The Final Fantasy series has had a bit of an interesting run lately. While fans have enjoyed updated versions of older games, such as Final Fantasy Tactics – The Ivalice Chronicles, there have also been some new, more unusual titles like Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin.
Things are looking positive with the 2024 release of Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, which has been highly praised and recaptured the excitement of classic Final Fantasy games. While the future seems promising, there are still areas for improvement, particularly in the combat system. Let’s examine some recent RPGs and see what advancements they’ve made compared to this beloved franchise.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
A-Number-One
The turn-based RPG Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a recent success story, showing that the genre still has room for innovation beyond fast-paced action. Fans have been waiting a long time for a new, traditional turn-based Final Fantasy game, with the Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster collection being the most recent offering.
In Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, players can improve attacks and defend against enemies using fast-paced, action-oriented commands. Each character has special skills – for example, Lune’s magic gets more powerful as you use it, and Verso’s attacks become stronger based on a ranking system. You can also use both guns and magic to target an enemy’s weak spots, but despite all these features, the game is easy to pick up and learn.
Kingdom Hearts 3
Transformative Action
As a long-time player, I’ve always loved how fast-paced and action-packed the Kingdom Hearts games are, and Kingdom Hearts 3 feels most similar to Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth and Final Fantasy 16 in that regard. Both Final Fantasy games have great combat, but I think Kingdom Hearts 3 just edges them out. The battles feel a little smoother, and honestly, every fight is different, which keeps things really exciting. You never quite know what to expect!
The core gameplay still involves Sora battling with his Keyblade and using magic. However, the big new feature is that the Keyblade can now change into different weapons – like a spear, guns, or even a drill – based on the combos you use. The game also adds a parkour system where you can use the environment to extend your attacks, and you can even summon classic Disney park rides, such as teacups, to help you and your team.
Metaphor: ReFantazio
Fluid Turn-Based Combat
Metaphor: ReFantazio features a flexible battle system similar to Final Fantasy 7 Remake, which allowed players to switch between real-time and turn-based combat. While turn-based options were limited in Final Fantasy 7 Remake, Metaphor: ReFantazio fully embraces them. Players will build their team using different character classes, called Archetypes, that work well together. Combining certain Archetypes unlocks powerful team attacks during battles.
Experienced players can defeat enemies simply by attacking them directly. While the real-time combat isn’t as smooth as in Final Fantasy 7 Remake, the turn-based battles are a strong point, and the character class system is comparable to those found in classic Final Fantasy games like Final Fantasy 5 and Final Fantasy Tactics.
Xenoblade Chronicles 3
Flashy Auto-Battling
Xenoblade Chronicles 3 features a combat system inspired by online games like Final Fantasy 14 and 12. Players select enemies, and their party automatically attacks. However, Xenoblade 3’s battles are more dynamic and visually impressive, allowing players to chain special abilities with other characters to create powerful combos and trigger quick-timed events.
Cleverly timed attacks can topple bigger enemies, making them more vulnerable. Plus, two characters can temporarily combine into powerful, mech-like forms to gain an advantage in combat. While Final Fantasy 14 is a fantastic MMO with a deep job system and lots of exciting abilities, Xenoblade Chronicles 3 generally has more ongoing activity.
Valkyria Chronicles 4
An Active Strategy
Fans had been eagerly awaiting a remastered version of Final Fantasy Tactics – The Ivalice Chronicles, and it delivered, setting a high bar for grid-based strategy games. However, the tactical genre has advanced since the original PlayStation era. Valkyria Chronicles 4 offers a more innovative battle system, allowing characters to move freely around the battlefield instead of being restricted to a grid.
During each turn, enemies can attack and defeat characters, making the gameplay more dynamic and engaging. When players choose to attack, the action temporarily pauses while they aim their weapons or prepare to throw grenades – precise aiming is crucial. The game is set in a World War 2-inspired fantasy world, and this fast-paced combat style complements the overall theme.
Bravely Default: Flying Fairy
More Than Just A Defense
Originally released on the 3DS, Bravely Default: Flying Fairy was created to capture the feel of classic Final Fantasy games. This remastered version on the Switch 2 lets players experience a title that was innovative ten years ago, and still holds up today. The game features a core group of four characters, and a unique job system that allows for extensive customization.
In Bravely Default: Flying Fairy, characters choose a main Job, like a Black Mage, and a secondary skill set, such as a White Mage. You can also equip passive abilities to boost stats like HP or counterattack chance. The combat is turn-based, but with a unique twist: you can choose to defend and build up points, then spend those points to act multiple times in a single turn – a key element of the game’s strategy. This system, combined with the Job classes, makes Bravely Default’s turn-based combat more strategic than many Final Fantasy games.
Sea Of Stars
Once More With Heart
Sea of Stars is a new indie role-playing game inspired by classic 90s titles like Final Fantasy 6, featuring beautiful pixel art. It uses a turn-based combat system, but keeps things engaging by allowing players to enhance attacks and defenses with timed button presses, similar to the game Clair Obscur: Expedition 33.
Like the team-up moves in Chrono Trigger, characters learn skills that are most effective when used with their allies. While character and equipment upgrades are fairly standard, Sea of Stars still boasts a really compelling battle system – a definite improvement over similar turn-based games like Final Fantasy released around the same time.
Pokemon Legends: Z-A
Monster Catching Perfection
While many monster-catching games offer similar gameplay to Pokemon, including the unique World of Final Fantasy, the Pokemon series has now raised the bar with Pokemon Legends: Z-A. The game focuses on a single city, much like Final Fantasy 7 Remake.
In this game, players capture Pokémon in specific areas and then battle trainers at night, aiming to become the city champion. Battles are fast-paced – Pokémon can unleash all four of their attacks in a row, but then need to recharge before acting again. This allows for quick action and a more engaging experience, even though the core gameplay still involves strategic turns.
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2026-01-29 11:35