Join the Bakugan Battle Brawlers as we pick up cards and meet the gnarly creatures in New Vestroia while checking out the best Bakugan games of all time!
Bakugan burst onto the scene in 2007 and in conjunction with the anime, quickly rose to being one of the most in-demand toys for kids.
And along with this naturally came video games for Bakugan lovers to enjoy.
These titles offer the chance to pit yourself against other Bakugan owners, some more villainous than others, in a strategic affair that will leave you biting your nails and pulling out your hair in the hope that your beasts come out on top.
While there aren’t too many titles out there (since the anime didn’t last too many seasons), it’s definitely worth knowing which ones are the best.
I mean, you’ve got to have an order to play them in, right?
So, buckle up for a short ride as we list the best games in the series… even though there are currently only four at the time of writing. It’s time to experience the monster-fighting goodness for yourself!
1. Bakugan Battle Brawlers (2007)
Nabbing the top spot in our best Bakugan games roundup is the title with the exact same name as the first anime season – Bakugan Battle Brawlers.
As the name alludes to, this one is all about battling, battling, and more battling.
There’s no exploration or any other aspect to this game, contrary to that of other games in the series, but that simply doesn’t matter.
There’s plenty of depth to the gameplay as it’s not just pressing the same button over and over to execute attacks, instead you deploy your Bakugan, control them, and even eliminate some opponents on the way.
You’re also able to capture more Bakugan outside of Story Mode, adding an extra dimension to the title.
Thankfully, it is available on various platforms – PlayStation 3, PlayStation 2, Xbox 360, Nintendo DS, and Wii, all differing slightly in terms of mechanics, but having the same overall stellar battling experience.
So, no matter which platform you opt to play Bakugan Battle Brawlers on, you’ll be hit with an incredible nostalgia-filled affair, firmly planting it as the best Bakugan game of all time.
2. Bakugan: Defenders of the Core (2010)
Bakugan: Defenders of the Core is probably the most involved title on this best Bakugan games list.
By that we mean you’ll actually be fully controlling both the main character and the Bakugan themselves as you traverse the world and battle against others.
Looking to that battling, it’s more of a Dragon Ball Z: Ultimate Tenkaichi style where there’s a 3D arena that you can move around in, just with a few more restrictions.
This is hugely appealing for those who want to fulfil the fantasy of actually controlling Bakugan, and is quite unique compared to other titles in the franchise.
The story beats, while relatively simplistic, are a nice addition, and offers a departure from the anime itself for an entirely new adventure.
It’s probably the most graphically impressive game too, especially considering that it came out in 2010, perfectly tying up the whole experience.
If you want a Bakugan game that both embodies the franchise as well as giving you a bunch of control over the monsters themselves, Defenders of the Core is a must-play.
3. Bakugan: Rise of the Resistance (2011)
Bakugan: Rise of the Resistance was released in 2011 for the Nintendo DS with the story being based on the second season of the anime, focusing on New Vestroia.
The core gameplay is focused on tower defense battling rather than a turn-based affair, which could throw you off if you’re used to playing other Bakugan games that have that system.
But that’s not to say it’s a bad thing. In fact, it’s a fresh experience that gets the brain working a little, especially when you get to the latter portion of its 30+ levels.
Moreover, there’s also 30+ Bakugan to play around with, coupled with upgrades that can be implemented in post-battle phases.
Considering this is a DS game, the graphics aren’t too shabby either.
Granted, it was released way into the console’s life cycle, but it’s always nice for the visuals to match the entertaining gameplay.
4. Bakugan: Champions of Vestroia (2020)
If you want a Bakugan game on a more modern system, Bakugan: Champions of Vestroia is definitely one to look at.
Releasing for the Nintendo Switch in 2020, this take on the franchise pits you in 1v1 Bakugan battling with a twist.
You’re able to switch between three Bakugan mid-fight, allowing for some tactical exchanges, keeping you on your toes.
In between battles, you can do some exploration, completing quests and talking to what NPCs are in the vicinity.
Due to it being a more recent release, there’s not only single-player but multiplayer too.
This offers another plus for Champions of Vestroia, allowing you to enjoy this classic franchise with others who do also.
There are some arguments to say that the game can be somewhat simplistic but for Bakugan fans new and old, it’s more than worth a play.
