10 More Fantastical Games That Are Worth Your Time!
Kingdom Hearts is one of Square Enix’s trademark franchises. It’s a unique game that blends Japanese role-playing games with the magical worlds created by Walt Disney. In it, we follow Sora, Donald Duck, and Goofy as they venture across multiple Disney and original worlds to bring light back into the universe.
Its narrative is overly complex and it can be a hassle to binge. However, Kingdom Hearts Disney and RPG references, gameplay, and artistry make it worth it in the end.
If you’ve finished playing Kingdom Hearts and are looking for alternatives – fret not! We’ve combed through the archives and saved you the hassle with our top 10 picks.
Of course, for all the games we’ve reviewed, we’ve also added a handy link, so you can check out our full thoughts on that and see if it’s something you want to invest your time in.
So without further ado, we present 10 games to check out if you’re looking for a game like Kingdom Hearts.
Project X Zone 2
Project X Zone 2 is a tactical RPG game. Like Kingdom Hearts, it feels like a celebration for multiple gaming companies. This is because the title includes fan-favorite characters from Bandai Namco’s Kazuya to Capcom’s Ryu. Other gaming characters from companies like Sega and Nintendo make an appearance here too.
Crossover aspects aside, the game includes some original cast members who have engaging personalities and backgrounds too. The gameplay is different from Kingdom Hearts, though. In it, players move characters across a grid to attack and avoid enemies. In battle, you’re given several directional attacks to use to deplete enemies’ HP.
If you’re lucky you can perform super attacks that can deal massive damage to your foes. The game’s storyline isn’t the grandest and the scenarios can feel overly drawn out. Nonetheless, the game provides players with amusing banter between its cast and some plot twists to keep you hooked. If you’re looking for an enjoyable tactical RPG with a crossover element, check out Project X Zone 2.
Final Fantasy (Franchise)
If it weren’t for Final Fantasy, Kingdom Hearts may have never happened. This gaming franchise holds a special place in fans’ hearts and contains some of the best-written characters in JRPG history. While it started off as a turn-based JRPG, the franchise has evolved over time to deliver a more action-centric experience.
Nevertheless, each game retains an enchanting atmosphere and several emotional scenes that will bring a tear to fans’ eyes. The battle animations have improved drastically over the years, leading to jaw-dropping showdowns between its heroes and villains alike. The drama and plot development is more cohesive than the Kingdom Hearts storyline.
If fans haven’t checked out a Final Fantasy game but adore Kingdom Hearts’ anime-like moments, then do yourself a favor, and check out the Final Fantasy series. Whether you experience it through the Final Fantasy VII Remake or one of the classic NES titles, is up to you.
Dragon Quest (Franchise)
While we touched upon Final Fantasy’s importance, it’s significant to cover the grandfather of JRPGS. Dragon Quest is a solid gaming franchise that’s branched out into multiple genres. However, many players look forward to the franchise’s mainline, turn-based RPG-focused titles than its spinoff games.
In it, players play as heroic individuals who must stop their world’s big bad from achieving their plans. Each game centers around a different storyline but features a consistent coming-of-age theme. The game’s art resembles that of the Dragon Ball franchise, created by beloved manga author, Akira Toriyama. While the gameplay isn’t like Kingdom Hearts, the game’s storytelling is on par with it.
Both games center around a group of heroes who must thwart the plans of evil beings. They’ll get stronger over time and develop new skills that will help them overcome multiple scenarios that stand in their way. Dragon Quest’s settings give off a strong medieval vibe while Kingdom Hearts’ domains can vary depending on the Disney and original worlds you visit. Nonetheless, if you enjoyed following Sora, Donald, and Goofy’s multiple adventures in Kingdom Hearts, you’ll love Dragon Quest’s character line-up.
Epic Mickey
From crossovers to classic JRPG franchises, let’s turn our attention to something more Disney-like. Epic Mickey was an intruiging platform title that allowed players to control Disney’s beloved mascot, Mickey Mouse. In it, players follow Mickey on his quest to redeem himself for causing mass destruction to a world Yen Sid created.
The game feels more like a life with a platformer than Kingdom Hearts. Your actions will help you gain access to the game’s various alliances, power-ups, and side-quests that lay in wait. This game’s world feels more darker than Kingdom Heart’s colorful settings, even though both games feature dark sub-plots.
With clever puzzles, a unique art style, and enjoyable platforming elements, Epic Mickey is worth checking out for those who want a great and dark Disney game to play besides Kingdom Hearts.
Okami HD
Okami is a colorful action-adventure game developed by Clover Studios and produced by Capcom. This game features grandiose puzzles and gorgeous settings and animations. The story revolves around a legendary white wolf named Amaterasu. She embarks on a quest to defeat an eight-headed demon named Orochi and his army for turning Nippon into a wasteland.
Amaterasu will be armed with a celestial brush, which plays a key role in helping you overcome the game’s challenges. With it, you can create vine-like grappling hooks from trees to reach new areas or uncover hidden secrets lying within Nippon. The game has received enhanced visuals and technical improvements, thanks to its HD re-releases. Therefore, Okami HD is the best way to experience Okami.
Kingdom Hearts fans should play Okami if they want another adventure title with superb storytelling, incredible gameplay, and beautifully-rich environments.
Ni No Kuni 2: Revenant Kingdom
Secret of Mana
Secret of Mana is a classic RPG title with great characters, fun gameplay, and engaging worlds worth traversing. Each world is littered with great music that will add value to your experience with the title. The game follows countless protagonists who come equipped with their own strengths, weaknesses, and goals.
The battle system is different from Kingdom Heart’s hack-and-slash-styled combat. This game has players competing in countless turn-based battles with great battle animations. After each fight, you’ll earn experience points that will improve your character’s stats. Players receive slight agency during battles with its Ring Command menu system.
This system lets players pause the action and make decisions mid-battle. Players can also have others join them in their adventure, leading to more mayhem and memorable experiences with it. If you adored exploring Kingdom Hearts’ many environments and interacting with the characters that inhabit each, give this game a shot.
Nier: Automata
Platinum Games has developed numerous action-oriented titles over the years. From new IPs like Astral Chain to well-beloved series like Bayonetta, the developers love getting their players involved in the action. Another title of theirs that’s gained much praise for its OST, gameplay, and beautiful scenery is Nier: Automata.
It’s an action RPG that’s set during a war between human-made androids and alien-crafted machines. To fend off the alien menace, humanity sends the androids 2B, 9S, and A2 to fight for their cause. Over time, players will notice these droids undergo slight humanization during their exploration of this sci-fi world.
Kingdom Hearts fans will adore this game’s addictive hack-and-slash combat. You’ll also gain access to rideable beasts and pilotable mechs that will make the game more fun to play. You’ll feel more interested in exploring the game’s surroundings and uncovering the truth behind what took place before the war. In addition, players can complete NPC side quests and purchase consumables and items from shops. If any of that interests you, I’d highly recommend giving this game a chance.
You can read our thoughts on Nier: Automata in our video game review here!
Marvel Ultimate Alliance (Series)
Now that Disney owns Marvel, Kingdom Hearts fans may want to brush up on their Marvel knowledge. What better game to do that with than Marvel Ultimate Alliance? This action RPG features many iconic Marvel characters for players to play from the intelligent Spider-Man to the brutal Wolverine.
The game boasts two successful follow-ups with great gameplay, stunning visuals, and entertaining storylines. The games aren’t complex but offer enough material to keep players invested. The game has players pair up noteworthy heroes so they can combat the game’s myriad number of villains. Each hero has an incredible move set tailored toward their character.
For instance, Spider-Man fans will adore shooting webs at enemies. The Incredible Hulk enthusiasts will enjoy bashing enemies’ heads in with the hero’s menacing fists. The diverse move sets make traversing the game’s worlds feel refreshing and enjoyable. These games have fun missions and alternative endings. Players can obtain them by completing many optional missions scattered throughout it. If you’re looking for a stellar Marvel RPG, check out this series.
No More Heroes (Series)
No More Heroes’ Travis is Sora if he was an anime-loving assassin who liked getting into trouble. In it, players must assist Travis in murdering high-ranking assassins for the United Assassins Association. Each game features new assassins for Travis to defeat and they all have formidable abilities, diverse personalities, and cunning ways of reaching the top.
The game’s humor may not appeal to everybody. The game contains foul language and several sexual innuendos. There are some lighthearted jokes tossed in occasionally, but the game leans more into adult-themed comedy. The hack-and-slash gameplay will appeal to many Kingdom Hearts fans. No More Heroes also includes subtle references to pop culture and other game franchises.
Unfortunately, the game’s visuals may not be to your liking. Each game slightly improves graphically over time, but there are some locales that’ll look jarring and unpolished. However, if players can overlook the game’s graphical issues, they’ll develop a fondness for No More Heroes’ world, characters, and nature.
So there we have it, our 10 video game picks to keep you busy after playing Kingdom Hearts.
What do you think of our picks? Do you agree? Are there any notable omissions? Let us know in the comments below!