Fans of Square Enix will finally return to a land of medieval fantasy thanks to Final Fantasy XVI. Thanks to its reveal trailer, the new Final Fantasy game 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.
However, fans who can't wait for Final Fantasy XVI might 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?
10 Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn
What better game to play while waiting for a Final Fantasy title than another one in the franchise? However, players who want to get a sense of an immersive medieval experience might appreciate a similar motif with Final Fantasy XIV. Unlike other titles, FF 14 brings players to a Final Fantasy MMO experience.
However, where FF XIV shines would be its visuals. Fans who want to get a sense of FF XVI would appreciate the upcoming game thanks to the medieval overtones of FF XIV. Granted, FF XIV has more of a fantasy steampunk look compared to FF XVI. Interestingly, FF XIV does adopt a medieval-renaissance look with most of its common clothing styles. As players don't know if FF XVI will have multiplayer components, FF XIV can give both the look and the multiplayer experience players might be clamoring for.
9 Fire Emblem Series
In most cases, Final Fantasy games 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 seems FF 16 marks 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 try Fire Emblem.
In terms of looks, Fire Emblem visually gives off the feeling of a run-of-the-mill fantasy story with knights and magic. However, inside this recognizable visual choice is an incredibly immersive tale. In Fire Emblem, characters have their own stories, and units can never be revived. Moreover, unlike other RPGs, factions in Fire Emblem partake in the game's conflict with their lives and beliefs at stake.
8 Fable Series
Despite some cheerful moments, Final Fantasy stories 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, Fable gives quite an experience to players.
In Fable, players take on the role of a Hero as they embark on an all-stakes quest that still retains a humorous charm despite serious moments. Moreover, its fast-paced and dynamic combat system seems like a great introduction to FF 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.
7 Dark Souls
When players saw the FF XVI reveal, fans compared its combat system to Dark Souls. This comparison makes sense, as FF XVI does seem to focus on heavier, more realistic combat alongside magic elements. Likewise, players may find the challenging Dark Souls a test on their technical mastery of the game.
While it's doubtful that FF XVI will be as hard as Dark Souls, the latter may be a good means of practice if the combat comparisons do hold some truth. After all, Dark Souls vets likely apply their mastery over dodging, rolling, and making precise combos to other similarly-difficult action titles.
6 The 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 3 has a dynamic and flexible approach to 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 for FF XVI's arrival.
5 Diablo 3
RPG fans looking for a darker fantasy story could fight zombies and slay demons in Diablo 3. This Blizzard title 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 appreciate Diablo 3's Gothic-medieval look. Unlike other fantasy titles that take place in fantastical realms, Diablo 3 has 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.
4 Assassin's Creed Odyssey
Ubisoft's hit Assassin's Creed series 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 in Assassin'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.
Moreover, unlike other open-world titles, Odyssey enables players to blend right in with Greek society as they conduct their exploits as members of the predecessors of the Assassin Order. Fans of FF XVI who want to enjoy an authentic historical experience with great action would appreciate Odyssey.
3 Kingdom Come: Deliverance
Fans who loved FF XVI's take on a more realistic medieval fantasy setting would appreciate Kingdom Come: Deliverance. Interestingly, fans of FF XVI would love Deliverance alone for its faithful take on medieval history. However, unlike other games with a medieval fantasy motif, Deliverance brings a fresh air of realism to its take on its gameplay.
Aside from a 16-slot clothing system, Deliverance players 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 say Deliverance can become difficult because of these features. However, fans who want to immerse themselves in FF XVI's similarly-themed setting will appreciate Deliverance.
2 The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
Fantasy fans would likely point at Bethesda's Skyrim easily being one of their favorite titles. After all, unlike other fantasy games, Skyrim fully immerses players in its Norse-inspired setting. Moreover, thanks to The Elder Scrolls brand, Skyrim has a rich narrative to piggyback itself onto.
Fans may have a lot of comments regarding Skyrim's FPS gameplay and combat system. However, fans anticipating FF XVI would love Skyrim for its depth in customization and faithfulness to both its Norse setting and TES branding. Hopefully, FF XVI shares the same similarities - a new setting that remains loyal to the Final Fantasy brand.
1 Divinity: Original Sin 2
Fans of fantasy games might look at Larian Studios' Divinity: Original Sin 2 and 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. In DOS2'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, DOS2 shows how RPG can give players a lot of freedom without breaking the game. Moreover, the game tells a compelling story of the glory - and cost - of attaining divinity.