Best Square Enix Video Game Franchises, Ranked

As a lifelong gamer and avid fan of Square Enix, I can confidently say that their illustrious catalog is a treasure trove for RPG enthusiasts like myself. From the enchanting worlds of Final Fantasy to the heartwarming tales spun by Dragon Quest, Square Enix has consistently delivered masterpieces that have left an indelible mark on the gaming industry.

Over the years, what started as a small company called Squaresoft has grown into the esteemed gaming powerhouse known as Square Enix. This legendary Japanese studio is renowned worldwide for producing many unforgettable narratives filled with heroism, sacrifice, camaraderie, love, and sorrow. They are widely recognized as masters of crafting some of the most captivating stories in the realm of Role-Playing Games (RPG).

This list showcases the top Square Enix series in order of excellence, providing insights into their creators, launch dates, standout titles, and fascinating aspects that set them apart as exceptional brands.

5 Kingdom Hearts

A Mash-Up Of Fantastical Beings

As the tale goes, it was Shinji Hashimoto who conceived this franchise during an impromptu elevator conversation with a Disney producer at their headquarters. After presenting his idea in the moment, it started gaining popularity and eventually became one of the most intriguing amalgamations in gaming history. Within the realm of Kingdom Hearts, a host of beloved Disney characters unite within a magical universe alongside Sora, the wielder of the Keyblade, who can traverse various dimensions, exploring countless captivating realms.

The series has gained immense popularity among fans and is ranked among Square Enix’s top three best-selling games, alongside Dragon Quest and Final Fantasy. What truly sets this franchise apart, however, is that it has won over even the most discerning role-playing game (RPG) enthusiasts, being recognized as one of Square Enix’s finest (albeit peculiar) titles.

4 Bravely

A Fantastical Tale Where Nothing Is What It Seems

In a distinctive setting, Bravely Default unfolds a tale of camaraderie, deception, and rebellion by an unlikely group against a world governed by superstition. It’s worth noting that the Bravely series stands among Square Enix and Silicon Studio’s darkest game franchises. Despite its charming visual style, the narrative in these games is significantly mature and weighty compared to typical JRPG storylines.

As a gamer, I must say that despite being relatively new in Square Enix’s catalog, this particular franchise has managed to captivate millions of players worldwide. The game itself is a masterpiece, with an extraordinary orchestral soundtrack (composed by Sound Horizon) that leaves a lasting impression on the player as they journey through the tumultuous adventures of Agnès, Tiz, Ringabel, and Edea. The sequels have maintained the same somber atmosphere in their environments, and their soundtracks have also received high praise, though none can quite match the brilliance of the original game, which remains the most iconic title in the series.

3 Octopath Traveler

Walking The Path Of Life Is Better With Friends

In Octopath Traveler, players get to select one out of eight initial characters, then venture through the world at their own pace, encountering other characters along the way and forming alliances against a looming danger that endangers the world of Osterra. Although it’s the newest addition to the Square family, it offers an innovative yet nostalgic gaming experience.

In contrast to other Square Enix series, the Octopath Traveler franchise stands out by allowing players an extensive exploration of its world, albeit with some tough challenges along the way, such as coming across enemies that cannot be defeated, leading to running encounters. This is all part of the game’s immersive experience and aligns well with its concept. However, one area where these games could use improvement is in character interaction, which feels somewhat restricted at times. That said, this aspect has shown significant growth between the first and second installment, and it’s expected to keep improving in the future. While the franchise still has room for growth, it has already made a strong impact in Square Enix’s collection of games.

2 Dragon Quest

One Of The Most Iconic Franchises Ever

Apart from Final Fantasy, Dragon Quest consistently ranks as Square Enix’s most prominent series – a favorite among them. Unlike the experimental approach taken with the Final Fantasy intellectual property, Square Enix has been cautious to maintain the core essence of the Dragon Quest franchise across its numerous adaptations.

The fundamental spirit of Dragon Quest remains as Yukinobu Chida and Akira Toriyama originally conceived it, though it has subtly transformed with each new game release as a natural consequence of the video game industry’s progression. Few franchises can boast such fidelity to their original essence as Dragon Quest has demonstrated throughout its evolution over the years. This is what makes Dragon Quest an exceptional franchise—its dedication to the hero’s journey, which remains silent, and the vibrant fantasy world that spawned its legendary status.

1 Final Fantasy

The Cradle Of Masterpieces And The Most Iconic Franchise

Since its introduction in 1987, no other franchises within Square’s brand portfolio have evolved as significantly as Final Fantasy. Over time, this series has produced numerous characters and multiple game titles, reaching a stage where maintaining a balance between compelling storytelling and contemporary gaming experiences has become challenging. For instance, games like Final Fantasy Origins aim to impress the more edgy contemporary audiences, while titles such as Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth cater to the passionate hardcore fans yearning for superior remakes of iconic older games. This clearly illustrates the extensive reach of the franchise.

What makes Final Fantasy, remarkable, is that no matter which version players choose, they are assured of a worthwhile and unforgettable gaming experience. With captivating storylines, richly developed characters, and enchanting soundtracks, each game in this series has a place among the greats in video game history. Although some titles have faced criticism for their experimental nature, every player can recall something they cherish about each FF game they’ve played. Final Fantasy encapsulates Square Enix’s most lasting legacy – a commitment to delivering a diverse range of gaming experiences, from classic turn-based games that evoke nostalgia to adrenaline-pumping real-time adventures that leave players awestruck by their grandeur. There’s an authentic passion behind every Square Enix franchise, but Final Fantasy stands out as the most sincere of them all.

2024-09-18 12:33