The Final Fantasy 7 Remake has more than lived up to very high expectations of the fans of one of the greatest JRPGs of all time. The game is reestablishing Square-Enix’s most popular story arch and taking the series in a new direction to keep fans interested.
However, there is likely to be quite a wait before Final Fantasy 7 fans will be able to continue the battle against the Shinra Corporation and one of gaming’s most enigmatic antagonists Sephiroth. Thankfully, there are epic franchises and games for players to immerse themselves in while they are waiting. Let’s take a look at ten games fans of the Final Fantasy 7 remake should invest their time into.
Updated April 24th, 2022 by Michael Llewellyn: The Final Fantasy 7 Remake was a huge hit with fans and critics alike. It more than lived up to expectations and provided more depth for some of the supporting cast. Even the DLC content featuring Yuffie added more scope to what was already an excellent title with great lore. There's still no word on when the inevitable sequel to the remake will arrive but with expectations so high it's likely the studio will take their time to make sure it's perfect. Until then fans still have lots of other great JRPGs to dive into.
18 The Last Remnant
- Release: 2008
- Developer: Square Enix
- Platform: Android, iOS, PC, PS4, and Xbox 360
Originally released in 2008, The Last Remnant largely went under the radar because it was a game that was too ambitious for the PS3 and Xbox 360. It was remastered using the Unreal Engine 4 for the Android, PC, PS4, and the Switch, and the performance boost allows for a much smoother experience.
Visually, the game has a lot in common with Final Fantasy 12, and the large-scale battles echo the Romancing Saga games. So fans of the big-budget fantasy experience will find a lot to enjoy with The Last Remnant. One of the biggest reasons Final Fantasy 7 is so popular is because it has a great antagonist in Sephiroth. The Last Remnant also has an incredible main villain in The Conqueror a man who more than lives up to the presence of Sephiroth.
17 Scarlet Nexus
- Release: 2021
- Developer: Bandai Namco Studio
- Platform: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S
Released in 2021, Scarlet Nexus is an action RPG set in an alternate universe. Just like the Final Fantasy 7 remake, it blends science fiction and fantasy elements to create a believable and compelling universe.
The combat is fast-paced and even more dynamic than the FF7 remake and has many features in common with the Devil May Cry series as more skills unlock throughout the game. Fans of great anime-like stories full of twists and turns will love Scarlet Nexus it has two great leads and a memorable main antagonist that gets revealed as the story progresses.
16 Tales of Arise
- Release: 2021
- Developer: Bandai Namco Studios
- Platform: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S
Another 2021 hit from Namco, Tales of Arise was also the recipient of the Game Awards Best RPG of 2021. It's an award that was well deserved because Tales of Arise is not only one o of the best games in the long-running series, but one of the best available today.
Its flashy action-based combat will be an easy adjustment for fans of the FF7 remake. Furthermore, it has a great cast of characters from its lead to the main villains. It also features a very Sephiroth-like villain that proves to be the perfect rival for ToA's protagonist Alphen.
15 The Mass Effect Trilogy
- Release: 2007
- Developer: BioWare
- Platform: Android, iOS, PC, PS3, PS4, PS5, Wii U, Xbox 360, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S
Originally released on the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, the Mass Effect Trilogy is one of the best science fiction sagas in gaming. Even with the somewhat controversial ending, it’s an epic space opera that easily compares with TV shows like Battlestar Galactica and The Expanse.
The series features great dialogue options and an enthrallingly immersive narrative from start to finish. The game still holds up on a visual level thanks to its fantastic production values and sound design.
14 Ys 8: Lacrimosa Of Dana
- Release: 2016
- Developer: Falcom
- Platform: PC, PS4, and the Switch
Released in 2016, Ys 8: Lacrimosa of Dana is an action RPG that was released on the PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, and the PC. The production values don’t come close to the AAA powerhouse that the Final Fantasy 7 Remake is, but the combat system, excellent world-building, and endearing characters will appeal to fans of the remake.
It’s the most accessible title in the series. There are allusions to its predecessors, but one can still comfortably jump into every entry without prior knowledge of Adol's other adventures. However, it's a series that oozes quality, and fans of JPRGs, in general, should invest some time into the Ys franchise.
13 Cyberpunk 2077
- Release: 2020
- Developer: CD Projekt Red
- Platform: PC, PS4, PS5, Stadia, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S
Released in December 2020 and developed by CD Projekt Red, Cyberpunk 2077 is an open-world science fiction RPG that has been the recipient of quite a bit of criticism at launch for being almost unplayable on base consoles. However, for those lucky enough to play it on a good PC (or to a lesser extent the PS5 and Xbox Series X) it’s a much better experience.
Furthermore, fans of Final Fantasy 7’s setting will find a lot to love in the remarkable cyberpunk setting in CD Projekt Red’s RPG. It may be worth waiting until the game has received a few more major patches or the inevitable next-gen upgrade that will get released later in the year.
12 Grandia HD Remastered Collection
- Release: 1997
- Developer: Game Arts
- Platform: PC, PS1, PS2, Sega Saturn, Sega Dreamcast, and the Switch
Grandia HD Remastered Collection is a compilation of the first two games in the series that were released on the PS1 and the Sega Dreamcast in 1997 and 2000 respectively. Both games offer players two incredible adventures but it's Grandia 2 that will appeal more to fans of Final Fantasy 7.
The combat system is more refined than in its predecessor, and the story and characters take a more serious tone in the sequel than in the first. The lead character Ryudo is a mercenary working as a bodyguard that suddenly finds himself reluctantly falling into a "save the world" plot. In addition, it has a good cast of characters with great villains and a gripping plot.
11 The Legend Of Heroes – Trails Series
- Release: 2006
- Developer: Falcom
- Platform: PC, PS3, PS4, PSP, PS Vita, and Switch
Since its release in 1997, the monumental success of Final Fantasy 7 led to it becoming a saga that featured spin-offs, prequels, books, and even films. Even the remake expands on the original storyline with new characters and is planned to be a series.
It may be a long wait as fans anticipate the second entry in the Final Fantasy 7 Remake, but until then, The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky trilogy and the Trails in Cold Steel saga are the perfect games to dive into. No other JRPG has come close to this series in terms of depth and longevity, and it's the perfect series to play while waiting for the next episode in the Final Fantasy 7 Remake.
10 Final Fantasy 15
- Release: 2016
- Developer: Square Enix
- Platform: PC, PS4, Stadia, and Xbox One
If gamers are looking for a modern Final Fantasy game with a fast-paced combat system with some turn-based elements then look no further than 2016’s Final Fantasy. Available for the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and the PC with a wealth of additional content added post-launch and character-based DLC, FFXV is a much better game in its current form than it was at launch.
While it may not quite match Final Fantasy 7’s depth, interactivity, and characterization, Final Fantasy 15 is still a huge game to get to grips with and a decent way to fill the gap until the second part of the remake gets released.
9 Lost Odyssey
- Release: 2008
- Developer: Mistwalker and Feel Plus
- Platform: Xbox 360
Released exclusively on the Xbox 360 in 2008 Lost Odyssey is a JRPG developed by Mistwalker Studios and was designed by Final Fantasy creator Hironobu Sakaguchi. In addition, the game’s score was composed by famed Final Fantasy composer Nobuo Uematsu.
Lost Odyssey feels like a Final Fantasy game with a darker setting and mature storyline. Furthermore, it has an excellent story with great characters and a powerful brooding but likable lead in the immortal warrior Kaim that shares more than a few similarities to Cloud.
8 Tales Of Vesperia
- Release: 2009 and 2019
- Developer: Tales Studio
- Platform: PC, PS4, Switch, and Xbox One
First released on the Xbox 360 in 2009 and then again in 2019 on the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and the PC, Tales of Vesperia is an epic JRPG developed by Bandai Namco and remains one of the best games in the Tales series.
Just like other games in the Tales series, Vesperia uses a real-time combat system that fans of the Final Fantasy 7 remake will appreciate. Also, it features one of the best lead characters in the genre in Yuri who is an experienced wise-cracking warrior that knows how to handle himself.
7 The Yakuza Series
- Release: 2006
- Developer: Ryu Ga Gotaku Studio
- Platform: PC, PS2, PS3, PS4, Stadia, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S
While the Yakuza series set in modern-day Tokyo may seem like a strange recommendation for gamers looking for something similar to the Final Fantasy remake, the streets of Yakuza have a lot in common with Midgar.
Just like Midgar, players can listen to the conversations of NPCs and gain information about its world and its goings-on. In addition, there are tons of side content available for players that loved participating in Midgar’s games like darts and the motorbike mini-game, and it’s loaded with side quests. Fans should also check out the spin-off titles Judgment and Lost Judgment.
6 Dragon Quest 11: Echoes Of An Elusive Age
- Release: 2018
- Developer: Square Enix
- Platform: PC, PS4, Switch, and Xbox One
Released in 2018, Dragon Quest 11: Echoes of an Elusive Age is one of the best big-budget JRPGs released this generation. In terms of scale and popularity, it has always been Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest at the top of the heap.
Stylistically, Dragon Quest 11 is very different but it’s such an epic journey from start to finish that it’s hard not to recommend the other big franchise in Square-Enix’s catalog of RPGs. Dragon Quest 11 has a more character-driven story than its predecessors and is a visually stunning title. Its combat is more traditional than the FF7 remake but it's accessible and exciting.
5 Xenoblade Chronicles
- Release: 2012
- Developer: Monolith Soft
- Platform: Switch and Wii
First released worldwide for the Nintendo Wii in 2012, Xenoblade Chronicles is an action RPG with a science fiction and fantasy setting allowing players to explore its huge open world. Developed by the same team that created the classic Xenogears on the PlayStation and the Xenosaga Trilogy on the PlayStation 2.
Players that enjoyed the Final Fantasy 7 remake will be right at home with Xenoblade’s real-time combat system. Additionally, the game is filled with great characters an emotional story and a hero that wields a massive sword. The Definitive Edition was released on the Nintendo Switch in 2020 and featured a brand new epilogue, a remastered soundtrack, and updated visuals.
4 The Witcher 3: The Wild Hunt
- Release: 2015
- Developer: CD Projekt Red
- Platform: PC, PS4, Switch, and Xbox One
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt was released in 2015 for the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and the PC. It was also ported to the Nintendo Switch in 2019 with all of its previously released DLC.
The Witcher 3 is the only game on this list that’s a western-developed action RPG but fans of Final Fantasy 7 looking for their next epic adventure with great characters and emotional storylines should delve into the dark fantasy world of The Witcher 3.
3 Crisis Core: Final Fantasy 7
- Release: 2007
- Developer: Square Enix
- Platform: PSP
Released on the PlayStation Portable in 2007 Crisis Core: Final Fantasy 7 is a prequel to the original Final Fantasy7 that focuses on Cloud’s friend and member of SOLDIER Zack. It may not be as technologically advanced as the Final Fantasy 7 remake but Crisis Core lets players delve deeper into the lore of FFVII while also getting more backstory for Cloud, Sephiroth, and SOLDIER.
Crisis Core’s combat system will appeal to fans of the remake’s action-based system and the visuals and cutscenes still hold up beautifully. Interestingly, there are rumors that a remastered version could be on the way for the Nintendo Switch.
2 Kingdom Hearts 3
- Release: 2019
- Developer: Square Enix
- Platform: PC, PS4, Switch, and Xbox One
Released in 2019, Kingdom Hearts 3 is the long-awaited sequel to the Disney and Final Fantasy crossover series that began in 2002. Despite being the third mainline entry it is the twelfth game in the series that covers the Dark Seeker Saga.
Just like the Final Fantasy 7 remake, Kingdom Hearts 3 was directed by Tetsuya Nomura and runs on the Unreal Engine 4. The action-based combat system will be familiar to fans and the visuals are some of the best of this generation. While it may be more desirable to play Kingdom Hearts’ predecessors it is still possible to jump in by watching all the chapters in the Memory Archive which do a great job of bringing players up to speed.
1 Final Fantasy 7 (1997)
- Release: 1997
- Developer: Square
- Platform: Android, iOS, PC, PS1, PS4, Switch, and Xbox One
If there are players that have jumped into the Final Fantasy 7 remake without having played the original game then it should go without saying that the 1997 release should be at the top of their list. At least until the eventual sequel, the classic Final Fantasy 7 is the closest fans will be able to get to continuing and finishing the story even if the remake does take the story in a new direction. These changes will have more context if one is familiar with the original game.
Furthermore, the original game gives players a much better insight and a better appreciation for all the work and fan service that has gone into making the remake a reality. Even with the downgrade in graphics and occasional translation hiccups, Final Fantasy 7 is still one of the greatest JRPGs of all time.