The Best Anime Games Only Available On The PS1

Summary

Plenty of anime games on PS1 are must-play gems, like Dr. Slump.
Unique mechanics and a superb techno soundtrack make Ghost in the Shell stand out as one of the best anime games ever made.
From card and board games to fighting games, there are a plethora of anime offerings on the PS1.

As an avid fan, I can’t help but notice the harmonious blend of anime and video games. Whether it’s adapting a beloved series or animating games in that captivating style, it feels like a perfect match. It’s no surprise that a show as iconic as Cowboy Bebop would grace the PlayStation 1. However, the execution left much to be desired, falling short of the expectations and enjoyment of many fans.

While not every adaptation was negative, Sony’s first console boasted some fantastic anime games such as Devilman and Xenogears. However, these games can be found elsewhere to play. Not all games receive remasters or are moved to other consoles, and here are some essential titles that have remained captive on the PlayStation 1.

10. From TV Animation – One Piece: Grand Battle!

The First One Piece Game On Home Console

Released: 2001-03-15 (JP), 2003-06-23 (EU)
Developer: Ganbarion
Genre: Fighting

The enticing title, “From TV Animation – One Piece: Grand Battle!”, marks the debut of the “One Piece” series on home consoles as the first game. This title offers 16 selectable characters, each paired with a specific rival, and some boasting additional support characters.

There are six maps set in familiar places such as Syrup Village, and each character’s attacks are based on three primary traits, graded from A to E: Attack Power (Offense), Defense, and Speed (Agility). The Event Battle game mode features scenes and six battles, leading up to a confrontation with the player-character’s rival. In contrast, Grand Battle offers a more conventional arcade-style challenge.

9. Digimon World 3

Escape A Digital World With The Help Of Digimon

Released: 2002-06-06
Developer: B.B. Studio
Genre: RPG

Although it didn’t receive favorable responses from critics during its initial release, Digimon World 3 has developed a dedicated fanbase, often referred to as a cult following. It is one of several Digimon games that came out for Sony’s first console. The game revolves around the character Junior who gets stuck in an MMORPG (Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game) centered on digital monsters known as Digimon, and in order to free himself and his friends, he must utilize these creatures.

In battles, turns are alternated and players have the option to engage in Card Battles as well. The absence of quick travel may cause annoyance among modern gamers, considering the high frequency of random encounters and labyrinthine layout of the map. However, this game remains an enjoyable experience for fans of Digimon.

8. Yu-Gi-Oh! Forbidden Memories

An Early Version Of The Classic Card Game

Released: 1999-12-09
Developer: Konami Computer Entertainment Japan
Genre: Card game, strategy

Playing Yu-Gi-Oh! Forbidden Memories might seem new to some fans because it was initially launched in Japan before the anime came out, and the card game was still being refined at that time. Differences include the absence of Tribute Summoning and Effect Monsters, among others.

The tale unfolds in two distinct settings – Ancient Egypt and contemporary Domino City. Each setting introduces its own hero, Atem and Yugi respectively. Although some fans might be perplexed due to later alterations in the game, it’s a captivating journey overall. However, potential players should brace themselves for an increase in challenge as they approach the climax.

7. Animetic Story Game 1: Cardcaptor Sakura

An Interactive Re-Telling Of Season One

Released: 1999-08-05
Developer: Arika
Genre: Adventure

Regrettably, the initial installment of a two-part series titled “Animetic Story Game 1: Cardcaptor Sakura” was never distributed beyond Japan. This adventure game features adorable chibi-style characters and follows the storyline of the first season of the anime quite precisely.

Across the 14 episodes that make up the game, there are three different aspects to the gameplay:

Non-interactive scenes – following the story with some FMV cutscenes.
Interactive scenes – controlling Sakura and other characters, traversing the map, and conversing with other characters.
Minigames – fun minigames which are replayable after completing the game.

For those who aren’t fluent in Japanese, the game might seem brief and challenging. However, for dedicated fans eagerly awaiting it, an unofficial English translation is available.

6. Dr. Slump

Quirky Game With Great Visuals

Released: 1999-03-18
Developer: Bird Studio
Genre: RPG, platformer

A video game featuring numerous platforming aspects, Dr. Slump is recognized for its loyalty to its origin. By incorporating designs from the remade series yet adhering more closely to the original plot, players assume control over Arale Norimaki, a robot crafted by Dr. Slump, the title character.

In Penguin Village, players delve into their virtual home, engaging with diverse characters and embarking on tasks across various locales. Gameplay is straightforward yet engaging, while its classic aesthetic has earned it praise as one of the most visually appealing titles on PlayStation 1 by numerous critics. Similar to Cardcaptor Sakura, this game initially saw release only in Japan; however, some fan translations into English can be found online.

5. Alice In Cyberland

A Prescient Near-Future Setting

Released: 1996-12-20
Developer: Glams Inc.
Genre: Adventure

Numerous individuals might contend that “Alice in Cyberland” was a game that outpaced contemporary standards. This game is situated in the not-so-distant future where the internet has integrated deeply into societal structures, introducing a novel digital realm known as “Cyberland”. Alice Minazuki, a young middle school student, along with her companions, are tasked with preserving order within this virtual world.

Throughout the five chapters of the game, players will encounter dialogue options that influence both the storyline and gameplay outcomes later on. The game includes battles with guard programs, as well as numerous other activities to engage Alice and her companions in the fully explorable environments of Tokyo and Cyberland. Notably, this title was exclusive to Japan.

4. Ranma ½: Battle Renaissance

Weather Affected Grappling

Released: 1996-12-06
Developer: Atelier Double
Genre: Fighting

Reminiscent of Tekken 2, Ranma ½: Battle Renaissance transcends the boundaries of typical fighting games. The game offers a single battle in Versus Mode and a grueling gauntlet in Battle Mode, where the selected character engages in combat with all eight opponents, ultimately facing off against Rouge.

As a devoted player, I embark on an adventure around the mystical Kikaiga Island, questing for eight enchanted stones known as Shingouku, each concealed within their own unique environment. Along my journey, I encounter various combatants in fierce battles to claim these powerful stones. What truly distinguishes this game is its dynamic weather and environmental effects, which can unexpectedly transform me into a cursed form, altering the course of battles dramatically.

3. Naruto: Shinobi No Sato No Jintori Kassen

A Naruto Board Game

Released: 2003-03-26
Developer: Dimps & Denyusha Co.
Genre: Board game

Shinobi no Sato no Jintori Kassen” is a strategic board game set within the Naruto universe. If translated literally, it means “Naruto: Ninja Village Jintori Battle“. This game allows you to control various characters from the anime, with the main objective being to capture the enemy’s home base.

As gamers move along the game board, they have the ability to set up traps which, if an opponent lands on them, may cause harm or prompt the opponent to engage in combat. Initially, players who don’t understand Japanese might find it challenging, but experimenting and figuring out the functions of each button can lead to a fun and enjoyable experience, particularly when playing with friends in multiplayer mode.

2. Gundam: Battle Assault 2

A Huge Step Forward From The Previous Game

Released: 2002-07-18
Developer: Natsume Co.
Genre: Fighting

In a marked enhancement from the somewhat lackluster gameplay experienced in the initial release, the mech-fighting game titled Gundam: Battle Assault 2 significantly improved the gaming experience. Instead of depleting health as seen in the previous iteration, i-Fields and dodging now decrease a boost meter that gradually recharges. Additionally, players must use their attacks judiciously, as ammunition is limited for certain moves, requiring careful strategy.

3D-modeled backdrops significantly enhance the visual appeal compared to the stationary images of the initial game. The narrative segment, titled Street Mode, introduces more playable characters and dialogued scenes. Other gameplay options include Time Attack, where players engage multiple opponents successively in the quickest time possible, and Survival Mode.

1. Ghost In The Shell

One Of The Best Anime Games

Frequently hailed as one of the top anime games ever produced, “Ghost in the Shell” showcases distinctive gameplay mechanics and an excellent techno soundtrack. Exploring a 3D environment within the “Fuchikoma”, a partially intelligent robot tank, players can scale walls and ceilings to get to their objective.

The captivating animated sequences evoke memories of manga, weaving an engaging tale, while the gameplay offers a fulfilling experience, albeit with some repetition occasionally. The diverse set of 12 story missions ensures that things stay interesting as you advance, frequently providing room for creative approaches to overcome them.

2025-01-10 03:39