10 Best Modern RPGs Inspired By Classics

I was pretty slow diving into the RPG genre as a child.

Back then, it was downright intimidating, especially since so many of those early adventures were built to be unforgiving. Not to mention, this was long before the Internet was even a thing if you needed immediate assistance.

That said, with the aid of such valuable resources as strategy guides and Nintendo Power magazines, I finally started to find the courage to play RPGs. And thus began a lifelong love affair.

While I, of course, am still enamored of many of the classics I grew up with, there are plenty of modern RPGs fueled by that same love. And I don’t just mean regular RPGs; I’m also including some JRPGs and ARPGs on this list.

Get ready for a bunch of modern RPG adventures full of old-school flair that will remind you why this is such a fun overall genre.

10

Triangle Strategy

All Tactics, Limited Fantasy

Maybe it’s because the publisher was Square Enix, but when I see Triangle Strategy, I think of the original Final Fantasy Tactics on PS1.

Admittedly, this is a very different adventure, but it’s clear to me, it was at least somewhat inspired by that adventure.

It differentiates itself with deep political machinations, tons of backstabbing, and horrible revelations.

Another aspect of the game that is quite memorable is the difficulty. While I wouldn’t consider any tactical adventure necessarily easy, this particular one is going to rough you up.

Throw in a deep story, tons of recruitable characters, and a rousing tale told across several acts, and it’s clear that Triangle Strategy learned some valuable lessons from the RPGs of old.

9

Bravely Default II

Brave New World

While I’ve enjoyed all the games in the Bravely series, I ultimately decided to include Bravely Default II here. Just because it was a surprisingly fun game, and a nice return to form after Bravely Second.

Even though I loved the series on 3DS, it looks much prettier on Nintendo Switch. That, in turn, really let the visual flair shine, which is reminiscent of SaGa Frontier, with pop-up diorama backgrounds.

Thankfully, the combat has been one consistent high point of the entire series. It borrows heavily from the Job Crystals pioneered by Square back in the day, and they’re used to dramatic effect here.

It’s a blast shifting tactically between various jobs and finding just the right strategy to defeat overwhelming bosses. And if you play long enough, you’ll learn the wicked truth at the heart of this spellbinding adventure.

8

Astlibra Revision

KEIZO’s Masterpiece

While the vast majority of the games on this list are either RPGs or JRPGs, it wouldn’t be right not to include one exceptional ARPG called Astlibra Revision. It’s reminiscent of classics like Ys III or later adventures like Odin Sphere.

Not only does this marvelous adventure feature artwork by the legendary Shigatake, who you might know from Vanillaware games like Dragon’s Crown, but the adventure is also massively customizable.

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You’ll be able to construct your ideal loadout to deal with anything the game throws at you. And it loves to throw bosses that take up tons of screen space and that would love to rip your face off.

While most games are a labor of love, Astlibra Revision was in the works for 14 years, and it was time well spent.

Just don’t expect an easy adventure, because this is a game that demands excellence and dedication from its players.

7

Ara Fell: Enhanced Edition

An Indie You’ll Fall In Love With

I don’t play all that many games created with RPG Maker software. Oftentimes, I’m looking for something sharper or perhaps more professional to spend time with.

But Stegosoft Games changed my mind when I played Ara Fell: Enhanced Edition. This is a game with deep lore, complex systems, and incredibly fun combat. It also features some wonderful characters I fell in love with.

Though the game is pretty linear, it’s also surprisingly open-ended.

You’re able to explore freely as you progress the plot, and doing so is always worth your time. You’ll get great ingredients to craft new gear with and gain experience to learn powerful new attacks.

As for the artwork, I was quite captivated by it. This is a game that is a mixture of the best of classic Japanese and Western RPGs, and it’s one I highly recommend you check out.

6

Octopath Traveler

Tentacles of Woe

It’s clear Square Enix learned they could profit from modern RPGs inspired by classics after Bravely Default, which is likely why we eventually got Octopath Traveler.

This is a game that also takes inspiration from SaGa Frontier and features a story split into different arcs based around multiple characters.

At first, their stories are all their own, but eventually they’ll intersect in a masterful final act.

Like Bravely Default, the combat in this game is all about carefully managing your turns and accumulating enough resources to wallop your foes.

Unlike that game, Octopath Traveler can be pretty brutally difficult regularly. But if you can look past that, you’ll find a worthy quest here.

5

Chained Echoes

Unchained Creativity

It takes a lot for an indie adventure to make an impact, and especially to break into the conversation in a significant way.

So when I tell you that’s exactly what Chained Echoes did, you’ll have an idea how big of a deal that was.

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While I find the storytelling in Chained Echoes somewhat amateur at times, the area it excels is the gameplay.

Every little aspect of the combat is finely tuned, from the tactical selections to leveling up, acquiring new spells, and even unlocking combination attacks.

This is an expansive and exhilarating adventure to explore. And if you’re a fan, there’s a pretty incredible DLC chapter coming called Ashes of Elrant.

4

Omori

EarthBound Horror

Unlike most of the other games on this list, I backed Omori. The reason was simple – I’m obsessed with EarthBound, and it was clear this adventure was inspired by that iconic adventure.

That’s about all the game has in common with the adventure. This is a game with some deep, dark themes of depression and worse. And it’s also a game where emotions are the key to battles.

Different emotions cause characters to get stronger but weaken their defense, boost luck and speed while lowering accuracy, and even raise defense while lowering speed and taking damage.

Furthermore, Omori and the game’s bosses can raise their emotions to higher levels than others. Throw in some surprising moments of horror, utterly beautiful artwork, and multiple endings, and this is one emotional rollercoaster.

3

8-Bit Adventures 2

Beat the Glitch, Save the World?

When I think of RPGs, I visualize games like 8-Bit Adventures 2.

But this isn’t just a pitch-perfect modern adventure inspired by classics like Final Fantasy X, Chrono Trigger, and Mother 3; it’s also an exceptionally well-made RPG.

While I adore Ara Fell: Enhanced Edition, it’s a pretty short burn. 8-Bit Adventures 2 is like that if it were expanded several times further, which makes for one heck of a good time.

Each party member has distinct quirks they bring to battle, and they’re able to team up and even unleash super-powerful attacks.

Like any good classic RPG, you’ll even get access to a flying airship eventually.

2

Sea of Stars

A Mighty Eclipse

Sea of Stars is the other game I helped crowdfund, and I’m quite proud of doing so.

Sabotage Studio made a truly remarkable adventure that’s not only beautiful and full of amazing music, but is also a tribute to the classic Chrono Trigger.

That means turn-based combat using a diverse cast of characters that all bring something fun to battle is the main focus here.

My personal favorites were Garl’s healing and defense, as well as the poison knives and teleportation skills of Serai.

Even if you haven’t played the other game in this universe, The Messenger, Sea of Stars is worth your time.

1

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth

Midgar Was Only the Beginning

There’s a sort of disconnect in my brain when I think of the original Final Fantasy VII.

I remember it being an amazing adventure. And while that’s nominally true, it was one that looks incredibly basic in hindsight.

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth (and also Remake) are what my younger self envisioned whenever I thought of the game.

It’s not only a love letter to us fans, but it’s a breathtaking revitalization of the entire game experience.

Not only does it look better, it features fierce and tactical combat, a stunning and surprising new story, and returning favorite characters all blessed by talented voice actors.

This is one of the most iconic RPGs of our time, reimagined for a new era and audience. And I couldn’t be happier that Square Enix spent the time and effort doing so!

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