Summary
Everyone knows the feeling of loving a video game so much that you never want it to end. Tragically, even massive JRPGs likeFinal Fantasy 7 Rebirthonly offer so much to do. If you’ve immersed yourself in the world of Midgar and fell in love with characters like Cloud, Aerith, and Tifa, what do you do if you want more?
Whether you’re waiting to play Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, have already beaten it, or are looking for other games like it, there are plenty of outstanding action and turn-based RPGs that offer similar gameplay, stories, or characters toSquare Enix’smasterpiece.
If you love exploring Final Fantasy 7’s Midgar, you’ll feel right at home inNieR Automata’sindustrial, sci-fi world. Published by Square Enix, the game isset in a dystopian futurewhere Earth is in shambles during a war between androids and extraterrestrial machines.
You explore an eerily stunning open world as a robot named 2B, using a mix of hack-and-slash and shoot-em-up combat to annihilate enemies. Fans of Final Fantasy’s action-packed bosses have a lot to love here, including shooting enemies on a speeding roller coaster and dodging bullets in a mech suit.
Check outour review of Persona 3 Reloadto learn more!
Like Rebirth,Persona 3 Reloadis a remake of a classic JRPG. The plot follows an organization of high school students called S.E.E.S. who investigate the Dark Hour, a mysterious 25th hour of the day when demons called Shadows haunt the Earth.
Tonally, Persona 3 Reload hits similar beats to Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth. Its themes of overcoming grief and dealing with mortality will hit home with anyone who loves the stories of Cloud and Aerith. Plus, the turn-based combat makes it ideal if you miss the gameplay from the original FF7.
Often consideredthe best RPG on PS5,Elden Ringis a must-play if you like Rebirth’s open-ended world. From the mind of Game of Thrones creator George R. R. Martin, the game offers a vast fantasy world called the Lands Between, which is yours to explore as you please.
Like Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, Elden Ring is brimming with side plots and fascinating characters. Better yet, the game takes the immersion further by constantly changing the world based on your actions. From terrifying bosses to skeleton-infested dungeons, there’s something exciting no matter where you go.
Part of what makes Final Fantasy 7 amazing is that it explores the characters' struggles in addition to the world-ending stakes. This is very much the case inTales of Arise. The plot deals with the themes of war and oppression as Alphen and Shionne fight to free their people from the tyrannical Dahna empire.
Similar to Rebirth, you may swap between party members during real-time combat, with the added benefit of a special meter that fills the more you use special moves and perfect dodges. Plus, the lands of Dahna and Rena are massive, with plenty of gorgeous areas to explore.
Check outour review of Star Ocean: The Second Story Rto learn more!
If you want another outstanding Square Enix JRPG, look no further thanStar Ocean: The Second Story R. While on an interplanetary expedition, an adventurer named Claude is trapped on a mysterious planet called Expel and must survive the dangers that await.
If you’re invested in Rebirth’s narrative, Star Ocean delivers an equally gripping sci-fi story. While simpler than FF7, the action RPG combat offers a satisfying gameplay loop with enough room for strategy. As the cherry on top, everything is presented ina breathtaking HD-2D art style.
InMonster Hunter Rise, you explore semi-open areas, searching for colossal beasts to slay. If you like Rebirth’s combat, you’ll love the battles here. Each monster is like a puzzle, requiring you to study their pattern, learn their weaknesses, and plan an attack. Button mashing does you no favors.
Defeating bosses grants you materials to craft new armor and weapons, allowing you to traverse more treacherous areas and take on tougher behemoths. Each creature you encounter is unique, with designs that rival Final Fantasy 7’s bosses.
2Ys 9: Monstrum Nox
A Thrilling JRPG With Epic Anime Action
For another sword-based action RPG,Ys 9: Monstrum Noxwill satisfyingly scratch that itch. You play as Adol, a fugitive on the run in the prison town of Balduq. What follows is a series of delightfully over-the-top anime fights with real-time combat.
You can swap between characters during battle, just like Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth. What makes Ys 9 unique is the Monstrum Gifts mechanic, which grants each party member a traversal skill to aid with exploration. Not to mention, the story and world-building provide a narrative you can immerse yourself in for hours.
As a prequel to Final Fantasy 7,Crisis Corefollows Zack Fair, Cloud, and Sephiroth during their time as SOLDIER agents. While not mandatory to understand Rebirth’s plot, Crisis Core fleshes out the backstories of these characters and adds to the world-building.
While not a one-to-one match, the graphics and action RPG combat are similar enough to Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth to satisfy those looking for more of that gameplay style. The biggest differences are the shorter quests, making the game more suitable for quick pick-up-and-play sessions.
