Top 5 most nostalgic anime based video games

Anime has been a huge part of many childhoods, transporting us to imaginative worlds without limits. Now, imagine stepping into those worlds and becoming part of the action! Anime-inspired video games take the nostalgia to the next level by letting you play, explore, and relive the magic. Here are our top 5 picks for the most nostalgic anime video games that every fan will love.

This comical wrestling game was on the 8-bit Nintendo Famicom (FC). Players control not only the hilarious and wacky Kinnikuman but also seven other wrestlers — Terryman, Ramenman, Robin Mask, Buffaloman, Warsman, Brockenman, and Ashuraman. There are two game modes — play against the computer, or challenge a friend. Each wrestler is capable of executing various wrestling techniques, including punches, kicks, backdrops, clotheslines, pushes, flying body attacks, and drop kicks. Outside the ring, Meat, Kinnikuman‘s buddy and trainer, sometimes throws a Booster Ball. Any wrestler who catches the Booster Ball is allowed to activate his trademark super wrestling technique, for example, Kinnikuman can activate his trademark Kinniku Buster move by performing a backdrop on his opponent. In this game, similar to real wrestling, players can switch wrestlers by having one tag the other; however, quick tags in a row are not allowed. In addition, there are three types rings — normal, ice, and electrified. The ice ring floor makes the wrestlers slip, while the electrified ring ropes make the wrestlers shocked.

The game’s graphics and sounds are so simple, if not too simple, and there is very little music; in fact, the rings have no music at all. On the bright side, this somewhat disappointing aspect is made up for by the gameplay, and playing with friends certainly doubles the enjoyment of the game.

The game was never ported to other systems.

• Faithfulness: 7/10
• Creativity: 8/10
• Story: 5/10
• Gameplay: 9/10
• Graphics: 5/10
• Sound: 5/10
• Controls: 8/10
• Overall: 6.7/10

This dramatic soccer game was on the 32-bit Sony PlayStation (PSX). Players control hundreds of soccer players, including Tsubasa & Hyuga from the Japan team, Tacchinardi & Amorusoin from the Italy team, and Amoro & Jean Rust from the France team, representing more than 15 teams from around the world in total. The game combines tactics and team building, while playing similarly to other standard “pass-shoot-goal” soccer games. What makes this game unconventional is that cinematic sequences play during key moments, such as when executing special moves. Different soccer players possess unique special moves, and the commands can range from simple to complicated. During a special move, the soccer field view switches from 2-D to 3D, and the screen shows the soccer player’s epic trademark effects, such as a soaring eagle when Tsubasa performs his powerful Wild Eagle Shot, and a predatory tiger when Hyuga his powerful Fierce Tiger Shot. There are two game modes — Story and VS. In Story mode, players follow the events of the anime, animated cutscenes from the anime or digitally remade can be seen during highlights, making the soccer matches more dramatic. This magnificent soccer action feature perfectly captures the essence of the anime. Upon finishing the Story mode, more new teams can be unlocked.

The game controls are not difficult to use, and having good timing is essential for success in this game, especially when trying to execute special moves. The character size appears smaller because of the camera, but the animation is relatively more detailed. There is not enough quality background music though. However, the character voices can be heard during some dialogues and when they perform their normal and special moves. Also, most of the action sound effects fit the pace of the soccer matches.

One of the best features of the game’s VS mode is that players can build their favorite team and train it to gain levels, which enhances their stats and allows them to learn additional moves. This significantly enhances the game’s replay value.

The game was never ported to other systems.

• Faithfulness: 8/10
• Creativity: 8/10
• Story: 8/10
• Gameplay: 8/10
• Graphics: 7/10
• Sound: 7/10
• Controls: 7/10
• Overall: 7.6/10

This spectacular side-scrolling shoot’em-up game was on the 32-bit Sony PlayStation (PSX). This romantic shooting game is based on the great hit anime film of the same name. Players control the VF-1A Valkyrie Variable Fighter, piloted by Hikaru. The Variable Fighter is equipped with a basic weapon, the machine gun; an auxiliary weapon, the homing missiles; and an emergency weapon, the smart bombs. The smart bombs have a limited supply, while the machine gun and the homing missiles have unlimited supplies. In particular, the homing missiles require a charge-up before they can be launched. Before each stage begins, players can configure the three weapons on the “Weapon Select” screen, choosing different firing methods. The VF-1A Valkyrie, like all other Variable Fighters, has up to three transformations — Fighter (fastest speed with less power), GERWALK (medium speed with more power), and Battroid (slowest speed with the most power). In addition, players can spin their Variable Fighter to evade more quickly, but this ability is available only in the Fighter and GERWALK transformations. The game is essentially a mix of shooting action and storytelling. For the storytelling aspect, FMVs for major scenes and still screenshots for minor scenes at the beginning, between stages, and at the end of the game are taken directly from the anime film. However, since a few parts of the game were not included in the anime film, some CGI cutscenes were created to fill those gaps.

Most of the gameplay is in 2-D, and during certain moments, such as enemy ambushes and boss fights, the enemies and the Variable Fighter temporarily switch between the background and foreground, creating a 2.5-D effect. Narratives are included in most stage introductions, and voice lines are added to the dialogue boxes for mission explanations. The music, by far, is one of the best parts of the whole game, with some iconic Macross tracks playing at just the right moments. The climax of the game, much like the climax of the anime film, is highlighted by the deeply emotional song, “Do You Remember Love?”.

The game was on the Sega Saturn in 1997. This PSX version in 1999 was an improvement.

• Faithfulness: 9/10
• Creativity: 8/10
• Story: 8/10
• Gameplay: 8/10
• Graphics: 8/10
• Sound: 9/10
• Controls: 7/10
• Overall: 8.1/10

This heartwarming action-adventure game was on the 32-bit Nintendo DS (NDS). This fantastical game is based on the anime film of the same name. Players can control either Doraemon or Nobita and switch between the two characters during the game. Best friends like Gian, Suneo, and Shizuka can be summoned to help Doraemon and Nobita in certain situations or locations. Doraemon & Friends do their best to help their new tree friend, both in town and in a mysterious green world.

There are two types of stages in this game — side-scrolling stages and mini-game stages. In each side-scrolling stage, Doraemon pulls a suitable secret gadget from his magic pocket for himself and Nobita to use whenever a specific obstacle lies ahead. Players must decide which characters and secret gadgets to use to solve puzzles in some parts of the side-scrolling stages. For example, only Nobita can use his Air Pressure Gun to hit enemies and destroy rocks, while only Doraemon can use his Take-copter to reach higher places. Additionally, bosses await players at the end of certain side-scrolling stages. There are seven mini-game stages, each of which appears after certain side-scrolling stages. Mini-game stages play very differently from side-scrolling stages. For example, in the Air Pressure Gun Contest mini-game stage, players must blow into the NDS microphone to shoot, while in another mini-game stage, they use the NDS as a wheel to drive in the sky.

An exclusive feature in this game is the Tool Microwave. Players collect recipes and materials during stages, use the Tool Microwave to cook these materials according to the recipes, and obtain various tools, including new secret gadgets like the Shock Gun, auxiliary items such as medicines and power-ups, and special items like furniture, such as Shizuka’s bathtub, for decorating rooms. In particular, a unique feature enhances the game’s replay value — after completing the game, players can enjoy the Air Pressure Gun Contest with their linked NDS friends. The graphics for the action sequences are beautifully rendered in pixel art, featuring detailed and smooth character movements, especially during humorous moments, such as when Doraemon freaks out upon seeing a robotic mouse. Animated cutscenes from the anime film, along with in-game dialogues, allow players to experience the same story development. The music and sound effects are cheerful, with intense tunes playing during exciting moments.

What makes this game stand out compared to other Doraemon games is that it gives much more love to Nobita. In this game, in addition to the usual main character, Doraemon, Nobita frequently appears in the action sequences and other scenes. This makes Nobita a more useful companion to Doraemon, as opposed to his portrayal in the anime. It is uncommon to see a Doraemon game featuring such a cool version of Nobita.

The game was never ported to other systems.

• Faithfulness: 9/10
• Creativity: 9/10
• Story: 8/10
• Gameplay: 9/10
• Graphics: 9/10
• Sound: 8/10
• Controls: 8/10
• Overall: 8.6/10

This extraordinary fast-paced action game was on the 32-bit Game Boy Advance (GBA). Players control the Dragon Ball star, the kind-hearted and cheerful martial arts genius, kid Son Goku, on a journey to find the Dragon Balls, meet new friends, and defeat many villains. Almost all of Goku’s friends and enemies from the anime are included in this game — from Bulma, who got him to know about the Dragon Balls, to his best friends such as Master Roshi, Oolong, Yamcha, Krillin, Chiaotzu, and Tien, as well as to his formidable enemies such as Lt. Metallic, General Blue, Emperor Pilaf, Tao Pai Pai, and King Piccolo.

There are three game modes by default: Story, One-On-One, and Link Mode. In Story mode, the game begins with a cutscene that shows Goku‘s first meeting with Bulma. Then, Goku fights his way to rescue the turtle, helps villagers get rid of the shapeshifting Oolong, repels the wild bandit Yamcha, competes with the noseless Krillin for Master Roshi‘s turtle rock, meets strong opponents like Tien in the tournaments, and stops the ambitions of the evil Emperor Pilaf, the Red Ribbon Army, and King Piccolo. The game follows the plot and events of the anime, with cutscenes and dialogues appearing between stages and at the ending.

The game’s controls are easy to use, and there are many of Goku‘s moves for players to try. Cool combos can be performed by quickly tapping the attack button, and enemies can be thrown during a combo. A well-timed press of the attack button allows Goku to knock back incoming projectiles. Additionally, Goku can use special moves like the Super Power Pole and his trademark projectile attack, the “Kamehameha”. During Story mode, Goku acquires the “Flying Nimbus” from Master Roshi, and uses it to chase Oolong through the sky. Many other useful items can also be obtained, such as Super Life Water for increasing health points, Super Skill Water for upgrading the Power Pole, Jackie’s Wig and Ox King’s Axe for souvenirs, and, of course, the seven Dragon Balls, along with many others.

There are two mini-game stages in Story Mode. The Link Mode allows two linked GBA friends to battle against one another. In One-On-One mode, players can choose either Goku or Krillin for a versus match. Characters in this versus mode are given additional moves, such as parrying physical attacks, teleporting while in guard or recovery states, and changing the direction of projectiles.

What makes this game one of the best Dragon Ball games is its incredibly high replay value. After completing the Story mode with Goku, players gain access to a new Minigame mode, a Sound Test option, and unlock Krillin for use in Story mode. Upon completing Krillin‘s ending, a new Survival mode becomes available. If players achieve a high enough score in Survival mode, King Piccolo is unlocked. In the unlocked Minigame mode, players can not only replay the original two mini-game stages but also access the new Bosses on Parade and Small Fry Fight games, the latter being a time attack challenge. Finally, players can enjoy the amazing Extra mode, where nearly every character in the game becomes selectable for use across all previous stages and newly unlocked ones. Additionally, new characters and secret items and more souvenirs can be discovered in Extra mode, further enhancing the game’s depth and replayability.

The game was never ported to other systems.

• Faithfulness: 9/10
• Creativity: 9/10
• Story: 9/10
• Gameplay: 10/10
• Graphics: 9/10
• Sound: 8/10
• Controls: 9/10
• Overall: 9/10