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. Last updated: July 29, 2022

Digimon has spawned many video games over the years spanning various genres. From 2D fighters to traditional JRPGs, these are our picks for the best Digimon games of all time.

Digimon as IP started life as a simple pet simulator and has since grown into a giant franchise that is Pokemon more than rivals. Video games have become a big part of Digimon’s identity and fans have had plenty to play with over the years.

Leading up to the release of Digimon Survive – the franchise’s latest game to coincide with Digimon Adventure’s 25th anniversary – we look back at 10 of the best Digimon games of all time.

Digimon Rumble Arena

An image of Veemon and Guilmon fighting as seen in Rumble Arena.

Bandai Namco

Digimon Rumble Arena was the first twist on a fighting game in the Digimon franchise.

Digimon Rumble Arena was the first twist on a fighting game in the Digimon franchise and holds a nostalgic place in the hearts of many fans. Released for the PlayStation, Rumble Arena is a 2.5D platform fighter similar to Super Smash Bros.

During the campaign, players control a single Digimon and fight their way through the story, unlocking new characters along the way. The full character roster consists of 24 Digimon all drawn directly from the Digimon anime series.

Rumble Arena wasn’t the most in-depth or immersive fighting game for its time, but it has to make our list to introduce the franchise to the fast-paced genre.

Digimon Digital Card Battle

An image of the title screen of Digimon Digital Card Battle.

Bandai Namco

Digital Card Battle is one of the most unique game versions of the Digimon franchise.

As the name suggests, Digital Card Battle is a video game based on the Digimon card game. Compared to the other entries on this list, Digital Card Battle is arguably the most unique Digimon video game due to its strictly card-based mechanics.

Players have the option to choose their partner card at the start of the game – Veemon, Hawkmon, or Armadillomon – three Digimon from the Adventure 2.0 anime. As you win matches and progress, your partner will gain experience and their skills can be modified.

At its core, Digimon Digital Card Battle is a simple yet faithful recreation of the card game that fans and card aficionados alike can sink into for hours on end.

Digimon World Dawn and Dusk

Dawn and Dusk box art.

Bandai Namco

There are significant differences between Dawn and Dusk, including the perspective from which the story is told.

Dawn and Dusk were essentially Digimon’s take on the traditional Pokemon formula of releasing two games at once. These Nintendo DS RPGs served as a sequel to Digimon World DS, but they bear no relation whatsoever to the Digimon World series (which can be confusing due to their localized names!)

In Dawn and Dusk, players take control of a Digimon Tamer who embarks on a journey to uncover the cause of an earthquake that has disrupted the digital world. The gameplay loop involves training your Digimon through engaging turn-based battles.

At first glance, Dawn and Dusk may seem like the most downright Pokemon-inspired titles, but the hub world and dungeon-based structure, and specific requirements needed to evolve or degenerate Digimon, make these titles standout compared to Pokemon counterparts.

Digimon World Re:Digitalize

Re: Digitize official artwork.

Tri-Crescendo / Bandai Namco

A fan-translated English localization of Re:Digitize was released in 2015 under the ‘Operation Decode’ project.

Digimon World Re:Digitize was released exclusively for the PlayStation Portable in 2011 and was intended to be a modern remake of the original Digimon World game. In Re:Digitize, a little boy named Taiga is transported to the digital world and is tasked with recruiting Digimon to join the city.

Digimon are recruited after being defeated in battle and meeting various conditions. Many creatures in the original game appear here for experienced players to enjoy, and there are a handful of unique collectibles. One of its biggest features is the ability to customize the look of your Digimon with everything from hats to bandanas.

Re:Digitalize isn’t the best version of Digimon World in general, but it’s still a much loved game in the community.

Digimon Adventure

An image of the main partners in the Adventure video game and anime.

Prope / Bandai Namco

Digimon Adventure was a faithful retelling of the original anime released for the PSP.

Digimon Adventure was another PlayStation Portable exclusive released to commemorate the anime’s fifteenth anniversary.

It follows the story of seven children who are mysteriously transported to the digital world while at summer camp. The kids soon meet their individual monster companions known as Digimon and embark on an adventure to save both the digital and real worlds.

The game was a faithful retelling of the Digimon Adventure anime with performances by the original Japanese voice cast, and also featured the events of the movie “Our War Game!”, set after the series.

Digimon World

An image of the battle screen in Digimon World.

BEC / Flying Tiger Programming

Digimon World has become somewhat of a cult classic since its release in 1999.

The original Digimon World follows an unnamed protagonist after he is transported to the Digital World and ends up on File Island, where he encounters the digital monster Jijimon – who instructs him to save the island by recruiting Digimon to join File City. to close.

The gameplay revolves around getting a Digimon into its digi-egg form and raising it to eventually reach its ultimate form. The stronger your Digimon becomes, the more Digimon can be recruited into File City, but Digimon will “disappear” over the years and regenerate with better base stats. In addition to fighting, the player must take care of his partner’s needs, which include everything from eating to going to the toilet.

The gameplay loop really made Digimon World a unique, addictive pet simulator that paved the way for much of the Digimon gaming franchise.

Digimon World: next order

An image of World: Next Order official artwork.

BB Studio / Bandai Namco

Digimon World: Next Order gave players two partners to raise.

Digimon World: Next Order is considered by many to be the true modern successor to the original Digimon World, despite being the sixth entry in the series. Next Order is set again in File City and instructs players to recruit as many Digimon as possible while raising their own Digimon.

The biggest change in Next Order was that players had two partners. At the start of the game there is also the choice to play as a male or female protagonist, which adds a small element of personalization to the story.

Overall, Next Order packs everything good about the original game into an addictive, enhanced experience.

Digimon Story: Cyber ​​Sleuth – Hacker’s Memory

An image of the main character in Digimon Cyber ​​Sleuth Hacker's Memory.

Media.Vision / Bandai Namco

Hacker’s Memory contains over 350 Digimon to battle and collect.

Hacker’s Memory is the direct sequel to Digimon Story Cyber ​​Sleuth. Released in 2017, this sequel builds on the basics introduced in Cyber ​​Sleuth and features a new cast of characters and a unique story.

Hacker’s Memory is a turn-based JRPG in which players take the lead as protagonist Keisuke Amasawa, who is the victim of a cyber attack that leaves him accused of a number of crimes. He soon joins forces with a group of hackers called “Hudie”, who set out to find the real culprit by exploring Cyberspace with their Digimon partners.

The game features a turn-based combat system where the player can control up to three Digimons at once. With over 350 different Digimon in total to battle and collect, Hacker’s Memory is acclaimed by fans for its impressive roster.

Digimon World 3

World 3 official artwork.

BEC / Bandai Namco

Digimon World 3 is a huge fan favorite game.

Digimon World 3 (aka “World 2003”) was the third installment of the World series and the first to shake up the formula. The gameplay systems in 3 have been modified to include the JRPG mechanics of the time, including a turn-based combat system similar to Final Fantasy 7. This change made 3 play much more like a grand adventure than the pet simulator predecessors .

The game follows the story of Junior – a boy who loves to play the MMORPG “Digimon Online”. After getting caught up in the game, players take charge of Junior and must find their way back home.

Despite initially unfavorable reviews, World 3 is loved by the Digimon community and many are still hoping for a remake.

Digimon Story Cyber ​​Sleuth: Complete Edition

Official Story Cyber ​​Sleuth artwork.

Media.Vision / Bandai Namco

Digimon Story Cyber ​​Sleuth is the ultimate Digimon gaming experience.

Digimon Story Cyber ​​Sleuth is a critically acclaimed game that has been instrumental in rekindling Digimon’s popularity in the West. Originally released on the Vita in 2015, the game has been praised for its graphics and return to the Digimon World formula. In 2019, a complete edition was released for the Nintendo Switch and PC that came bundled with Hacker’s Memory.

Players take control of a male or female protagonist in Cyber ​​Sleuth and are thrown into a mystery-shrouded story. There are over 240 Digimon to battle through and collect, and an addictive turn-based combat system to enjoy.

Not only is Cyber ​​Sleuth a fantastic JRPG, but it was a return to form for Digimon games that completely rejuvenated the enthusiasm for the franchise in the modern era. Therefore, it is widely regarded as the best Digimon game of all time.

That’s our list of the best Digimon games of all time! While you’re here, check out more video game rankings below:

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