So I saw they released Final Fantasy Resonance. And it seems like an amalgam game. Like a best of episode. And that’s not what I mean. For me growing up FF7 was my introduction to the series. I had a Super Nintendo but I just missed FF6 somehow. I think it would be awesome if Square Enix’s next mainline title was a throwback (visually) and sported modern retro pixel graphics. All new characters and a new storyline though. They won’t do that but I think it would be awesome.
I also really enjoyed Xenogears, one of my top three games of all time for sure. There is a game on steam called Chained Echos that hit some of those same notes.
https://store.steampowered.com/app/1229240/Chained_Echoes/
This is the kind of thing I’m talking about.
19 Jun 2026 16:02
Maybe give the Final Fantasy Pixel Remasters a look
19 Jun 2026 16:22
I have tried them. 4 is good and 6 is awesome. I wanted to like FF5 more than I did though. I like the job system, but the random battles just start to feel like work after a while and the story didn’t grab me either. On that note, Final fantasy tactics is incredible and I’ve already plaid through to twice since the re-release, that one’s a real master piece. No notes.
19 Jun 2026 16:27
Maybe not what you're asking for but if you like ff5 job system you might like the indie game crystal project which takes inspiration from it.
19 Jun 2026 16:35
Afaik it's not released yet, just announced. Drops in October I think. It's also a reimagining of Brave Exvius, for those who missed it or never played it.
Elliott is allegedly a Zelda-like, which sounds interesting to me, even the Navi is apparently even worse there.
Can also recommend Ara Fell and Rise of the Third Power for a retro jrpg itch.
19 Jun 2026 16:42
Octopath Traveler scratched that itch for me
19 Jun 2026 16:46
Octopath Traveler 2 is
basically a modern retro Final Fantasy game. Made by Square as well.
19 Jun 2026 16:53
Is it better than OT1? I bought that one on sale a while back and it hasn’t gotten to the top of the que yet.
19 Jun 2026 17:01
Bravely Default is an incredible successor to FF5. I like to joke that someone at Square realized during development that this game is actually good and thus they couldn't put the FF name on it.
19 Jun 2026 17:11
Can also recommend Ara Fell and Rise of the Third Power for a retro jrpg itch.
Seconding these, both excellent. For another indie FF-like I'll add Crystal Project.
19 Jun 2026 17:13
OT2 was sooo much fun! I enjoyed it quite a bit.
19 Jun 2026 17:13
I wish they‘d use the system in FFX again
19 Jun 2026 17:22
Chained Echos was fun at first. I didn't like how grindy it got after a while.
I recommend
Rise of the 3rd Power . Its very final fantasy like with jrpg elements. Tiny indie with a lot of heart. The game has some great music, pixel animations, and I enjoyed the story.
https://store.steampowered.com/app/698700/Rise_of_the_Third_Power/
One of the same studios older titles is
Ara Fell : Enhanced Edition
https://store.steampowered.com/app/440540/Ara_Fell_Enhanced_Edition/ its pretty good as well.
Both are on sale at the moment.
If your looking for more of a jrpg with even more style
Small Saga is fantastic!
https://store.steampowered.com/app/1320140/Small_Saga/
If your looking for silly
Epic Battle Fantasy 5 :
https://store.steampowered.com/app/432350/Epic_Battle_Fantasy_5/
...I like everything Matt Roszak makes to be honest. My wife has like 50+ hours in the newest find matts cats game.
Hope that helps!
19 Jun 2026 17:24
Quite a bit in my opinion. They fixed a lot of the pain points that OT1 had. The story is much better, characters actually talk to one another, and the battle system got much better as well.
19 Jun 2026 17:32
I went back and played 4,5, and 6 via emulators a few years back. I'd give those a shot if you haven't yet!
19 Jun 2026 17:33