Top Games Based on Classic Anime You Can Still Play in 2025

For fans of classic anime, the magic of these shows doesn’t end on the TV screen. Many anime-inspired games from the 80s, 90s, and early 2000s are still playable in 2025, either through fan translations, emulation, or modern re-releases. These titles capture the spirit of their original anime and allow players to relive the stories interactively.

1. Cowboy Bebop: Tsuioku no Serenade

Released in 2005 for the PlayStation 2, Cowboy Bebop: Tsuioku no Serenade is an action-adventure game set in the beloved jazz-infused universe of Cowboy Bebop. Players control Spike Spiegel and the Bebop crew as they chase down criminals and uncover a mysterious treasure. In 2025, the game has gained wider accessibility thanks to an English fan translation, allowing global audiences to experience the unique story and dynamic combat mechanics on original hardware or via PS2 emulators.

2. Samurai Pizza Cats (Kyatto Ninden Teyandee)

Based on the quirky 1990 anime, Samurai Pizza Cats, the original 1991 Famicom platformer delivers fast-paced side-scrolling action. Although it never officially released outside Japan, fan translations have made it accessible today. Players control the trio of anthropomorphic heroes, using special attacks and power-ups to defeat evil villains in the colorful cityscapes inspired by the anime series.

3. Super Robot Wars Series

The Super Robot Wars franchise has been running since the 1990s and features tactical RPG battles combining multiple anime mecha series. Classic entries include robots from Zeta Gundam, Mazinger Z, Getter Robo, and more. Many of these older titles remain playable through handheld consoles or emulation, allowing fans to revisit epic crossovers and strategic battles that capture the essence of retro mecha anime.

4. .hack//G.U. Last Recode

Inspired by the original .hack anime series, .hack//G.U. Last Recode compiles the three action-RPG games into a modern remaster. Released for PlayStation 4 and PC, it preserves the retro aesthetic of the early 2000s online RPG while updating graphics and gameplay mechanics. Players explore the virtual world of “The World” and experience narratives tied closely to the anime’s storyline, making it a must-play for fans of classic digital-era anime.

5. Dragon Ball Z: Legacy of Goku II

Originally released for the Game Boy Advance in 2003, Legacy of Goku II faithfully adapts the Dragon Ball Z anime sagas into an action-RPG format. Players fight through iconic story arcs, leveling up their characters and unlocking signature attacks. This title is still playable in 2025 via emulators or original GBA hardware, making it a nostalgic trip for fans of the series and retro anime gaming enthusiasts.

Honorable Mentions

• Yu-Gi-Oh! The Sacred Cards – Card RPG for Game Boy Advance that recreates the anime dueling experience.
• Mobile Suit Gundam: Federation vs. Zeon – PSP and later console releases let players pilot mechas from the classic Gundam anime.
• One Piece: Grand Battle! – Fighting game series based on the original manga/anime, still enjoyable via emulation.

Why These Games Still Matter

These retro anime games remain relevant in 2025 because they preserve the charm and storytelling of their original series. Thanks to fan translations, emulators, and occasional re-releases, classic titles allow new generations to experience the worlds of Cowboy Bebop, Dragon Ball Z, and other beloved anime interactively. For anime fans and retro gamers alike, these titles are more than just games, they are a bridge to the golden era of anime.