Here are several titles to look into if you’re still hungry for more Final Fantasy 16.
It’s been a bit since Final Fantasy 16 was released. And while the game was well received, a success for Square Enix and a return to form for the Final Fantasy franchise, it left a craving for more games just like it.
But FF16 was a weird mix of so many different games, design ideas, and aesthetics, that it will be difficult to find something just like it. So instead, we here at ESTNN have opted to find all the games that the most recent FF title either draws inspiration from, its staff has previously worked on or simply provide a similar experience. So here are…
5 Games You Should Play After Final Fantasy 16
1. Final Fantasy Tactics
Final Fantasy Tactics is great. It is so great that FF16 can sometimes come off as the Mature-Rated, Action-heavy, modern AAA take on what FFT originally set out to do. Which is to tell a grounded story about knights, magic, and the effects these supernatural elements have on a world with many moving parts.
Often heralded as one of the greatest RPGs ever made and we find ourselves agreeing with that statement. Not only does it feature some excellent Tactical RPG gameplay that laid the groundwork for many titles that would follow and a stellar art direction. It is the story and characters of FFT that stick out, even today.
Ramza’s involvement in the War of the Lions is a gripping tale that doesn’t shy away from questioning the morality of all the characters involved. On top of that, Ivalice (which is also featured in Final Fantasy 12) is one of the most well-realized worlds ever put in a video game. It is one of the reasons why the game has sparked several sequels and spinoffs.
Sadly, Final Fantasy Tactics is as of writing not available on modern platforms, Its most recent release was the PlayStation Portable Remaster but the game was also available on the original PlayStation. But there is some hope, there is a mobile port for both Android and iOS and recently there have been rumors that a remaster might be on the way on newer consoles.
2. Final Fantasy 12
Keeping with the trend of games set in Ivalice; if you enjoyed FF16’s story about a ragtag crew caught between the lines of large kingdoms and empires. All with just a sprinkle of magical weapons of mass destruction, Final Fantasy 12 might be up your alley.
Compared to FF16’s more mature tone, it’s a bit more whimsical both in story and aesthetics but packs the same punch. Incredibly fleshed-out characters dealing with stations that have long spun out of their control. And if you liked FF16’s take on Cid, you’re gonna love Balthier.
The game features a weird mix of the ATB combat from earlier Final Fantasy titles and real-time combat. Which asks you to control your party tactically as the fight goes on. It was also the debut of the Gambit system which allowed you to program your party members to execute certain moves when specific conditions are met.
And while FF12 isn’t lauded as one of the all-time greats of the series. It is worth your time, the HD Rerelease still looks stunning despite being an upscaled PlayStation 2 game. Final Fantasy 12 The Zodiac Age is available on all modern platforms and goes on sale regularly.
3. Final Fantasy 14
Have you heard of the Critically Acclaimed MMORPG- Okay I’ll stop. But seriously, Final Fantasy 14 might be an MMORPG and be treated as the red-haired stepchild of the FF franchise by older fans, but it deserves to stand tall as the biggest MMO on the market today.
Brought to you by much of the talent behind FF16 the MMORPG managed to amass 4 expansions over 10 years with a 5th one planned for next year. If you enjoyed FF16’s more grounded tone that focuses more on the people dealing with magic and all the troubles it brings, you’ll find a lot of that in FF14 as well.
It also had the benefit of expanding a massive world with its detailed world and a large pool of well-developed characters you won’t find anywhere else. Sure it is a forever online game with weekly currency to earn and a subscription fee, but you’ll get one of the best realized stories in all of gaming. And aside from that it’s just a fun MMORPG to hang out in.
Final Fantasy 14 is currently available on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and PC. The game will also come to the Xbox Series X|S next year, and its much beloved Free Trial will be expanded in October to include the Award-winning Heavensward and the much-celebrated Stormblood expansions. That means you’ll be able to play through 3/5ths of the entire game for free.
4. Devil May Cry 5
If you have enjoyed Final Fantasy 16’s more action-focused combat, may we interest you in the pinnacle of action games? Not only do the two games share the same battle director it also seems as if Clive has learned a trick or two from everyone’s favorite Devilhunters.
Devil May Cry 5 is the most recent entry in Capcom’s legendary series and functions as a capstone of sorts. If you’re not caught up on the story of Dante, Nero, and co, don’t worry you don’t need to play the previous entries to know what is going on. But it helps.
DMC5 is the perfect action game all the way through. All 4 playable characters are incredibly fleshed out, with a diverse skill set that puts most fighting games to shame and a great selection of enemies and bosses to fight.
Beating the game once is only the start, you then can play through the additional difficulty modes. and eventually, become one of those people who upload 20-minute-long combo videos undercut by techno music. The game’s special edition is available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
5. Dragon’s Dogma
We can’t talk about great action RPGs without talking about Dragon’s Dogma. Sharing the same combat director as Final Fantasy 16 and Devil May Cry 5 you’re probably beginning to see a pattern here.
To explain Dragon’s Dogma, imagine a Dungeons and Dragons campaign similar to Baldur’s Gate 3 brought to you by the glorious minds behind Devil May Cry. Sure it starts simple, you get your heart stolen by a dragon and go on your typical RPG hijinks as the story slowly trucks along. But eventually, DD remembers it’s a Capcom game and shifts gear.
Combat is fantastic, imagine all the nonsense you can do in Baldur’s Gate 3 only that instead of having to roll dice, you have to execute these things in real-time. Want to pick up a goblin and throw it off a cliff? Have at it. Want to play a sorcerer and summon a meteor shower that levels everything around you? Sure why not?
Dragon’s Dogma might be a little clunky and dated now, but underneath it is still one of the best action RPGs of all time. And if you play it now, it’s available on all modern platforms, you can also get prepared and excited for its upcoming sequel.
And that wraps up our list. Please check some of those games out they are genuinely amazing. Also, please check out our Final Fantasy 16 Guides and our Baldur’s Gate 3 coverage.