If you liked the FFVII remakes, the best next Final Fantasy depends on what you want more of: the VII universe, action combat, a close-knit party, or a story-driven RPG. Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is an action RPG that combines real-time action with strategic choices and party members, but the other games below each match a different part of that formula.
Which Final Fantasy is most like the FFVII remakes?
No single game duplicates the remakes’ mix of party commands, action combat, and the world and cast of Final Fantasy VII. Choose by the element you most want to keep:
- More of the VII universe: Crisis Core -Final Fantasy VII- Reunion.
- Action-focused combat: Final Fantasy XVI.
- A journey with a close-knit group: Final Fantasy XV.
- A voiced, story-led RPG with a more traditional combat structure: Final Fantasy X/X-2 HD Remaster.
- Party tactics you configure yourself: Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age.
These are preference matches, not interchangeable versions of Remake or Rebirth. The PlayStation guide to Final Fantasy notes that the mainline games are largely standalone, so you can pick by style rather than playing them in release order.
Best for more of the VII universe: Crisis Core -Final Fantasy VII- Reunion
Crisis Core -Final Fantasy VII- Reunion is the clearest pick if what you liked most was the setting and characters of VII. Square Enix describes it as a prequel centered on Zack Fair, giving it a direct connection to the events and world of Final Fantasy VII.
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- The games that inspired a generation come to life once more, in the ultimate 2D pixel remaster!
- These games are newly developed remaster editions based on the original titles. Some of the changes and additional elements found in other remakes of these games are not included.
- The Anniversary Edition includes a pixel character sticker sheet.
- Universally updated 2D pixel graphics, including the iconic FINAL FANTASY character designs created by Kazuko Shibuya, the original artist and current collaborator.
- Beautifully rearranged soundtrack in a faithful FINAL FANTASY style, overseen by original composer Nobuo Uematsu.
That connection is also its main distinction: it is not a continuation of Cloud and his companions’ journey. Choose it for more context from the VII universe, not because you expect another Cloud-led remake chapter. Square Enix’s Final Fantasy VII overview identifies Crisis Core Reunion as part of the wider VII project.
Best for action combat: Final Fantasy XVI
Final Fantasy XVI is a strong option if you want another Final Fantasy built around action-oriented combat and cinematic fantasy. It is a useful match for the real-time side of Remake and Rebirth, but the available descriptions do not establish the same party-command structure as the VII remakes. Go in expecting a different combat approach rather than a direct mechanical equivalent.
Rank #2
- FINAL FANTASY TACTICS –The Ivalice Chronicles– Amazon Exclusive Edition includes a double-sided poster.
- Combat - Lead your party in exhilarating encounters where strategic positioning and forward planning determine the outcome. Use the varied terrain of 3D battlefields to your advantage, skillfully manipulate the turn order, and victory will be yours for the taking.
- Character Growth and Customization - Combine a wide variety of jobs and abilities to craft your very own strategies. As your party members grow, they will gain access to more jobs, each with its own unique abilities. Once learned, abilities can be used even after changing to another job. With over 20 jobs to master—including white mage, black mage, dragoon, and many others from the FINAL FANTASY series—and hundreds of abilities to learn, you have the freedom to experiment and discover the combinations that best suit your party. Chocobos and other creatures can also be tamed and led into battle.
- Two Versions: Enhanced and Classic - With improved graphics, fully voiced dialogue, and refined gameplay, the enhanced version provides the perfect way to immerse yourself in the world of Ivalice. Along with the fine-tuning of several features and battle mechanics, the inclusion of the more accessible "Squire" difficulty setting makes the enhanced version an excellent starting point for first-time players. The classic version unites the graphics and gameplay of the original 1997 version with the renowned War of the Lions translation for a unique way to experience this beloved title.
- If you own the Nintendo Switch software in physical format, you can play the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition by downloading only the Upgrade Pack free of charge.
Best for a party-of-friends adventure: Final Fantasy XV
Final Fantasy XV is the best fit if the appeal was travelling through a large world alongside a familiar group of companions. PlayStation describes it as the series’ first open-world entry and emphasizes its protagonist’s trusted friends. Its open-world journey and group dynamic are the draw; do not assume its combat works like the VII remakes’ blend of action and commands.
Best for a voiced, story-led RPG: Final Fantasy X/X-2 HD Remaster
Final Fantasy X/X-2 HD Remaster bundles remastered versions of two PlayStation 2 games: Final Fantasy X and its direct sequel, Final Fantasy X-2. It suits players who want a strong character-led story and a voiced cast, while offering a more traditional combat contrast to Remake and Rebirth. PlayStation notes that Final Fantasy X introduced voiced characters to the series.
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Rank #3
- The award-winning FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE INTERGRADE* retells the original story up to the escape from Midgar, with breathtaking visuals, fast-paced gameplay, and additional story elements. This RPG delivers unforgettable characters, a powerful narrative, and a hybrid battle system that blends real-time action with strategic, command-based combat. It also includes FF7R EPISODE INTERmission, a side story starring Yuffie Kisaragi that offers a fresh perspective running in parallel to Cloud’s journey.
- STUNNING VISUALS - Explore Midgar like never before with stunning visuals and richly detailed environments that bring the city’s layered, industrial districts to life, all while staying true to the spirit of the original game.
- DYNAMIC COMBAT WITH STRATEGIC DEPTH -The innovative battle system combines strategic command-based gameplay with fast-paced action. Seamlessly switch between characters, harness the power of materia, summon iconic creatures, and unleash devastating limit breaks.
- ICONIC CHARACTERS, UNFORGETTABLE STORY - Follow Cloud Strife, an ex-SOLDIER turned mercenary, as he joins Avalanche to take on the Shinra Electric Power Company. Cloud and his allies Barret, Tifa, and Aerith are pulled into a battle that will decide the fate of the planet.
- EXPANDED CONTENT - FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE INTERGRADE offers quests, mini-games, and missions set in expanded areas of Midgar. Encounter new characters and experience exciting content that adds even more depth to the story.
Because it includes two games, this is a natural choice if you want a story and its follow-up in one package. Check the platform and edition when buying: physical editions and listings can vary by region.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Best for configurable party tactics: Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age
Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age is the pick for players who enjoy thinking about how a party behaves as a group. Its Gambit system lets you configure rules for party members’ actions, rather than directly controlling every ally at every moment. That creates a tactical, systems-focused experience, but its combat flow differs from the direct action control in the VII remakes.
How to choose your next Final Fantasy
| If you liked… | Try… | What carries over | What changes |
|---|---|---|---|
| VII’s characters and setting | Crisis Core -Final Fantasy VII- Reunion | A direct link to the VII universe | A Zack-focused prequel, not a new Cloud-led sequel |
| Real-time action | Final Fantasy XVI | Action-oriented combat and cinematic fantasy | Not established as having the same party-command structure |
| Travelling with companions | Final Fantasy XV | A group of trusted friends on an expansive journey | An open-world structure and a different combat experience |
| A voiced cast and story | Final Fantasy X/X-2 HD Remaster | A character-led RPG, with a direct sequel included | A more traditional combat contrast |
| Planning party behavior | Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age | Party-focused decision-making | Gambit-configured behavior instead of direct action control for every ally |
One useful context: Rebirth is the second part of a three-part reimagining of the original Final Fantasy VII. Square Enix describes the three entries as standalone titles, so the recommendations here are alternatives for particular tastes—not substitutes required to understand the remake trilogy. Its official Rebirth page currently lists PS5, PC, Nintendo Switch 2, and Xbox Series X|S; check your retailer for the edition and platform available in your region.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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