The Best Modern JRPGs For Fans Who Miss The Old Final Fantasy Games

Key Takeaways

Final Fantasy series has paved the way for iconic JRPGs, despite facing challenges.
Modern JRPGs like Octopath Traveler 2 and The Legend of Heroes offer classic gameplay elements.
Games like Bravely Default 2 and Triangle Strategy provide a nostalgic feel for fans of old-school Final Fantasy.

As a longtime enthusiast of the Final Fantasy series, I must say that diving into these modern JRPGs that hark back to the classic era is like revisiting old friends. Each one offers a unique twist on the genre, allowing me to customize my party and take on formidable foes with their powerful abilities.

The “Final Fantasy” series, with its mix of highs and lows, is undoubtedly a trailblazer in the realm of JRPGs during the golden era of gaming. Despite the setback caused by the disappointing performance of “Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within,” which led to the company’s merger with Square Enix, the series has persistently strived for innovation, albeit with varying results. Fans admire the franchise’s efforts to adapt and evolve with the times, rather than sticking to what made it successful in the past.

Still, there’s something about the classic goodness of Final Fantasy that fans can’t get enough of to this day. Everything from the fun turn-based combat to the memorable stories and characters that have stuck with players long after they’ve finished these games has proven why the golden age of Final Fantasy deserves all its plaudits. People who want to channel the brilliance that made these titles so iconic in the first place will love numerous modern JRPGs that are inspired by old-school games in the genre, and Final Fantasy‘s heyday is no exception here.

5 Octopath Traveler 2

Most Similar To: Final Fantasy 5

In the sequel to Octopath Traveler, nearly every aspect has been refined, yet the original game’s job system, executed flawlessly, remains a standout feature. Players can assist the main characters in mastering multiple jobs, transforming them into formidable forces on the battlefield. This system compensates for their vulnerabilities and amplifies their strengths by granting access to both active and passive abilities.

Enthusiasts of “Final Fantasy 5” are bound to appreciate the appeal that “Octopath Traveler” and its sequel present. The job system offers an enjoyable experience, enabling players to alter their party configuration and approach battles in various ways each time, providing a fresh challenge every time. With the significant advancements made in “Octopath Traveler 2”, fans longing for the golden era of “Final Fantasy” eagerly anticipate what future installments in the series will offer.

4 The Legend Of Heroes: Trails Of Cold Steel

Most Similar To: Final Fantasy 7

The materia system of Final Fantasy 7 has aged like a fine wine, to the point where the remakes have emulated this system faithfully to great effect. Using concentrated magic stones to let players access a wide array of offensive and defensive spells is a simple yet exciting way to make combat more personalized than ever. One modern JRPG with its own take on such a concept is The Legend of Heroes series, with Trails of Cold Steel being a modern entry point into the series that people should check out for themselves.

Similar to materia in the Final Fantasy series, The Legend of Heroes collection allows gamers to obtain or buy Quartz. These Quartzes are magical orbments crafted from purified sepith and grant players access to a diverse range of orbal arts. These arts include both active skills and passive benefits that can enhance a character’s strengths or compensate for their weaknesses. This idea is likely familiar to Final Fantasy 7 players, as it enables them to tailor their perfect team and confront the most challenging opponents with their impressive abilities.

3 I Am Setsuna

Most Similar To: Final Fantasy 10

Enthusiasts of the game “Chrono Trigger” can expect to appreciate “I am Setsuna” as well. While it might not be the most detailed or iconic JRPG, gamers seeking a contemporary JRPG reminiscent of the era when this genre was at its peak will enjoy playing I am Setsuna. Notably, the narrative shares some resemblance with “Final Fantasy 10.

Similar to Tidus’ epic journey, the game “I am Setsuna” revolves around a young woman and her guardian who are destined to be sacrificed to quell the rampaging monsters of their world. Those well-versed in the story of “Final Fantasy 10” will recognize this predicament; however, our heroes refuse to accept their fate and instead choose to confront the puppeteer responsible for this never-ending cycle of violence. This decision sets them on a path that could determine the destiny of the entire world.

2 Bravely Default 2

Most Similar To: Final Fantasy 3

Gamers who appreciate games reminiscent of classic Japanese Role-Playing Games (JRPGs) will find Bravely Default 2 appealing due to its polished yet familiar gameplay style. The highlight of this game is undoubtedly its job system, which offers players the flexibility to quickly adjust their party and battle tactics. Combined with the Brave and Default combat system, battles are consistently enjoyable whether you’re encountering random enemies or battling bosses.

Enthusiasts of the “Final Fantasy” series, particularly those who appreciate games with an intricate job system similar to “Final Fantasy 3” and “5”, will find “Bravely Default 2” a fantastic choice to satisfy their longing for such games. The allure of trying out every job in the game and the continuous adjustment of the party’s abilities throughout their journey is a significant factor contributing to the enduring charm of the gameplay in “Bravely Default 2”.

1 Triangle Strategy

Most Similar To: Final Fantasy Tactics

In the annals of its series, Final Fantasy Tactics stands out as an exceptional spin-off. It offers players a distinct Final Fantasy experience, where each interaction is painstakingly designed and challenging without being unfair. Though the battles in this game may require some patience from fans of the main series due to their slower pace, its stellar presentation, captivating narrative, and well-developed characters have earned it a place among the most renowned strategy JRPGs ever made.

It’s unfortunate that Square Enix hasn’t attempted a fresh installment for this series, but fans yearning for a contemporary JRPG experience reminiscent of Final Fantasy Tactics will find themselves captivated by the offerings of Triangle Strategy. The gameplay is heavily influenced by Final Fantasy Tactics, offering strategic, tactical combat that appreciates smart placement and environmental adjustments, among other clever tactics.

2024-10-02 04:33