Square Enix Games That Need Full Remakes

Key Takeaways

Xenogears, a thought-provoking classic RPG, deserves a remake to attract new gamers.
Parasite Eve, an intense horror classic, could bring new life with modern gaming technology.
Vagrant Story, a fantasy epic with great character arcs, needs a remake for modern consoles.

As a seasoned gamer who’s seen the rise and fall of countless gaming legends, I can confidently say that these Square Enix classics are not just games, they’re time capsules of an era when RPGs were the epitome of innovation.

Over the years, Square Enix has consistently delivered iconic role-playing games (RPGs). This Japanese video game company has demonstrated its dominance within this genre for a significant period of time. In fact, before the fusion of Square and Enix companies took place, Square was already well-established as a heavyweight in the gaming world.

Across past eras of home console gaming, the games published by these companies were essential, innovative masterpieces. Series like Dragon Quest and Final Fantasy transformed the role-playing genre, leaving a lasting impact on it over the years since they captivated gamers initially. It’s not surprising that with numerous classics from the original PlayStation era, Square Enix boasts an impressive collection of games that could be reimagined for today’s consoles. Here are some titles worth remaking.

5 Xenogears

An Intricate Classic With a Deep, Thought-Provoking Plot

Initial release date: February 11, 1998
Platforms: PlayStation, PlayStation 3, PlayStation Portable
Genre: RPG, Adventure

In this thoughtful epic, Xeno served as the powerful launch of the widely acclaimed Xeno series. Rich with intricate psychological and spiritual motifs, the game was another successful RPG by Square Enix upon its debut. Players are transported to the devastated land of Ignas, where a prolonged conflict between two nations has left chaos in its wake. However, things are not as they appear when player character Fei Fong Wong starts unraveling secrets and conspiracies about a repressive, oppressive menace.

In spite of its great renown back then, unfortunately, the much-anticipated sequel to Xenogears, which had been talked about for a while, never materialized. However, if a remake were to be made now, it would captivate a fresh audience and potentially pave the way for the long-awaited Xenogears 2 to start production at last.

4 Parasite Eve

An Intense, High-Stakes Horror Classic

In this chilling role-playing game, the terrifying possibility of spontaneous combustion adds an intense atmosphere. As a continuation of the well-known Japanese novel by Hideaki Sena with the same title, players embark on a harrowing journey to confront a catastrophic, apocalyptic storyline that spans six challenging days.

In this rephrased version: The game introduces Aya Brea, a police officer from New York, who finds herself embroiled in a battle against the lethal Eve. This central antagonist is uncovered as investigating human extinction through an unprecedented mass self-ignition event. At first glance, the narrative may seem far-fetched, but it presents intriguing philosophical questions, shocking plot twists, and two intense climaxes, with a hidden final boss appearing just when players think they’ve finished the main storyline. A landmark in horror gaming, Parasite Eve‘s bold storytelling, suspense, and atmosphere could be dramatically enhanced using modern gaming console technology.

3 Vagrant Story

A Well-Developed Fantasy Epic With Great Character Arcs and Lore

In this creative role-playing game, players find themselves venturing to the enigmatic land of Valendia, where their mission is to explore Leá Monde – a once bustling city now reduced to ruins. The players assume the role of Ashley Riot, a Valendian military officer tasked with delving not only into the mysteries surrounding the city but also a dangerous cult that has been stirring up trouble within its boundaries.

Back in the day, I was utterly blown away by Vagrant Story. Its deep, captivating storyline had me hooked, and its innovative combat systems were unmatched for their time. The graphics were simply stunning and left both players and critics in awe. For years after its release, it maintained a dedicated fanbase. Even today, I believe its intense action, well-crafted characters, and intriguing plot would resonate strongly with gamers. A modern update for current consoles could shine a fresh light on one of the original PlayStation’s greatest hits.

2 Final Fantasy 6

A Classic Installment With a Great Ensemble Cast

In this cherished “Final Fantasy” series, this iconic chapter marked the final use of two-dimensional graphics. Given how its aesthetics and gameplay appear somewhat old-fashioned compared to later games in the genre, it presents an ideal opportunity for a modern update or remake, given its classic stature.

In this 14-character game, the narrative unfolds in an exhilarating steampunk saga brimming with oppression and enigmatic magic. Known as Final Fantasy 6, it captivated ’90s gamers with its intricate storytelling and numerous pivotal decisions. A contemporary update to its mechanics and technology could make this timeless epic a sensation once more, thanks to its unparalleled narrative depth and world-building prowess.

1 Chrono Trigger

A Time-Travelling Classic That Wowed Critics and Players Alike

This groundbreaking role-playing game centered around time travel is widely recognized as a timeless gaming masterpiece, and for good reason. A stellar creative team took on the task of breathing life into its world. Notably, Akira Toriyama from Dragon Ball, Hironobu Sakaguchi from Final Fantasy, and Yuji Horii from Dragon Quest all played significant roles in the game’s creation.

The combat system in this game was revolutionary for its era, deviating from the norms of RPGs by keeping all enemies visible on the screen. Players could choose between physical and supernatural attacks as they navigated their team through multiple time periods in a perilous fantasy universe. Although the game was remarkable for 1995, its two-dimensional, isometric gameplay now appears quite outdated. A full remake would be necessary to maintain the game’s classic storyline and world, making it appealing to a new generation of gamers.

2024-11-01 12:33