The Final Fantasy 7 Remake appealed to the original lovers and new players alike by forgoing traditional JRPG turn-based mechanics and expanding the story and world of Midgar. For those first venturing into the world of JRPGs, the FF7 Remake was an excellent starting point.
Although there isn’t long to wait before the release of Crisis Core Reunion provides much-needed context to Cloud's story, first-time adopters of JRPGs may still be looking for other similar titles to expand their repertoire. From Chrono Trigger to Fire Emblem there are plenty of other games reminiscent of FF7 Remake, either in of combat, gameplay style, or narrative depth.
The Final Fantasy Franchise Has Plenty Of Variety
Players who enjoyed Final Fantasy 7 Remake might find another game in the franchise that suits their tastes, as there are plenty to choose from and each one is unique. Among the choices is Final Fantasy 6, a game that explores the difficult themes of human pain, loneliness, nihilism, and mortality. The graphics are dated, due to the age of the game, and the turn-based mechanics may put some off, but the story and emotional depth still make FF6 a game worth exploring.
Yakuza: Like A Dragon Brings The Franchise Into The World Of JRPGs
Even though it has a different combat style, Like A Dragon is connected to other Yakuza games through its characters and storyline, making the transition to the JRPG genre feel natural for the franchise. Like A Dragon has a more modern setting than some JRPGs, which could be a draw for players who enjoyed FF7 Remake since that setting is also on the more modern side, especially with the industrially dystopian feeling of Midgar. While Like A Dragon uses turn-based combat, the flow of battle still feels smooth, and some attacks are on the silly side which keeps the game entertaining during the part that is most at risk of becoming tedious in JRPGs.
Explore The World Of Xenoblade Chronicles
Sometimes considered one of the greatest games of all time, Xenoblade Chronicles would be a good choice for players who want more of a balance between gameplay and story instead of just the heavy emphasis on story that is common in JRPGs. Xenoblade Chronicles 3 received rave reviews, setting a high standard for JRPGs going forward. First-time players can start with 3, as while all the games in the series are connected, the connections are loose enough that players shouldn't feel lost regardless of which title they pick first. The Xenoblade Chronicles games are packed with content, so players can sink hours into them exploring the world and its story.
Dragon Quest 11 Combines Modern & Retro JRPG Elements
Like FF7 Remake, Dragon Quest 11 is published by Square Enix and players can jump into the game without prior knowledge of the series. Dragon Quest is a traditional JRPG series that has a lot to offer, but Dragon Quest 11 finds a balance between the feelings of modern and classic JRPGs, even letting players choose between playing in 2D or 3D. Like a traditional JRPG, players can expect turn-based combat, a focus on narrative, and a combat party filled with characters met along the way.
Persona 5 Royal Is A JRPG Mixed With A Social Simulation
Persona 5 Royal is an improved version of Persona 5, including new content like a new location and a third semester. This game includes the traditional elements of a JRPG and puts them in a modern, school-day setting where technology that is prevalent in the real world is featured in the story and gameplay as well. The main story alone for Persona 5 Royal takes 60 hours to beat on average, adding in the side content means that players can spend a lot of time in this world.
Persona 5 Royal focuses on themes such as not feeling a sense of belonging in the world, and the events of the game help the protagonists find that belonging they seek. It includes content that players who enjoy life simulators might appreciate, like the ability to romance other characters. As is the case with several other JRPG series, players can jump into Persona 5 Royal without any prior knowledge of the games.
Nier: Automata Takes An Action-Oriented Approach
Nier: Automata's storytelling happens from multiple points of view in a world full of androids and robots. The androids 2B, 9S, and A2 take the leading roles, and each one has a different purpose and ideology. However, they start to struggle with their sense of purpose as the game progresses. The story is twisting, and players will need to beat the game more than once to see its true ending, with multiple other endings that can be seen, and abruptly end the game, forcing players to start again. Even with a focus on action, Nier: Automata doesn't sacrifice the story.
Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door Mixes The Familiarity Of Mario With JRPG Aspects
Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door is a sequel to Paper Mario 64, which was referred to as Super Mario RPG 2 before its release, showing that this entry isn't the first time that Mario has entered the world of a JRPG in order to save the princess. This game shows a fairly different side of JRPGs compared to FF7 Remake, but it offers plenty of familiarity for players who are also fans of the Mario franchise and want a journey that is more on the lighthearted side. The art style is unique and appealing, and there's a lot for players to explore as they search for Princess Peach.
Chrono Trigger Is One Of The Most Classic JRPG Titles
Chrono Trigger is another series published by Square Enix and is widely considered one of the greatest RPGs ever made. There are even multiple references to Chrono Trigger in Final Fantasy, as a nice nod to the developer they both share. The JRPG is a journey through time with the story taking place across multiple eras. It's older and doesn't have the polish or graphic quality of other JRPGs, but it makes up for that with its story, characters, and mechanics. Fans of Final Fantasy 7 Remake should love it.
