19 Best PlayStation 2 Anime Games

Looking for the best anime games on PS2? Despite some falling short of fan expectations, this console boasts a treasure trove of great titles, including Naruto: Ultimate Ninja and One Piece – both of which have become best-selling anime franchises.

Our regularly updated list features the top-rated games, as well as underrated gems that deserve recognition. Explore the finest anime games on PS2 here.

While you’re here, why don’t you check more anime games on the website?

• The Best Anime Games on the PS3
• The Best Anime Games on the PS4
• The Best Anime Games on the PSP

Dragon Ball Z® Budokai Tenkaichi 2 / Dragon Ball Z® Budokai Tenkaichi 3 2006 / 2007

About
	Release Date October 05, 2006
	Developer Spike
	Publisher Bandai Namco
	Franchise Dragon Ball
	Genre 3D Fighting
	Concept Anime
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin Japan

PS2 Releases
2006-10-06
2006-11-03
2006-11-07

About
	Release Date October 04, 2007
	Developer Spike
	Publisher Bandai Namco
	Franchise Dragon Ball
	Genre 3D Fighting
	Graphics 3D
	Perspective Third-Person
	Interaction Real-Time
	Concept Anime
	Players 1v1, Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin Japan

PS2 Releases
2007-10-04
2007-10-27
2007-11-09
2007-11-13
2007-12-29

The Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi duology — despite the years — remains a recommended experience for newcomers and die-hard fans alike. At the time of its release, the Budokai Tenkaichi 3 was both graphically and conceptually impressive.

With a vast roster of anime characters to choose from, players can engage in thrilling 1vs1 battles. The game’s story mode stays true to the anime and manga, allowing fans to relive their favourite moments from the show. Looking back, the Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi trilogy remains an outstanding achievement, surpassing all other games in the franchise. If you loved Dragon Ball Xenoverse and FighterZ, you’ll surely enjoy this classic trilogy.

Blood Will Tell: Tezuka Osamu's Dororo 2004

About
	Release Date November 09, 2004
	Developer Red Entertainment
	Publisher SEGA
	Genre Hack & Slash
	Graphics 3D
	Perspective Third-Person
	Interaction Real-Time
	Concept Samurai
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin Japan

PS2 Releases
2004-09-09
2004-09-22
2005-06-05

Blood Will Tell (known as Dororo in Japan) is a hack-and-slash anime game that you probably didn’t know existed. It is based on the original manga and anime that aired back in 1967.

You play as Hyakkimaru who is on a mission to retrieve the body parts that were stolen from him by the fiends upon his birth Hyakki is not alone, Dororo got his back too. What’s great about Blood Will Tell is that you get to play as Dororo in some parts of the game as well.

Gungrave / Gungrave: Overdose 2002 / 2004

About
	Release Date July 18, 2002
	Developer Red Entertainment
	Publisher Red Entertainment
	Franchise Gungrave
	Genre Third-Person Shooter
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin Japan

PS2 Releases
2002-07-18
2002-09-16
2002-10-29
2002-11-29

About
	Release Date March 04, 2004
	Developer Red Entertainment
	Publisher Red Entertainment
	Franchise Gungrave
	Genre Third-Person Shooter
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin Japan

PS2 Releases
2004-03-02
2004-05-27
2004-09-15
2005-10-07

Gungrave, and its sequel, Overdose, are some of the best anime games ever made. Directed by the creator of Trigun and Gungrave Yasuhiro Nightow himself, the game takes you in an epic action third-person shooting experience that you won’t find elsewhere. A lot of gamers sleep on this one all the time, and that’s tragic.

Gungrave’s cel-shaded art style adds a unique layer to the game’s atmosphere and helps make it stand out from other titles in the genre. The first game puts you in the shoes of the anti-hero Grave whose filled with revenge against the man who finished him off, his former best friend, Harry Macdowell. Meanwhile, the second game continues from where the original left off and has you playing as Grave who sets out to stop a sadistic maniac from taking over the world.

Fullmetal Alchemist and the Broken Angel 2003 鋼の錬金術師 翔べない天使 (Hagane no Renkinjutsushi: Tobenai Tenshi ")

About
	Release Date December 25, 2003
	Developer Racjin
	Publisher Square Enix
	Franchise Fullmetal Alchemist
	Genre Action RPG
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin Japan

PS2 Releases
2003-12-25
2005-01-18

Full Metal Alchemist and the Broken Angel is the first entry among the other two games that were released on the PS2. Unfortunately, the third game was released exclusively in Japan. The gameplay in this particular game is a basic action role-playing game with elements from the beat ’em up genre. The story is completely original and doesn’t follow the anime or the manga at all. Die-hard fans may not like this one, but I’m sure if you don’t mind side stories, this one will pique your interest.

One side of me wishes that the success of Full Metal Alchemist: Brotherhood nudges Square Enix to make more action RPGs based on the show. Unfortunately, that has yet to happen in the foreseeable future.

Naruto™: Ultimate Ninja 3 2005 ナルト- ナルティメットヒーロー3 (Naruto: Narutimetto Hīrō 3)

About
	Release Date December 22, 2005
	Developer CyberConnect2
	Publisher Bandai
	Franchise Naruto
	Genre 2D Fighting
	Concept Anime
	Players 1v1, Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin Japan

PS2 Releases
2005-12-22
2008-03-25
2008-09-05

Naruto: Ultimate Ninja 3 was the third game to be made by Cyberconnect2. The developers have treated the source material with care, bringing Naruto’s adventures to life on the PS2.

The cel-shaded style was nicely crafted, and it made players feel like they were actually watching an anime at the time. Story mode fights were epic and emotional since they were imbued with heart-wrenching moments from the anime.

The success of the Ultimate Ninja series would go on to influence the making of an even better franchise, and a love letter to fans in the form of Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm.

Mobile Suit Gundam: Federation vs. Zeon 2001 機動戦士ガンダム 連邦VS.ジオン (Kidō Senshi Gandamu Renpō VS. Jion)

About
	Release Date April 10, 2001
	Developer Capcom
	Publisher Bandai
	Genre Third-Person Shooter
	Graphics 3D
	Perspective Third-Person
	Interaction Real-Time
	Concept Mecha
	Players Single Player, Split-Screen Co-Op
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin Japan

PS2 Releases
2001-12-06
2002-09-09
2002-11-29

Mobile Suit Gundam: Federation vs. Zeon, originally released back in 2001 on the arcades, is the best thing that happened to the Gundam games franchise. Not only did it attempt to emulate the manga, but it also made the brand easily accessible.

My only gripe with Federation vs Zeon is that it’s not newcomer-friendly. Meaning that if you haven’t watched any Mobile Suit Gundam season or read the manga, you’ll have difficulties understanding what the heck is going on. However, if you just treat it as an arcade third-person shooter without caring much about the story, you’ll have a great time. Beware that the game suffers from a noticeable difficulty spike where some missions are nearly impossible to finish without dying countless times. Other than that, Federation vs Zeon is a great Gundam game that you should definitely check an eye out.

Yu-Gi-Oh! The Duelists of the Roses 2001 遊戯王真デュエルモンスターズII 継承されし記憶 (Yu-Gi-Oh! Shin Dyueru Monsutāzu Tsū Keishō Sareshi Kioku "Yu-Gi-Oh! True Duel Monsters II Inherited Memories")

About
	Release Date September 06, 2001
	Developer Konami Digital Entertainment
	Publisher Konami Digital Entertainment
	Genre Card
	Concept Anime
	Players 1v1
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin Japan

PS2 Releases
2001-09-06
2003-02-16
2003-09-26

Unlike the PSP, there weren’t many Yu-Gi-Oh! titles on the PS2, but the fact that the PS2 enjoyed the release of Duelists of the Roses is more than enough. Although years have passed since its launch, Yu-Gi-Oh! The Duelists of the Roses holds up pretty well with other entries in the franchise.

Matches were intense and challenging thanks to the clever enemy AI. The soundtrack composed by Michiru Yamane made the experience much better and memorable, but not when you’re 100-hit points away from being sent to the graveyard.  Fans of Yu-Gi-Oh! should definitely check an eye out for this one. However, for those unfamiliar with the brand name, it’s best to avoid this one as you’ll have difficulties with the game. Nonetheless, Duelists of the Roses is one hundred per cent faithful to the franchise.

Cowboy Bebop: Tsuioku no Serenade 2005 カウボーイビバップ 追憶の夜曲 (Kaubōi Bibappu: Tsuioku no Serenāde "Cowboy Bebop: Serenade of Reminiscence")

About
	Release Date August 25, 2005
	Developer Chime
	Publisher Bandai
	Genre Beat 'Em Up
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin Japan

PS2 Releases
2005-08-25

Cowboy Bebop: Tsuioku no Serenade, released exclusively in Japan, is the second and last game from the Cowboy Bebop franchise. Unlike the first game which was a 3D shoot em up game, the second game is an action-adventure beat ’em up with shooting sequences here and there.

While this may feel great on paper, the game is not Western-friendly. This means that if you don’t speak Japanese, you’ll have a hard time progressing into the game, or worse, understanding what’s happening. It’s best to wait for a fan English patch in the foreseeable future.

JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Golden Wind 2002 ジョジョの奇妙な冒険 黄金の旋風 (JoJo no Kimyō na Bōken: Ōgon no Kaze)

About
	Release Date July 25, 2002
	Developer Capcom
	Publisher Capcom
	Franchise JoJo's Bizarre Adventure
	Genre Adventure
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin Japan

PS2 Releases
2002-07-25

Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure: Golden Wind is another hidden gem that was left in Japan, but as years have passed the game began to enjoy noticeable recognition around the globe.

Released as JoJo no Kimyō na Bōken Ōgon no Kaze, the game’s story is based on the Vento Aureo arc, and follows Giorno Giovanna and his ambition to take down the boss of the Passione mafia. What makes this particular game special is the art style. Capcom used an engine called Artistoon which tried to re-create Araki’s style in the manga, and the results were? Wonderful.

One Piece: Grand Adventure 2006

About
	Release Date August 29, 2006
	Developer Ganbarion
	Publisher Bandai
	Franchise One Piece
	Genre 3D Fighting
	Players 1v1
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin Japan

PS2 Releases
2006-08-29
2006-09-22
2022-12-08

One Piece: Grand Adventure is often forgotten for the fact that it may look like a cheap cash-grab game, but looks may be deceiving.

One Piece: Grand Adventure features characters from the original manga and anime, and have you taking one-on-one matches against other opponents in the game. The lack of cel-shading art style may put many off, but Grand Adventure’s visual direction, in my opinion, is not that bad. If you liked Grand Adventure, you can give One Piece: Grand Battle! a shot as well.

Samurai Champloo: Sidetracked 2006 サムライチャンプル (Samurai Chanpurū)

About
	Release Date February 23, 2006
	Developer Grasshopper Manufacture
	Publisher Bandai Namco
	Genre Hack & Slash
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin Japan

PS2 Releases
2006-02-23
2006-04-11

Samurai Champloo: Sidetracked is an interesting take on the anime. Developed by Grasshopper Manufacture and directed by Suda 51 himself, you know you’re in for a wacky experience.

While Samurai Champloo: Sidetracked featured elements from the hack and slash genre, it had an interesting playstyle that makes it stand out from the horde. The game puts an emphasis on defeating foes to the soundtracks and remixing manoeuvres which essentially emulates the vibes of the anime. The developers have faithfully emulated the vibes of the original anime. The only downside to Samurai Champloo: Sidetracked is the insanely difficult final boss, which isn’t only hard, but insanely unfair.

Zone of the Enders: The 2nd Runner 2003 アヌビス　ゾーン　オブ　エンダーズ (Anubisu Zōn obu Endāzu)

About
	Release Date February 13, 2003
	Developer Konami Computer Entertainment Japan
	Publisher Konami Digital Entertainment
	Franchise Zone of the Enders
	Genre Third-Person Shooter
	Perspective Third-Person
	Concept Sci-Fi
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin Japan

PS2 Releases
2003-02-13
2003-03-10
2003-09-26

Zone of the Enders: The 2nd Runner is rarely mentioned when it comes to the best anime games, and that’s a shame. Originally created by Hideo Kojima, The 2nd Runner is the second entry in the Zone of the Enders franchise.

The game is a mecha hack-and-slash third-person shooter. It has you controlling an orbital frame (sort of robot) known as Jehuty, and battling wave after wave of foes. Jehuty possesses several deadly arsenals under its belt, and with each boss you defeat or a certain stage you accomplish, the game rewards you with new enhancements. The best thing about Zone of the Ender: The 2nd Runner is the fast-paced action and the ability to hack and slash through your enemies or just shoot them up until they blow up. Seriously, even if you aren’t a fan of Kojima, you will certainly adore this game in case you’re looking for something fun to play.

Bleach: Blade Battlers 2nd 2007 BLEACH ~ブレイド・バトラーズ 2nd~ (Burīchi ~ Bureido Batorāzu 2nd ~)

About
	Release Date September 27, 2007
	Developer Racjin
	Publisher Sony Interactive Entertainment
	Franchise Bleach
	Genre 3D Fighting
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin Japan

PS2 Releases
2007-09-27

Bleach was pretty on par with the other Shonen shows like Naruto and One Piece in terms of popularity during its first appearance. However, unlike these two, the first games were released exclusively in Japan.

Bleach: Blade Battlers 2nd is another fighting game that features a wide range of characters from the original manga and anime. Despite not releasing outside of Japan, the game is Western-friendly. You can finish enjoy and finish the game without understanding Japanese which is nice for those die-hard Bleach fans.

Ikki Tousen : Shining Dragon 2007 一騎当千 シャイニングドラゴン (Ikki Tōsen Shainingu Doragon)

About
	Release Date July 26, 2007
	Developer Marvelous
	Publisher Marvelous
	Franchise Ikki Tousen
	Genre Beat 'Em Up
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin Japan

PS2 Releases
2007-07-26

Ikki Tousen: Shining Dragon may look like one of those cheap Simple Series anime games, but surprisingly, the game is not that bad, in fact, it’s great for a budget title. Shining Dragon is another Japan-import that is stuck in Japan. Valcon Games reportedly licensed the game for an English release and even fully completed translating the game to English. However, the distributor ended up cancelling the English release due to the” Partial Nudity” of the game.

Ikki Tousen: Shining Dragon is a 3D beat’em up in the style of Naruto: Uzumaki Chronicles 2. However, one mechanic made the game feel faithful to the anime, and that is ” the shredded clothing “.Basically, when you’re character receives damage, her clothes tear up. If you’re planning to play this game, it’s highly recommended to close your door room.

Berserk Millennium Empire Arc: Chapter of the Holy Demon War 2004 ベルセルク 千年帝国の鷹篇 聖魔戦記の章 (Beruseruku Mireniamu Farukon Hen Seima Senki no Shō)

About
	Release Date October 07, 2004
	Developer Yuke's
	Publisher Sammy
	Franchise Berserk
	Genre Hack & Slash
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin Japan

PS2 Releases
2004-10-07

Berserk Millennium Empire Arc: Chapter of the Holy Demon War is an incredible anime game that covers part of the Millennium Empire Arc from the manga. This game puts you in control of Guts, the legendary black swordsman, on his quest to take down his former best friend, Griffith. The game boasts thrilling hack-and-slash action with over-the-top finishing moves that will leave you feeling satisfied. The voice acting, soundtrack, and controls are all top-notch, creating a truly immersive experience. The developers even utilized motion capture to add a sense of realism to the game. Thanks to the dedicated Berserk community, this gem of a game has been kept alive and shouldn’t be missed by any fan of the manga.

In this world,  is the destiny of mankind controlled by some transcendental entity or law? Is it like the hand of god hovering above? At least it is true, the best Berserk game was never released outside of Japan.

Thankfully, the community has made it accessible for people to experience the Berserk game on PS2 via a fan English patch. If you own a PS2, you can play it there. If not, you can download the PCSX2 emulator, and try it there.

Inuyasha™ Feudal Combat™ 2005

About
	Release Date June 16, 2005
	Developer 8ing
	Publisher Bandai
	Genre 3D Fighting
	Graphics 3D
	Interaction Real-Time
	Concept Anime
	Players 1v1, Couch Co-Op, Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin Japan

PS2 Releases
2005-06-16
2005-08-24

Inuyasha: Feudal Combat is amongst the many fighting iterations that probably went under your radar. Thankfully, you’re here to discover it. The game is based on the critically acclaimed manga by Rumiko Takahashi, the talented creator behind other works like Ranma, and it has you fighting several known figures from the manga as well.

If you’re a fan of anime fighting games, the game may pique your interest. Inuyasha: Feudal Combat boasts up to 14 playable characters, with both Inuyasha’s human and demonic forms being accessible once you reach a certain point in the game. With a mix of fast-paced combat and strategic elements, Inuyasha: Feudal Combat is a must-play for fans of the series and fighting games alike. Don’t let this game slip under your radar any longer!

.hack™//INFECTION 2002

About
	Release Date June 20, 2002
	Developer CyberConnect2
	Publisher Bandai
	Franchise .Hack
	Genre JRPG
	Perspective Third-Person
	Concept Anime
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin Japan

PS2 Releases
2002-06-20
2003-02-10
2003-10-22
2004-03-26
2004-03-29

Dot Hack Infection is part of a big JRPG franchise, and it plunges players into a dangerous world where they must fight to uncover the truth. Something sinister is causing chaos in “The World,” and it’s up to you to unravel the mystery and uncover the mastermind behind the chaos.

As part of a larger multimedia franchise that includes manga, light novels, and anime, this game is firmly rooted in the anime genre. Definitely play the entire franchise if you’re into anime games or JRPGs!

Shijyou Saikyou no Deshi Kenichi: Gekitou! Ragnarok Hachikengou 2007

About
	Release Date March 15, 2007
	Developer Capcom
	Publisher Capcom
	Genre 3D Fighting
	Graphics 2D
	Perspective Side Scroller
	Concept Anime
	Players 1v1, Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin Japan

PS2 Releases
2007-03-15

Shijyou Saikyou no Deshi Kenichi is a game adaptation of an obscure anime show that may have also gone under your radar. But since you’re here, you’ll be able to read all about it. This 2D fighting game is based on the original manga created by Syun Matsuena in 1999, although the events of the game loosely follow the anime timeline. This decision was likely made to increase the recognition of the anime, as the game was released during the same period that the anime was still airing.

However, one downside is that the game is entirely in Japanese, which can make it difficult for newcomers to fully understand what’s happening. Fortunately, there is hope that a fan-made English patch will be available in the foreseeable future, allowing English-speaking players to fully enjoy the game’s storyline and mechanics. In the meantime, fans of the series can still appreciate the game’s exciting battles and beloved characters. Get ready to immerse yourself in the world of martial arts and fighting in this thrilling game.

Soul Eater: Battle Resonance 2009 ソウルイーター バトルレゾナンス (Sōru Ītā Batoru Rezonansu)

About
	Release Date January 29, 2009
	Developer B.B. Studio
	Publisher Bandai Namco
	Franchise Soul Eater
	Genre 2D Fighting
	Interaction Real-Time
	Concept Anime
	Players 1v1, Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin Japan

PS2 Releases
2009-01-29

When it comes to the Soul Eater franchise, it’s worth noting that only three games have been released, and to be honest, none of them reached the level of mind-blowing. While they were enjoyable and loosely followed the source material, they couldn’t quite reach the ranks of high-budget productions like Dragon Ball Z Budokai Tenkaichi 3 or Naruto Storm. However, if you’re a dedicated fan of Atsushi Ohkubo’s work, you’ll find something to appreciate in the limited offerings of this game.

In this 3D fighter, you’ll encounter various familiar characters from the anime, including Makka, Black Star, Death the Kid, Crona, and more. The game’s premise is straightforward: dive into the story mode, defeat your opponents, and advance through the narrative. While the early matches are a breeze, brace yourself for increasing challenges as you progress. What sets this game apart is its captivating cel-shaded visuals, and the inclusion of original voice acting makes this game worth a shot.

This is not the end. The list will include more games. Thank you for reading.