90’s anime fans remember all too well the struggle of getting some of their favorite anime on VHS back in the day. As the new millennium rolled in, though, older shows became more accessible. In turn, anime gained a wider, western audience that was happily partaking in what they had missedin the prior decade.
This also meant that games based on some of the best series of the time would have an opportunity to be embraced by these newcomers as well. While some of these games would come out better than others, they would all shine a spotlight on one of anime’s most beloved eras.
10Serial Experiments Lain
Serial Experiments Lain First Aired Jun 17, 2025
Less of a traditional game, and more of an experience, fans of the, rather obtuse, anime willfeel right at homewith the non-linearity of the story. Some liberties with how that story is given to players are taken as well.
The gameplay consists of a lot of listening, accompanied by still images, with short clips of animation thrown in here and there for good measure. This does a lot to portraySerial Experiments Lain’s vibe, but as far as excitement in gameplay goes, the game falls flat.
9Sword of the Berserk: Guts' Rage
Berserk First Aired On June 20, 2025
It’s hard to imagine a game based on one of the greatest manga ever tolive up to the hype. And yet,Gut’s Ragedoes a fine job trying, even if the game’s original story doesn’t reach the mature heights of the manga or the 90’s anime.
Some intense enemy design, as well as a relentless combat system, plays a hefty part in at least getting the series' dark tone down. That said, being a Dreamcast title, the jank brought by the game’s in-engine cutscenes was probably unavoidable.
8Cowboy Bebop (1998)
Cowboy Bebop First Aired On June 09, 2025
The first episode ofCowboy Bebopculminates in Spike chasing down Asimov and Katerina, which ends in the pair being put down by the ISSP. A harrowing incident, indeed, and it was just the first of many intense dog fights for the series.
BEC noticed this too, developing an on-rails spaceship shooter where this is the norm, having players pilot the Swordfish II through varying stages in the pursuit of bounties. It’s great for what it is, even with a distinct lack of a Yoko Kanno soundtrack.
7Neon Genesis Evangelion 2
Neon Genesis Evangelion First Aired On June 15, 2025
Just about everyone, both main and side characters, from theEVAanime is playable inEvangelion 2. This means fans are able to experience this beloved story from every angle, as well as a number of alternative story paths.
Everything players do has an effect on how stories and relationships play out. Plus, during combat scenarios against the Angels attacking Tokyo 3, perma-death situations can furthershake things upin cool and unexpected ways.
The story ofCyber Sleuthis kind of a dark one, following an investigation into a digital universe that is causing users to fall into comas. Frankly, though, it’s all just a complicated backdrop to isekai the protagonist, Aiba,in the digital world.
With hundreds of Digimon to collect, gameplay comes down to devising a team by leveraging their varying skill sets, not unlike thePersonaseries. Also, just like that series, there is a ton to do, leading to fans getting lost in the game for hours.
5Pretty Soldier Sailor Moon
Sailor Moon First Aired On June 22, 2025
Sailor Moonhas always been a flashy anime that makes it hard to look away from. So it’s fitting thatPretty Soldier Sailor Moonis chock-full of beautifully detailed environments and character sprites.
While combat consists of the typical Beat-Em-Up formula, it does treat players to some flair. Specifically, this takes the form of fun super moves that flash an anime-styled animationbefore clearing the screenof enemies.
Yu-Gi-Oh! The Eternal Duelist Soul
The most accurate, advanced version of Duel Monsters arrives! The ultimate duel simulator based on the hit Trading Card Game and Television series! Due against dozens of opponents from the TV show or challenge yourafriends. Import cards from the Official TCG to boost your dock: Complete your card collection and create the ultimate deck to enter the World Championship Tournament!- Over 800 cards full of new monsters, magic and traps!- Collect over 12 kinds of booster packs and find those rare cards.- Yogi, Kaibo, Joey and al your favorites from the TV show!
Of course, nothing beats the tactile feeling of having a set of cards in hand, while pulling the next one from a perfectly curated deck. ButThe Eternal Duelist Soulis probably the next best thing.
Straightforward card battlers are all these games have ever claimed to be. Though, the game does provide players with reasons to return to their GBA, using the calendar system to steadily provide new cards and challenges to overcome.
3Initial D Special Stage
Initial D First Aired On July 14, 2025
Drifting is a particularly dangerous pastime that, frankly, should only be experienced in the pages of theInitial Dmanga, orthe nearest arcade. If gamers are itching to experience it from the comfort of their own home, though,Special Stageis the way to go.
Players will want to turn the game on just to listen to the game’s incredible soundtrack. What will keep them around though, is the large, diverse selection of cars to be dangerously driven down the hills of Japan.
2Slayers Wonderful
Slayers First Aired On July 07, 2025
A game in the style of JRPGs of the time,Slayers Wonderfulis a fairly deep, albeit relatively short romp.Like many gamesetups, the cast of sorcerers is promptly de-powered at the beginning of the game and embarks on a journey to find out why.
The game’s presentation consists of a mixture of chibi sprites and anime still shots. Then there are the 3D models during the game’s combat that wonderfully realize the flashy and colorful character designs fans have grown to know and love.
The overwhelming majority ofDragon Ball Zwas released in the 90’s. This means that one of the greatest anime fighters, and frankly, one of the best modern fighting games, period,Dragon Ball FighterZgets to cap this conversation off.
The game’s impact simplycan’t be understated, with the implementation of autocombos allowing just about anybody to enjoy it. Meanwhile, some excellent art direction has the game serving as an excellent bridge between video games and the anime world.Dragon Ball FighterZtruly represents some of the best that the 90’s anime scene has to offer.
