The anime games are coming
Anime video games fans are in for a treat over the next two months. Some of the most anticipated anime-based titles of the year are about to drop, and soon. These include Digimon, Dragon Ball, and The Seven Deadly Sins, all set to launch in January. Anime and manga fans are also in for a treat with Sword Art Online releasing next month.
As a big fan of Japanese games in general I’m super thrilled to see all these games arrive soon. I guess we should be thanking Bandai Namco, they’re the ones making all this happen! Let’s check out the anime- and manga-inspired games releasing over the next couple of months:
Digimon Story Cyber Sleuth: Hacker’s Memory
Release Date: January 19, 2018
Digimon Story: Cyber Sleuth – Hacker’s Memory is the much-anticipated follow-up to 2016’s Digimon Story: Cyber Sleuth. This new RPG game will revisit some locations and characters from the previous outing, which offering a whole new story. You take on the role of Keisuke Amazawa, a new protagonist who has been accused of crimes he didn’t commit.
In order to clear your name you’ll need to explore Cyberspace Eden—a digital world that people can physical enter. Inside you’ll find 320 different Digimon to recruit, including all from the last game plus 73 additions. Combat is traditional turn-based, and if it’s anything like the original Cyber Sleuth gameplay will be very deep.
On top of a meaty story-driven campaign, Hacker’s Memory includes multiple different game modes. Domination Battle lets you direct your team members in strategy-based battles against rival hackers. For those who enjoy online competition, there’s Ranked Battle to prove you’re the best in the world. As well, special two-week Event Battles will offer unique in-game item rewards. I’m pretty excited to check out Hacker’s Memory, stay tuned in the coming weeks for a full review!
Dragon Ball FighterZ
Release Date: January 26, 2018
Dragon Ball FighterZ is bringing classic 2D fighting with dazzling, eye-catching visuals to PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. Battle are 3 vs. 3 with a tag mechanic allowing you and mix and match characters with different play styles. The roster includes fan-favourites like Goku, Cell, Gohan, Kid Buu, Trunks, Vegeta, and others. Bandai Namco is continuously revealing new characters so even more might be on the way!
If you’re a huge Dragon Ball fan you may want to consider getting the Collector’s Edition for some nifty extras. It’s jam-packed with bonus items including:
- a 7-inch Goku statue with exclusive “Manga Dimension” colouring
- an exclusive SteelBook case
- 3 art boards
- a CollectorZ box to house all the items
And of course it includes a copy of Dragon Ball FighterZ. The Collector’s Edition is available for pre-order now on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One.
While at E3 2017, I had the chance to try out Dragon Ball FighterZ and was really impressed. The anime-style graphics were mind-blowing, and at 60fps the action was relentless. Some special moves filled the entire screen with bright colours and incredible special effects you have to see to believe. I still have to get a handle on the controls but liked what I’ve seen so far. The trademark Z-Assist and Z-Change game mechanics are just the tip of the iceberg. Stay tuned for more coverage of Dragon Ball FighterZ soon!
The Seven Deadly Sins: Knights of Britannia
Release Date: February 9, 2018
Another huge anime game releasing soon is The Seven Deadly Sins: Knights of Britannia. And surprise! It’s also being developed by Bandai Namco (noticing a pattern here?)
This is actually one anime series I’m not very familiar with, but from the trailers it looks so interesting. The graphics are, as you’d expect, very colourful and full of beautiful anime artwork. Knights of Britannia represents the first video game adaptation of this popular manga and anime series. A quick look on BestBuy.ca and I noticed Season 1 Part 1 and Part 2 of the anime series are available. Might have to check these out!
As for the game, it’s a fast-paced action fighting adventure inspired by the anime. It features intense fights with famous characters such as Meliodas, Elizabeth, Hawk, and others. In the adventure mode you’ll take on quests, collect rumours from townsfolk to increase their gossip meter, and fight enemies across the kingdom of Liones. Watch out for a full review of this game here on the blog next month!
Sword Art Online: Fatal Bullet
Release Date: February 23, 2018
For the first time ever, Sword Art Online: Fatal Bullet is introducing third-person shooting into this popular RPG series. Both PlayStation 4 and Xbox One owners can look forward to this game releasing in late February. In case you’re wondering, yes it’s also being published by Bandai Namco!
It’ll be interesting to see how the gun and sword play mix together create a unique hybrid action-shooter RPG. Gameplay will also involve a mix of double jumps, air dashes, wall-to-wall repelling, and quick weapon swapping. On top of the shooting gameplay, brisk platforming is also required.
The story is being overseen by Sword Art Online creator Reki Kawahara, and will take us into the “Gun Gale Online” from the popular Sword Art Online II season. Well-known developer Dimps is creating the game, which is powered by Unreal Engine 4. In addition to the single-player content, the game includes full multiplayer cooperative and competitive modes letting 2-8 players compete online. Stay tune for a review of Sword Art Online: Fatal Bullet next month!
Radiant Historia: Perfect Chronology
Release Date: February 13, 2018
The last game I wanted to mention is Radiant Historia: Perfect Chronology for Nintendo 3DS. It’s not an anime series but it’s one I think anime and RPG fans would enjoy. This is an expanded version of the classic RPG that released in 2011 on Nintendo DS. New in this version is added gameplay/story content, an updated presentation, and new ways to experience the adventure.
In Perfect Chronology you’ll once again take control of Alistel operative Stocke who’s out obtain the power of the White Chronicle relic. This relic possesses the ability to travel between alternate timelines. With this power, Stocke hopes to right some wrongs of the past and prevent the destruction of the world. Some of the enhancements in this version include redesigned character art, new character voice-overs, new theme song, a new opening animation, and five new track from original composer Yoko Shimomura. I can’t wait to play this one!
That about wraps up my overview of the anime games coming in the next two months. Which one(s) are you looking forward to playing the most?
