Finishing Final Fantasy VII leaves a void that’s hard to fill. Cloud’s journey, the unforgettable cast, the blend of cyberpunk and fantasy, and that era-defining soundtrack create an experience that lingers long after the credits roll. If you’re craving another adventure that captures that same magic, you’re in the right place. This guide highlights the best JRPGs to dive into next, whether you’re seeking a similar battle system, a deep narrative, or a fresh take on the genre.
We’ve curated a mix of classics and modern hits that share DNA with Final Fantasy VII. Some echo its turn-based roots and cinematic storytelling, others push boundaries in ways that feel like a natural evolution. No matter your taste, there’s a world waiting for you to explore.
Turn-Based Classics with Epic Storytelling
If you loved the strategic pacing and sweeping narrative of Final Fantasy VII, these turn-based gems deliver unforgettable stories and characters.
Final Fantasy VI
Often hailed as the pinnacle of the 16-bit era, Final Fantasy VI features a massive ensemble cast, a villain who actually succeeds in destroying the world, and a deeply emotional plot. The Esper system offers a precursor to materia, allowing you to customize magic and abilities. Its steampunk-meets-fantasy setting and operatic scope will feel instantly familiar.
Chrono Trigger
Chrono Trigger’s time-hopping adventure, multiple endings, and innovative battle system set a standard that few games have matched. The story weaves together seemingly disparate threads into one cohesive epic, much like FFVII’s multi-layered narrative. Its collaboration between Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest creators makes it a natural companion piece.
Xenogears
For a game that matches Final Fantasy VII’s ambition (and surpasses it in philosophical depth), Xenogears is essential. Its blend of mecha combat, reincarnation themes, and religious symbolism creates a dense, unforgettable tale. The combo-based battle system on foot and gear battles offer a distinct twist, but the sheer narrative weight will resonate with anyone who appreciated FFVII’s complexity.
Action-Packed JRPG Adventures
Maybe you’re ready to trade menus for more dynamic, real-time combat. These JRPGs keep the epic scope but let you control the action directly.
Tales of Symphonia
The Tales series has always emphasized fast-paced, action-oriented battles, and Symphonia is a standout. Its Linear Motion Battle System lets you unleash combos and special moves in real time, while the story tackles discrimination, redemption, and sacrifice, themes that echo FFVII’s environmentalist and identity threads. The cel-shaded world and charming characters provide a lighter aesthetic without skimping on emotion.
Star Ocean: The Second Story
Star Ocean mixes fantasy with hard sci-fi, offering a universe where swords and spaceships coexist. The real-time combat, extensive item creation, and massive party (with private actions that deepen relationships) recall the depth of FFVII’s world. Its dual-protagonist system gives you a fresh reason to replay immediately after finishing.
Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana
If you want a faster, more fluid experience, Ys VIII delivers. Stranded on a cursed island, you’ll uncover a lost civilization while slashing through foes at breakneck speed. The narrative structure, where you piece together Dana’s past alongside present-day survival, creates a compelling mystery that rivals FFVII’s flashback-driven storytelling.
Mature Narratives and Complex Characters
Final Fantasy VII’s cast is beloved for their flaws, growth, and interpersonal drama. These games dive even deeper into psychological and moral complexity.
Persona 5 Royal
Modern Tokyo meets psychological dungeon crawling in Persona 5 Royal. You’ll steal hearts, forge bonds, and confront societal corruption. Its blend of social simulation and turn-based combat (with an emphasis on exploiting weaknesses) feels like a natural evolution of FFVII’s materia strategies. The story tackles abuse, rebellion, and identity with a maturity that echoes Cloud’s own fractured psyche.
Nier: Automata
Nier: Automata might seem like a departure, but its existential questions, multiple playthroughs revealing deeper truths, and an unforgettable soundtrack by Keiichi Okabe channel the same soul-stirring essence as Nobuo Uematsu’s best work. The real-time combat is silky smooth, and the narrative plays with perspective in ways that will leave you thinking long after the final ending.
Lost Odyssey
From the creator of Final Fantasy, Lost Odyssey is a love letter to the series’ roots. Its turn-based combat includes an Aim Ring system for added interactivity, while the “A Thousand Years of Dreams” vignettes explore immortality, loss, and memory with prose that rivals any JRPG. The emotional resonance here directly parallels FFVII’s most poignant moments.
Modern Masterpieces That Redefine the Genre
The DNA of Final Fantasy VII runs through many contemporary JRPGs that push the medium forward while honouring the past.
Final Fantasy VII Remake
The most obvious choice, but for good reason. This reimagining expands Midgar into a full game, blending real-time action with strategic command pauses. It’s both a nostalgic trip and a bold new direction, and the expanded character moments make the old feel new again. Playing it after the original adds layers of meta-narrative that are utterly unique.
Xenoblade Chronicles
Across its trilogy, Xenoblade Chronicles builds vast, imaginative worlds atop the bodies of titans. The real-time auto-attack combat and chain attacks require thoughtful positioning, while the stories tackle fate, free will, and cyclical destruction. The sheer scale and ambition mirror FFVII’s leap from 2D to 3D, and the British voice cast gives it a distinct flavour.
Dragon Quest XI
If you want a more traditional, polished JRPG that still packs an emotional punch, Dragon Quest XI is unmatched. Its turn-based battles are classic yet refined, and the story—though initially bright—takes turns that rival FFVII’s infamous twists. The world is huge, charming, and full of secrets, making it a perfect palate cleanser or next obsession.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Final Fantasy VII so beloved?
Its combination of a memorable cast, a villain you love to hate, a groundbreaking 3D world, and a soundtrack that defines an era. The game also weaves heavy themes like environmentalism, identity, and loss into an accessible, epic quest.
Are there any direct sequels or prequels I should play?
Yes. Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII Reunion is a prequel centered on Zack, and it enriches the original’s backstory. Final Fantasy VII Remake and its upcoming continuation Rebirth offer a reimagined saga. The CG film Advent Children continues the story after the original game.
Which games have a similar materia system?
Final Fantasy VI’s Espers and Final Fantasy X’s Sphere Grid offer comparable customization. Outside the series, Trails of Cold Steel uses a quartz system that lets you slot abilities into slots for combined effects, much like linking materia.
What if I prefer a more modern open-world JRPG?
Try Final Fantasy XV for a road-trip adventure or Xenoblade Chronicles for massive, explorable titans. Both blend real-time combat with sprawling landscapes and deep side content.
Can I find another game with a similar blend of sci-fi and fantasy?
Absolutely. Star Ocean: The Second Story, Xenogears, and Chrono Trigger all mix advanced technology with magic and medieval elements. Nier: Automata leans harder into sci-fi but retains a haunting fantastical soul.
How do I choose the right game for my platform?
Most titles on this list are available on modern systems. Final Fantasy VI and Chrono Trigger have excellent mobile and PC ports. Persona 5 Royal is on PlayStation, Switch, and Xbox. Xenoblade Chronicles is a Nintendo exclusive. Check your shop for specific availability.
No single game can fully replicate the experience of playing Final Fantasy VII for the first time, but each of these recommendations carries forward a piece of its legacy. Whether you chase a comparable combat system, a story that makes you rethink everything, or just another world to lose yourself in, you’ll find something here that reignites that spark. The golden age of JRPGs is now, and your next favourite adventure is just a load screen away.
