Party and roles
Heroes are usually split by role: one takes the hits, another deals damage, a third heals or buffs allies. A balanced party saves the day more often than a team made up only of heavy hitters.
Mechanics
Tips and mechanics
Anime-style games share many rules, even when their genres differ. A party with clearly divided roles, elements and enemy weaknesses, branching stories and relationships with characters show up in long RPGs, visual novels and life sims alike. Once you understand these mechanics, you'll find your feet faster in any new game. We'll also talk separately about in-game currency and random rewards, and how to keep them from running your budget.
A mechanic you understand stays with you for good. Money spent on a random reward doesn't.
How this section works: mechanics are described in general terms. Menu names and rule details differ from game to game, so check the game's own help pages.
The most common mechanics
The foundation most anime-style games are built on.
Weaknesses and elements
Fire, water, wind, light: many enemies have an element they're vulnerable to. Take a close look at a foe before a fight; the right attack will save your party time and effort.
Story choices and endings
The hero's lines and decisions open some scenes and close others. Sometimes the consequences show up right away, sometimes only near the end, so it's wise to save before a major branch.
Affinity
A hidden or visible meter tracking the hero's relationships with other characters. Shared quests, conversations and gifts strengthen the bond and unlock new scenes and companion stories.
Long-term progression
Heroes gradually gain experience, new skills and gear. You don't need to develop everyone at once; it's easier to focus on a steady core party.
Saves
Keep several save files and name them after chapters or events. That way you can return to a branch and see another route without starting the game over.
How to set a spending limit
Decide on an amount in advance
Before your first purchase, decide how much you're willing to spend per month and treat that amount as final. Zero is a perfectly fair limit too.
Convert currency into real money
Before buying, work out what a pack of crystals or tokens costs in real money. In-game names can easily hide the actual price.
Turn on purchase confirmation
Set up your app store or console so every purchase requires a password, and so purchases on a child's account need an adult's approval.
Keep track
Write down what you spend or check your purchase history in the store. When you can see the full total, it's much easier to stop.
Related reading
- Guides
How to finish a long RPG instead of dropping it halfway through. Also home to our catalogue of articles.
- Terms
Glossary: Japanese-style RPG, visual novel, party, gacha, loot box, banner, ending and more.
- How to judge
Your own criteria, no rankings: story and characters, a fair payment model, translation, accessibility and length.
- Updates
Seasonal events, limited-time characters, new translations and subtitles, and how not to give in to the rush.
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.