Highlights

• Lost Odyssey is a hidden gem reminiscent of early Final Fantasy, directed by Hironobu Sakaguchi, with a compelling story of memory and immortality.
• Dragon Age offers a unique narrative experience where the choices you make shape the world and characters around you, unlike Final Fantasy.
• Kingdom Hearts, while similar to Final Fantasy, stands out with a complex, symbolic story that challenges fans to analyze and theorize along the way.

It's extremely difficult to talk about RPGs without bringing up Final Fantasy. There's a good reason for this as fans often say that it contains some of the best games to ever exist. While some FF games are certainly better than others, Square Enix is more or less batting a thousand when it comes to the series. Pushing all of that praise aside, Final Fantasy trades on its reputation a bit, as well.

While the series is great, there's a major problem with continuity of not following the adventures of the same characters often, so it would be nice to have a conversation about top-notch games with similar elements that don't involve Final Fantasy. So which ones might those be?

Updated on March 27, 2024 by Jouanna Bondakji: Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth is out, and what a game it is. If you can't help but crave something that will let you dive into a story as good as Final Fantasy 7's — or even better — this list is for you. We've even added a few more entries for you to check out.

25 Lost Odyssey

Old But Gold

Lost Odyssey is a hidden gem of the Xbox 360 era. The Xbox 360 wasn't the console you'd get if you were primarily an RPG lover, so the game was easily overlooked. It generally still holds up today, though certain graphical aspects leave something to be desired. But what undoubtedly still shines is Lost Odyssey's story, as well as its characters.

This is especially true if you liked the first five Final Fantasy games, since their director and writer, Hironobu Sakaguchi, is one of the game's main developers. The story is one of memory loss and immortality, as the protagonist, Kaim, is an amnesiac immortal man who slowly regains his memories during the course of the game. As he remembers certain events of the past, the story begs the question: are some things best left forgotten?

24 Dragon Age Series

Make The Story Yours

The Dragon Age games are loosely connected in the sense that every game follows different characters and events, but there are cameos and they share lore. The protagonist is a self-insert of you, making your choices throughout the story affect the world around you. Regardless of the specific plot in each game, there's an ongoing theme of opposing classes clashing to the point of warfare, as well as racism against certain fantasy races.

Since you're playing a character whose personality and morals you can control, you're doing more than just watching the story unfold; you're affecting it. Other games tend to struggle with creating an engaging narrative that also allows you to make your own choices, but Dragon Age excels at doing both.

23 Kingdom Hearts Series

More Than Meets The Eye

The Kingdom Hearts games are probably the closest thing to Final Fantasy without being Final Fantasy, since there are actual Final Fantasy characters in them, along with some magic and items. But Kingdom Hearts has its own identity entirely, following a big cast of original characters with their own stories that intertwine at some point. The focus of the main games is always Sora, a teenage boy who suddenly has the weight of saving the worlds thrust upon his shoulders when he gains the power to wield the Keyblade.

You may have seen the series' story criticized for being convoluted and hard to follow, but it's just that the games are chock-full of symbolism and hidden messages that are only revealed down the line. In reality, Kingdom Hearts is a great series for working out your theory and analysis muscles with other fans. It may not be the most straightforward way of storytelling, but that doesn't make it any less compelling.

22 Immortals Fenyx Rising

Rich Open World Full Of Greek Myth

Immortals Fenyx Rising wondrously brings ancient Greek Mythology to life with its extravagant open world and characters. And there's some unique storytelling between using gods Zeus and Prometheus to provide commentary as the gameplay events involving your character Fenyx occur, making it feel like your tale is being retold. It's a narrative style not seen in any other Ubisoft title.

The colors and world design are extremely eye-popping and vibrant, and there are tons of environmental puzzles and regions to explore around the sprawling map. Not to mention the many mythological enemies there are to defeat. And you can also take flight with your wings on your journey to free the land from the grave threat of an escaped Titan.

21 Forspoken

The Magic And Mystery Of Athia Awaits

Square Enix's Forspoken may not have lived up to the Final Fantasy series and got lost in its shadow, but its core themes and mechanics feel like an extension. The narrative transports you from the real city of New York to the fantasy land of Athia through a magical speaking cuff, who will be your companion for the journey.

Though you don't get an entourage like Noctis in FF15, if you've played Final Fantasy 16, the magic system, the strong voice acting, and the exceptional dialogue filled with mature language will make you feel right at home. As Frey Holland, you seek a way back to New York but are caught up in the inner politics of Athia, a land oppressed by a sinister magic-wielding group called the Tantas.

20 NieR: Automata

A Tale Of Female AI Warriors

If you're searching for an RPG with even more sci-fi elements than in the Final Fantasy series, this will certainly fit the aesthetic, and it's also one from Square Enix. Nier: Automata sees you assume the roles of android companions 2B, 9S, and A2, who go up against rogue machines in a fight to save the world.

It's a sequel to 2010's Nier and brings a story as complex as a Final Fantasy game. In fact, getting the entirety of the story is designed around completing multiple playthroughs of the game, and gaining new perspectives each run.

19 God Of War Ragnarok

A Narrative More Expansive Than Any God Of War

God of War Ragnarok embraces more RPG elements and is unparallel to any entry before it in terms of narrative length, world-building scale, and character development. The apocalyptic prophecy of Ragnarok is in play, Kratos is in the crosshairs of Odin and Thor, all the nine realms are available to visit, and the relationship between Kratos and his son Atreus is on the rocks.

In this game, you can play as both Kratos and Atreus as a result of their rift. Kratos gets plenty of new party members on quests with Freya, Tyr, and Brok, while Atreus, or Loki, masters his magical skills to use in combat and befriends another surviving giant named Angrboda. You'll have plenty to keep you occupied, and the minibosses and enemies also get a massive overhaul from the last game with numerous original kinds.

18 Xenoblade Series

Xenogears' Spiritual Successor

Created by the same team that developed Xenosaga and Xenogears, the Xenoblade Chronicles series has been a huge hit for Nintendo and Monolith Soft. It carries many of the same themes and philosophies as its predecessor, but the narrative is more accessible.

The first Xenoblade Chronicles has a world that matches Final Fantasy 15 when it comes to exploration and character bonds. However, the worlds in the Xenoblade series have more context, scope, and more importantly a powerful narrative to keep RPG fans gripped until the end. The third game did a great job of tying the first two together into one big narrative.

17 Diablo 4

A Hell Of A Return To Sanctuary

Final Fantasy 16 changed its approach with a more Gothic adult fantasy story that's full of mature themes reminiscent of Game of Thrones. And a perfect follow-up to this kind of tone would definitely be Diablo 4. It's the fourth installment of Blizzard's iconic top-down horror ARPG series, and the voice acting and story are better than ever.

Sanctuary has also never looked so hauntingly gorgeous as well, despite the ominous blood-painted dungeons and scary demons that reside within it. Playing as the Wanderer, you'll traverse various regions of Sanctuary, fighting and looting creatures and accompanying new allies while on your quest to put an end to Lilith and her forces.

16 The Trails Series

The Biggest Narrative In Gaming

The developers at Falcom already had a good track record for creating great JRPGs with its Ys series. However, its Trails series, a part of the Legend of Heroes series, can't be matched in terms of narrative. The Trails series is massive, and it's only getting bigger with each interconnected game.

The series began with the Trails in the Sky Trilogy and has continued with Trails of Cold Steel. The games may not have the budget of a Final Fantasy title, but the world-building and emotional narratives outshine even the expanded Final Fantasy 7 saga. If you're a fan of huge epic stories in your RPG then you owe it to yourself to dive into the Trails series.

15 The Mana Series

A Lush World Ahead Of Its Time

When talking about games like Final Fantasy, no one can forget Secret of and Legend of Mana. Both games have their roots in the same garden as Final Fantasy oddly enough. But a great feature in Legend of Mana is that you can choose from a male or female hero, since most games in 1999 put you in the shoes of a male by default.

In addition, the game toys with the idea of the sandbox and a landscape completely created by you as the game progressed. You build the world map as you play, and the main story is broken up into three acts that didn't require being played linearly. While the sandbox and a 'play as you want' style are normal now, it certainly wasn't in '99. The game also features hand-drawn landscapes for added aesthetics.

14 The Suikoden Series

A Deep Multi-Generational RPG

Before the Trails series started building interconnected but self-contained games that focused on mature narratives, there was Suikoden. There are five main entries and two spin-offs that launched in the West. Suikoden 2 was the game that made JRPG fans stand up and take notice.

Unfortunately, Suikoden 2's limited publication led to it selling for a small fortune at auction sites. The effort and time it takes to obtain each title are very much worth it, however. The series has played host to some of the most memorable supporting characters and villains in the genre. There is a ton of depth and lore for fans to deep narratives and interesting worlds. More importantly, Suikoden's powerful character stories can rival any modern title.

13 Terranigma

Variety Is The Spice Of Gaming

It's a shame this little gem never made it to the US — it was launched in Japan and Europe — because it's easily up there with Chrono Trigger as one of the best RPGs the SNES had to offer. That's saying something when you consider that the SNES was probably the premier console when it comes to having a library of classic RPGs. Nowadays, the Nintendo Switch and the PC are battling it out for that title.

The greatest asset to just about any RPG is its story, and Terranigma had one of the better ones. You play as a boy named Ark tasked with resurrecting planet Earth after the world was submerged during a battle in Antarctica between God and the Devil. Each chapter in the story looks and feels different as they mimic Ark's goals in a visual metaphor. You almost feel like you've been given three or four different games on one cartridge, as each segment feels like a different experience.

12 The Tales Of Series

Sprawling Fantasy Worlds

The Tales Of series hasn't been around as long as the Final Fantasy series, but the former is starting to gain on the latter in terms of available titles in the series.

The Tales games are filled with memorable characters, hilarious skits, and sprawling narratives that will sate any Final Fantasy fan. They do err on the more anime and fanservicey side of things, but there's a great deal of quality to be found within, especially if you're committed to experiencing 80+ hour adventures.

11 Divinity: Original Sin 2

Turn-Based Perfection

Larian Studios surprised everyone with its indie smash hit Divinity: Original Sin 2. Though the developer has been at it for decades, this game put it on everyone's radar, and for good reason. It runs smoothly, for the most part, has wonderfully written and voiced characters, and keeps everyone on the edge of their seat.

Though it is an isometric RPG, the story in this game has no shortage of emotional twists and turns. The world feels alive and lived in — a requirement for an amazing RPG. But more than that is how it gives a voice to unique characters. Even the most diehard Final Fantasy fans will admit that the characters can feel a bit homogenous at times. That won't be a problem in the massive and idiosyncratic world of Rivellon.

10 Dragon's Dogma

Here, There Be Dragons

A game like Final Fantasy has to be turn-based: false. They also can't be shooters: false again. Dragon's Dogma shows that RPGs excel when they use classes — even if that means pushing you outside your comfort zone.

The fixed day/night cycles and timelines for the hundreds of NPCs are impressive feats as are the size and scope of the world and its beasts. The Hybrid Vocations are another great feature. Playing as the Magick Archer is like reading Moby Dick in school: required.

9 The Elder Scrolls Series

The Perennial Favorite

The Elder Scrolls series sticks out for reasons beyond just being Bethesda's original IP. Sure, the games can be glitchy and repetitive, but no one can say that each installment isn't almost infinitely replayable. What's more, the active modding communities keep the games looking fresh and running smoothly on modern tech.

The Elder Scrolls set the standard for the play-as-you-want style. You'll hear a lot of people say this was perfected in Skyrim, but the ability to play how you want and as whatever you want was probably more robust in Daggerfall, the second installment in the series. You could even build your spells. It's also possible that Daggerfall is one of the largest open worlds in gaming (destroying the world size of all its sequels), though much of the map is randomly generated.

8 Shining Force 2

Tactical Battles At Scale

While it was cool that the battle maps were in three dimensions for Final Fantasy Tactics, Shining Force 2 would offer huge battles and very large scales across all sorts of terrains. There were thirty playable characters with several different abilities to use on the battlefield.

One of the best features was the ability to promote your characters into new classes after a certain level. This not only added some change to the already killer fight and character animations, but you could take a character that was growing stale as your roster grew, like the Centaur, and promote him into a Pegasus Knight!

7 EarthBound (Mother)

That One Guy From Smash Bros.

When EarthBound first hit North America, it didn't do very well. In Japan, it was called Mother 2 as it was the second installment in the Mother series. The North American version only sold half the copies that Mother 2 sold in Japan. Over time, the game gained quite the cult following and pulled itself out of cult status when the main character, Ness, appeared in a Super Smash Bros. game.

The attention would help the first Mother eventually see a launch on the Wii U Virtual Console. What made EarthBound so great was its irreverent humor, but, more importantly, The real-world setting that broke the fantasy setting trend in RPGs. It was a breath of fresh air at the time, and it directly inspired one of the finest RPGs to be launched in the last five years.

6 Ni No Kuni: Wrath Of The White Witch

Play A Studio Ghibli Movie

Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch is probably up there as one of the greatest JRPGs ever made. It originally launched for the DS under the name Ni no Kuni: Dominion of the Dark Djinn, but a significantly enhanced similar version with nearly the same plot was made for PS3.

What sets the Ni no Kuni games apart from other RPGs is the Studio Ghibli animated sequences and character designs that nodded to past Studio Ghibli animated features. Not only did Studio Ghibli create the look of the game, but its past features inspired the complexity and relatability of the game's characters and story as well.