35 Action RPG games like Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII that you should try

✓ Fits the action JRPGs cluster, with deep RPG systems, JRPG narrative and systems and action RPG combat

≠ Stands apart with deep simulation and visual 3d, while skipping open world exploration

✓ Nearly identical: deep RPG systems, JRPG narrative and systems and adventure storytelling.

≠ Missing: strong narrative focus.

✓ Both are action JRPGs — sharing deep RPG systems, JRPG narrative and systems and adventure storytelling

≠ Where it differs: brings fighting mechanics and dark, oppressive atmosphere, while skipping fantasy world

✓ Same family of action JRPGs: deep RPG systems, JRPG narrative and systems and adventure storytelling

≠ Its own twist: deep simulation, cozy, relaxing feel and loot and gear systems, while skipping setting scifi

✓ Fits the action JRPGs cluster, with deep RPG systems, JRPG narrative and systems and action RPG combat

≠ Where it differs: brings Metroidvania exploration, setting mythology and setting modern, while skipping open world exploration

✓ Fits the action JRPGs cluster, with deep RPG systems, JRPG narrative and systems and adventure storytelling

≠ Stands apart with fighting mechanics and dark, oppressive atmosphere, while skipping fantasy world

✓ Same family of action JRPGs: deep RPG systems, JRPG narrative and systems and action RPG combat

≠ Where it differs: brings puzzle design, shooter and punishing difficulty, while skipping open world exploration

✓ Fits the action JRPGs cluster, with deep RPG systems, JRPG narrative and systems and adventure storytelling

≠ Where it differs: brings fighting mechanics, puzzle design and dark, oppressive atmosphere, while skipping fantasy world

✓ Both are action JRPGs — sharing deep RPG systems, JRPG narrative and systems and adventure storytelling

≠ Stands apart with combat magic, while skipping setting scifi

✓ Same family of action JRPGs: deep RPG systems, JRPG narrative and systems and action RPG combat

≠ Stands apart with shooter, punishing difficulty and dark, oppressive atmosphere, while skipping skill tree progression

✓ Fits the action JRPGs cluster, with deep RPG systems, JRPG narrative and systems and action RPG combat

≠ Its own twist: punishing difficulty, dark, oppressive atmosphere and ranged combat, while skipping skill tree progression

✓ Same family of action JRPGs: deep RPG systems, JRPG narrative and systems and adventure storytelling

≠ Its own twist: combat tactical, combat magic and visual 3d, while skipping open world exploration

✓ Fits the action JRPGs cluster, with deep RPG systems, JRPG narrative and systems and action RPG combat

≠ Stands apart with fighting mechanics, multiplayer gameplay and visual isometric, while skipping skill tree progression

✓ Fits the action JRPGs cluster, with deep RPG systems, JRPG narrative and systems and adventure storytelling

≠ Its own twist: combat tactical and combat magic, while skipping setting scifi

✓ Same family of action JRPGs: deep RPG systems, JRPG narrative and systems and adventure storytelling

≠ Where it differs: brings cozy, relaxing feel, combat magic and visual 3d, while skipping open world exploration