During the past console generation, the PlayStation 4 received several anime games. Many of these were fighting games that featured some of the most popular series ever created. Others were updated remasters that took advantage of the PS4's hardware.
Related: The Best Anime Fighting Games, Ranked
With so many game launches since the console's debut, how do you know which anime fighting games represent the best of the subgenre? Below is a list of the best anime fighting games for the PS4, most of which will be highly familiar to anime fans.
Updated November 29th, 2022, by Chris Sanfilippo: In only two years, several new anime fighting games launched for the PS4. CyberConnect2, a major studio in the subgenre, developed both Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Hinokami Chronicles and JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: All-Star Battle R. Meanwhile, Arc System Works, known for its acclaimed 2D fighters, launched an updated Persona 4 Arena: Ultimax and the smash hit Guilty Gear Strive.
14 Jump Force
Jump Force was an ambitious game that aspired to gather the all-stars of the Shonen Jump universe into a single game. As a result, notable characters, like Light Yagami from Death Note, made an appearance. Plus, there was a massive roster of forty playable characters at launch (over 50 if players choose to buy the DLC).
With a wacky plot set in New York City, fans of the Shonen Jump anthology series are sure to indulge themselves in this title.
13 Nitroplus Blasterz: Heroines Infinite Duel
Nitroplus Blasterz launched on both Playstation 3 and Playstation 4. The game features a roster of visual novel characters from the Nitroplus universe and several anime characters to fight with. Notable characters are Super Sonico and Saber from the popular Fate series.
The fighter utilized a classic 2D system and was initially made to be played in arcades around Japan before being ported to consoles.
12 Kill la Kill -IF
Kill la Kill IF is an arena brawler based on characters from the anime of the same name. The roster is relatively small, but fans have praised the game for having new story content, smooth gameplay, and a stylish soundtrack. In addition, anime favorites like Ryuko are entirely playable.
This game is a must for fans who have already watched the anime or those looking to get into it for the first time.
11 Jojo's Bizarre Adventure: Eyes Of Heaven
With the vast roster of characters presented throughout JoJo's Bizarre Adventure, it's not surprising that the series got a fighting game. JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Eyes Of Heaven has brawler-styled combat that uses big arenas to help fans play out their dream matches. The game's enormous roster is made up of 52 characters.
Related: JoJo's Bizarre Adventure Games Only Released In Japan
The game features a story mode for fans of the series looking to delve further into its lore. What's more, you'll see character interactions transcending time and dimensions as heroes and villains from all eight manga arcs engage in heated battles.
10 JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: All-Star Battle R
Before the arena-based Eyes Of Heaven, Namco-Bandai launched JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: All-Star Battle in 2012. This title was a more traditional 2.5D versus fighter based on the manga and newly launched anime at the time. Ten years later, a remastered version of All-Star Battle launched on modern consoles, appropriately named All-Star Battle R.
All-Star Battle R is a fun and frantic game with stellar evasion mechanics, forthright chain combos, and outrageous super moves. However, fans of the series will adore how this title nails the manga's visual art style. Furthermore, this game references everything, from iconic dialog to memorable stages that callback to JBA's best moments!
9 My Hero One's Justice 2
My Hero Academia has quickly become one of the top-selling Shonen Jump Series of the past decade. My Hero One's Justice 2 features forty characters from the anime series and several iconic scenes from the anime. Players must master the various heroes' quirks to dominate the game's arena battles.
A story mode is also present for those who prefer single-player content.
8 Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Hinokami Chronicles
Demon Slayer, known as Kimetsu no Yaiba in Japan, is one of Shonen Jump's more recent hits, running in its weekly publication from 2016 to 2020. A successful anime launched in 2019, with a third season on the way. This action-packed tale follows Tanjiro Kamado, a young aspiring Demon Slayer whose family was slaughtered by a demon, as he attempts to reclaim the humanity of his newly demonized sister.
Related: Demon Slayer: The Hinokami Chronicles - Things Only Fans Of The Anime Noticed
CyberConnect2's fighting game adaptation, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Hinokami Chronicles, is a faithful adaptation of the manga and anime, covering events from the anime's first season. This 3D fighter has a simple control scheme and dynamic combo mechanics that are accessible and highly satisfying! Plus, there are plenty of game modes, including a story mode and trial mode, to keep fans busy for hours.
7 Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 4 - Road to Boruto
Since the first Naruto fighting game dropped, fans have been hooked on the series' fun mechanics. The Road to Boruto edition adds all-new characters from the Boruto series, including adult versions of Naruto and Sasuke. The massive roster has over 120 characters to choose from.
Most of the fan favorites are here, and fans of the series rave about the included story mode.
6 Skullgirls 2nd Encore
Skullgirl 2nd Encore is a rerelease of Skullgirls Encore, which initially debuted on the PS3. The game is loved for its unique art style, characters, and tournament-friendly gameplay. 2nd Encore features fourteen characters, but thirteen DLC characters are available for those who want them.
With fourteen different story modes, anime fans soon fell in love with this title due to its great single-player content.
5 BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle
BlazBlue Cross Tag Battle is another anime fighter with a healthy competitive scene. Popular franchises like Persona 4 and RWBY are represented in the roster, with 53 characters, including DLC. The game uses 2D tag-team style gameplay to keep the series fresh.
The game has even been featured at EVO and is a perfect choice for anime fans interested in competitive gaming.
