3 Forgotten RPGs That Could Have Rivaled Final Fantasy

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Role-playing games are known for creating some of the most captivating stories in gaming. They offer players vast worlds and memorable characters to explore. While Final Fantasy is a leading series, many others have had the potential to be just as popular. The late 1990s and early 2000s were a particularly exciting time for RPGs, with developers taking risks and creating emotionally powerful games that redefined what video games could achieve. Though some of these incredible games were initially successful, many have since become beloved but lesser-known classics.

The role-playing game (RPG) scene has always been surprisingly crowded. Many games attempted to compete with the popularity of Final Fantasy, offering innovative gameplay and compelling stories that were just as good, if not better. Unfortunately, these titles often faded into obscurity due to bad timing, poor marketing, or simply being outshined by more well-known franchises – not because they were poorly made. Here are three overlooked gems that had the potential to become as popular as Final Fantasy.

3) Grandia

Released in the late 1990s, Grandia perfectly showcased the best qualities of Japanese RPGs. Created by Game Arts, the game blended engaging storytelling with a uniquely lively combat system. While Final Fantasy VII was pushing the boundaries of cinematic RPGs, Grandia was subtly building a battle system that was both strategic and exciting. It featured a careful balance of timing, positioning, and interrupting attacks, making each fight feel dynamic and engaging.

What made Grandia special was its hopeful and adventurous spirit. Unlike many games with dark settings, Grandia focused on optimism, wonder, and the joy of discovery. The game followed Justin, a young explorer interested in learning about a lost civilization. Initially, his quest wasn’t about saving the world, but about personal growth, overcoming obstacles, and maintaining hope. This genuine approach, combined with its unique blend of 2D and 3D graphics and a memorable soundtrack by Noriyuki Iwadare, gave Grandia a truly unique feel.

Grandia’s battle system is still one of the best turn-based systems ever created. It used a unique “IP gauge” that let players carefully time their attacks, making fights about both smart planning and fast reactions. This innovative system even inspired games like Final Fantasy X. However, despite being a groundbreaking RPG, Grandia often got less attention than games from larger companies like Square Enix. Now, it’s time to recognize Grandia not just as a beloved retro game, but as a truly exceptional RPG that was just as good as Final Fantasy.

2) Legend of Dragoon

Few games felt as forward-thinking as The Legend of Dragoon. Released in 1999 by Sony, it was intended to compete with the incredibly popular Final Fantasy VII. It had all the ingredients for success – an epic story, beautiful pre-rendered cutscenes, a rich world, and a distinctive battle system. However, despite positive reviews and a dedicated following, it never quite achieved the same legendary status as its rival.

One of the game’s biggest strengths was its unique Additions system. Instead of just selecting attacks in turn-based battles, players had to time their button presses, making combat feel more dynamic and like an action sequence. This combination of strategy and skill was unusual for the genre back then. The story was also impressively grand, exploring ideas like rebirth, destiny, and self-sacrifice, which gave Legend of Dragoon a legendary and memorable quality for players.

Players journeyed with Dart and his friends through a world brimming with ancient dragons, complex politics, and the aftermath of war. However, The Legend of Dragoon unfortunately came out at the wrong time. Released near the end of the PlayStation’s lifespan, it was quickly eclipsed by the upcoming PlayStation 2 and its highly anticipated RPGs. Despite this, the game has gained a dedicated fanbase over the years, and fans continue to request a remake or remaster.

1) Xenogears

Man, when I think about older RPGs, Xenogears always comes to mind. It’s a game that people still talk about with a lot of respect and wonder. It’s crazy to think it came from the same team at Squaresoft that made Final Fantasy – they even had ideas for it before Final Fantasy VII! But Xenogears was totally its own thing. It wasn’t just a fun adventure; it was a really deep, emotional story that tackled big questions about who we are, religion, and what it means to be human – stuff you just didn’t see in many games back then.

Originally conceived as part of the Final Fantasy series, the game grew into something much larger and more complex, leading Square to develop it as its own project, Xenogears. This resulted in an expansive and daring story that blended classic RPG adventures with giant robot battles, deep psychological themes, and a cinematic style that was remarkably innovative for its time. Xenogears wasn’t just a game you played; it was a game that encouraged you to think deeply about its story.

Players experienced the journey of Fei Fong Wong, a character burdened by his past and fate, through a world fractured by political schemes and the interference of gods. The story was rich with philosophical and religious ideas, playing out like a new kind of myth that made you think about the meaning of life. However, what truly sets Xenogears apart is its potential that wasn’t fully realized. Because of development limitations, the game’s second half relied heavily on storytelling through narration instead of interactive gameplay.

If Xenogears had been fully completed, it likely would have been as popular as, or even better than, Final Fantasy. Even though it’s unfinished, the game’s ambitious story is still unparalleled. It clearly influenced many RPGs that followed, including Xenosaga and Xenoblade Chronicles, and its impact can still be seen in modern games.

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2025-11-12 22:16