Summary
- Xenoblade Chronicles 2 blends anime aesthetics with flashy gameplay and a fantasy world on titan's backs.
- Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch brings Studio Ghibli magic into a classic JRPG with a twist.
- Scarlet Nexus delivers a brain punk RPG filled with fast, flashy combat and an unforgettable anime style.
There’s something satisfying about a JRPG that looks like it leaped straight out of a high-budget anime. It’s the fluid character animation, expressive eyes, vibrant worlds, and the kind of over-the-top action that turns boss fights into seasonal finales. But nailing that anime aesthetic while also delivering a great JRPG is a rare combo.
This list celebrates games that not only look like anime, but feel like it too. From emotional story arcs and slice-of-life interludes, to battles that involve giant flaming swords and monologues about friendship, these titles go all in.
7 Xenoblade Chronicles 2
A Blade, A Bond, And The World On A Titan’s Back
Xenoblade Chronicles 2
- Released
- December 1, 2017
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T For Teen due to Language, Suggestive Themes, Use of Alcohol and Tobacco, Violence
- Developer(s)
- Monolith Soft
- Genre(s)
- RPG
- Platform(s)
- Switch
On paper, Xenoblade Chronicles 2 might seem like another sprawling JRPG with giant swords and world-ending stakes, but its anime aesthetic sets it apart. Character designs by Masatsugu Saito lean into modern anime tropes, from the vibrant eye palettes to the exaggerated outfits. This is especially true when it comes to the Blades, living weapons that make even gacha systems blush with how many there are to collect.
The story is full of dramatic power-ups, tearful goodbyes, and a protagonist whose optimism could outshine the sun. But what really ties the whole aesthetic together is how the game blends these visuals with gameplay. Every battle is a ballet of particle effects and flashy special moves, especially when the Chain Attacks start rolling.
And then there’s the setting: a world where people live on the backs of colossal titans drifting through a sea of clouds. It’s worldbuilding straight out of a high-concept fantasy anime, and somehow it all clicks. The melodrama, the sci-fi undertones, the intimate character moments — it’s an anime epic masquerading as an RPG.
6 Ni no Kuni: Wrath Of The White Witch
Ghibli Magic With A Side Of Grinding
Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch
- Released
- January 22, 2013
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- E10+ For Everyone 10+ Due To Alcohol and Tobacco Reference, Fantasy Violence, Mild Language, Simulated Gambling
- Developer(s)
- Level 5
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 3
There’s no mistaking the Studio Ghibli fingerprints all over Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch. The character designs, the animation, even the soundtrack (composed by Joe Hisaishi himself) all feel like they were plucked straight from a Miyazaki film. But what sets this title apart is how it weaves that aesthetic into the fabric of the entire experience.
The story is classic Ghibli fare: a young boy named Oliver crosses into a magical parallel world to save his mother’s soul, joined by a lantern-nosed fairy with a Welsh accent and a book full of spells. The aesthetic makes even the darker plot points feel strangely comforting. But make no mistake — under that warm, watercolor-coated exterior lies a traditional JRPG core. Turn-based combat, monster collecting, alchemy, and a massive overworld map keep things rooted in genre traditions. It’s all filtered through that soft, hand-drawn lens, making every battle, every town, and every tearjerker scene feel like part of a living anime.
5 Scarlet Nexus
Brain Punk, Anime Powers, And Psychic Headaches
Scarlet Nexus
- Released
- June 25, 2021
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T for Teen: Alcohol Reference, Blood, Mild Language, Violence
- Developer(s)
- Bandai Namco Entertainment
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG
- Platform(s)
- PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
Dubbed a “brain punk” RPG by its own devs, Scarlet Nexus doesn’t pull its punches when it comes to anime energy. Characters wield psychokinetic powers, monsters are made of flower vases and high heels fused to flesh, and the story unfolds like the fever dream of someone who binged Neon Genesis Evangelion and Akira back to back.
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Combat is where the game’s anime aesthetic hits its stride. It’s fast, flashy, and powered by pure telekinetic rage. Players can hurl cars, bricks, vending machines, and more at enemies while linking minds with party members to borrow their unique abilities. One moment, players are turning invisible; the next, they're setting enemies on fire with borrowed pyrokinesis.
Visually, it’s slick. The cel-shaded characters contrast with hyper-stylized environments, making everything pop like a technicolor dystopia. The narrative, split between two protagonists with interweaving paths, goes heavily on political conspiracies, memory loss, and philosophical musings about identity and free will. It’s stylish, sharp, and just unhinged enough to be unforgettable.
4 Blue Reflection: Second Light
Melancholy, Magic, And The Glow Of Blue Reflections
Blue Reflection: Second Light
- Released
- November 9, 2021
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T For Teen Due To Fantasy Violence, Mild Language, Suggestive Themes
- Developer(s)
- Gust
- Genre(s)
- JRPG
- Platform(s)
- PC, PS4, Nintendo Switch
Blue Reflection: Second Light might not be the most action-heavy entry on this list, but it captures the shoujo anime vibe better than almost any other game. The story centers around a group of teenage girls trapped in a mysterious, dream-like school, trying to recover their lost memories while forming emotional bonds that power their magical girl transformations.
It’s got the quiet, emotional rhythm of a slice-of-life anime with a surreal twist. Instead of saving the world from gods or demons, the stakes feel personal: healing trauma, discovering identity, and navigating relationships. The turn-based combat, while simple, bursts with flair when Reflectors summon their powers, complete with pastel explosions and magical costumes.
The whole aesthetic oozes soft blues, glowing fields, and delicate UI design that looks more like an artbook than a combat HUD. And the soundtrack leans into piano-driven melodies that suit the mood of bittersweet nostalgia. For players who want to live inside a melancholic anime dreamscape, this one hits just right.
3 Atelier Ryza: Ever Darkness And The Secret Hideout
Sunshine, Synthesis, And A Surprisingly Buff Cast
Atelier Ryza: Ever Darkness & the Secret Hideout
- Released
- October 29, 2019
WHERE TO PLAY
There’s something refreshingly grounded about Atelier Ryza, even with its overt anime stylings. Instead of world-ending crises or god-like battles, it’s a story about a group of small-town kids looking for adventure. Ryza herself isn’t a chosen one — just an alchemy-obsessed girl who wants to escape her quiet island life. And that slice-of-life setup gives the anime aesthetic room to breathe.
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The visuals go all in on saturated colors, making every frame look like a Sunday afternoon. The character animations have that breezy, exaggerated energy that’s pure anime, and the camera occasionally leans into dramatic framing during conversations. But the real draw is the alchemy system, which has been the series’ calling card for years. Players can collect materials from the environment, craft everything from armor to bombs, and slowly unlock the secrets of synthesis. Gamers keep coming back for the cozy charm, the satisfying crafting, and the low-stakes world that still feels meaningful. It’s the JRPG equivalent of a comfort show.
2 Tales Of Arise
A Sword, A Scar, And A Studio-Quality Glow-Up
Tales of Arise
- Released
- September 10, 2021
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T for Teen: Alcohol Reference, Blood, Language, Suggestive Themes, Violence
- Developer(s)
- Bandai Namco Studios
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG
- Platform(s)
- PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
Arise isn’t just a continuation of the Tales series — it’s a full-blown reinvention, and the anime glow-up is front and center. The cel-shaded graphics have been sharpened to near perfection with the help of Unreal Engine 4, giving every character and attack the look of a high-budget anime film. It’s also precise, with every skill, dodge, and Mystic Arte choreographed like a director’s passion project.
The story leans into heavy themes — slavery, trauma, rebellion — but still manages to retain that classic Tales charm through skits, campfire chats, and party banter. The lead duo, Alphen and Shionne, are classic anime archetypes on the surface, but their arc has genuine depth, especially as the game peels back layers of their history and motivations.
Combat is where Arise really flexes. It ditches the old Linear Motion Battle System for something faster and more cinematic, where Boost Attacks and finishers trigger anime-style takedowns that feel like they belong in an opening credits reel. Combined with the painterly environments and sweeping orchestral score, it all feels intensely anime, but never style over substance.
1 Persona 5 Royal
Masks, Metaphors, And The Phantom Style Icon
Persona 5 Royal
- Released
- October 31, 2019
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- m
- Developer(s)
- P Studio, Atlus
- Genre(s)
- JRPG, Adventure
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X and Series S, Microsoft Windows
There’s stylish, and then there’s Persona 5 Royal. It is anime in game form, distilled into every menu transition, battle screen, and jazz-infused cutscene. The entire game oozes style without ever sacrificing substance, blending dungeon crawling and time management into one of the most beloved JRPGs of the modern era. Visually, it’s a masterclass. The UI is a spectacle, animated with flair and perfectly timed transitions that have become iconic. Every Persona summon, All-Out Attack, and Baton Pass feels like a stylish mic drop.
But underneath all that polish is a deeply psychological narrative. The Phantom Thieves aren’t fighting monsters for fun — they’re stealing the corrupted hearts of twisted adults. Each palace represents warped cognition manifested as elaborate, often disturbing dungeons. It’s a story of teenage rebellion told through dream logic, spandex, and masks, with a rhythm that keeps players hooked throughout a full calendar year.
And of course, the cast helps. Every party member, from Ryuji’s hotheaded loyalty to Futaba’s anxiety-fueled genius, feels like they could headline their own spinoff anime. Persona 5 Royal doesn’t just wear its anime influence on its sleeve — it tailors the whole outfit from it.
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