Summary
- Genshin Impact mirrors FF with real-time combat, elemental magic, and expansive world exploration.
- Ni no Kuni 2 combines action combat and kingdom-building mechanics in a Studio Ghibli-inspired world.
- Persona 5 Royal excels in urban fantasy storytelling, stylish turn-based combat, and character bonds.
The modern Final Fantasy titles have carved a unique niche with their cinematic storytelling, ensemble casts, and jaw-dropping visuals. However, they're also characterized by real-time combat, sprawling worlds, and stories that weave together fantasy and technology.
Final Fantasy: 8 Fights The Heroes Should've Lost
These Final Fantasy fights seemed doomed from the start, but somehow, the heroes managed to pull it through against all odds.
If players are looking for more games that feel like modern Final Fantasy titles, these eight games deliver that same blend of grand adventures, memorable characters, and breathtaking worlds in droves.
8 Genshin Impact
An Elemental Symphony With Endless Adventure
Genshin Impact
- Released
- September 28, 2020
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- Teen / Alcohol Reference, Fantasy Violence, In-Game Purchases (Includes Random Items), Users Interact
- Genre(s)
- RPG, Action, Adventure, Gacha, Open-World
What started as a supposed Breath of the Wild clone has since blossomed into one of the most expansive RPG experiences on the market. Genshin Impact has a real-time combat system that feels both fluid and strategic, not unlike the more recent Final Fantasy games. With elemental magic at the heart of its mechanics, it challenges players to combine abilities across its sprawling roster of characters.
The world of Teyvat is a vast, open playground, and each region brims with lore and secrets, much like Eorzea in Final Fantasy 14. Story-wise, Genshin Impact leans into epic quests with a mysterious protagonist and an ensemble cast hailing from diverse regions, reminiscent of how Final Fantasy 15 introduced the brotherly camaraderie of Noctis and his crew. With constant updates, compelling characters, and intricate world-building, Genshin Impact feels like a modern fantasy saga that just can’t be put down.
7 Ni No Kuni 2: Revenant Kingdom
A Kingdom Worth Fighting For
Ni No Kuni 2: Revenant Kingdom
- Released
- March 23, 2018
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- t
- Genre(s)
- JRPG
While its predecessor felt more like a love letter to classic JRPGs, Ni no Kuni 2 takes a modern approach, blending action-packed combat with kingdom-building mechanics. The game’s vibrant, cel-shaded world, brought to life with the help of Studio Ghibli’s aesthetic influence, feels like a fairy tale that players can’t help but get lost in.
The story of young King Evan’s quest to build a new kingdom is as charming as it is grand, and the game’s real-time combat, complete with party-based synergy, echoes the dynamic battle systems of Final Fantasy 15 and 16. There’s also a focus on strategic planning when it comes to kingdom management, adding layers of depth that feel just as satisfying as plotting the next move in a Final Fantasy battle.
6 Kingdom Hearts 3
Friendship, Keys, And Clashing Worlds
Kingdom Hearts 3
- Released
- January 25, 2019
WHERE TO PLAY
If there’s any franchise that parallels modern Final Fantasy in both its convoluted lore and emotional resonance, it’s Kingdom Hearts. The third main installment, Kingdom Hearts 3, cranks up the visual splendor, blending Disney charm with the kind of action-RPG combat that’s become a Square Enix staple. Sora’s journey across multiple worlds, ranging from Frozen’s Arendelle to Toy Story’s Andy’s Room, makes every chapter feel like a brand-new adventure.
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Combat is fast-paced and visually spectacular, with transformations and team attacks that make every encounter feel dynamic. The crossover between Final Fantasy and Disney characters feels surprisingly seamless, and while the story can be hard to follow for newcomers, its themes of friendship and sacrifice hit hard, just like some of the best Final Fantasy arcs.
5 Dragon Quest 11: Echoes Of An Elusive Age
Classic Charm With A Modern Glow
Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age
- Released
- September 4, 2018
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T For Teen due to Crude Humor, Fantasy Violence, Mild Blood, Simulated Gambling, Suggestive Themes, Use of Alcohol
- Genre(s)
- JRPG
Square Enix doesn’t just handle one legendary JRPG series. Dragon Quest 11 embraces its roots while modernizing just enough to feel fresh. The colorful, whimsical world of Erdrea is a joy to explore, especially with the orchestral score giving it a grandiose feel.
Turn-based combat makes a triumphant return here, but it’s streamlined with snappy animations and a clean interface, making each battle feel impactful. While Final Fantasy may have moved away from turn-based systems, the sheer narrative depth and heartfelt character arcs in Dragon Quest 11 will feel instantly familiar to longtime FF fans. Plus, the game’s ability to seamlessly switch between 3D and retro 2D graphics is a brilliant nod to the series’ legacy while showcasing how far it’s come.
4 Persona 5 Royal
Style, Substance, And Stealing Hearts
Persona 5 Royal
- Released
- March 31, 2020
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Blood, Drug Reference, Partial Nudity, Sexual Themes, Strong Language, Violence
- Genre(s)
- JRPG
While Final Fantasy is known for blending fantasy with futuristic elements, Persona 5 Royal leans into urban fantasy, mixing day-to-day life with supernatural heists. The Phantom Thieves’ journey to reform society’s corrupt hearts is packed with narrative depth and unexpected twists.
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Those who love Persona 5 Royal will likely enjoy games like Fire Emblem: Three Houses, Yakuza, and other fantastic titles that fit into the same vein.
Combat is a turn-based affair, but the stylish presentation and the way battles flow make it feel anything but static. Much like Final Fantasy 15's character-driven road trip, the strength of Persona 5 lies in its cast and the bonds that players form with them. Balancing school life, dungeon crawling, and unraveling conspiracies gives it a distinct flavor, but the way it handles storytelling and emotional stakes is pure JRPG gold.
3 Xenoblade Chronicles 2
Bonds That Transcend Worlds
Xenoblade Chronicles 2
- Released
- December 1, 2017
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T For Teen due to Language, Suggestive Themes, Use of Alcohol and Tobacco, Violence
- Genre(s)
- RPG
When it comes to grand, sprawling RPGs, Monolith Soft knows how to craft a saga. Xenoblade Chronicles 2 offers an epic journey across the titans that make up Alrest’s world, with combat that mixes real-time attacks with strategic planning. The use of Blades, sentient weapons who form bonds with their Drivers, mirrors the modern Final Fantasy approach to blending lore with mechanics.
Visually, the game has a vibrant, anime-inspired aesthetic, and the soundtrack hits similar emotional highs that Final Fantasy fans will appreciate. Story-wise, it’s a coming-of-age tale wrapped in political intrigue and ancient mysteries, making the stakes feel both personal and world-shattering.
2 Octopath Traveler 2
Eight Unqiue Paths, One Epic Journey
Octopath Traveler 2
- Released
- February 24, 2023
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- Rated T for Teen for Fantasy Violence, Mild Blood, Mild Language, Suggestive Themes, and Use of Alcohol and Tobacco.
- Genre(s)
- RPG
Square Enix doesn’t shy away from experimenting with RPG formulas, and Octopath Traveler 2 is proof of that. It takes the HD-2D aesthetic and turns it into something truly mesmerizing, with pixel art that’s both nostalgic and breathtakingly modern. The combat system is deceptively deep, with the Break and Boost mechanics requiring careful planning, reminiscent of managing ATB gauges in Final Fantasy 13.
The game’s structure lets players pick from eight protagonists, each with their own story and motivation. It’s like having eight different Final Fantasy storylines running parallel, each filled with heartfelt moments, unique challenges, and interconnected lore.
1 Tales Of Arise
A Tale Of Liberation And Heartache
Tales of Arise
- Released
- September 10, 2021
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T for Teen: Alcohol Reference, Blood, Language, Suggestive Themes, Violence
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG
What sets Tales of Arise apart from its predecessors is how it takes the series' real-time combat to new heights. Players can link moves with other party members, resulting in flashy combo attacks that feel smooth and satisfying. The story, centered on breaking free from oppression, is far darker than most Tales games but hits the right emotional beats to feel satisfying in true JRPG fashion.
Its world is beautifully crafted, with regions that reflect the harsh realities of its divided setting. The mix of fast-paced action and heartfelt storytelling captures that Final Fantasy spirit without feeling derivative, making it a must-play for those who love grand, emotionally charged adventures.
Tales Of Arise: 14 Beginners Tips To Get You Started
For those playing Tales of Arise for the first time, or newcomers to the JRPG genre, these helpful beginner tips should get you started.