For a lot of Final Fantasy fans, the move away from turn-based combat was a bit of a disappointment. Recent rumblings suggest that old-school combat might be returning to the franchise. But until then, players eager to revisit that turn-based JRPG vibe we love from early Final Fantasy games have two options. We can replay the classics or we can seek out other games that still utilize a similar turn-based combat option. And as much as I love going back for Final Fantasy X in its newly remastered form, sometimes, you want something new.
Videos by ComicBook.com
Although more recent Final Fantasy games, including the Final Fantasy 7 remakes, have drifted away from turn-based vibes, not all games have. The popularity of titles like Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 and Pokemon proves there’s still a market for combat that gives players a little more time to think through the next move. These 5 JRPGs use turn-based combat systems that will scratch that old school Final Fantasy itch while offering you a new world and story to explore.
5. Chrono Trigger
Platform(s): PC via Steam, PlayStation, Nintendo DS, iOS, Android, SNES
Price: $14.99
Released back in 1995 from Square Enix, Chrono Trigger remains a classic in the RPG space to this day. Like Final Fantasy IV onward, Chrono Trigger uses an Active Time Battle system, rather than a traditional turn-based approach. The game’s “Wait” mode allows for more time to think, making it sort of a go-between from full real-time and turn-based. Though the combat will feel a bit more like Final Fantasy games from Final Fantasy IV onwards, this classic will still bring those nostalgic old-school FF vibes.
As another game from the studio that created Final Fantasy, the parallels here are obvious. Chrono Trigger comes from the creators behind Dragon Ball and Final Fantasy, and it’s clear from the art style and gameplay. Many fans have been clamoring for a modern remake of the iconic JRPG, which is available on PC via Steam and mobile, as well as for older-gen consoles. No remake is yet confirmed, but the game is well worth revisiting in its original form.
4. Sea of Stars
Platform(s): PC, Nintendo Switch, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S
Price: $34.99 USD
Originally released in 2023, Sea of Stars is a fantasy RPG with some seriously astrology vibes. You play as the children of the Solstice, with powers inspired by the Sun and Moon, respectively. It won The Game Award for Best Independent Game during its release year, and for good reason. This game uses that same party-based, turn-based RPG style of combat that Final Fantasy fans have come to love. And like Final Fantasy, it also delivers a sweeping and engaging story.
Sea of Stars uses beautiful 2D pixel graphics to craft its fantasy world, using vibrant, dynamic lighting to really bring characters, landscapes, and monsters to life. In addition to all the goodness available in the base game, Sea of Stars recently released a free DLC to give players even more to enjoy. And if you like a solid multiplayer experience, Sea of Stars also offers couch co-op for up to 3 players.
3. Dragon Quest
Platform(s): Vary by title; Dragon Quest XI is available on Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, and PS4
Price: Varies by title
The Dragon Quest series is another great JRPG offering from Final Fantasy publisher Square Enix. These games have been around since 1986, with the most recent title Dragon Quest XI, released in 2018. We’ve also seen some modern remakes of the games, with Dragon Quest 1 & 2 HD Remake set to release in October 2025. These titles take you on a quest across the world of Torland, in a solid classic fantasy adventure format.
Every game in the main series, even more modern entries, utilizes a turn-based combat system. So, for players who like a party system with time to make decisions about your next move, the Dragon Quest games will deliver those old-school Final Fantasy vibes. Personally, I’m eager for the Dragon Quest 1 & 2 HD-2D Remake to come out, but playing any game in the series should scratch that FF itch.
2. Octopath Traveler
Platform(s): Nintendo Switch, PC, PS4, PS5
Price: $59.99
There’s a reason fans were excited when Octopath Traveler 0 was revealed in a recent Nintendo Direct showcase. Octopath Traveller is a stellar and more recent Square Enix entry, and it earned a Game Awards nomination for Best RPG in its release year. It uses an innovative and complex turn-based combat system that has been highly praised for being strategic and engaging.
In Octopath Traveler, old-school Final Fantasy fans will find turn-based combat perfected. The game’s story brings players to a new realm of Osterra, where they will delve into the stories of 8 different travelers. Many gamers consider this 2018 release a stunning homage to classic JRPGs, making it perfect for fans wanting a modern improvement on what they love most about early Final Fantasy titles.
1. Persona 5 Royal
Platform(s): PC, Nintendo Switch, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S
Price: $59.99
Persona 5 is an impressive entry in the beloved Persona franchise. The game has been a massive critical and commercial success, captivating players with its Confidants system. The game’s combat is turn-based and robust, changing depending on your connections with other party members. While it doesn’t have the same old-school fantasy setting as an early Final Fantasy setting, it’s a solid turn-based JRPG that is well worth experiencing if you enjoy this style of combat. It won the 2016 Game Award for Best RPG, and most fans agree it certainly lives up to that hype.
In Persona 5, players step into the shoes of Joker, a modern-day high school student. During the day, you attend school in the realm world, but at night, you head into the Metaverse to crawl dungeons and battle various Shadows. 2022’s Persona 5 Royal is an enhanced version of the game that includes all prior DLC and makes it easier to play on current-gen consoles.
Most Viewed
-
Image Courtesy of Bandai Namco Pictures/Studio Bones -
Akita Shoten
