Periodically, a video game emerges that fundamentally alters the landscape of the industry. Iconic titles such as Call of Duty, Fortnite, Halo, Elden Ring, and Baldur’s Gate 3 are just a few examples that have left a lasting impact.
These blockbuster titles often spur discussions about which game might be the “next big thing.”Since the mid-90s, Final Fantasy has set the gold standard for role-playing games (RPGs).While it didn’t invent the JRPG genre, it undoubtedly established itself as the most enduring and beloved series.
This success encouraged other developers to create their own interpretations in hopes of replicating that magic. Despite numerous commendable attempts, none have quite matched the legacy of Final Fantasy. Here, we examine several titles that aspired to rival this titan in the RPG world but ultimately fell short.
10 The Legend of Dragoon
We Have Final Fantasy 7 at Home
During the late ’90s, an array of developers sought to create a game that could rival the annual releases of Final Fantasy. Among them, The Legend of Dragoon emerged as a notable contender, featuring a spiky-haired hero, a love-interest with brunette tresses, and a silver-haired antagonist, complete with dramatic plot twists, including a shocking character death.
Though the game introduced compelling mechanics and narrative elements, it failed to resonate broadly with the gaming public.The Legend of Dragoon became somewhat of a cult favorite, fondly remembered rather than the groundbreaking series it aspired to be, overshadowed by the advancing graphics and gameplay styles of newer titles.
9 Lost Odyssey
Too Late In The Game
Lost Odyssey managed to impress with its impressive writing and graphics but heavily leaned on the formulas established by Final Fantasy. The game, released in 2008, was crafted by former Final Fantasy creators, featuring a classic amnesiac hero, magical conflicts, and intricate narratives.
However, by this time, the gaming landscape was shifting toward open-world experiences, and the traditional turn-based model was rapidly losing favor. While Lost Odyssey featured innovative timing-based combat mechanics, it simply did not achieve the monumental success of its predecessor.
8 Lost Soul Aside
A Wayward Soul
The development of Lost Soul Aside has been a rollercoaster journey, sparked by the ambition of Yang Bing, who was inspired by a trailer for Final Fantasy 15. This game was positioned to become a major title with significant production values and an elaborate combat system reminiscent of Final Fantasy 16.
Sadly, various development setbacks resulted in a stripped-down version of the original vision. Although the combat mechanics were stellar, the story and character engagement suffered, leading to missed expectations. The initial premise opened with rebels challenging an empire but quickly devolved into an alien invasion plot that confused players.
7 Foreshadowing
Square Enix Hits An All-Time Low
Forspoken stands as a testament to the notion that a game’s quality surpasses its individual components. Despite borrowing visuals and combat styles from the Final Fantasy franchise, it became one of the most criticized titles of 2023, particularly when juxtaposed against the success of Final Fantasy 16.
Core issues largely stemmed from its writing, which was deemed cringe-worthy and often detracted from gameplay. Although the combat mechanics eventually proved engaging, the overall experience struggled under the weight of poor character development and tedious bosses.
6 Bravely Default
Preying On Your Nostalgia
In 2014, the JRPG genre was in decline, with a marked exodus from traditional turn-based gaming.Bravely Default, developed by Silicon Studios with Square Enix backing, emerged to stir nostalgia for the classic Final Fantasy era.
This title celebrated the charm of early ’90s RPGs through its art style and gameplay mechanics. However, it suffered from timing; launched on the 3DS, it missed the attention of gamers who had transitioned to more advanced consoles by then. Ultimately, while the game had enjoyable mechanics, it did not gain the traction needed to establish itself as a true contender.
5 Xenogears
Existential Fantasy
Xenogears holds a special place in gaming history. Initially intended as a continuation of Final Fantasy VIII, it evolved into a distinct narrative that was darker and more profound, ultimately becoming a success despite its rushed development that led to significant storytelling issues in its latter stages.
The innovative combat system combined real-time combos and mech battles, enhancing its appeal. Tragically, the project was cut short due to time constraints, resulting in unfulfilled potential. The franchise’s developers later went on to form Monolith Soft, laying the groundwork for the critically acclaimed Xenoblade Chronicles series.
4 Breath of Fire
A Breath of Fresh Air
Breath of Fire, which debuted in 1993, tried to carve its niche amid an increasingly competitive RPG market dominated by Final Fantasy. Over the years, each installment coincidentally faced competition from new releases in the Final Fantasy series, leading Capcom to withdraw from the RPG sector in 2008 due to financial unviability.
Despite its struggles, the series produced compelling gameplay with captivating stories. Its unique art style and dragon transformation mechanics endeared it to fans, making it a title worth reviving in today’s rejuvenated JRPG landscape.
3 Star Ocean
Final Fantasy in Space
Launched in 1996, Star Ocean aimed to compete directly with Final Fantasy, bringing a sci-fi twist to the genre. Published by Square, it featured real-time combat—a significant departure from the turn-based style prevalent in most RPGs at the time.
Though it achieved a degree of success, particularly with six sequels over its three-decade legacy, it never achieved the same level of global influence that Final Fantasy commanded. Recent remakes have rekindled interest, but the franchise still longs for a blockbuster title that can truly challenge its legendary rival.
2 Wild Arms
Fantasy Guns
Wild Arms opted for a unique approach by merging Western influences with traditional RPG elements, questioning, “What if Final Fantasy had guns?” Unfortunately, it launched shortly after the release of Final Fantasy 7, which had already established a high benchmark for graphical and narrative excellence.
The initial game was met with warm reception, though it struggled against the juggernaut of Final Fantasy. Subsequent entries, particularly Wild Arms 2, explored 3D graphics and improved gameplay but still fell short amid competition from newer titles.
1 Skies of Arcadia
The Dreamcast’s Big Move
Skies of Arcadia represented Sega’s bold effort to capture the top spot in the RPG arena. Promoted as a potential Final Fantasy rival, it featured vibrant graphics, an engaging story, and captivating battles. Nevertheless, its success was tempered by the short-lived nature of the Dreamcast console.
Despite its solid gameplay and engaging world, the game was overshadowed by the rapid decline of the Dreamcast, and struggles in establishing a franchise meant it would not be remembered as the era’s ‘Final Fantasy killer.’ What remains is a loyal fanbase and a nostalgic reminder of a game that could have been.
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