Initially starting off as a final swansong of sorts by Square, the unprecedented success ofFinal Fantasyturned it into a long-running series that is still going strong to this day. However, 1987 was a long time ago, and it was clear that theFinal Fantasyseries needed to reinvent the wheel in some way or the other. While the combat system has been trifled with several times over the course of the franchise, it’sFinal Fantasy XVthat finally took the definitive step andturned the combat into a real-time action fiesta.
RELATED:Every Main Final Fantasy Game Ranked On How Long They Take To Beat
Whilethe combat ofFinal Fantasy XVmight not be the greatest fighting system around, one can’t help but noticehow visually striking and uniquethe entire game really is. It only goes without saying that some people would want to try out a title that would be somewhat in the vein of this action RPG.
10The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
Final Fantasy XVis an action RPG that gives players full access toa rich and detailed world, full to the brim with a number of unique encounters that will surely pique their interest.
If this exact statement can’t be used to describe the bulk ofThe Elder Scrolls V:Skyrim, then we don’t know what does.
9Fallout 4
Speaking of games developed by Bethesda that allow players to explore a massive world rife with detail, one simply can’t afford to not mention another excellent game under their belt.
RELATED:Fallout 4: The 10 Most Powerful Enemies, Ranked
Fallout 4might have its fair share of detractors, but even these people can’t deny that this title is an objectively great game that gives players a level of freedom that most people can only hope to achieve.
8Final Fantasy VII Remake
It goes without saying thatFinal Fantasy VII Remakedefinitely deserves a mention.The combat has been refined fromFinal Fantasy XV, feeling more dynamic and tactical while simultaneously letting players feel like they’re on top of the world with the amazing moves they manage to pull off.
7Final Fantasy XII
However, if players wish to go for a more classicFinal Fantasyexperience without having to sacrifice on the real-time goodness ofFinal Fantasy XV, then they can always opt forFinal Fantasy XIIinstead.
The title is the perfect middle ground between the turn-based combat systems of past games and the real-time action that the series was slowly progressing towards. It’s certainly a great game to play for anyone who enjoys theFinal Fantasyseries.
6Monster Hunter: World
A big part ofFinal Fantasy XVis the hunts that players can undertake, allowing them totake care of numerous monstrosities— including some massive superbosses that will truly give players a run for their money. It must be said thatMonster Hunter: Worldwill definitely scratch this particular itch for the player, and then some. It’s easily one of the greatest games in the franchise and the perfect entry point for anyone who wishes to get into this illustrious series.
5NieR: Automata
If a player wishes to play an action RPG with a quirky story and amazing real-time combat, thenNieR: Automatais the way to go. This title finally put Yoko Taro on the map as one of the best game directors around, and one can only hope that his legacy will witness success upon success after this game blew everyone’s minds upon release.
4Ni No Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom
The firstNi No Kunigame was an excellent title that proved once and for all that aesthetically-pleasing JRPGs with a charming art style definitely weren’t down for the count.Ni No Kuni II: Revenant Kingdomtook everything that the first game did great and improved upon this formula substantially, crafting an action JRPG that is brilliant in every sense of the word.
3Kingdom Hearts III
TheKingdom Heartsseries might be one of the most convoluted franchises of all time, but there’s no denying the fact that the games themselves are definitely a blast to play through.
RELATED:5 Kingdom Hearts Fan Theories That Could Be True (& 5 We Hope Aren’t)
Kingdom Hearts IIImight’ve not really pleased fans upon its extremely delayed release, but one can’t deny that it’s still an enjoyable game with great visuals, satisfying combat, and a story that will — at the very least — answer a number of pressing questions that have been arising ever since the franchise became the unholy mishmash of prequels, parallel stories, and whatnot.
2God Of War
God Of Warticks off all the boxes when it comes to beinga brilliant reboot that revitalized a once-dying franchise. Revamped combat that feels viscerally satisfying? Check. A protagonist whose character has obviously evolved and continues to evolve? Check. A new mythological world with boundless potential when it comes to new and emerging narratives? Check.
1The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
It’s no secret thatFinal Fantasy XVhad a turbulent development period, so it wouldn’t be foolhardy to say that had the game received the time and effort it deserved, it would have definitely been on part withThe Witcher 3’s level of polish and excellence.
The story of Geralt of Rivia crescendos in the third and final part of an epic trilogy, and is an absolute blast to play through for anyone who’s into massive open-world games that have been refined to a T. There’s pretty much no area thatThe Witcher 3doesn’t excel in, making for a must-play experience in every manner possible.
NEXT:Final Fantasy XVI: 5 Things We Learned (& 5 Questions We Still Have)
