The Top 7 Games Like Final Fantasy

Final Fantasy (FF) revolutionized role-playing with its innovative battle system, solid experience system, diverse storyline and visuals. Every new release for the console or handheld became a massive hit. So enthralling and addicting these games are that they have got gamers wanting for more. Sadly, the franchise does not release a new FF game every year.

Thankfully, there are some great games like Final Fantasy that are as in-depth and awesome as the original. They have that FF look and feel, including a solid combat system, anime-style visuals and plenty of plot twists to keep RPGers at the edge of their seats. Here are seven most popular FF-like games; some of these are Square Enix’s gems and follow traditional RPG concepts.

Lost Odyssey’s fantasy/steampunk setting will surely remind you of new Final Fantasy games. LO revolves around the protagonist Kaim and his adventures. The fact that LO is developed by the creator of FF gives enough reasons to play the game.

Combat in LO sticks to traditional turn-based tactics seen in most FF games. Monster battles are random and can occur while exploring the world. An interesting aspect of battle is the “Aim Ring System”, which allows for some button mashing in order to time a formidable attack.

During battles, players can add a maximum of five characters. LO also has a robust spell system, which draws heavily from Final Fantasy. Along with two traditional magic systems, the game has additional spell systems: Composite and Spirit. Players have to search for spells, add them into their spell books and must have the right skill set to cast spells.

Lost Odyssey has gorgeous visuals and huge monsters to fight against. Sadly, the game isn’t available for any other platform except Xbox 360.

With a futuristic setting, Xenogears does away with the traditional “Fantasy” feel. The game focuses on Mechs (think Transformers) and has a very unique battle mode. What’s similar is the strong plot, something which every Final Fantasy game is famous for (Xenogears’ developed by Square Enix JFYI). Xenogears centers on a war-torned world, where nations struggle for power and fuel, where mech warriors are an ideal option to destroy enemies.

While the game follows traditional JRPG mechanics, the battle mode is quite unique if you compare it with most FF games. Yes it is turn-based, but the dual battle system makes it different from other role-playing games. Two-mode, because gamers can battle against their enemies by riding a gear (mech warrior), or fight them without it. Also, there is less emphasis on magic, which is understandable considering its futuristic setting. You do have some magic spells, but it’s mainly for defensive purpose.

Xenogears sports a nice anime look. The 2D sprites and the 3D rotatable background look great while exploring a vast war-torned world. Overall, this JRPG is a must-play, if you are looking for a decent RPG title.

If you are looking for a fun Final Fantasy-like game, then I recommend Kingdom Hearts (KH). Although it isn’t as innovative and in-depth as FF, the game has a nice real-time combat system and a very unique premise. What’s exceptional about the KH series is the inclusion of guest FF and Disney Characters. Also, most locales resemble wonderful places from Disney movies. This Disney-Final Fantasy element adds a new dimension to gameplay.

Kingdom Hearts gameplay is very similar to any RPG. Battle takes place in real-time, with Sora, the protagonist and her comical allies (who else but our very own Donald Duck and Goofy) taking on monsters.

KH borrows many gameplay elements, including a hack-and-slash system, from Final Fantasy. There’s no turn-based battle and most games of the series are linear. The XP system allows players to level-up their characters with new abilities and powers once they accumulate enough XP points. The experience shared between allies makes the party stronger and helps it to excel in battles.

I would recommend the first two games (KH and KH2) if you are really interested in the game. The second game of the series boast new abilities and all characters are a bit grown-up and matured. The action is awesome.

Players can wield two weapons at the same time. Moreover the visuals show a marked improvement than the first game. You can try other games, but I think most are spinoffs and don’t offer a good plot. Kingdom Hearts is a series you don’t want to miss, especially if you are looking for a good FF-inspired game.

Dragon Quest is often termed as the “granddaddy” of Japanese role-playing games. Almost every other JRPG of the 90s were inspired by its gameplay. In fact, many gameplay elements of Final Fantasy, like the famed Gambit system and dream world, were borrowed from Dragon Quest’s gameplay mechanics.

Most Dragon Quest games have a very familiar setting – a hero is tasked to save the world from the clutches of an evil entity. The hero, along with his allies, explores strange new lands, fight random monsters and complete quests to gain points and treasures. Battles are turn-based and force players to execute proper tactics in order to defeat monsters. Other familiar elements include boss battles, dungeon explorations, and unique abilities. There are also some adult undertones in some games, especially in the Japanese versions of the series.

Dragon Quest video games are recommended for those who love playing classic JRPG. Like any role-playing game, these games can be played for hours and offer plenty of variety. If you are an ardent role-playing fan or are curious about its history, then you shouldn’t miss this epic series - a series that owes all earlier and modern-day JPRGs a big thank you.

Shadow Hearts’ pre-WWI setting is quite out-of-the-box, but more unique is its storyline. You will find plenty of disturbing and outright bizarre plot sequences, dialogue and period pieces like the Industrial revolution. There are also some sequences that touch a raw nerve and are eerily sarcastic. Shadow Hearts’ linear story has enough twists to keep you at the edge of your seat.

While the plot may seem more like romantic boy-meets-girl kind of a story, it isn’t the same seen in most JRPG. The storyline is scary and compelling and each character has a unique enigmatic background. The hero has mystical powers that allow him to combine his soul with monsters; the damsel-in-distress is a daughter of a priest and is stalked by enemies because of a strange power she possesses. When they meet, they uncover several secrets and fight gruesome monsters.

Along with a gripping storyline, the turn-based combat is excellent and does not cling onto traditional turn-based battle. An additional “Judgment Ring” system makes combat more immersive. It tests how quick you are in timing your attacks. The ring system is somewhat similar to Lost Odyssey. Surely it is an interesting concept.

The game has attractive visuals. The character models are drawn exceptionally and the animated backgrounds are rendered pretty well. On a PS2 console, the game plays smoothly with minor problems and glitches. If you are looking for a Final Fantasy-like game that has a good plot and a solid combat system, then you must play Shadow Hearts.

One of the best Dragon Quest-inspired JRPGs, Breath of Fire series of video games is known for its excellent plot. Although each game has its own story, the central plot doesn’t fade away with every game released.

Breath of Fire will certainly appeal to those who have a fascination for stories based on dragons and myths. The titular character Ryu can transform itself into different types of fire-breathing monsters. The medieval setting blends perfectly well with the dragon lore. Gamers will like the cutesy characters and dragons.

This JRPG follows the traditional role-playing mechanics. Gameplay is very similar to earlier Final Fantasy games. However, most reviewers believe that it borrows various elements from Dragon Quest. There are plenty of quests to complete, NPCs to interact with and random battles to encounter.

The game also adds some puzzle elements and has a robust magic spell system. Combat is turn-based and is quite similar to early FF games. Boss battles are tough and require characters to cast strong spells in order to deplete their fake health bar.

With a colorful cast of characters and a massive world full of secrets, quests and monsters, Breath of Fire provides the much-needed RPG dose for someone who’s looking for an FF type of game.

Another JRPG gem, Chrono Trigger boasts several unique features, including a FF-like battle system that made Final Fantasy IV quite popular among the role-playing video game crowd. While it sticks to the traditional RPG concept, several notable innovations make gameplay more immersive and engaging. The storyline does not have a single ending and offers plenty of side-quests.

What has impressed me about this game is its deviation from random battles. Enemies can be easily seen wandering around and a combat takes place when you interact with an enemy. There are no random surprise attacks, this means you can prepare for a battle and then come back again to fight any enemies. Once you interact with an enemy, the battle starts in the same screen.

Another fun aspect of battle is the use of Techs – special powers that can be combined to create even more powerful effects. The combos need to be unlocked as an option once players have accumulated enough magic points.

One of the game’s most innovative feature is time-travel. Players can access several epochs, time-travel to the past, forge new alliances and battle against monsters. Any actions in the past affect the future. This opens up several possibilities and alternative endings, making this game replayable.

CT was one of the early pioneers of Japanese role-playing games. It is still played by many die-hard RPG fans. If you are into classic RPGs and would love to play classic games like Final Fantasy, then you won’t get a game as impressive as Chrono Trigger.