Initially starting off as a final swansong of sorts by Square, the unprecedented success of Final Fantasy turned 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 the Final Fantasy series 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's Final Fantasy XV that finally took the definitive step and turned the combat into a real-time action fiesta.
While the combat of Final Fantasy XV might not be the greatest fighting system around, one can't help but notice how visually striking and unique the 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.
10 The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
Final Fantasy XV is an action RPG that gives players full access to a 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 of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, then we don't know what does.
9 Fallout 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.
Fallout 4 might 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.
8 Final Fantasy VII Remake
It goes without saying that Final Fantasy VII Remake definitely deserves a mention. The combat has been refined from Final 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.
7 Final Fantasy XII
However, if players wish to go for a more classic Final Fantasy experience without having to sacrifice on the real-time goodness of Final Fantasy XV, then they can always opt for Final Fantasy XII instead.
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 the Final Fantasy series.
6 Monster Hunter: World
A big part of Final Fantasy XV is the hunts that players can undertake, allowing them to take care of numerous monstrosities — including some massive superbosses that will truly give players a run for their money. It must be said that Monster Hunter: World will 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.
5 NieR: Automata
If a player wishes to play an action RPG with a quirky story and amazing real-time combat, then NieR: Automata is 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.
4 Ni No Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom
The first Ni No Kuni game 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 Kingdom took 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.
3 Kingdom Hearts III
The Kingdom Hearts series 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.
Kingdom Hearts III might'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.
2 God Of War
God Of War ticks off all the boxes when it comes to being a 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.
1 The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
It's no secret that Final Fantasy XV had 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 with The 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 that The Witcher 3 doesn't excel in, making for a must-play experience in every manner possible.