5 Best Digimon Games to Play in 2023

Digimon — a series that persist with our childhood memories as we envision ourselves with a partner and exploring another world, just like when we picture ourselves firing off a Kamehameha or doing hand signs like Naurto. While the Digimon anime series have been cold or hot to fans, Digimon games have no such issue, as some even broke into the top 10 charts in US and UK.

Unfortunately, it was not always smooth sailing for Digimon as the hype surrounding it blemished in early 2000. However, since the release of Digimon Adventure Tri in the mid-2010s, Digimon has gained rapid momentum as plans for new Digimon movies and Digimon games are already under development to be released every year. Today, we will bring you a listicle about the 5 best Digimon games in 2023.

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5 Best Digimon Games to Play for Digimon Lovers

1) Digimon Story: Cyber Sleuth 

Capitalising on the hype built on the Digimon Adventure Tri films, Media.Vision released the Digimon game — Digimon Story: Cyber Sleuth on PS Vita in Japan to rally the Digimon fandom. The response was instant as fans gave massive accolades for the original graphics and original Digimon World gameplay style.

This RPG Digimon game focuses on the protagonist and his close friends trying to save the real and digital world from the unknown entities — Eaters. As the story progresses, you will start connecting the dots on how this entity came to be. While the plot may seem lacklustre to some, the main mechanic — Digivolution is one of the best in the game franchise.

The game features over 240 Digimon, and the requirements are displayed clearly and are easy to achieve. Furthermore, the combat mechanic is simple to understand, and the animations of the Digimon unique attacks are a sight to behold. Lastly, the game fulfils our childhood dream of us running around with up to 11 Digimon partners and saving the world from destruction.

2) Digimon Survive

The latest Digimon game in the franchise, Digimon Survive, has really surprised fans with the direction of future Digimon Games. This 2022 game places more emphasis on the storyline than any other of its predecessors. The basis of the game caught attention as it hit 8th in the US NPD charts and 10th in the UK.

If you are a fan of the Digimon games norm, this game may not suit your taste as this game prioritises a visual novel aspect and tactical RPG combat. Furthermore, the game portrays a mysterious and horrifying story with surprisingly dark imagery. For example, jump scares in the opening chapters, wrong selections leading to characters’ demise and severing the bond with your Digimon.

It all sounds nice, but Digimon games have always centred around the combat system. The combat system in Digimon Survive suffices for a tactical RPG, but it is not an exaggeration to say that it is the worst on the list. However, do not be disheartened, as the multiple routes, different endings and character development all make up for the blip in combat.

3) Digimon Story: Cyber Sleuth: Hacker’s Memory

Hacker’s Memory is a sequel release to the original Cyber Sleuth game. However, the plot occurs around the same time as the original, with the game focusing on a more detailed storyline in the real world with a different protagonist aspect.

In Hacker’s Memory, you will play as the protagonist who lost his account after being hacked and joined a hacker group name Hudie — a direct translation from Butterfly in Chinese to recover his account. However, like all protagonists, he is dragged into events that only he can solve. The story in Hacker’s Memory is much better than in the original, as you can empathise with the protagonist, his friends and teammates.

There are also many improvements in the game features, as you can now accelerate when exploring, combat security walls, play domination battles and buy Digimon in a DigiMarket. Furthermore, the game features 341 Digimon, with additions like Sistermon, Arcadiamon and Hudiemon. 

4) Digimon World: Next Order

This Digimon game is a controversial election, but we advise you to give it a chance, as it portrays a more realistic view than others on the list. In Digimon World: Next Order, your Digimon partners can die. Yes, they die, and you cannot head to a lab or save point to recover their HP.

This Digimon game is an open-world game that starts with you having a dream of fighting a Machinedramon with your partners. After waking up, you find yourself in Floatia, in the Digital World. The plot revolves around finding and recruiting friendly Digimon to return to the town and help restore the village to a bustling city full of shops and services while retaliating against the Machinedramon attacks. On top of that, you have to care about your Digimon, like caring for their hunger, fatigue, and even toilet needs. Failure to do so with result in severe consequences like death.

However, you do not have to worry. Whenever one or both of your partners die, the option to choose 10 Digimon eggs appears. You can select the same egg of the Digimon you lost or a new one to raise. The new concept may sound refreshing, but the repetitive grinding and seeing your partner die of mismanagement or old age has separated the fanbase.

5) Digimon World Dawn And Dusk

Out with the old, in with the new is not a phrase to describe Digimon World Dawn And Dusk. This gem of a relic is the foundation used in modern Digimon games. 

While this old Digimon game cannot compare to modern graphics, this RPG was a fan favourite, and the notion lives on today. The premise is simple. In the Digital world, you befriend Digimon, pick up quests and work together to fend off a virus which is turning Digimon into Digi-eggs and restore peace to the world. 

In short, the game does not divert from the standard RPG as players control a hero or heroine and battle randomly attacking monsters in a new world and save it from destruction. While the story is interesting, the main selling point is collecting Digimon for your team and Digivolving them to make them stronger. Lastly, this game still holds the record for the most Digimon, with 400, and we predict it will stay the same even with the prospect of upcoming Digimon games.

Concluding Remarks

It is always pleasant to see old series making a comeback. The sense of reuniting with a part of our childhood is something we want to relive, but video games are our only option now. Thus, long may Digimon games continue, and the soul of DigiDestined live on.

Also Read: 7 Best New Games of August 2023

Frequently Asked Questions

Are All the Digimon Games Available on PC?

Yes. All the Games in this listicle are available on PC. However, you may require a Nintendo DS emulator to play Digimon World Dawn And Dusk.

What Is Digimon Story Cyber Sleuth: Complete Edition?

The Complete Edition is a 2 game in 1 bundle that features both the original series and Hacker’s Memory. For example, the 341 Digimon only available in Hacker’s Memory is now also in the original version. 

Is There a New Upcoming Digimon Game?

According to Digimon producers Kazumasa Habu and Takahiro Yokota, many Digimon games are under development. However, there is no current news regarding one, but a new Digimon movie will release on the 27th of October in Japan.