The 8 Best PS4 Anime Games

Best RPG: Persona 5

Most gamers are familiar with the Persona series of video games developed by P-Studio and published by Atlas. The first Persona game was released in 1996 for the original PlayStation as a part of the Megami Tensei series, and have served as a hit ever since. A role-playing game with a social element, this installation in the series takes place in Tokyo, Japan, following a character known as the Joker. Within the game, you take on a role, joining Joker and his accomplices as they become aware of the Persona powers they possess. Fans of dungeon-crawler-style gameplay will enjoy the design of each level within the game.

Selling over two million copies worldwide, Persona 5 deserves not only a spot on our list as the best role-playing anime game but possibly the best overall anime game of all time. Persona 5 is available for both the PlayStation 4 and the PlayStation 3.

Runner-Up, Best RPG: Tales of Vesperia: Definitive Edition

Our inclusion of Tales of Vesperia might be considered cheating as it was first launched on the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. But it's a fantastic game that truly shines in the remastered edition, or "Definitive Edition," which was released on the PlayStation 4. Initially launched in 2008, Tales of Vesperia was developed by Namco Tales Studio and published by Namco Bandai Games. The game is set within the world of Terca Lumireies and follows the story of Yuri Lowell, a former soldier who forms a brigade of individuals to aid missions bestowed upon him by the noble Estelle.

Fans of previous games in the Tales series will find the gameplay similar but also delightfully fresh with the addition of a brand new battle system. The Definitive Edition port for PlayStation introduces upscaled graphics and previously Japan-exclusive content to celebrate the game's 10th anniversary. Players can also enjoy the new Definitive Edition on Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and Microsoft Windows.

Best Combat: God Eater Resurrection

Another previously-released game that's now available for modern systems, God Eater Resurrection tops our list for the best anime combat game, full of hack-and-slash battle with gigantic beasts. Developed by Shift and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment in the majority of the world — D3 Publisher of America in the United States — the game saw its initial release in 2010 on the PlayStation Portable. The title eventually made its way onto the PlayStation 4 for worldwide release by 2016 with a set of enhanced game mechanics.

The game follows a young God Eater as he takes down Aragami monsters. Players complete their task with the aid of the God Arc — a weapon that can transform between a blade, gun, shield, and predator. While the game initially received mixed reviews from critics, players were hooked on God Eater Resurrection’s fun play-style. This game is also available on the PlayStation Vita and Microsoft Windows.

Best Tactical: Valkyria Chronicles 4

Bringing the fun of tactical combat to the PlayStation 4, Valkyria Chronicles 4 is the fourth installment of the Valkyria Chronicles series, which dates back to 2008. Sega and Media developed the latest edition with the former publishing it in 2018. In the game, two childhood friends find themselves as part of the Federation Army, fighting the Empire in the Second European War. You play as Claude who, boarding the Centurion warship, quickly realizes he may be in over his head.

The game incorporates both tactical gameplay elements and role-play and character development. If you've been interested in previous tactical games but lost interest due to an underwhelming story, Valkyria Chronicles 4 is a great way to get back into the genre. Valkyria Chronicles 4 is also available on third-party platforms including the Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and Microsoft Windows.

Best Puzzle: Catherine: Full Body

Catherine: Full Body is a puzzle game with complex character relationships and some surprising horror elements. It seems like an odd mix, but once you get started, you'll have trouble putting Catherine: Full Body down. Originally made for the PlayStation 3, Catherine's devilish puzzles received a remaster for PlayStation 4.

The 2011 release of Catherine introduced players to the world of Vincent Brooks. In Full Body, Brooks meets a girl named Catherine — not to be confused with his existing girlfriend, Katherine — and his life quickly devolves into a nightmare. Your decisions in the game determine how the story plays out. Catherine: Full Body is also available on the PlayStation Vita for gamers who prefer to stay on-the-move. The previous incarnation, Catherine, is possible on the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and Microsoft Windows.

Best for Naruto Fans: Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 4

Naruto is one of the most popular anime franchise in the world, so we would be remiss if we didn't at least include it in our list. Developed by CyberConnect2 and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment, Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 4 saw its international debut in 2016 for the PlayStation 4. It's a pretty straightforward fighting game, allowing players to take control of different characters from the series. With beautiful graphics and a fun storyline, any Naruto fan will quickly find themselves at home.

Fans of previous iterations of the game will be happy to know that you once again have the ability to run on walls, and you can now swap out characters during battle — a feature similar to what is seen in other streetfighter-style games. Players interested in Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 4 can also find the game available on Xbox One and Microsoft Windows.

Best for One Piece Fans: One Piece: Burning Blood

For the uninitiated, One Piece is an anime adventure that follows Monkey D. Luffy, a boy who suddenly takes on the properties of rubber after consuming a Devil Fruit. Along with his band of rogues, the Star Hat Pirates, Luffy sets off on his adventures. One Piece: Burning Blood for PlayStation 4 allows players to control Luffy and a host of other popular characters. The game was initially released in 2016 for the PlayStation 4 by Spike Chunsoft and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment, quickly debuting at the top of Japanese sale charts.

One Piece: Burning Blood is presented in cel-shaded animation, giving it a similar appearance to the original television show. Fans looking to grab Burning Blood can also find it on the PlayStation Vita, Xbox One, and Microsoft Windows.

Best for Dragon Ball Fans: Dragon Ball FighterZ

Last on our list (but first place in the hearts of Dragon Ball fans worldwide) is Dragon Ball FighterZ, another favorite anime-style fighting game. Released in 2018 for PlayStation by Bandai Namco Entertainment and developed by Arc System Works, Dragon Ball FighterZ introduced over thirty different playable characters. Offering both single-player and multiplayer modes, Dragon Ball Z fans can play alone or connect with others around the globe. On release, the game was praised by critics for its fighting system, character roundup, graphics, and music.

Similar to other fighting games, players can select three characters and swap between them during a battle. Eliminate all three of your opponent's characters, and you've won the game. If you want to show off worldwide, the game's ranking system shows your place on the global leaderboard. Dragon Ball Z fans can pick up FighterZ on other platforms besides PlayStation 4 including Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and Microsoft Windows.