Top Square Enix Sequels That Outshine the Originals

Summary

Square Enix has released many remarkable games that are direct follow-ups of existing titles.
Secret of Mana is actually a sequel to Seiken Densetsu that put the Mana series on the map, showcasing its ambitious and beautiful gameplay.
Kingdom Hearts 2 is the critically-acclaimed sequel to Square Enix and Disney’s crossover game, and it featured better combat, graphics, levels and boss fights.

Creating a video game can be quite challenging. However, crafting a follow-up to that game that will delight fans might just be a tougher task. This difficulty is well understood by all major players in the industry, and Square Enix is no different in this regard.

Known for its groundbreaking role-playing game series such as “Final Fantasy” and “Dragon Quest,” this renowned Japanese game developer is unique in that their mainline entries in these franchises aren’t typically connected sequels. However, Square Enix has produced numerous excellent games that serve as continuations of previous titles, and here are some outstanding examples.

8. Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy 13

The Unique Sequel To A Polarizing Final Fantasy Title

Sequel to: Final Fantasy 13 and Final Fantasy 13-2

During the late 2000s, the Final Fantasy series encountered some difficulties, particularly following the launch of Final Fantasy 13. This game faced significant criticism for its rigid level layout and complex battle system that left players confused. However, two years after that, Square Enix introduced Final Fantasy 13-2, which was generally better received by the gaming community.

In contrast to the earlier games in the Final Fantasy 13 subseries, the last installment, titled Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy 13, struck a chord with many fans of the franchise. This game broke away from traditional turn-based combat mechanics and introduced an engaging real-time battle system that was easier to grasp. Moreover, it brought back the beloved character, Lightning, making her the only playable character in the game. Although it’s not without its flaws, Lightning Returns is often considered one of the stronger entries in the Final Fantasy series.

7. Secret Of Mana

One Of The Best SNES RPGs Was A Sequel

Sequel to: Seiken Densetsu

Secret of Mana, with its stunning visual effects, enchanting music, and straightforward real-time battle system, quickly rose among the top RPGs on the Super Nintendo. However, it was less known that this cherished title was in fact a sequel to a relatively unknown Game Boy RPG which had been released two years earlier.

Originally titled “Seiken Densetsu” in Japan, this game was renamed “Final Fantasy Adventure” when it was introduced to North America. Despite being part of the same series, it wasn’t technically a part of the “Final Fantasy” franchise. The initial release marked the start of the “Seiken Densetsu” series, which is now more commonly known as the “Mana” series. It was “Secret of Mana” that truly established the IP, as the advanced capabilities of the SNES enabled Square to create a larger, more ambitious, and visually stunning game set in the same fantasy world as its predecessor.

6. Bravely Second: End Layer

A Great Turn-Based RPG From The Late 2010s

Sequel to: Bravely Default

2012 saw the launch of Bravely Default by Square Enix on the Nintendo 3DS. This top-notch role-playing game, created by Silicon Studio, brought back memories of tactical, turn-based battles – a welcome change in an era when the Final Fantasy series was deviating from its traditional turn-based gameplay.

Four years ago, Square Enix and Silicon Studio released the follow-up to Bravely Default, titled Bravely Second: End Layer. As a fan of the original, I was eagerly awaiting this direct sequel that picks up two years after the events of the first game. The turn-based combat system, which I loved in the original, remains intact but with many improvements to make it smoother and more accessible for players like me.

While opinions among fans still vary on which game is better, both Bravely Default and Bravely Second are great choices for anyone looking for a modern take on old-school turn-based JRPGs.

5. NEO: The World Ends With You

Tetsuya Nomura’s Cult Classic Got The Sequel It Deserved

Sequel to: The World Ends With You

2007’s “The World Ends With You” stands out as one of Tetsuya Nomura’s most unique video game creations. Breaking away from the “Final Fantasy” or “Kingdom Hearts” IPs, this project represented a significant risk for the company. However, it managed to build a massive dedicated fanbase who have been requesting a sequel from Square Enix for years.

It’s great that it happened in 2021, when NEO: The World Ends With You was released on both Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4. These consoles, with their advanced technology, allowed Nomura and his team to develop a larger, more elaborate game featuring dynamic 3D action and a popular soundtrack. Notably, the narrative this time revolves around a new set of characters involved in the Reapers’ Game, yet characters from the original game also make an appearance.

4. Kingdom Hearts 3

The Long-Awaited Conclusion To The Dark Seeker Saga

Sequel to: Kingdom Hearts 2, Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days, Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep, Kingdom Hearts Re: Coded and Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance.

It’s a common belief that Square Enix waited fourteen years to produce a sequel to the highly praised “Kingdom Hearts 2”. However, what actually transpired was that they continued releasing significant entries in the late 2000s and early 2010s, which contributed significantly to the storyline. This series of events is now referred to as the Dark Seeker Saga, and it culminated with the launch of the third numbered game in the series, “Kingdom Hearts 3”.

In this sequel, the standout feature is its skillful integration of beloved gameplay mechanics from past installments (such as Shotlocks, Flowmotion, Keyblade Transformations, and Situation Commands) all in one spot, resulting in a refined Kingdom Hearts battle system that many fans consider the best. Kingdom Hearts 3 delivered an impressive narrative, albeit with some imperfections, yet it generally pleased the fanbase, and left several plot threads unresolved for the forthcoming Lost Masters Saga.

3. NieR: Automata

An Award-Winning Sequel That Doesn’t Even Feel Like A Sequel

Sequel to: Nier Replicant

In 2017, NieR: Automata emerged as one of the top-selling and critically acclaimed video games. The dynamic hack-and-slash gameplay from Platinum Games, coupled with Yoko Taro’s thought-provoking narrative, struck a chord with gamers globally. However, many (still many) didn’t realize that NieR: Automata is actually a sequel to an earlier game.

Initially introduced as Nier (and later re-introduced as Nier Replicant), this action RPG was a spin-off from the Drakengard series created by Taro. Although the games share a loose connection, NieR: Automata is a sequel directly following one of its numerous endings, and it contains many subtle references to its precursor that were appreciated by fans who had played it. Fortunately, the original game has become more approachable as it was remastered under the title Nier Replicant ver.1.22474487139… in 2021.

2. Kingdom Hearts 2

Square Enix & Disney’s Bizarre Crossover Was Surpassed By Its Sequel

Sequel to: Kingdom Hearts and Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories

Around the turn of the millennium, Square Enix teamed up with Disney to develop an unusual yet entertaining Action RPG titled “Kingdom Hearts.” Despite initial perceptions that it might be a one-off project, both parties quickly moved on to create sequels. In 2005, they introduced “Kingdom Hearts 2,” the next installment in the series for the PlayStation 2.

Kingdom Hearts 2 surpassed its predecessor in numerous aspects. The combat system was refined for a smoother experience, the visuals were enhanced for a more captivating presentation, and the controls were significantly upgraded. The Disney worlds expanded, and the boss battles became more cinematic. Additionally, while some argue that the storyline is overly complex and convoluted, many find it to be more intriguing and engaging than the original. Despite the fact that some Kingdom Hearts fans may still favor the first game, it’s fair to say that Kingdom Hearts 2 played a crucial role in elevating the franchise’s popularity to its current level.

1. Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth

The Second Part Of The FF7 Remake Became One Of The Best Games Of 2024

Sequel to: Final Fantasy 7 Remake

Over the past few years, Square Enix took a surprising step. They unveiled their intention to create a contemporary reimagining of Final Fantasy 7, a dream long held by fans for years. However, instead of one complete game, they decided to divide it into three distinct titles. This unconventional move sparked initial worry among fans. Yet, all apprehensions vanished when the first part of the remake, Final Fantasy 7 Remake, was released in 2020. The game turned out to be an engaging action RPG that skillfully revisited the original tale with fresh and captivating twists.

The overall acclaim garnered by the original PlayStation 1 game of Final Fantasy 7 and its remake’s initial installment had set a high bar for anticipation regarding its second part. When Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth was released in early 2024, it lived up to these expectations and was hailed as one of the top games of the year. Both fans and critics appreciated its engaging combat system, stunning visuals, captivating soundtrack, diverse selection of mini-games, and thoughtful reinventions of iconic Final Fantasy 7 characters, locations, and storylines. To date, this is Square Enix’s best Final Fantasy sequel; interestingly enough, its successor may surpass it when it arrives.

2025-03-23 07:36