Kingdom Hearts is a legendary crossover between Disney and Square Enix that features a fast-paced action RPG system and a beloved story. While this title is particularly unique as Sora explores multiple Disney worlds, there are many games with engaging battle systems and friend-focused storylines you should check out.
Devil May Cry V
If you like the intense action of the Kingdom Hearts series, the Devil May Cry series is your next best bet after completing Sora’s adventures up to this point. The fifth entry, in particular, is fantastic. You play as three different characters with wildly different abilities from each other.
You get some excellent one-liners within the script and an epic storyline set in London. While Peter Pan is nowhere to be seen in this version of London, you do get to beat up demons with thrilling combos and abilities, like Sora and Aqua. The graphics are also phenomenal as your attacks slice through foes and demons spit fire at the likes of Nero.
Genshin Impact
If you want a story that heavily features storylines between friends and creating lasting relationships along the way, Genshin Impact might be for you. It has lovable characters that will feel like friends to you as the adventure continues. Additionally, the visuals are colorful and bright.
The combat isn’t as great as Kingdom Hearts, to be fair, but it’s cool how you can switch between characters and mix their elemental abilities together. For example, if the main protagonist Aether uses a wind attack and then Amber utilises a fire ability, you can create a fiery tornado against your foes. It’s also free-to-play, so it’s worth trying out after a download.
Indivisible
Indivisible is a hidden gem that action RPG fans should check out when they get the chance. Like Kingdom Hearts, your main protagonist forms meaningful relationships and teams with them. This is a side-scrolling action-RPG that has you comboing between the different abilities of each party member.
The combat system works well and keeps you engaged for the entirety of its campaign. You’ll also unlock new moves as you proceed through Indivisible, letting you return to past areas and discover new locations. It also has a pretty anime-like art style.
Final Fantasy VII Remake
Final Fantasy VII Remake is the perfect way to get to know Cloud’s original interpretation in the Final Fantasy before putting on a black wing in the first Kingdom Hearts. You’ll fall in love with the epic storyline as you’re trying to stop Shinra from destroying the world and exploring the city of Midgar. Expect stellar performances from the voice cast and action-heavy battles that require rolling and magic use, just like the Kingdom Hearts series.
“Final Fantasy VII Remake kept me engaged through inventive combat, great world-building, and an approach to narrative that made me care about these characters that most players probably grew fond of over 20 years ago,” said our review.
Ni no Kuni II: Revanant Kingdom
Ni no Kuni 2: Revenant Kingdom took a controversial spin on the original game by turning into an action-RPG, and to be honest, it was the correct move. The combat feels fluid, you have access to a variety of magical spells, and you’re taking on epic bosses along the way. While you’re trying to build up the new kingdom of Evermore, you’re recruiting members of the public to join your cause.
You’re completing fun side-quests to get them to join and improve your kingdom, adding a fun gameplay loop that lasts until the end of the game. Ni no Kuni 2: Revenant Kingdom has a beautiful Studio Ghibli art style that retains from the original, which is complemented by a magical soundtrack by the legendary composer Joe Hisaishi.
NieR Replicant ver.1.22474487139…
I’m going to shock a lot of people by saying this: I don’t think NieR Automata is that fun to play, due to its frustrating map, confusing level structure, and less engaging world. However, NieR Replicant is a far better game. You are on an adventure to save your sister Yonah and find a cure. The game has an explorable world with fascinating characters, enemies, and bosses to find.
The bold, quirky storyline will keep you captivated from beginning to end as it takes twists and turns you don’t expect. The combat may not be as flashy as Automata, but the magical abilities at your disposal are gripping and will keep you in the action.
NEO: The World Ends With You
If you want to get a preview of what’s to come in Kingdom Hearts IV, NEO: The World Ends With You might be a good purchase. As a teenage protagonist named Rindo, you’re taking part in the Reaper’s Game and trying to survive.
The narrative is engaging, and the action RPG combat will excite you with its various magical abilities and attacks on offer. “Each character in NEO, from the new kids on the block to the old guard, has a spice, flair, and substance to them that can’t be ignored,” said our review. The game takes place in Shibuya, a similar setting to Quadratum that Sora visits in the KH4 trailer. The visuals are also spectacular, sporting an anime-like art style.
Visions of Mana
From a city to a magical setting, Visions of Mana is a fantasy-based action-RPG that has you exploring a majestic, colourful open world. You’re taking down adorable creatures, riding on a dog-like creature called a Pikul, and trying to find the Mana Tree. There are multiple classes and characters to choose from, and as each hero changes class, their outfit changes too.
As the story proceeds, the power of friendship, which is often present in the Kingdom Hearts series, becomes important in the narrative. Just like the Disney and Square Enix crossover series, there is also a managerie of music on offer during this JRPG adventure, with over 100 songs.
Final Fantasy XVI
Many Kingdom Hearts players will “Find a Flame” in Final Fantasy XVI with its robust combat system, deep storyline, and likeable characters. This is one of the best action-RPGs as it emphasizes powerful attacks, combos, and elegant animation throughout. Additionally, there are segments in which you’re fighting as the Eikons in a big-budget cinematic battle that fans of Xemnas’ fight in Kingdom Hearts 2 would be a fan of. “The boss fights, and spectacle of the cinematics made me tear up at times with how beautiful and well-done these scenes were,” said our review.
Clive, Joshua, Jill, and the other characters in the main cast are well-written, and there are incredible performances from voice actors like Ben Starr and Charlotte McBurney that will take your breath away. If you like your emotional scenes from the KH series, Final Fantasy XVI is for you.
