Square Enix Games That Were Ahead Of Their Time

Key Takeaways

Chrono Trigger remains one of the most celebrated JRPGs, setting new standards with its innovative gameplay.
Final Fantasy 7 revolutionized the JRPG genre with its unique setting and cinematic presentation.
NieR: Automata showcases immersive storytelling through multiple branching paths in a satisfying narrative.

As a seasoned gamer with decades worth of experience under my belt, I must say that these games are nothing short of revolutionary. Each one has made a significant impact on the gaming industry and left an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of gamers worldwide.

Square Enix boasts a rich history as one of the leading video game developers, although it’s true that not everyone is entirely satisfied with its more contemporary releases. Yet, let us not forget the exceptional caliber of games this company has produced throughout its career.

Prior to the merger, Square was renowned for creating some of the most outstanding video games ever made, blazing trails and leaving a lasting impact that is still celebrated today. Several of these games were truly visionary, influencing the evolution of video games in innovative and intriguing directions.

8 Chrono Trigger

A Stellar JRPG That Has Aged Like A Fine Wine

Discussing Square games that were ahead of their time wouldn’t be complete without bringing up Chrono Trigger, a game so well-known it hardly requires an introduction. This fantastic Role-Playing Game (RPG) offered players an exhilarating journey with a perfect balance of pace and introduced numerous gameplay innovations, which gamers came to expect as standard back then.

The absence of battle sequences featuring multiple outcomes, as well as a New Game+ option, pioneered innovative changes within the JRPG genre and have since been widely adopted. It’s no wonder why Chrono Trigger, with its enduring popularity among many fans, stands out as one of the most acclaimed video games ever created.

7 Final Fantasy 6

The Addition Of A Brand-New World With Non-Linear Progression Was Something Fans Couldn’t Have Expected

During the span of the classic “Final Fantasy” series on the SNES, Square found that they had mastered the development of their JRPG franchise flawlessly. This surplus of time allowed them to enhance “Final Fantasy 6” significantly, which was accomplished through a major transformation resulting in the invention of an entirely new overworld.

In a surprising turn of events, the world expanded and offered a non-linear journey as Celes gradually brought her comrades together for a last stand against Kefka. This open-ended adventure is something modern gamers have come to anticipate in their video games, but it was groundbreaking when Final Fantasy 6 was initially released.

6 Kingdom Hearts 2

Managed To Turn An Odd Crossover Into One Of The Most Popular Video Game Series Of All Time

Back in the day, I was utterly captivated by Kingdom Hearts 2, a game widely regarded as one of the finest action JRPGs ever crafted. Though the fusion of Disney and Square Enix’s intellectual properties seemed puzzling at first, this game managed to charm gamers with its commitment to top-notch visuals, stirring music, and cinematic gameplay that simply couldn’t be matched in those days.

As a dedicated fan, I must admit that the storyline occasionally followed familiar patterns, yet it didn’t deter me one bit! The chance to explore enchanting Disney realms and engage with cherished characters from Square Enix’s games was more than enough for me. It served as an outstanding demonstration of the significance of a game’s presentation, a lesson that other developers have been eagerly learning from ever since.

5 Xenogears

So Ahead Of Its Time That It Didn’t Have The Budget To Finance Its Lofty Goals

As a dedicated gamer, I can confidently say that among the plethora of JRPGs on the PS1, none embodied the spirit of being ahead of its time more profoundly than Xenogears. Tetsuya Takahashi’s ambitious vision for this game was so vast that they ran out of funds halfway through the development process and had to resort to creative methods like slideshows to guide players towards the end.

Following the establishment of Monolith Soft, the Xenosaga trilogy didn’t entirely fulfill Takahashi’s ambitious plan. It was only when Nintendo granted this game director the support he required that the Xeno series gained widespread recognition, primarily through the release of Xenoblade Chronicles.

4 The World Ends With You

Features A Combat System That Uses The Dual Screen Gimmick Of The DS Brilliantly

Among handheld gaming devices, the Nintendo DS stands out as one of the all-time best, and any game that truly leveraged this console’s potential deserves its moment in the limelight. The World Ends With You is an excellent illustration of the innovative possibilities video games could offer on such a device.

In both screens, battles unfolded, allowing players to direct Neku with buttons while managing his partner through the touchscreen. This dual control created an exhilarating yet rewarding combat experience as players engaged their foes. It’s unfortunate that the intriguing battle system – unique for its multi-screen usage – was phased out in later versions due to constraints on a single screen.

3 Final Fantasy 7

Wowed Fans With Its State-Of-The-Art Visuals And Epic Story

Discussing the most groundbreaking Square games ever made wouldn’t be complete without acknowledging Final Fantasy 7, a game that played a crucial role in establishing the golden era of Japanese Role-Playing Games (JRPGs). Its striking visuals and dark, dystopian setting set it apart as one of the most distinctive games within this genre.

It was truly awe-inspiring to experience all the great aspects of Final Fantasy 7, as it demonstrated the strengths that PS1 owners had been unaware of in this genre. The compelling narrative and breathtaking summon sequences added cinematic appeal, making it one of the top story-driven games on the console that gamers could enjoy.

2 Dragon Quest

Set The Building Blocks For The JRPG Genre

Dragon Quest stands as one of the most enduringly popular Japanese Role-Playing Game (JRPG) series ever, captivating countless fans since its debut. It delivers an authentic role-playing journey, placing players in charge of a hero on a quest to save the world from impending doom.

Remarkably, Dragon Quest might appear familiar due to its pioneering use of tropes that later defined the JRPG genre. While it may be challenging for some given its age, those willing to look past the basic battles and endless dungeon exploration will find themselves immersed in a captivating piece of video game history.

1 NieR: Automata

Showed That A Game’s Ending Could Be An Immersive Way To Help A Narrative Unfold

For years, Yoko Taro’s potential for greatness was evident, but the gameplay mechanics of his ambitious projects repeatedly fell short when compared to his exceptional storytelling skills. Fortunately, after collaborating with PlatinumGames and Square Enix, this developer finally achieved the global recognition and acclaim that matched his talent.

NieR: Automata showcases exceptional skill in crafting video game storylines, playfully exploring various gameplay mechanics and offering players an engaging tale filled with unexpected twists. Every ending serves as a reason to re-enter the game, revealing additional branches of the story, resulting in a fulfilling narrative that can uniquely be expressed through video games.

2024-11-07 06:05