Fans ofSquare Enixwill finally return to a land of medieval fantasy thanks toFinal Fantasy XVI.Thanks to its reveal trailer, the newFinal Fantasygame boasts familiar summons and a faction-centric narrative. However, this time, the story takes place in a medieval realm populated by kings, knights, and warriors. As such, this new setting serves as a nice change of pace from the rather sci-fi fantasy look of previous titles.
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However, fans who can’t wait forFinal Fantasy XVImight be itching to play titles with similar experiences. Thankfully, the reveal trailer showed enough for many gamers to make recommendations of “similar” games. Interestingly, “similar” in this context means similar perhaps in aesthetic, theme, or even feeling. Just what are these games?
10Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn
What better game to play while waiting for aFinal Fantasytitle than another one in the franchise? However, players who want to get a sense of an immersive medieval experience might appreciate a similar motif withFinal Fantasy XIV. Unlike other titles,FF 14brings playersto aFinal FantasyMMO experience.
However, whereFF XIVshines would be its visuals. Fans who want to get a sense ofFF XVIwould appreciate the upcoming game thanks to the medieval overtones ofFF XIV. Granted,FF XIVhas more of a fantasy steampunk look compared toFF XVI. Interestingly,FF XIVdoes adopt a medieval-renaissance look with most of its common clothing styles. As players don’t know ifFF XVIwill have multiplayer components,FF XIVcan give both the look and the multiplayer experience players might be clamoring for.
9Fire Emblem Series
In most cases,Final Fantasygames make factions simple by stating, “Magic Faction Good, Machine Empire Bad.” However, some games in the series do try to add depth to make their respective factions more believable to the fanbase. Likewise, it seemsFF 16marks the return of factions in the game - this time actively involving the gods. Intriguing, right? Thankfully, fantasy RPG fans who want a taste of compelling stories with factions might want to tryFire Emblem.
In terms of looks,Fire Emblemvisually gives off the feeling of a run-of-the-mill fantasy story with knights and magic. However, inside this recognizable visual choiceis an incredibly immersive tale. InFire Emblem, characters have their own stories, and units can never be revived. Moreover, unlike other RPGs, factions inFire Emblempartake in the game’s conflict with their lives and beliefs at stake.
8Fable Series
Despite some cheerful moments,Final Fantasystories inevitably become much more serious in tone around the second half of its story. Interestingly, this factor simply proves how good of a job Square Enix has done to attach players to the characters and the setting before placing everything at stake. Unfortunately, these tendencies may make games a bit overwhelming for fans who want a more chill fantasy experience. Thankfully,Fablegives quite an experience to players.
InFable, players take on the role of a Hero as they embark onan all-stakes quest that still retains a humorous charmdespite serious moments. Moreover, its fast-paced and dynamic combat system seems like a great introduction toFF XVI’s similar hack-and-slash system. Lastly,Fable’s take on medieval renaissance aesthetic remains unique despite the popularity of other medieval fantasy titles.
7Dark Souls
When players saw theFF XVIreveal, fans compared its combat system toDark Souls. This comparison makes sense, asFF XVIdoes seem to focus on heavier, more realistic combat alongside magic elements. Likewise, players may find the challengingDark Soulsa test on their technical mastery of the game.
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While it’s doubtful thatFF XVIwill be as hard asDark Souls, the latter may be a good means of practice if the combat comparisons do hold some truth. After all,Dark Soulsvets likely apply their mastery over dodging, rolling, and making precise combos to other similarly-difficult action titles.
6The Witcher 3
Players looking for an RPG with both immersive visuals and compelling narrative should try out (or even replay)The Witcher 3. In this title, the Witcher Geralt searches for his adopted daughter, who is apparently on the run from the otherworldly and mysterious Wild Hunt. As such, Geralt has to use his training as a monster hunter to explore the realms, discover new allies, and slay enemies with his swords, crossbow, trinkets, and magical abilities.
Unlike other action RPGs,The Witcher 3has adynamic and flexible approachto its combat. Aside from various combos, Geralt can equip various potions and trinkets that boost his health, resistance, and damage against enemies. Moreover, its unique visuals inspired by Slavonic mythology definitely brings out a new brand of fantasy for fans excited forFF XVI’s arrival.
5Diablo 3
RPG fans looking for a darker fantasy story could fight zombies and slay demons inDiablo 3.ThisBlizzardtitle marks the player’s return to Sanctuary, a supposed safe haven for humans who find themselves in between an eternal conflict between Heaven and Hell. Unlike other fantasy titles, this CRPG brings players to a darker world where both combat and magic become extremely brutal forces.
Moreover, fans will definitely appreciateDiablo 3’s Gothic-medieval look. Unlike other fantasy titles that take place in fantastical realms,Diablo 3has a very human and realistic approach to its setting. As such, players wield magic and encounter supernatural beasts in a world with architecture and a take on life much similar to humans in medieval times.
4Assassin’s Creed Odyssey
Ubisoft’s hitAssassin’s Creedseries might serve as the last thing RPG fans might think of as a “fantasy.” However, the game’s free-flowing nature, coupled with its dynamic combat, fits perfectly well with its open-world setting inAssassin’s Creed Odyssey. Despite the lack of a medieval setting, fans would appreciate the historical accuracy attached to their rendition of Ancient Greek history in the game.
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Moreover, unlike other open-world titles,Odysseyenables players to blend right in with Greek society as they conduct their exploits as members of the predecessors of the Assassin Order. Fans ofFF XVIwho want to enjoy an authentic historical experience with great action would appreciateOdyssey.
3Kingdom Come: Deliverance
Fans who lovedFF XVI’s take on a more realistic medieval fantasy setting would appreciateKingdom Come: Deliverance. Interestingly, fans ofFF XVIwould loveDeliverancealone for its faithful take on medieval history. However, unlike other games with a medieval fantasy motif,Deliverancebrings a fresh air of realism to its take on its gameplay.
Aside from a 16-slot clothing system,Deliveranceplayers can use a variety of weapons - each with their accompanying difficulty and style. Moreover, the game requires players to actively survive thanks to a needs system. A lot of people might sayDeliverancecan become difficult because of these features. However, fans who want to immerse themselves inFF XVI’s similarly-themed setting will appreciateDeliverance.
2The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
Fantasy fans would likely point atBethesda’sSkyrimeasily being one of their favorite titles. After all, unlike other fantasy games,Skyrimfully immerses playersin its Norse-inspired setting. Moreover, thanks toThe Elder Scrollsbrand,Skyrimhas a rich narrative to piggyback itself onto.
Fans may have a lot of comments regardingSkyrim’s FPS gameplay and combat system. However, fans anticipatingFF XVIwould loveSkyrimfor its depth in customization and faithfulness to both its Norse setting andTESbranding. Hopefully,FF XVIshares the same similarities - a new setting that remains loyal to theFinal Fantasybrand.
1Divinity: Original Sin 2
Fans of fantasy games might look atLarian Studios’Divinity: Original Sin 2and think of it as a typical swords-and-elves fantasy title. However, the game quickly hooks the players' attention with its incredible attention to detail and immersive world. InDOS2’s Rivellon, players can control almost any aspect of the environment. In turn, players can easily create deadly surfaces, destroy doors, or even teleport NPCs to safety.
Albeit a turn-based game,DOS2shows how RPG can give players a lot of freedom without breaking the game. Moreover, the game tellsa compelling storyof the glory - and cost - of attaining divinity.
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