Transported to Another World: The Top PS Isekai Games You Never Knew Existed

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Summary

  • Isekai games are rare in gaming despite the genre’s popularity in anime.
  • RPGs like Digimon Adventure and World of Final Fantasy offer fantastic isekai experiences.
  • Kingdom Hearts offers a unique take on isekai by blending Disney and Final Fantasy worlds.

It appears that a new isekai anime seems to pop up every minute, given its immense popularity. Despite numerous games being developed in Japan, you might expect isekai to be more prevalent in modern video games, but it remains somewhat uncommon – unless an isekai anime gets turned into a game, like the numerous RPGs based on Sword Art Online from Bandai Namco.

Beyond these examples, there are more to explore, some of which can be found on PlayStation consoles even as far back as the PS2. Here’s a ranked list of the top isekai-style games from Sony’s console library, considering both their world-building and overall quality.

8. Digimon Adventure

A Hidden PSP Gem

Digimon Adventure represents the first-season adaptation of the renowned Digimon anime series, often hailed as one of the best isekai shows ever made. Teens are mysteriously whisked away through a portal into a realm teeming with monstrous creatures.

It’s fortunate that these characters receive their own monsters, and in this role-playing game reminiscent of dungeon exploration, players can assemble teams of three to embark on a compact adventure similar to the anime. Unfortunately, it was initially exclusive to PSP in Japan; however, for enthusiasts who appreciate patches, there’s an English translation available.

7. Forspoken

I Can Do Magic Now

Some gamers might find Forspoken a bit hard to connect with due to the character Frey’s initial brusque demeanor, but she may eventually win over players. Regardless of whether they take a liking to her or not, it’s undeniable that the game’s enchanting magic system, which is enjoyable to experiment with and control, is a standout feature.

In simpler terms, Frey is a young New Yorker who finds herself in a mystical realm via a portal. With the help of a chatty charm, she possesses potent magic capabilities, from summoning firestorms to commanding lightning bolts. Her abilities extend beyond that as well – she can move swiftly and leap effortlessly across landscapes, much like the wind itself.

6. Eternal Sonata

A Shockingly Compose Composer

In a creative twist, Eternal Sonata transports the historical composer Frederic Chopin into an imaginative realm as he lies on his deathbed. Remarkably, Chopin appears to be at ease in this strange new world, seemingly unphased by the presence of anime characters, magic, and mythical creatures – elements that might have startled a 19th-century musician.

In contrast to the gloomy undertones of its storyline, this game boasts a vibrant, colorful world that showcases an impressive cel-shaded art style. The battles are dynamic, allowing characters to maneuver freely within the battlefields during their turn. At first glance, the concept might seem peculiar, but it offers ample content for fans of isekai and Japanese role-playing games to explore.

5. Infinity Nikki

A Cozy Open-World Platformer

As a gaming enthusiast, I’ve recently dived into an oddball open-world adventure titled “Infinity Nikki.” Far from being a bad thing, this game’s peculiarity sets it apart from other releases in recent years. The journey commences when my character, Nikki, and her feline companion, Momo, stumble upon a mystical gown hidden in the attic. This enigmatic dress whisks us away into the fantastical realm of Miraland.

Rather than focusing on traditional monster-slaying, defeating an enigmatic evil, or ascending towers, Infinity Nikki is a captivating platformer that revolves around the world of fashion. As a free-to-play game, it brims with content and continues to evolve in intrigue and whimsy as time passes. Fresh outfits are constantly introduced to the game, and exploring the endearing open world can be a delight, as there’s always an abundance of activities available within Infinity Nikki.

4. World Of Final Fantasy

Reading Rainbow

In the realm of Final Fantasy, World of Final Fantasy stands out among a select few isekai titles. The story unfolds when siblings Lann and Reynn are whisked away into a world called Grymoire, which is essentially a fusion of all primary Final Fantasy games.

World of Final Fantasy serves as a fan-favorite crossover, blending the series’ classic turn-based mechanics with a Pokemon-esque quest to gather creatures, offering an enjoyable yet eccentric experience. The game boasts a vast world populated by adorable characters and plump monsters to squish, leaving little room for criticism.

3. 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim

Beware Of Spoilers

Initially, this review for “13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim” comes with spoilers since the isekai aspect isn’t revealed until later in the game. This narrative-driven adventure game from Vanillaware leads players to believe they are traversing different eras through time travel.

It might come as a shock, but instead of what you’d expect, each character players control is actually stuck in an unending simulation, much like the world in “The Matrix”. When they appear to be time traveling, they’re simply moving into another part of a space station, since humanity has been extinct for millennia. Even though that twist has been revealed, the finer aspects of this thrilling strategy game are still worth exploring in-depth.

2. Ni No Kuni: Wrath Of The White Witch

To Another World

In the realm of video games, two outstanding isekai representations stand out: “Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch” and its successor, “Ni no Kuni 2: Revenant Kingdom.” Both games are visually stunning due to their Studio Ghibli aesthetic. The first installment tells the story of Oliver, a young lad grieving for his deceased mother, who embarks on a journey to another realm in search of her parallel self. Gameplay involves strategizing and collecting creatures similar to Pokemon, known as Familiars.

In a different version of events, Roland, who serves as president in an undisclosed nation (presumably the United States), finds himself shifted into another realm. Here, he aids a young monarch named Evan in recovering his lost kingdom by engaging in action-based gameplay. Both games are exceptional, providing two unique styles; the initial one is more renowned and widely acclaimed as an RPG for its grand ambition and widespread appeal.

1. Kingdom Hearts

A Disney Kid’s Dream

In the grand saga of the Kingdom Hearts franchise, we follow Sora, a youthful adventurer, who ventures through numerous alternate realms after activating portals with his newly-discovered Keyblade, an enchanted weapon. Many of these realms mirror Disney films; for instance, the first game features Agrabah from Aladdin, and most recently, Arendelle in Kingdom Hearts 3 is reminiscent of Frozen. However, Sora doesn’t directly enter the films; instead, each planet is depicted as unique, self-contained worlds that contribute to the captivating atmosphere of the journey.

The games in the Kingdom Hearts series further develop a unique atmosphere, combining elements and characters from Final Fantasy, resulting in an eccentric yet endearing blend of two popular franchises that surprisingly complement each other. This narrative could easily translate into a captivating anime film or series, but for now, action RPG enthusiasts get exclusive access to this intriguing tale.

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2025-04-24 05:35