Discover the Top Square Enix Games You Must Play on Nintendo Switch!

Summary

Square Enix RPGs on Switch offer epic adventures on the go, with games like Harvestella, Trials of Mana, and Dragon Quest 11 S.
Kingdom Hearts: Melody of Memory combines rhythm gameplay with nostalgic storytelling, hitting hard on the Switch platform.
NieR: Automata delivers a unique, haunting experience on Switch, tackling deep themes through shifting gameplay styles.

Square Enix has always excelled at creating memorable RPGs, yet the Nintendo Switch introduced a unique enchantment to the mix. Previously, expansive adventures necessitating a couch and TV could now be transported in a bag. Not every Square Enix game seamlessly adapted, but some seem designed for the Switch’s hybrid allure – games that transform brief handheld sessions into epic narratives and docking play into cinematic extravaganzas.

These are the Square Enix games that perfectly suit Nintendo’s versatile hybrid console, the Switch, whether they are reinventions of timeless classics, innovative experiments, or epic open-world tales compacted onto a small cartridge.

7. Harvestella

A Gentle Apocalypse Drenched In Stardust

Harvestella, a game, resides in a space where farming life simulations meet fantasy action RPGs. It’s a unique blend where you tend your crops and save the world simultaneously, and surprisingly, it pulls off this balance quite well. While it may not be identical to Rune Factory or Final Fantasy, it possesses a melancholic charm that is hard to overlook.

In a world affected by a recurring disaster named Quietus – a time when crops fail and people get sick – Harvestella gradually establishes its premise. This game doesn’t rush players into wielding a sword for an adventure. Instead, it starts them off tending to carrots in their garden. It makes the players care about these humble carrots first. The combat is functional, but it’s not the main attraction. It’s the routine of daily life, the bonds formed with town residents, and the feeling that everything may vanish as soon as it starts to feel like a place you belong, that truly captivate the players.

For those who appreciate patience and enjoy watching a tranquil pixelated landscape of bellhops and mystical bosses emerge from seasonal dungeons, there’s an enigmatic sense of serenity in the subdued apocalyptic atmosphere that Harvestella softly emanates.

6. Kingdom Hearts: Melody Of Memory

When Button Prompts Become A Love Letter To Nostalgia

This one’s for those who love rhythm games and vividly recall when Sora first grasped his Keyblade in the Kingdom Hearts series. Melody of Memory is an intriguing addition to the Kingdom Hearts franchise – a music-focused spinoff that serves as a vast retelling of the Kingdom Hearts storyline, woven seamlessly into its soundtrack.

Transitioning from “Simple and Clean” to “The Other Promise,” the game heavily relies on the power of emotional recall. Each level serves as a melodious platform where players flow, strike, and evade along pathways formed by memory-based notes. Despite its focus on rhythmic gameplay, there’s enough narrative hidden within the beats to keep dedicated fans engaged for longer.

It’s quite remarkable that this is the first “Kingdom Hearts” game to debut on a Nintendo system in years, though it may be more of a retrospective release. For those who spent their childhood following Sora as he chased light across various dimensions, its emotional impact might be stronger than anticipated. Moreover, there’s an eerie sense of nostalgia when you engage in combat with the Heartless while listening to a jazzy rendition of “Traverse Town.

5. Trials Of Mana

A Second Chance At Glory, Wrapped In Mana

For the very first time, the original Seiken Densetsu 3 from 1995, which was exclusive to Japan, wasn’t officially distributed outside of Japan until the release of Trials of Mana’s 3D remake on the Switch in 2020. And what a remarkable journey that turned out to be!

The remake maintains the essence of the original while softening certain outdated aspects. It retains the distinct character selection system, allowing players to pick a trio from six characters, each with intricate backstories and individual goals. This feature significantly boosts the game’s replay value. However, the true shocker lies in how effectively the updated combat has been executed. The smooth, real-time action allows the Mana series to break free from the influence of its previous iterations.

This game clearly showcases its traditional JRPG essence, from leveling up characters to battling bosses with spells, but it’s not just a trip down memory lane. It’s a modern, smoothly flowing, and surprisingly touching RPG that fits perfectly on the Switch. Despite being originally forgotten in Japan-only obscurity, it stands strong even after all these decades.

4. Final Fantasy 10/10-2 HD Remaster

Love, Loss, And Blitzball

The impact of Final Fantasy 10 is undeniably significant. It was the series’ initial foray into fully-voiced narratives, abandoning pre-rendered overworlds, and delving deeply into themes such as destiny, mortality, and the burden of ancestral pain – all set against the backdrop of Spira under sunny skies.

The Nintendo Switch edition maintains the elements that made the game exceptional. The high-definition update continues to be impressive, the music remains catchy, and the tactical turn-based combat, driven by the iconic Sphere Grid system, remains one of the most strategic in the franchise. However, it’s Tidus and Yuna’s narrative that forms the emotional heart, particularly as it gradually reveals a story far more sorrowful than the initial carefree beach atmosphere implies.

Contrastingly, Final Fantasy 10-2, remains contentious – it blends elements of role-playing games focused on dressing up and a sudden shift in tone – yet beneath its flashy pop idol-style exterior lies a surprisingly complex job system and some of the franchise’s finest combat mechanics. To be honest, starting “To Zanarkand” while cozying up to the Switch screen feels like a powerful jab to the gut every time it’s played.

3. Octopath Traveler

Eight Strangers, Eight Journeys, One Gorgeous Octagon

In simpler terms, HD-2D wasn’t just a fancy visual trick – Octopath Traveler essentially sparked a whole new artistic style. The combination of sprites and shaders created a fresh visual standard, yet beneath its attractive appearance lay a surprisingly challenging role-playing game.

The unique layout features eight distinct characters, each having their individual narratives. Unlike other stories, there’s no overarching antagonist manipulating events. Instead, the eight plots intersect in a world that subtly echoes common themes such as vengeance, atonement, and exploration. Each segment reads like a self-contained short story, giving Octopath a collection-like quality rather than a single continuous tale.

In terms of strategic depth, the Break and Boost system offers a tactical grind that favors strategy and precision over mindless button pressing. Additionally, the soundtrack is exceptionally intense for a turn-based RPG – songs such as “Battle at Journey’s End” might even fill a concert venue on their own.

2. NieR: Automata The End Of Yorha Edition

When Philosophy Meets Power-Chording Swordplay

It’s almost unbelievable that NieR: Automata not only runs on the Nintendo Switch, but also performs surprisingly well. The fact that this intricate work by Yoko Taro, known as an existential android opera, is brought to full fruition in The End of YoRHa Edition, is nothing short of remarkable. Although the textures may be slightly degraded, the narrative’s emotional resonance remains undiminished. In this game, side quests can casually escalate into profound existential crises, and boss battles often transform into philosophical debates with a backdrop of explosive action.

2B and 9S traverse an eerily stunning Earth devoid of humans, a landscape that’s equally desolate and captivating. The narrative is not just somber but deeply introspective, exploring themes of self-identity, reminiscence, and the essence of purpose. These themes are subtly woven into the gameplay mechanics, which continually evolve to prevent stagnation for more than ten minutes at a time.

If you’ve missed out on previous releases, this edition offers an unlimited entry point into one of Square Enix’s most eerily captivating stories, conveniently compacted for your portable gaming pleasure.

1. Dragon Quest 11 S: Echoes Of An Elusive Age

A Love Letter To Classic JRPGs That Outclasses Them All

As a dedicated fan, I can’t help but marvel at Square Enix’s exceptional skillset. They’ve once again crafted a traditional JRPG that transcends the test of time, rather than appearing outdated. Dragon Quest 11 S is the ultimate iteration of a contemporary classic, artfully blending the endearing allure of yesteryears with just the right dose of modern amenities to prevent it from feeling like a relic from 1992.

In the sprawling, vibrant, and timelessly appealing world of Erdrea – reminiscent of Akira Toriyama’s distinctive art style – unfolds a narrative that echoes familiar themes: the chosen one, an ancient menace, and a motley crew. Yet, the exceptional craftsmanship renders these tropes fresh and captivating. Characters such as Erik, Sylvando, and Veronica transcend mere party members; they leave lasting impressions on the mind long after the final credits have faded away.

Among the unique aspects of the Switch version, it offers an enhanced orchestral soundtrack, user-friendly features, a 2D mode that recreates the classic SNES-era RPG experience, and additional content in side stories and post-game segments that provide depth to each character. This game demonstrates a remarkable balance between modernization and preservation of its essence, making it arguably the most replayable RPG on the Switch.

2025-03-20 10:38