Japanese-style RPG
A party of heroes travels across a large world, and battles are turn-based: you choose an action for each character and wait for the enemy's response. These games are usually long, with a detailed story and gradual leveling up.
Genres
Anime-style game genres
Anime style is first and foremost a look: hand-drawn-style art, large expressive eyes, vivid emotions and dynamic poses. Underneath that surface are very different games. In some you calmly plan every move, in others reflexes decide everything, and in others there is no combat at all, just text, music and choices. Below is a guide to the main genres, described in general terms.
The art style only unites these games on the outside. Inside, they work in completely different ways.
How this section works: genres are described in general terms, without game titles, studios or scores. Check the age rating, payment model and available languages on the page of the specific game.
Stories and adventures
Genres where the journey of the hero and companions comes first.
Action RPG
The same leveling and story, but battles happen in real time: you need to dodge, strike at the right moment and keep an eye on your teammates. A good fit if turn-based combat feels too static for you.
Visual novel
An interactive book with illustrations, music and dialogue choices. There may be no combat at all, but a single decision can steer the story toward a completely different ending.
Story-driven puzzle games
Riddles, logic problems and investigations tied together by an overarching story. Solving a puzzle unlocks the next chapter, and a mistake usually just means thinking it over again.
Rhythm, duels and a quiet life
Genres with a short gameplay loop that are easy to play in small doses.
Rhythm game
You press buttons in time with the music while following cues on the screen. Songs come with bright animated scenes, and the difficulty ramps up gradually, from gentle melodies to breakneck tracks.
Life sim
Cozy games about everyday life: grow crops, fix up a home, make friends with your village neighbors. There's no reason to hurry, and the soft art style underlines the unhurried atmosphere.
Fighting game
One-on-one duels where every fighter has a unique set of moves. The anime style makes every hit look spectacular, and mastering a character takes patience and regular practice.
How to find the right genre for you
- Think about how much time you're willing to spend on a game in one evening.
- If you like reading and thinking things through, start with a visual novel or a turn-based RPG.
- If you want action, take a look at action RPGs, rhythm games or fighting games.
- For quiet evenings, life sims and story-driven puzzle games are a good fit.
- Before installing, check the age rating, available languages and payment model.
Related reading
- Guides
How to finish a long RPG instead of dropping it halfway through. Also home to our catalogue of articles.
- Mechanics
Party and roles, weaknesses and elements, story choices, affinity, save files and a cap on random rewards.
- How to judge
Your own criteria, no rankings: story and characters, a fair payment model, translation, accessibility and length.
- Terms
Glossary: Japanese-style RPG, visual novel, party, gacha, loot box, banner, ending and more.
What we rely on
- Federal Law No. 436-FZ of 29 December 2010 (in general terms)
- Game rules and user agreements (in general terms)
- Anime4 editorial materials
We describe genres and mechanics in general terms. Interfaces, rules and payment options vary from game to game and can change after an update, so check the game's official help pages for exact details.