Digimon Survive is almost here. It’s time to revisit the best games of the franchise.
When we talk about Japanese RPGs, different sagas come to mind: Final Fantasy, Persona, Pokémon. But one that, despite not being so trendy, is Digimon. Digital Monsters, better known on this side of the pond as Digimon, since 1998 has conquered the hearts of many people through manga, anime, and video games.
With the next game just around the corner, it’s time to take a look back and appreciate the best games in the series – from the title released for the Sega Saturn to the mobile games. Here are our picks for the top five Digimon video games.
Digimon Racing (GBA | 2004)
In the 2000s, arcade racing games overflowed the counters of video game stores. Crash Nitro Racing, Mario Kart: Double Dash, or Mario Kart: Super Circuit were among the best known. But, for the Game Boy Advance, Digimon Racing managed to take its place among the best Digimon and kart games of the time.
Imagine this kind of karting game mixed with Digimon characters. This is what led Bandai to release this game that quickly gained popularity. It was not a simple knock-off of Mario Kart. In the middle of the race, you could Digivolve your character to gain powers and attack abilities. In addition, it brought a multiplayer mode for up to four players via the Game Link Cable. How cool is that?
Digimon Adventure (PSP | 2013)
Possibly you don’t know this amazing Digimon title, and I don’t blame you. Digimon Adventure was a game for the amazing PlayStation Portable released only in Japan back in 2013. A year earlier, Digimon World Re: Digitize was also released for the PSP. But, what Bandai presented in Digimon Adventure is simply much better.
It’s a Digimon game that even Pokémon fans would love. Vivid colors, combat mechanics, incredible modeling for the power of the console, and action-packed 3 vs 3 battles. Being a sort of adaptation of the anime “Digimon Adventure,” it features the original voices of the Japanese cast. As a die-hard Digimon fan, it is impossible not to enjoy this title.
Digimon Rumble Arena 2 (GCN, PS2, XBOX | 2004)
The first version of Digimon Rumble Arena was an amazing kind of Super Smash Bros. fighter with Digimon, Digievolutions, and more. In 2004, Bandai announced the release of Digimon Rumble Arena 2. It’s an upgraded sequel for the Nintendo GameCube, PlayStation 2, and XBOX that sought to compete with Super Smash Bros. Melee.
Despite what they say about sequels, Digimon Rumble Arena 2 delivered. Following the methodology of the genre’s games, it’s the kind of game you’ll enjoy even more playing with friends. But, by the same token, it is an excellent fighting game with over 40 ‘forms’ from the first 4 series of the TV show. It also includes hidden characters that players will unlock in the game’s story mode.
If you are a fan of Digimon and the Super Smash Bros. saga, you can’t miss this title on any of these consoles. You will have fun at every moment.
Digimon World 3 (PS1 | 2002)
The original PlayStation was full of incredible Digimon games. And although they have released games for the PlayStation 4, remasters for PC, and more, Digimon World 3 is undoubtedly one of the best games. Bandai presented a pure and hard RPG like the ones we had at that time. In fact, it was often compared positively to Final Fantasy VII for its art, gameplay mechanics, and engaging story.
It featured awesome combat and level development that stood out. It allowed players to develop each Digimon, grow their power, and more. Something much appreciated by fans of the original Digimon stories. Also, the timing of the release was incredible. There was no competition at the time of release from other video games, and Digimon Frontier was on the air. A game that came at the right time and place to earn a place in this top.
Digimon Story: Cyber Sleuth (PS4, PC, NSW | 2016)
As a classic Digimon fan, it is impossible not to place Digimon Story: Cyber Sleuth in the top five. It’s a game released as fan service for all those old Digimon fans. In Cyber Sleuth we have a Digimon game with a linear story designed for the masses. It’s very simple and straightforward with no new characters or side quests; rather, it is a game focused on developing your characters in an incredible story.
Plus, we have over 200 classic Digimon in the game! In short, we will see MetalGreymon (Vaccine) in all its glory. In this way, Bandai Namco managed to mix both the old audience of the game with the new one. This was a great decision, as it resulted in a very active multiplayer mode with over 50k daily players at its peak.
These 5 games, for us here at Game Freaks 365 marked a before and after in the video game franchise. We hope that Digimon Survive will be at the height of the games in this list. For now, we will have to wait for the game to be released on July 29 for PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch.
