Nintendo surprised its fans with a stealth presentation of a Nintendo Direct Mini in March of 2020, which highlighted some interesting titles players could look forward to in the coming months. One notable example in the showcase was a lush remaster of Xenoblade Chronicles.
Fans got a detailed look at the gorgeous, spruced-up visuals, along with a newly-revealed epilogue journey for Shulk and company. This added to the growing franchise—already riding a high with the vibrant, imaginative Xenoblade 2—reminding fans what made the series so special.
Updated August 5, 2022, by Stephen LaGioia: Monolith Soft's anticipated sequel in the popular APRG franchise Xenoblade has just been released, bringing stellar reviews and fan esteem. This awesome follow-up for Switch has garnered appraisal for its sprawling, lush locales of the warring Aionios, an emotional plot with dynamic characters, and addictive tactical combat. Xenoblade Chronicles 3 should keep fans and newcomers busy for dozens of hours. Yet, this fun, imaginative experience will doubtless leave some yearning for similar experiences. Luckily, there are plenty of gems to choose from—particularly the popular, appealing ARPG subgenre. Those looking for the best games like Xenoblade Chronicles can find them right here.
15 Dragon Quest 11 S: Echoes Of An Elusive Age
The eleventh mainline installment of Dragon Quest is a high watermark in this storied series, with a charming narrative and rewarding gameplay that tastefully blends the old with the new. The game party adheres to that retro JRPG style fans love, with (partly) linear exploration, turn-based battles, personalized classes, and stylized visuals. At the same time, Square Enix revitalizes the formula with some modern twists and extra features.
An impressive amount of customization during combat allows players to strategize and gain an edge, for instance. Players can also move about in a 3D space when fighting, giving a more fluid, immersive feel ala Xenoblade Chronicles. Random encounters are also axed this time around, and, in a neat addition, retro RPG fans can turn up the nostalgic sensibilities with a sprite-based 2D mode.
14 Live Alive
RPG fans on Switch were pleasantly surprised following the early 2022 unveiling of a restored adventure for Super NES. For the first time, Western gamers would be able to play this wondrous journey through time, with the inventive JRPG Live Alive. In it, players will visit settings ranging from the Old American West to Imperial China and a metropolitan future.
On the surface, there's seemingly little this love letter to classic RPGs shares in common with Xenoblade, as its premise is more akin to Chrono Trigger. Yet, fans of the Monolith epic should appreciate the similarly lush, diverse settings and great character development, as well as some addictive, rewarding combat that's deep yet accessible.
13 Star Wars: Knights Of The Old Republic
With such a vast, imaginative universe to draw from, it's no surprise there's been a slew of Star Wars games over the years, some of which have been better than others. Yet, two decades after its initial release, Knights of the Old Republic still reigns supreme when it comes to games based on George Lucas' phenom IP.
Despite its age, KOTOR was years ahead of its time. With its dynamic progression, interplanetary locales, and a plot-driven campaign that lets players pick their path, this is BioWare at its finest. KOTOR's thematic sci-fi-fantasy fusion—and an engaging, cinematic experience—should succeed in drawing Xenoblade fans. But, like that game, it's the combat that really shines through in the end here. Fluid, fast, and dynamic, the 3D battle system masterfully blends tactical gameplay with real-time action.
12 Ys VIII: Lacrimosa Of Dana
While still largely unknown in the West, this imaginative franchise has a long and rich history behind it, quietly building its repertoire over the course of decades. This catalog—which includes some particularly rich, lengthy journeys—may prove intimidating for many to dive into. Yet, the eighth main Ys game is often regarded for its more universal appeal and inventiveness.
With a self-contained island setting and simple premise, along with unique quasi-survival gameplay, Ys VIII marks a great time to jump on board. At the same time, there's plenty of involved, fast-paced combat for both newcomers and Ys vets to appreciate. For those who can get over a few small technical issues and lengthy dialogue sessions, Nihon Falcom's game is a treat—and an often overlooked ARPG.
11 Tales Of Vesperia: Definitive Edition
It's quite easy to draw Xenoblade and Tales comparisons. After all, both are fantastical JRPGs that blend linearity with sandbox elements and bring tactile combat that's exciting and deep. And as far as Bandai-Namco's series goes, it's hard to find a better way to experience this franchise than an enhanced version of one of its best games, Vesperia.
The game offers a unique, whimsical cast, a deep, semi-open world to explore, tons of quests, and a distinct lineup of humans and creatures to square off with. Vesperia's battle system manages to be even more frantic than Xenoblade, feeling not unlike a fighting romp laced with spells and special abilities.
10 Eternal Sonata
Eternal Sonata can somewhat be looked at as the Xbox 360's version of Xenoblade. Not only did they both shine as rare JPRG gems on their platforms, but the gameplay shares similar qualities too. Players have a vast, vibrant fantasy world to explore, an enthralling story, and various charming characters with an array of rewarding moves.
The deep, exciting combat also holds parallels—with its blend of action and tactical turn-based mechanics. Eternal Sonata also stresses a range of different skills combos and chains, along with timed blocks that keep the intensity at a fever pitch. This majestic, melodic RPG should be music to the ears of Xenoblade fans.
9 Dragon's Dogma
Similar to Monolith Soft's game, Capcom's Dragon's Dogma balances WRPG lore and open-world sensibilities with creative Japanese mythos. The intense real-time combat should very much translate to those who liked the chaotic combat of Xenoblade, as it too treads that line between strategy and action.
Much like the skills in Xenoblade and the vast Blade system in the sequel, Dragon's Dogma keeps the combat fresh and in-depth with various unique classes and skillsets that can be adjusted according to each opponent. The game also stresses skirmishes with massive beasts, as is the case with many of Xenoblades's beasts and Unique Monsters that require players to grind out wins.
8 Ni No Kuni: Wrath Of The White Witch
Despite its lack of name recognition, Level-5 and Bandai Namco have crafted an appealing, whimsical RPG with Ni No Kuni. Though this series had its start on the Nintendo DS and mobile devices, its console debut, remastered for the PC and PS4, shined the brightest.
The game draws from various RPG influences to round out a lovely storybook journey. This is enhanced by some charming, vibrant visuals, along with a rich soundtrack that injects emotion and atmosphere. The game's fast-paced combat is definitely similar to the first Xenoblade, though its deep system of Familiars is particularly reminiscent of the Blades in Xenoblade 2. Wrath of the White Witch also melds a linear campaign with an array of side quests, much like Monolith Soft's game.
7 Grandia 2
One of the most captivating aspects of the Xenoblade games is its fun, innovative battle system centered around the Monado sword. Game Arts' Grandia series hosts a similarly deep, gripping system, which makes each battle entertaining even at the end of the vast campaign. This is especially the case with the epic full-3D sequel, Grandia II.
Like Xenoblade, positioning and timing go a long way in gaining an edge and winning fights—as does mixing and matching the right moves. The premise and world-building are equally imaginative, enhanced by the likable and memorable cast.
6 The Last Story
The Last Story is highly distinct from its Wii RPG companion Xenoblade, but there's quite a bit of overlap. For one, both games are original properties whose creators are, in part, tied to Square Enix—with Hironobu Sakaguchi having worked on Final Fantasy before The Last Story, and Tetsuya Takahashi having ties to the Xeno series.
Mistwalker and AQ Interactive's game presents a similarly rich world with diverse settings ranging from tombs and caverns to lavish palaces and large sea vessels. Like Xenoblade, players and their AI crew will be hacking away during some thrilling real-time combat, while also unleashing satisfying spells.
5 Skies Of Arcadia
For Xenoblade fans, the two massive titans that comprise its unique settings have scarcely been matched creatively or atmospherically. Still, Overworks' Dreamcast epic, Skies of Arcadia, arguably comes close with its aerial environments and steampunk motif.
Despite dating back to 2000, this 3D RPG was ahead of its time, stressing free-flowing exploration and vast landscapes that are traversed via airship. Each of the game's six regions holds a distinct and rich character, keeping players hooked throughout the 50-hour campaign. Though the battle system runs on a turn-based structure, the array of elemental spells and customizable "Spirit Points" keeps things interesting.
4 Final Fantasy 12: The Zodiac Age
It's safe to assume many Xenoblade fans appreciate the deep, grandiose Final Fantasy games of the modern era. Yet, this 2006 entry, which got a polished remaster, should particularly entice those who swear by the Monado.
Breaking from its more linear, turn-based roots, this Final Fantasy takes more of a WRPG approach by offering more freedom, exploration, and livening up the pace of combat. It's fun and engaging, but also in-depth, as each character can be uniquely customized.
3 Xenogears
Though this first game in the Xeno series pretty much resembles Wii's RPG in name only, Xenoblade's executive director, Tetsuya Takahashi, was also the creative mind behind this game. Despite its relative age, its atmospheric allure and deep, gripping gameplay all hold up to this day. The isometric view minimizes the rather crude jaggies, and the lavish settings and cinematic qualities tend to make up for this, anyway.
The battle system similarly blends strategy with an action-based mechanic that almost feels like a beat 'em up. The thick sense of atmosphere will have users yearning to venture onward, as they visit sea, air, and even outer space locales in addition to land-based areas.
2 Phantasy Star Online
As it turns out, Skies of Arcadia isn't the only Dreamcast RPG that should captivate fans of Monolith Soft's adventure. One of Sega's most dynamic and addictive versions of their classic RPG still impresses two decades later. Phantasy Star Online certainly seems ahead of its time, with its emphasis on deep customization, exploration, and online co-op.
The combat actually rings just as similar to the likes of Mass Effect (and probably more so) with its long-range firing and free-flowing mechanics. The blend of sci-fi and fantasy, along with colorful environments, should definitely get the attention of Xenoblade diehards.
1 Tales Of Arise
After several Tales releases, Bandai Namco takes a darker, more grandiose approach with their latest epic—bringing open-world elements and some Western influence. A shadowy, more sinister tinge makes up the atmosphere and settings of Arise; as compared to the vibrant, whimsical nature of past entries.
Still, there remains plenty of that appealing Tales charm and Japanese mythos for players to enjoy. Think Elden Ring and Code Vein, minus the souls-like structure. Tales of Arise still adheres to much of the core formula that makes the franchise great; retaining the fluid Linear Motion Battle System and the fantastical, plot-driven campaign.