5 Best Games Based On Anime & Manga, Ranked

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Japanese media had a huge impact on the early days of Western video games, since many of the first successful companies were based in Japan. While Western game development has changed a lot since then and become a diverse industry, anime and manga continue to be a strong influence. We researched a large number of games inspired by these Japanese art forms and picked out what we believe are the five best. To avoid repetition, we limited ourselves to one game per franchise and genre. These games are ranked based on reviews from critics, how popular they are, and their initial sales figures.

5) Ghost in the Shell

Originally a manga created by Masamune Shirow, Ghost in the Shell was later adapted into an anime and a video game for PlayStation in 1997. This game, a third-person shooter also designed by Shirow, is a bit overlooked but remains a classic. Though the graphics might seem old-fashioned now, it received positive reviews upon release for its visuals, animation, and unique ability to climb walls. It was a commercial success and is still considered one of the best video game adaptations of manga from the 90s – a notable achievement given how many there were.

4) Naruto: The Broken Bond

The popular manga series Naruto began in 1999, created by Masashi Kishimoto, and has since grown into a huge franchise with anime films, original video animations, and video games. While many Naruto games are available, Naruto: The Broken Bond, released in 2008 for Xbox 360, stands out as the best action-adventure title. It continues the story from Naruto: Rise of a Ninja and takes place during episodes 81-135 of the anime. The game’s adventure mode is generally fun, though it can be a little slow at times. However, its exciting combat and impressive graphics make Naruto: The Broken Bond the top Naruto game outside of the fighting genre, although some role-playing games in the series are also excellent.

3) Little Nemo: The Dream Master

Released in 1990 for the Nintendo Entertainment System, Little Nemo: The Dream Master was one of the first games to draw inspiration from anime. Based on the 1989 film Little Nemo: Adventures in Slumberland, the game follows a young boy’s adventures in his dreams as he travels to Slumberland. It’s known for being quite challenging, like many games from the later years of the NES, but its difficulty doesn’t overshadow the fun gameplay. It stands out as one of the best anime-influenced games on the console, especially considering the limited number available at the time. Even today, Little Nemo: The Dream Master remains a truly exceptional game.

2) Astro Boy: Omega Factor

First appearing in 1952, Astro Boy is a classic manga and anime series created by Osamu Tezuka. The franchise has grown a lot since its beginning. In 2004, Astro Boy: Omega Factor was released for the Game Boy Advance as a fast-paced action game, timed with the debut of the new Astro Boy TV show. While simple by today’s standards, Astro Boy: Omega Factor is a really enjoyable beat-’em-up with great graphics, smooth animation, and responsive controls. It’s a game worth playing for any fan of the genre, even if you aren’t familiar with Astro Boy.

1) Dragon Ball FighterZ

The world of fighting games is full of titles inspired by anime and manga, and it’s a hugely popular genre. While everyone has their preferences, Dragon Ball FighterZ is widely considered one of the best. Released in 2018 for multiple platforms, this 2.5D fighting game lets players battle with teams of three characters against either computer-controlled opponents or other players. Upon its release, Dragon Ball FighterZ received high praise across the board and remains a top pick for modern fighting game fans. It has sold over 10 million copies and boasts a roster of 45 playable characters, with more available as downloadable content.

What anime or manga-based game do you enjoy the most? Share your thoughts in the comments and join the discussion on the ComicBook Forum!

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2026-02-05 19:18