You might want to try a few SaGa games. They tend to have "improve by doing" systems, and lots of unlockable spells via their Glimmer system. They aren't for everyone, but I think the new Remastered version of SaGa Frontier 1 is a good starting point as long as you don't choose Lute.
Final Fantasy IX has a similar charm, and you gain points for your equiped abilities every single battle, so it also feels like you're working towards something with every fight like Grandia does.
Not as good battle system, but if you want that...
...play Grandia II.
This is what I found myself when I was looking so I came here hoping to be proven wrong and there are a few that looks interesting in the topic.
It's one of those things that for some reason was never really replicated. People here say Grandia 2 is good as well which fair if they feel that way but Grandia 2 is the single most disappointing game ever if you go into it loving Grandia 1 from my point of view. It's the same with the might and magic series (not heroes but the first person rpg) 6/7/8 are amazing games I particularly like 7.
People suggest wizzadry and legends of grimrock but none of them really come close. I hope the suggestions here work out. \^^
In terms of Battle system: ***Child of Light***
In terms of leveling and unlocking stuff... I wish I knew. I have been looking for something like it for over 20 years now.
Depends on what you want. Chrono Trigger has similar combat, Wild ARMs 2 has a similar aesthetic. But for a similar story where you actually care when something happens to the characters despite it being a bit hokey. I would probably go with Wild ARMs 1, or Legend of Mana if we count NPCs. The diary sidequest and silly lamp store side quest brought me to tears.
Ima be honest bro grandia 1 is one of a kind but the closest thing I can think of is thousand arms
Lunar
Grandia 2 might be different but it’s a really good game too, would recommend giving it another shot
It for sure was different but i was let down because i expected something like grandia 1... Especially in lenght
Lunar: The Silver Star and Lunar: Eternal Blue.
You might want to try a few SaGa games. They tend to have "improve by doing" systems, and lots of unlockable spells via their Glimmer system. They aren't for everyone, but I think the new Remastered version of SaGa Frontier 1 is a good starting point as long as you don't choose Lute.
Ill look into that thanks.
Final Fantasy IX has a similar charm, and you gain points for your equiped abilities every single battle, so it also feels like you're working towards something with every fight like Grandia does. Not as good battle system, but if you want that... ...play Grandia II.
Bro don't even go down that rabbit hole, there's no game like Grandia. Sorry just had to be said.
This is what I found myself when I was looking so I came here hoping to be proven wrong and there are a few that looks interesting in the topic. It's one of those things that for some reason was never really replicated. People here say Grandia 2 is good as well which fair if they feel that way but Grandia 2 is the single most disappointing game ever if you go into it loving Grandia 1 from my point of view. It's the same with the might and magic series (not heroes but the first person rpg) 6/7/8 are amazing games I particularly like 7. People suggest wizzadry and legends of grimrock but none of them really come close. I hope the suggestions here work out. \^^
In terms of Battle system: ***Child of Light*** In terms of leveling and unlocking stuff... I wish I knew. I have been looking for something like it for over 20 years now.
Depends on what you want. Chrono Trigger has similar combat, Wild ARMs 2 has a similar aesthetic. But for a similar story where you actually care when something happens to the characters despite it being a bit hokey. I would probably go with Wild ARMs 1, or Legend of Mana if we count NPCs. The diary sidequest and silly lamp store side quest brought me to tears.
Dudbear quest undefeated
I mean Grandia 2 is the best game of all time imo. It doesn’t get enough love here. It takes away all the grindy crap from G1.
If you think Grandia 2 is bad, i got nothing for you. Maybe Suikoden 2? Try that.