Expectations were high for Final Fantasy VII Remake from the very moment it was announced, and players were happy to see that this game definitely did justice by the legendary original title, courtesy of a well-told story, a faithful depiction of Midgar, and some heartwarming character moments for both new and old fans alike.
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However, given the exclusive nature of Final Fantasy VII Remake on the PlayStation line of consoles, it goes without saying that players would obviously want to enjoy the same experience on the platform of their choice. While the limited exclusivity of Final Fantasy VII Remake entails that it would appear on the PC and other platforms soon enough, players who simply can't wait for this title can try out the following JRPGs on Steam instead, which are quite similar to this modern JRPG masterpiece in many ways.
10 The Legend Of Heroes: Trails Of Cold Steel
Easily one of the most underappreciated JRPG franchises of all time, any fan of games with great worldbuilding and character writing — staples of Final Fantasy VII Remake — should definitely try out any game in The Legend of Heroes series.
Trails of Cold Steel is easily the most modern and accessible experience out of all the games in the series, featuring a riveting school setting along with a bunch of field trips and missions in a pattern similar to that of Final Fantasy VIII.
9 The Legend Of Heroes: Trails In The Sky
However, players who want to see The Legend of Heroes series at its very peak should definitely try out Trails in the Sky.
A trilogy that features extremely likable characters, a riveting — if somewhat cliched — story, and simple yet effective combat — The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky is certainly a must-play game for any fan of excellent JRPGs.
8 Resonance Of Fate
If there's one thing that Resonance of Fate has in common with Final Fantasy VII Remake, it's the world itself — both games feature drab and mechanical worlds... although Final Fantasy VII Remake does a way better job of breathing life into the city of Midgar.
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However, people who manage to get over the rather uninspired presentation of this game's world will find themselves enjoying a game with an excellent and unique combat system that makes the most of its turn-based mechanics to allow for something truly amazing.
7 Ys VIII: Lacrimosa Of DANA
The Ys series has been running strong for quite some time now, although there are some people who might consider the series a bit too old-school for its own good.
However, Ys VIII: Lacrimosa Of DANA does manage to reinvent the wheel of the franchise somewhat. The idea of roaming around a deserted island and creating settlements is definitely an addictive gameplay loop. Along with this, the patented combat of the Ys series also appears in its most polished form in this title.
6 Tokyo Xanadu eX+
Players who want to experience a JRPG that is very much inspired by the Persona series should make it a point to check out Tokyo Xanadu eX+, an underrated title featuring an alternate version of Tokyo that was rocked by an earthquake that changed the entire fabric of the city itself for good.
The real-time action combat is a treat to experience firsthand, which — coupled with the interesting setting — makes for a unique experience that fans won't be forgetting anytime soon.
5 Octopath Traveler
Octopath Traveler burst onto the JRPG scene, courtesy of a beautiful 2.5D art style that is still visually pleasing to this day. Of course, that's not the only draw of this title — the turn-based combat present in this series is refined to a T and allows for a fair bit of strategy without being overly complicated.
While the eight heroes and their individual narratives may seem rather disjointed, this minor slight does nothing to take away from a title that is quite brilliant otherwise.
4 Ni No Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom
Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch was an excellent title that allowed the once-unknown series to become one of the most mainstream JRPG franchises around. However, the game was far from a perfect product, and players wanted the experience from this game to be refined considerably — something that is accomplished in the sequel.
Ni no Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom might not have a story that's as compelling as its predecessor, but the massive improvements it makes to a once-rudimentary battle system help it stand out as a brilliant title and a worthy sequel.
3 Yakuza: Like A Dragon
The idea of the real-time combat of the Yakuza series turning into a turn-based affair was a prospect that most fans were wary of... which is precisely what made the success of Yakuza: Like a Dragon so important for the future of the series.
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Stepping into the shoes of Ichiban Kasuga, players go on a wild and entertaining ride as they seek out revenge for getting betrayed... that is, when they're not busy hitting the karaoke bar or engaging in Dragon Kart.
2 Dragon Quest XI: Echoes Of An Elusive Age
While most people consider the Dragon Quest series to be just as important to the genre as the Final Fantasy series, one has to admit that Dragon Quest didn't really gain a solid footing in the West for the longest time... until the release of Dragon Quest XI.
Serving as one of the most modern and accessible titles in the series, Dragon Quest XI is a celebration of the JRPG genre that allows players to experience everything that makes games in this genre so magical.
1 Persona 4 Golden
However, it would be impossible to talk about quality modern JRPGs on Steam without mentioning the masterpiece that is Persona 4 Golden — a title that was limited to the PS Vita for the longest time before its release on PC.
The small town of Inaba serves as the perfect backdrop for an intriguing murder mystery that sets the stage for one of the best stories ever told in a JRPG, finally allowing fans to understand why so many people hold Persona 4 close to their heart.