5 ensures each frame is a visual spectacle. It’s a golden era for anime enthusiasts and gamers alike, with titles that cater to both newbies and the most discerning of otakus. The combination of intricate storytelling, iconic art styles, and groundbreaking mechanics signifies that the world of anime gaming on the PS5 has never been this immersive or delightful.
FAQs
- Which anime game on the PS5 offers the most in-depth RPG experience?
- Both “Persona 5 Royal” and “Genshin Impact” deliver a profound RPG journey with hours of gameplay, intricate storylines, and deep character development.
- Is “Genshin Impact” completely free on the PS5?
- Yes, “Genshin Impact” is free-to-play. However, it does include in-game purchases through a gacha system for acquiring characters and weapons.
- Are there any anime fighting games recommended for PS5?
- “Guilty Gear Strive” stands out as a top-notch anime-style fighting game, blending exquisite visuals with deep combat mechanics.
- Which game offers a completely original story in a known anime universe?
- “One Piece Odyssey” provides players with a brand-new narrative within the famed “One Piece” universe.
- Does “Tales of Arise” require knowledge of previous games in the series?
- No, “Tales of Arise” is designed to be accessible to both series veterans and newcomers, offering an experience that can stand alone.
