Final Fantasy XVI is out this month, and despite how good it looks, it’s literally only coming to PlayStation, to begin with, which leaves the rest of us schmucks all alone without the latest game in a classically turn-based game series. However, Final Fantasy XVI isn’t a turn-based RPG at all, but an action one. This isn’t a complete surprise as the series has been dipping more and more into action over the last few entries, including the FF7 remake and even Stranger of Paradise, the soulslike spinoff (which is both better than it has any right to be, and also absurd in the best way)..
The good news is that this means there are a lot of cool games that we can all play while we wait for the game to end up on PC or other consoles, and even if you do have a PS5, these are still incredible games that capture some aspect of Final Fantasy XVI, and should help scratch that intense action itch. If none of these games does it for you, then maybe go see a doctor about that itch instead.
Dragon’s Dogma – Dark Arisen
Dragon’s Dogma – Dark Arisen is the ultimate version of one of the best action RPGs of all time, and in a better universe, we’d already be talking about Dragon’s Dogma 3 or 4. Alas, this rubbish universe only has us waiting for the second entry, but thankfully, this game holds up remarkably well, and will satiate any amount of hunger for monster hunting, climbing on dragons, and generally feeling like a fantasy powerhouse.
Bright Memory: Infinite
Bright Memory: Infinite isn’t strictly an action RPG; it’s actually more of an FPS. However, this game is slicker than Matilda’s dad’s hair, and it’s very much worth playing, especially as it’s just £15.49 most of the time. This game has you blitzing your way through levels using a mixture of guns and melee weapons to wreak absolute havoc on everything in your path, and the aim is basically to look as cool as you can while doing so. It’s also shockingly beautiful too.
Warframe
Warframe is a big old sci-fi game that has you leaping and speeding around levels, upgrading incredible futuristic suits to dole out damage with, and also deflecting bullets using katanas. It’s also almost scarily large in terms of things to do, and exploring open areas in-between more linear levels. It also has pets, co-op, and endless customization too.
Valheim
Valheim is a survival game, so another not technically an action RPG, but this is our list, and we’re right. This game has you and up to nine other players exploring a world inspired by Viking culture, and not only doing the usual things like building shelters and chopping down trees, but also fighting off monsters and massive bosses. It’s a lot of fun, and if you’ve not played it yet, now’s as good a time as any.
Kena: Bridge of Spirits
Kena: Bridge of Spirits is an awesome action adventure game that has you playing as a young spirit guide trying to fix a broken world, and free spirits while doing so. It’s deceptively tough to play, the action feels great, and the spirits you meet along the way are adorable, so it really does have a bit of everything. It might feel like a bit of a strange choice, but we think it fits in nicely, and also, just more people should play it.
Hades
Hades is quite possibly the best action roguelike ever made. Not only is it smoother than even BTS, but it also has an incredibly well-told story, loads of characters to meet and get to know, and the kind of satisfying combat that never gets old. If, for some reason, you’ve not played this, then this will surely satisfy your craving for slick action unlike any other game on this list, and the roguelike elements also mean it’ll likely last longer than the others too.
Tales of Arise
Tales of Arise is the latest entry in the incredibly long-running Tales series, and it’s the best one yet. Not only does it look eye-meltingly good, but it has an intense and politically charged story, much like FFXVI, and the battles take place in real-time, despite having a party at your command. It’s a truly incredible action RPG, and another game that’s likely to be overlooked because people just don’t realise how damn good it is.
