Anime and RTS games should be two genres that go hand in hand. However, there are actually very few true RTS anime games out there. Despite this small selection, fans can still take part in some over the top anime-style combat in these real-time strategy games, of whichsome are incredibly niche.
Even with these entries, there aren’t a lot of “true” RTS anime games through precise definition, but all of these games combine the anime art style with at least some elements of RTS gameplay - and a lot of these games are surprisingly good. Players should keep an open mind when trying out these games as they include some neat and unique concepts.
Star Maidens Chronicle: Definitive Editionis ananime RTS gamethat completely flew under the radar, and currently sits on the Steam store with only four user reviews (even those, those reviews are mixed). However, if gamers resonate with its niche appeal,Star Maidens Chroniclecan prove an endearing experience, and it’s a pretty good RTS game too.
Players are tasked with ever-changing battlefield situations, with varying map sizes and different characters.Star Maidens Chroniclehas the ultimate goal of assuming command of a large faction in classic RTS battles. Gamers mustbuild a strong and powerful cityin order to raise a large army and take on enemy strongholds. There is a small variety of game modes, including a timed battle mode and an online mode of either 3 v 3 or 2 v 2 v 2. It’s also got some great anime illustrations and character designs.
Metal Fatigueis an older game released back in 2000, and it’s not strictly an anime game as it doesn’t feature an anime style design or any cute characters. However, it is an RTS game and it features a lot of anime motifs, most notably a large number of gundam and large battling robot mechs (although they’re called Combots here).
Featuring three unique factions, players have to assemble and battle a giant mech army that will have gamers creating similar battles to some of their favorite gundam anime. Unique mech parts can be developed as battles progress to upgrade players' troops and create an even more powerful army! It’s fun to experiment with different ways to customize mechs and establish the most powerful and efficient mech warriors. If all of that doesn’t scream anime, then what does?
Released in October 2023,Cavalry Girlsis another one that has slipped under the radar quite a bit. This is an exciting top-down RTS shooter that follows a group of female soldiers as they head into a dystopian battlefield. There are lots of anime tropes including mechs and other robot-like vehicles, as well as lots of anime girls.
The RTS elements are fewer than traditional entries in the genre, but the game features some core aspects such as resource and troop management. There’s a decent amount of customization options, including different equipment modules that can change the impact and damage of various weapons. Managing resources is one thing, but strategic deployment of troops and mechs is another RTS element. It’s an interesting blend of genres but is recommended by fans of classic arcade shooters and anime girls.
The DioField Chroniclewas developed and published by Square Enix and it’s one of the most polished entries on this list. It’s also one of the most true RTS anime realizations, blending a real time battle system with a classic anime story setup featuring fantasy, medieval andmodern steampunk aestheticsall into one universe.
The DioField Chroniclehas one of the most unique combat systems for any RTS game and it works surprisingly well. Players will have to make somedifficult real-time assessmentsof battlefield conditions and change their styles of combat to suit. The game also features some really cool, and gorgeous “diorama” style visuals whilst commanding troops, which presents the game with a unique flare and looks great. For anime RTS fans looking for newer entries, this is one of the finest.
Presented in atower defense stylebut with RTS combat elements,Touhou Monster TDis a fantasy RPG, shooter with real time combat and a beautiful art design. Seriously, the background and character sprites have no right looking that good! Players can progress through levels, traverse different areas and unlock new upgrades/abilities. The tag phrase to the game is easy to learn but hard to master and that’s certainly true here as the combat is pretty intense.
Gamers will have to concentrate, level up, and unlock lots of skills to be able to take on the waves of oncoming enemies. With some atmospheric lighting and well-designed areas, the strategic tower defense style combat can get somewhat overwhelming and there’s often a lot going on across the screen at once. However, once players manage to master the RTS combat,Touhou Monster TDproves to be an excellent RTS anime style experience.
GrimGrimoireis one of the most gorgeous 2D anime style games ever made. Originally released back in 2007,GrimGrimoirereceived a remastered treatmentin 2023, and it is certainly thebest side-scrolling anime RTS gameto ever see the light of day. It’s got some amazing character designs, and the fantasy setting and atmosphere is near perfect.
Gamers take control of witch-in-training, Lillet Blan, who fights enemies called Familiars. Troops the player can summon and command include fairies, gnomes, unicorns and more. It has a real high fantasy feel to it and harkens back to classic high fantasy anime series such asRecord of Lodos War, and it’s definitely worth playing for fans of fantasy, anime, or RTS games.
Growlanser Generationsis an interesting entry because it’s not quite fully an RTS game but it’s so close to aligning with the genre that it can be considered one. It features some classic anime/JRPG-style character designs and the UI looks like it wouldn’t be out of place in aFinal Fantasygame, butGrowlanser Generationsstill manages to feel completely unique.
Released for the PS2in 2007,Growlanser Generationsfeatures an interesting style of combat and movement where players plan out their course of action and combat options and then watch it all pan out in real-time. It’s difficult to define because it’s so different and unique but it falls somewhere between turn-based and real-time. Either way, it’s an excellent game and anyone looking for a good anime RTS game won’t be disappointed despite not being a “true” RTS entry.
Firstly, this game is stunning. The lighting, the backgrounds, the characters, the art design is absolutely perfect, and it’s a joy to play just to experience the art alone. It just so happens to also be the definitive anime style RTS game with an awesome story to boast. It’s split betweenside-scrolling 2D adventuring, where players experience the majority of the story and top-down mech RTS gameplay where players control sentinels (mechs).
Each sentinel features unique weapons and skills, as well as specialties like melee or ranged damage, which adds a bit of spice to the combat. Sometimes gamers might want to create an anti-air sentinel army, or other times they might know they’ll be going up against a bunch of melee-focused mechs. It goes surprisingly deep and it’s got some entertaining gameplay. There’s a reason this is thehighest-rated anime RTS game.
