It’s hard to think of a franchise that’s had a bigger impact on RPG gaming thanFinal Fantasy. What started out as a single game meant to be a company’s last foray into the industry turned into a series that survived for decades and has put out over a dozen main installments and even more spinoffs.
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What’s even crazier is that the series did all of this while having a huge range of both gameplay styles and storytelling elements. Each new game is a chance to explore a unique world and meet colorful characters. Here’s a list of games that have elements similar to Final Fantasy.
10Dishonored
Given that it’s a first-person action game,Dishonoredmight not come off as a game inspired by Final Fantasy, but there are many elements of Dishonored that Final Fantasy pioneered. Dishonored’s Victorian steampunk world is a style and universe that could absolutely be a part of a Final Fantasy game.
Plus, Dishonored’s RPG elements have mechanics that many Final Fantasy fans will recognize. The use of magic and charms to add abilities and customize a character is one of the foundations of playing Final Fantasy.
9Assassin’s Creed
Assassin’s Creedis another game that might not seem like a good fit for Final Fantasy fans. But aside from the historical stealth action, there are a lot of elements of the Assassin’s Creed mythology within a Final Fantasy story. Assassin’s Creed features a precursor civilization with advanced technology that was wiped from the Earth andentrenched in ancient mythology.
Trying to uncover their secrets and protect this technology in modern times is a foundational plot line of the universe. It’s hard to find something that would be more in line with Final Fantasy themes.
8Secret Of Mana
If Secret Of Mana seems like a Final Fantasy game it’s because it’s pretty close to being one. It was published by the same company and came out during a frenzy of Final Fantasy clones. It even had a semi-connection to the series as a potential spin-off.
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The story follows similar Final Fantasy themes of unlikely heroes trying to topple an evil empire. But it’s a formula that has worked surprisingly well, that’s probably why it’s been duplicated so many times over the years. Secret Of Mana is just one of those games that did it superbly.
7Chaos Rings
Chaos Rings is the only game on this list that has the distinction of being exclusive to mobile. But that doesn’t make it any less of an awesome experience. The series has pairs of characters from across time and space battling to destroy a foe of infinite power.
The game also allows multiple storylines, alternate endings, and a combat system that resembles Final Fantasy a lot. A lot of gamers are turned off by mobile exclusives, but the Chaos Rings series is definitely one to check out.
6Legend Of Dragoon
Legend Of Dragoon was a game that came out during Final Fantasy’s golden age. It almost copied the Final Fantasy turn-based RPG system exactly. But it put enough of a spin on the concept to make it fun and unique.
The unique characterscombined with the compelling storymake Legend Of Dragoon almost seem like a Final Fantasy spin-off. It’s so much fun that it’s a shame the game hasn’t gotten a remake or a sequel in recent years, but the original still holds up very well.
5Chrono Trigger
Chrono Triggeris a classic game in desperate need of a remake, but fans of the original still rank it high on their list of all-time greats. Its playstyle and story are very similar to what Final Fantasy games were like at the time.
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But Chrono Trigger’s characters and turn-based gameplaystood out on their ownto compete with other Final Fantasy games of the era even though the franchise didn’t take off the same way. It might not hold up against modern RPGs, but for fans in need of a throwback experience you should still check it out.
4Super Mario RPG
DifferentMariogames have utilizeddifferent RPG elements over the years, but none emulates the Final Fantasy experience more than Super Mario RPG. Besides having a turn-based fighting mechanic and equipment style similar to Final Fantasy, it also had a very adventurous storyline that featured an original villain invading from an alternate dimension.
The game featured incredible bosses and unique characters that it’s been a shame it hasn’t been revisited in recent years. It’s such a Final Fantasy experience that FF fans would probably relate to it more than Mario lovers.
At first glance, there’s a lot that separates the Final Fantasy franchise fromPokemon. First off, they have wildly different demographics. Final Fantasy typically gears towards a more mature audience while Pokemon tries to captivate children.
But there is still tons of overlap between the two. Besides the fact that both games feature traversing open worlds, exploring different towns, and meeting different characters, they both have customizable RPG elements where players are forced to build a party around their particular fighting style. Also, both franchises have withstood the test of time, which is always impressive.
2Kingdom Hearts
Given how close theKingdom Heartsseries is to Final Fantasy, it would be a real shame if it wasn’t included in this list orany list of great RPGs. Kingdom Hearts' deep mythology is perfectly in line with the type of thematic and emotional storytelling Final Fantasy is known for.
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Plus, Kingdom Hearts has an incredible RPG style of fighting even though it’s more of an action and adventure-type game. Seeing so many classic Final Fantasy characters also means there are plenty of opportunities for Final Fantasy fans to become connected to this universe.
1Legend Of Zelda
The Final Fantasy and Legend Of Zelda franchises both have a lot in common. Even though Zelda features more or less the same characters in every installment, the games do their best to try to tell an original story and start from scratch, which exactly what new Final Fantasy games do.
Plus, Zelda’s unique fantasy setting is perfect for Fantasy fans who don’t want to dive into a world with strange creatures and machines. Zelda more of an action and adventure series, but newer games have more RPG elements.
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