Overview of Anime-Inspired Open-World Games
- Open-world titles within the anime and manga genre aim for distinctiveness by blending gameplay elements with art styles reminiscent of popular anime and manga.
- While some games, such as One Piece: World Seeker and Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot, may come across as lacking depth, they still resonate with die-hard fans eager to engage with iconic characters.
- Successful examples like Genshin Impact, Gravity Rush 2, and Xenoblade Chronicles 3 demonstrate that anime-themed open-world games can provide an enjoyable and immersive experience, challenging the stereotype that free-to-play titles lack substance.
The open-world genre has become a dominant force in the gaming industry, drawing interest from a diverse audience. Developers continually attempt to craft immersive worlds that captivate players, but with the market saturated, delivering a truly unique experience can be quite a challenge. As a response, many titles endeavor to set themselves apart through innovative gameplay mechanics and vibrant visuals, often drawing inspiration from the rich aesthetics of anime and manga.
Updated February 15, 2025, by Hamza Haq: Despite the widespread popularity of anime, open-world games that effectively harness this aesthetic remain relatively rare. Most titles lean towards a 3D-rendered style, leaving a gap for anime-inspired adventures. However, for enthusiasts willing to sift through the offerings, there are notable AA and indie games that showcase exceptional creativity, with two new additions highlighted here for avid gamers to explore.
16 One Piece: World Seeker
Sail the Grand Line
Fans of One Piece have long yearned for an open-world experience where they can guide the Straw Hat Pirates through thrilling escapades. While soaring through the game world as Luffy is exhilarating, many players feel that the title falls short of its potential, lacking a certain spark.
Despite its limitations, dedicated fans will appreciate the chance to control their favorite characters, although this singular enjoyment may not justify the overall experience that could have been more engaging.
15 Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy 13
A Time-Bound Open-World Journey
Lightning Returns has sparked debate among fans, ranging from those intrigued by its experimental approach to critiques labeling it as one of Square Enix’s less favorable efforts. This title introduces a compelling mechanic—a time limit that presses players to prioritize quests, a refreshing twist for the open-world format. Although some game elements may fall short, the unique premise makes it a worthwhile option for fans seeking novel anime-inspired open-world experiences.
14 Wuthering Waves
A Genshin Alternative
Wuthering Waves (or WuWa) unabashedly draws inspiration from Mihoyo’s Genshin Impact, yet successfully carves its own identity. While featuring a familiar anime aesthetic, its more grounded and somber tones set it apart from Genshin’s vibrant fantasy world. Players are immersed in a diverse environment characterized by grasslands and industrial settings, and the game targets a similar demographic to Tower of Fantasy but with apparent success.
The game’s lenient gacha system encourages exploration in contrast to Genshin’s more demanding mechanics. The introduction of the Echoes system—where every defeated enemy has the potential to drop artifacts or equipable skills—fosters a more engaging gameplay loop. This approach rewards players for venturing into the open world rather than grinding through repetitive dungeons.
13 Gravity Rush 2
Gravity Rush 2 is a hidden gem that deserves more recognition. This innovative game allows players to manipulate gravity, offering unique traversal and combat mechanics. A significant leap forward from its predecessor, it stands out as one of the PlayStation exclusives that often goes underappreciated.
Unfortunately, with the closure of its development studio, the prospect of a sequel seems grim, disappointing fans of a company known for its creative contributions to games like Shadow of the Colossus and Knack.
12 Hero Must Die. Again
Trapped in a Time Loop
- Release date: February 25, 2016
- Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Microsoft Windows, PlayStation Vita
- Developers: G-Mode, Pyramid
- Genres: JRPG, Open-world, Adventure
Hero Must Die. Again attempts a fresh take within the open-world genre. Players begin with an all-powerful character who gradually declines, ultimately leading to a permanent death after a set timeframe. This unique concept encourages replayability, as each subsequent run through the narrative offers subtle variations, with the ultimate goal being to unlock the true ending after several playthroughs. While each campaign is brief, it avoids overstaying its welcome.
The turn-based combat adheres to traditional JRPG standards, featuring a basic elemental system that, while straightforward, may lack complexity.
11 Digimon World: Next Order
Monster Taming Done Right
Digimon World: Next Order revitalizes the beloved franchise by transposing its core mechanics into an open-world format, retaining the essential pet-raising elements that various recent titles have overlooked.
In this game, players manage two Digimon at a time, exploring a vast environment teeming with adventures and combat opportunities. The engagement extends beyond battles, involving nurturing their companions by providing food and ensuring their basic needs are met. As they evolve through player interaction, Digimon can take on multiple forms, each with unique abilities, enhancing the immersive bond players forge with them. Unlike other monster-catching games, these Digimon are animated with lifelike qualities, living out their life cycles before eventually being reborn as stronger variants.
10 Octopath Traveler
Eight Heroes, Endless Possibilities
Though Octopath Traveler may not fit conventional definitions of an open-world game, its structure allows players to navigate a vast world freely. Each of the eight protagonists’ narratives is accessible non-linearly, with level progression being the only gating factor.
This unique storytelling method allows players to immerse themselves in varied backstories, while the engaging combat mechanics, captivating dungeon exploration, and breathtaking soundtrack compensate for moments of limited party interaction.
9 Yakuza: Like A Dragon
Humor, Heart, and Brawling
Transformed from a mere April Fool’s joke into a celebrated title, Yakuza: Like A Dragon breathes new life into its franchise, introducing players to Ichiban, a character who resonates with fans.
The exploration of vibrant locations such as Isezaki Ijincho and Kamurocho combined with unique, humorous combat creates an enjoyable gaming experience. This enthusiasm is set to continue with recent announcements of additional entries in the series, including Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, which brings more wild adventures featuring Ichiban and Kiryu.
8 Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot
A Saiyan Adventure
Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot garnered immense anticipation due to its promise of allowing players to relive the entirety of the Dragon Ball Z storyline. While it initially impressed with dynamic combat and exploration, some aspects became tedious over time.
The game’s RPG mechanics may feel forced, and as players delve deeper into the experience, the initial excitement can diminish due to a lack of depth in combat mechanics.
7 Yakuza 0
The Yakuza Origin Story
Yakuza 0 was pivotal in revamping the Yakuza series, which had been floundering in popularity due to a lack of localization for earlier titles. The prequel effectively reintroduced the franchise, telling the tales of Kiryu and Majima as they evolve from novices to legends.
The compact yet vibrant worlds of Kamurocho and Sotenbori are brimming with engaging stories and memorable interactions, capturing the essence of the series while drawing in new fans.
6 Sand Land
Akira Toriyama’s Desert Open-World Adventure
Adapted from Akira Toriyama’s comic, Sand Land boasts a visually striking art style unique to one of the manga industry’s titans. The open-world action RPG unfolds in a dystopian landscape where water scarcity drives the narrative, centering on Beelzebub, the Prince of the Underworld.
Players navigate a world dominated by sand and heat, alongside allies Sheriff Rao and Thief, aiming to dismantle the influential King’s monopoly over the region’s water supply. The combat system incorporates both melee action and vehicle combat, enabling dynamic gameplay. With numerous vehicles to unlock, upgrade, and customize, players can invest considerable time in refining their driving experience.
5 Final Fantasy 15
Explore them
Final Fantasy 15 faced developmental hurdles, leading to multiple directorial changes before achieving a comprehensive story experience under Hajime Tabata. While enjoyable, certain aspects may feel incomplete, echoing the challenges of its troubled production.
The subsequent release of the Royal Edition enhanced this title’s standing, revealing the evolution of the franchise from its traditional roots into a robust open-world format, providing a memorable experience for fans.
4 Dragon Quest 11
The Classic JRPG Magic
Dragon Quest 11 epitomizes classic JRPG charm, showcasing an expansive world ripe for exploration, even as it segments into distinctive areas. This game stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of traditional role-playing experiences.
3 Nier: Automata
A Sci-Fi World of War and Wonder
Nier Automata has reshaped perceptions of gameplay thanks to its intricate narrative and distinct director, Yoko Taro. The blend of compelling storytelling and engaging mechanics captivated audiences, allowing players to unravel multiple endings that reveal deeper layers of the plot.
This immersive journey has earned respect for Taro, cementing his stature in the gaming landscape through the success of Nier Automata.
2 Xenoblade Chronicles 3
A Vast Sci-Fi Fantasy
The Xenoblade Chronicles series has established itself as one of Nintendo’s premier JRPG franchises, offering expansive, fantastical open-world environments brimming with creativity. The tactical combat and engrossing storytelling elevate the gaming experience, ensuring every moment spent is thoroughly enjoyable.
The third installment made significant improvements, addressing fan concerns from the previous game and effectively exploring thought-provoking themes of warfare while providing engaging characters, solidifying its position as a top-tier JRPG on the Nintendo Switch.
1 Genshin Impact
A Vibrant Open World
While initially dismissed as a mere cash grab mimicking Breath of the Wild, Genshin Impact has proven itself as a fun and rewarding experience. Players are enchanted by the diverse roster of engaging characters and dynamic gameplay loops that keep them invested long-term.
Despite requiring monetary investment for premium characters, Genshin Impact successfully disproves the widespread myth that free-to-play games lack quality, establishing itself as a worthy contender in the gaming arena.
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