Originally conceived as Tamagotchi's more "masculine" counterpart, Digimon is a media franchise consisting of virtual pet toys, anime, and even a trading card game. It also features a wide array of video games, released on many different consoles.
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The Digimon games are unique in their own way, including several RPGs, a few platforms, and even a racing game. Yet no matter the genre, Digivolving is still the name of the game. Among the collection of great Digimon games, these 10 are considered byfans to be the best around.
Digimon World
The original Digimon World sold very well for Bandai, although it did come with a few warts. Technical issues would abound, and players were often confused by the gameplay mechanics. Add in the disappointing functionality, and first-time players might find themselves in for a difficult experience.
In spite of these setbacks, however, the game involves traveling around in a 3D Digimon world, and a story alluring enough to reel players in. Digimon World may not have toppled the video game empire that is Pokémon, but it paved the way for future Digimon games to come.
Digimon Adventure
Digimon Adventure is a re-telling of the original Digimon Adventure anime series, recounting the events of the show's first season. It even has the original Japanese voice actors to boot. The graphics are done in cel-shading, and they look mighty impressive on the PSP.
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The gameplay features engaging 3v3 battles, and mind-blowing illustrations and animations. The soundtrack is solid as well, and some extra story content is included. It's quite a shame that Digimon Adventure was never released in the west, but a fanmade English patch in 2018 helps soften the wound.
Digimon World DS
The first Digimon World title released on the Nintendo DS, this video game has a 2D pixelated art style that some fans will find endearing. It comes with over 300 Digimon, and the sprites and animations for each digital monster are aesthetically pleasing.
The battle system is complex, and the extra screen makes for more tactical gameplay. The main feature includes the Digi-Farm, where the player can level up, evolve, and communicate with their Digimon. Digimon World DS also utilizes a wireless connection, and players can trade Digimon and battle with others online.
Digimon World Dawn And Dusk
Digimon World: Dawn and Dusk is essentially a sequel to Digimon World DS, and is a step-up from the handheld predecessor. It follows the Pokémon formula of releasing two separate games, with both featuring the same story but with day and night themed Digimon.
Whereas Digimon World Dawn features Dragon, Water, Bird, and Holy type Digimon, Digimon World Dusk has Dark, Insect, Machine, and Beast type. The quests for each game are based on what species are available. Moreover, Digimon World Dusk is more story-driven, while Digimon World Dawn is more focused on tournaments.
Digimon World: Next Order
Digimon World: Next Order is an open-world RPG, with gameplay slightly similar to the original Digimon World. In some ways, it feels almost like a Persona game, at least from a story-telling perspective, although the Persona series includes many hidden things that fans may not know about.
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Instead of one Digimon following you around, two Digimon can be at your side. The player can choose from 10 companions at the start of the game. These Digimon companions will grow and evolve throughout the story, and the player has to meet the requirements for the next stage for their Digimon in a set amount of days.
Digimon Re:Digitize
Digimon World Re:Digitize is a visually pleasing game, with amazing graphics and character models done by Durarara illustrator, Suzuhito Yasuda. The mix of character models and graphics, along with a complex story, make for an engaging narrative that players will be immersed in.
Gameplay-wise, Re:Digitizeis an open-world RPG where the Tamers set strategies and the Digimon carry them out as they battle by themselves. This game was only released in Japan, getting a fan translation sometime later for English-speaking audiences to also enjoy.
Digimon Rumble Arena 2
On the surface, Digimon Rumble Arena 2 is more or less a Super Smash Bros clone. Sixteen Digimon are playable, in total, but there are 40 forms available thanks to the ability to Digivolve during a fight.
One thing that Rumble Arena 2 does differently compared to Smash Bros is that its characters has health bars. The Digimon can absorb orbs to gather more energy, allowing them to Digivolve into more powerful forms. The controls may be clunky, and the game is quite unbalanced, but Rumble Arena 2 is still a fun romp for any Digimon fan.
Digimon Story: Cyber Sleuth - Hacker's Memory
Cyber Sleuth – Hacker’s Memory was brought to the west as a result of Re:Digitize being a huge success in Japan. Many consider this game to be even better than Re:Digitize, taking everything that the best-selling title did and improving upon it.
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Hacker's Memory features 340 different Digimon and a story that is well-written and effective. Not only that, but the graphics are top-notch and the fighting sequences are pretty exhilarating, as well. The gameplay is more polished compared to Cyber Sleuth, but still feels long and repetitive at times.
Digimon World 3
Digimon World 3plays like a classic JRPG, with a massively-improved battle system compared to the previous two World entries. Despite being released at the end of the PS1's lifespan, it had a lot for going it, as there were no new Pokémon games at the time.
This game has it all: fast gameplay, improved graphics, a diverse variety of Digimon, and a superb soundtrack. Each Digimon comes with its own level development, adding some replay value as players can level up their monsters every day so they can become as strong as possible.
Digimon Story: Cyber Sleuth
Cyber Sleuth is a critically-acclaimed Digimon game, best known for returning to the gameplay style ofDigimon World. It's a very story-driven game, featuring plenty of interesting storylines and character development. In fact,this gameeven helped reignite the interest of Digimon in the West.
Story and characters aside, Cyber Sleuth features a wide collection of 240 Digimon, with a few character cameos from previous games to keep the continuity intact. Although the game is pretty long and forces players to grind, the older fans of Digimon (the game's intended target audience) will appreciate Cyber Sleuth for recapturing the classic Digimon feel.
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