Most Perfect Square Enix Games

Enix began in 1975, and Square followed in 1986. Both were successful Japanese game companies, and in 2003, they joined forces to become a single, larger company. Together, they’ve created a huge collection of games that players could enjoy for years to come.

If you don’t have time to explore a lot of games, here’s a great starting point. These ten essential games represent a wide variety of experiences, from space exploration to battling creatures in the underworld. They’ve been ranked based on overall quality, considering things like graphics, how fun they are to play again, combat, music, and storytelling.

Triangle Strategy

HD-2D Tactics

I’ve been really enjoying Triangle Strategy lately! It feels like a modern take on Final Fantasy Tactics – definitely a spiritual successor. We’re still talking class-based characters moving around on a grid, but it’s got a lot more going on under the hood, it’s way more ambitious than I expected.

Rather than traditional class changes, Triangle Strategy features a cast of distinct characters, like those who construct ladders and ride hawks, enriching the game’s strategic depth. Combined with a branching storyline and meaningful choices, each player experiences a unique adventure in this HD-2D tactical RPG.

Star Ocean: The Second Story R

A Classic Remade

Star Ocean: The Second Story R is a beautifully updated game with a unique HD-2D visual style. It’s a remake of the classic action RPG originally released on PlayStation 1. You can begin the adventure as either Claude, a space cadet, or Rena, a mage stranded on a fantasy world, and their paths will eventually converge.

Battles happen in real-time, but you can pause to plan your tactics. This game is a grand adventure that blends fantasy and science fiction, reimagined for new players and those who may have missed earlier versions – it’s the Star Ocean RPG that fans have been waiting for.

Super Mario RPG: Legend Of The Seven Stars

Beyond Charming

Developed by Square for Nintendo’s SNES, Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars was a perfect team-up. It was Mario’s first role-playing game, and the creators really pushed the boundaries by blending platforming elements into both how you explore the world and how battles play out.

Okay, so instead of just taking turns, this game lets you actually react during battles – you can block attacks as they come, or boost yourself up! It’s got all these classic characters in a world I already know and love, but Square Enix threw in enough new stuff to make it really unique. Plus, Switch owners can grab a remake, though honestly, I think the original SNES version just has way more personality.

The World Ends With You

Busting To The Beat

The World Ends With You truly shines on the DS, making fantastic use of its features – even more so than other action RPGs on the system. As you journey through a parallel version of Shibuya, battles play out on the touchscreen, where you control the main character, Neku, by tapping and swiping to attack.

Players control attacks using the buttons on the top screen, working with Neku and his changing partner. The battles are fantastic, especially with the energetic J-Pop and hip-hop soundtrack. While the story sometimes moves slowly, it’s filled with memorable characters – heroes, rivals, and enemies – who really come to life.

NieR: Automata

Become As Gods

NieR: Automata is a game that reveals its deeper meaning over multiple playthroughs. Initially, it appears to be a fast-paced action game set on a ruined Earth, where androids fight to eliminate the robots that have conquered the planet.

With its captivating music, smooth combat, and complex story, this game stands out as one of the best action titles available, largely due to the teamwork of PlatinumGames. While it can be a bit sad at times, the most memorable RPGs often leave a lasting impression and get you thinking long after you’ve finished playing.

Kingdom Hearts 2

My Friends Are My Power

While Kingdom Hearts 2 starts a bit slowly, it quickly becomes captivating once the story fully focuses on Sora. It’s a significant improvement over its predecessor, boasting a more complex and original story that goes beyond simply using Disney properties, and the combat system is particularly excellent.

Switching between combat styles or teaming up with allies to attack made the gameplay more exciting. While the game still looks great on the original PlayStation 2, it’s definitely best experienced in the updated, high-definition version available now.

Vagrant Story

A Gothic Dungeon Crawl

Despite being difficult to play now, Vagrant Story remains a memorable turn-based RPG for PlayStation fans. The game is largely set within a single, evolving location – a bit like the interconnected castle from the Castlevania games.

Players control Ashley, a knight, and battle enemies in fast-paced, real-time combat, with the option to dodge attacks. During their turn, the game can be paused to carefully choose which monster to attack, or even target a specific body part. This game is a challenging and atmospheric dark fantasy that remains remarkably unique, even decades after its release, and is a standout title from Square.

Chrono Trigger

A Miraculous Team Up

Chrono Trigger was created by some of the most talented people at Square and Enix, and it was remarkably innovative for its time. It featured monsters within dungeons, a quick-paced turn-based battle system, and a unique world map without random enemy encounters.

The combat in Chrono Trigger flowed smoothly, and the music was fantastic. The game’s time travel mechanic cleverly altered the environments, demonstrating how decisions impacted the future. Chrono Trigger is a flawless game from start to finish – it would likely be considered the very best if it weren’t for the presence of other legendary series.

Dragon Quest 11: Echoes Of An Elusive Age

The Luminary Shines Bright

Dragon Quest 11: Echoes of an Elusive Age is the newest installment in the long-running Dragon Quest series. While it maintains some traditional game elements, this classic approach is what makes it special. Players take on the role of the Luminary, embarking on a journey to assemble a team and prevent a dark lord from obliterating the world.

Okay, so the story is pretty familiar – a classic hero’s journey, really. But honestly, the characters are amazing! The whole party just clicks, and you meet the most wonderfully strange people on your adventure, which makes up for any predictability. The battles are turn-based, which I love – it’s a solid, traditional system, and you control a team of four. Plus, the game just looks and feels really polished, and it’s challenging without being frustrating. If you’ve never played a Dragon Quest game before, this is absolutely where you should start!

Final Fantasy 9

Once More For Good Measure

Final Fantasy IX perfectly captures what makes the Final Fantasy series so beloved, and it was a high point for Square as a company. The game’s world feels vibrant and full of life, with busy cities populated by diverse characters. While the story—involving conflict between kingdoms, magical crystals, and flamboyant villains—might seem familiar, the game truly shines thanks to its memorable and well-developed cast of heroes.

Battles in the game happen turn by turn, and each character plays a traditional role, similar to classic characters like Vivi the Black Mage. There’s a lot to appreciate about Final Fantasy 9, but it’s truly best enjoyed by playing it yourself. Despite its age, it holds up remarkably well and surpasses many newer RPGs in several ways.

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2026-02-02 06:07