Underrated Anime Video Games You Shouldn’t Miss: Hidden Gems Worth Playing

A lot of anime video games just slip past everyone’s radar, even though they pack in unique stories and some genuinely fun gameplay.

You might be surprised at how many hidden gems out there blend that iconic anime style with engaging, immersive gaming.

These aren’t the big names you see everywhere, but they bring fresh, exciting worlds to life in their own way.

If you’re someone who enjoys both anime and gaming, digging into underrated anime games can be a real treat.

You’ll find fantastic characters, deep plots, and smart mechanics—just waiting for someone to notice.

Finding these lesser-known titles can really shake up how you experience anime-themed entertainment.

From oddball settings to creative gameplay, these underrated games deserve more love than they get.

Key Takeways

• There are some excellent anime video games most people just never notice.
• Many overlooked games have rich stories and gameplay that stands out.
• Trying these titles can change how you see anime-inspired gaming.

What Makes an Anime Video Game Underrated?

Underrated anime games usually go unnoticed because they don’t fit the big marketing trends.

Their value often hides in story depth, cool mechanics, or a bold art style that gets overshadowed by blockbuster releases.

Sometimes you just have to look past the hype to find something special.

Factors Behind the Hidden Gems

You’ll spot underrated anime games when they’ve got solid gameplay but not much big studio backing or advertising.

They might mix striking anime visuals with game mechanics that feel fresh, but they’re often tied to niche franchises.

Sometimes these games barely get updates or are released in limited regions, so hardly anyone hears about them.

And when a game blends genres—like mashing up fighting and RPG elements—it can be too offbeat for mainstream fans.

That’s a shame, honestly, because these quirks often make them unique.

Role of Character Development and Voice Acting

Deep character development in anime games lets you actually connect with the cast, not just admire their designs.

When characters grow or surprise you with hidden layers, the story just hits harder.

Voice acting’s another big one.

Good voice work breathes life into these characters, adding real emotion.

You’ll sometimes find lesser-known actors in these games who knock it out of the park—even if you’ve never heard their names.

That kind of quality can pull you in and make the whole experience stick.

Top Underrated Anime Video Games You Shouldn’t Miss

There’s a surprising mix of hidden gems in anime games—unique stories, tight gameplay, and worlds you won’t forget.

A lot of these titles get overlooked, even with strong action, deep narratives, or standout design.

If you’re into action RPGs, Switch games, or even old-school handheld classics, here are a few you shouldn’t skip.

Overlooked Action RPGs

Love fast-paced combat with a story that actually matters?

NieR: Automata is a must-try.

It combines intense action with a deep, emotional plot, and honestly, a lot of people miss just how well its anime-style storytelling works with the gameplay.

Another one to check out: Haven.

It’s got this cool mix of exploration and combat in a lush sci-fi world.

The RPG bits let you build your characters and skills while unlocking their story.

Both games are exciting without being overwhelming.

Unique Story-Driven Titles

Some anime games lean hard into narrative instead of pure action.

Take Spiritfarer—you’re managing a ferry for spirits in a gentle, peaceful world.

The story explores life and loss, but it’s never heavy-handed.

These games often have role-playing elements but focus more on emotional connections and character growth.

If you’re into stories that make you think (and maybe even feel a little), these are worth your time.

Noteworthy Switch Games

The Switch is packed with underrated anime-style games.

Being able to play on the go means you can dive into long JRPGs or quick action titles whenever.

Give Haven a try here too—the visuals and story are a great fit for Switch’s flexible play style.

A lot of these games offer local co-op or multiplayer, which makes sharing the fun way easier.

With the Switch’s growing library, you’re bound to find something that suits your pace, whether you’re a casual or a die-hard fan.

Handheld and Retro Classics

Don’t skip the old handhelds like the Game Boy.

They’ve got early anime-inspired games that really set the stage for what came later.

Many still hold up thanks to their simple mechanics and fun stories.

These retro games have a charm and challenge that newer ones sometimes lack.

Playing them gives you a sense of how anime games have changed—and a bit of nostalgia never hurts.

If you’ve got a handheld lying around, it’s worth dusting it off for these classics.

Franchises and Worlds You Might Not Expect

Plenty of big-name video game franchises have anime adaptations or spin-offs that fly under the radar.

Some dig into stories or characters that don’t usually get the spotlight.

Others explore worlds that feel totally fresh, even if the main games are household names.

Surprising Gems from Major Series

Sure, Fire Emblem and Final Fantasy are huge, but some of their anime or spin-off games are criminally underrated.

Fire Emblem has anime stories that go deep into character struggles—stuff you might miss if you just play the games.

Final Fantasy VI inspired media that dives into its story in richer ways than most realize.

Other big names like Dragon Quest and The Legend of Zelda have anime experiences that are easy to overlook.

Breath of the Wild led to spin-offs like Hyrule Warriors, mixing up gameplay in unexpected ways.

And yes, even Super Mario Odyssey and Mario Kart 8 have spawned some animated takes that put a new spin on familiar faces.

Fantasy Worlds Beyond the Mainstream

Some fantasy settings from video games create worlds that just don’t get enough credit.

Xenoblade Chronicles is a good example—its universe is massive, with a story that’s more complex than you’d expect.

The anime-style storytelling pulls together sci-fi and fantasy in a way that’s hard not to get caught up in.

Animal Crossing: New Horizons might seem pretty chill, but its laid-back world-building has inspired all kinds of creative animated stories.

On the flip side, games like Destiny 2 offer a darker, sci-fi fantasy vibe with surprisingly rich lore.

These worlds might not be the first you think of, but they’ve got that storytelling magic you’d expect from the best anime or games.

How DLC and Expansions Enhance Underrated Titles

DLC (Downloadable Content) and expansions can breathe new life into underrated anime video games. Sometimes, these additions fix rough spots from the original release, making things feel smoother and a bit more fun.

They often add extra storylines, characters, or gameplay features that just weren’t there before. It’s surprising how much that can change your experience.

When you decide to try out a lesser-known game, DLC can really open up the world and make everything feel deeper. Maybe you’ll find new missions or modes that add hours of play—without it ever feeling like you’re just doing the same thing over and over.

Some DLC brings in unique content that fans genuinely love. You might spot special outfits, new weapons, or even exclusive challenges that really fit the game’s vibe.

Those little extras? They usually show the developers actually care about the game and the people playing it.

Here’s a quick look at what DLC can bring to underrated anime games:

• Extra story arcs that give side characters their moment
• New gameplay mechanics for a bit of a shake-up
• Expanded worlds with secrets tucked away for you to find
• Character customization with new skins and gear

If you stumble onto an underrated title, it’s worth seeing if there’s any DLC out there. Sometimes, it can totally change how you see the game.