Final Fantasy has been in an odd place for the past ten years or so. There have been some quality remasters and ports that fans have appreciated, such as Final Fantasy Tactics – The Ivalice Chroniclesalong with more experimental titles such as Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin.
Essential Final Fantasy games you must play to understand the series
From retro classics to modern masterpieces, these Final Fantasy games are essential to understanding the series' popularity today.
With the release of Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth In 2024, things start to improve, as it was a critical darling that brought back the old energy Final Fantasy game. While the future looks bright, that doesn't mean there aren't problems worth tackling, namely combat. Let's look at some RPG games released in the modern age Final Fantasy and see what combat improvements they've made compared to this classic franchise.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
A-number-one
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is one of the latest turn-based RPG hits that proves there are still ways the genre can expand, instead of developers focusing everything on action. There hasn't been a new turn-based Final Fantasy in forever, with the latest being the collection found in Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 allows players to use Quick Time Event-like tactics to enhance certain attacks, along with the ability to dodge or counter enemy attacks. Each party member is unique with their abilities in battle, like how Lune's magic builds up, or Verso's attacks become stronger depending on the rating value. Additionally, players can use weapons or magic to attack weak points on monsters in battle, which may seem like a lot, but the learning curve is small.
Kingdom Hearts 3
Transformative action
The Kingdom Hearts comics have always been about action and platforming, and Kingdom Hearts 3 compare most with Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth and Final Fantasy 16. While the two Final Fantasy games have quality action, Kingdom Hearts 3 is slightly better simply because of how combat flows, as no encounter will be like the last.
Basically, players can still swing around Sora's Keyblade for some hack-and-slash action, or they can use magic. The main difference is that, depending on the combinations used, Sora's Keyblade can transform into various weapons such as a spear, twin weapons or a massive drill. There's also a parkour-like element where the environment can help with combos, and depending on where players are in the environment, they can summon Disney park attractions, like teacups, to swirl around the party.
Fluid turn-based battles
Metaphor: ReFantazio has a hybrid combat system similar to how Final Fantasy 7 Remake can technically be played in real-time or turn-based battles, although the turn-based option i Final Fantasy 7 Remake was minimal. IN Metaphor: ReFantazioplayers can engage in turn-based battles and assign classes called archetypes to their party. Some archetypes can play with others, meaning new abilities will appear in battle for two characters to perform dual attacks.
10 games with combat so good it ruins other games for you
These video games really know how to keep players hooked on their fighting games, so much so that other games will feel like a downgrade.
If players are at a high enough level, they can also just attack enemies in the field and destroy them that way. The action part is less fluid than Final Fantasy 7 Remakebut the turn-based option is better, and the class system could compete with classics like Final Fantasy 5 and Final Fantasy Tactics.
Xenoblade Chronicles 3
Flashy Auto-Battling
Xenoblade Chronicles 3 is the latest new Xeno game that uses an MMO style of combat where players can target enemies in the field, and then the party will attack automatically, similar to Final Fantasy 14 or Final Fantasy 12. Xenoblade Chronicles 3 is much more active and flashy as the cooldown techniques can be combined with other characters to create combos, which will get Quick Time Event-like prompts.
A well-timed set of attacks can knock down a larger enemy, lowering its defenses. In addition to that, two characters can form a bond and transform into mech-like entities for short periods of time to gain an edge in battle. Final Fantasy 14 is a great MMO with a great job system with tons of cool skills and spells to perform, but it's a lot less active than Xenoblade Chronicles 3 offers.
Valkyria Chronicles 4
An active strategy
Final Fantasy Tactics – The Ivalice Chronicles was a remaster that fans had been itching for a while, and it didn't disappoint, being the standard for grid-based tactics. That said, the tactical genre has evolved since the PS1 days, and Valkyria Chronicles 4 simply has a more unique combat system. Instead of moving on grids, characters can move freely on the battlefield.
Enemies can shoot and even kill characters in this period of movement, giving each turn a more active feel. When players want to attack, all activity will pause as players line up their gun sights, or lock on with a grenade throw, and accuracy is everything. The game takes place in a fantasy-inspired version of World War II, so this active sense of mission fits the theme.
Bravely Default: Flying Fairy
More than just a defense
Bravely Default: Flying Fairy was designed as a spiritual successor to the old-school Final Fantasy in all but name, and it was a great 3DS experiment. Switch 2 owners can now enjoy it with the remaster, which shows why it was impressive a decade ago, let alone now. The party consists of only four characters and players can switch jobs as they wish.
RPG game with combat system that rewards precision over stats
Think RPGs only reward maxed builds? Think again. From Nioh's stances to Monster Hunter's weak points, precision and timing rule in these games.
Characters can equip a primary job that they can level up, like a black mage, along with a secondary skill set, like a white mage. Passive skills can also be equipped and swapped around, from increasing HP to increasing counterattacks. Most importantly, in turn-based battles, players can defend, default, to gain points to then brave and yes, those points to act multiple times on another turn, hence the title. Between these points and Jobs, Bravely Default: Flying Fairy has a more strategic turn-based system than most Final Fantasy game.
Sea Of Stars
Once again with heart
Sea of stars is an indie RPG that is a throwback to the classic days Final Fantasy 6 and other wonderful pixel-art games from the 90s. Combat is turn-based, but active as Clair Obscur: Expedition 33where players can boost attacks with button prompts or defend in the same way.
Characters can gain skills that only work with other party members, similar to the combo system in Chrono Trigger. Character development is pretty average, along with the equipment system, but that shouldn't detract from the engaging combat system that Sea of stars have, especially compared to contemporaries Final Fantasy turn-based systems.
Pokemon Legends: ZA
Monster Catching Perfection
There are plenty of monster catching games out there with great mechanics to compete with Pokémon games, including the bizarre spinoff that is World of Final Fantasy. But finally Pokémon series stepped up with Pokemon Legends: ZA to create a new standard for the series. In terms of location, it can best be compared to Final Fantasy 7 Remake because it takes place within a city.
Players can catch Pokemon in designated zones and then battle trainers at night to become the city's champion. Instead of taking turns in battle, Pokémon can use any of their four attacks in succession and wait to act again until they pass the cooldown. Because of this spam technique, it gives the game a more active feel, although there is still turn-based DNA in the mix.
The 10 Best Quotes in Final Fantasy Games, Ranked
From laugh riots to spoony bards, these Final Fantasy lines are unforgettable, and they'll continue to be quoted for years to come.
