Square Games Collection
Formed from the 2003 merger of Square and Enix, this Japanese gaming giant has defined the RPG genre for decades. Known for breathtaking narratives, memorable characters, and cutting-edge visuals, Square Enix's franchises have sold over 300 million copies worldwide.
Golden Age of JRPGs (1987-2000)
Revolutionized gaming with:- Final Fantasy (1987-): Turn-based combat perfected (ATB system)
- Chrono Trigger (1995): Time-travel masterpiece with multiple endings
- Secret of Mana (1993): Pioneered real-time action RPGs
- Xenogears (1998): Philosophical sci-fi epic
3D Era & Global Expansion
Transitioned to 3D with landmark titles:- Final Fantasy VII (1997): 3D pre-rendered backgrounds & cinematic storytelling
- Kingdom Hearts (2002): Disney crossover phenomenon
- Final Fantasy XIV (2010/2013): MMORPG redemption story
Modern Innovations
Continued pushing boundaries:- NieR series (2010-): Experimental narrative structures
- Dragon Quest XI (2017): Classic JRPG modernized
- Forspoken (2023): Magic-based parkour gameplay
Technical Achievements
Industry firsts:- First CD-ROM RPG (Final Fantasy VII)
- First full 3D MMORPG on console (Final Fantasy XI)
- Real-time hair physics (Final Fantasy XV)
Cultural Impact
Beyond games:- Final Fantasy orchestral concerts worldwide
- Kingdom Hearts merchandise empire
- The Spirits Within (2001): First photorealistic CGI film
Legacy
Square Enix remains the standard-bearer for narrative depth and technical ambition in RPGs, blending Japanese artistry with global appeal.The game that saved Square from bankruptcy and launched one of gaming's most iconic franchises. This NES classic established core RPG mechanics like the job system, turn-based battles, and an epic fantasy narrative.
The groundbreaking sequel that reinvented JRPG mechanics, following four orphans in their rebellion against the Palamecian Empire. Introduced character progression through skill usage rather than levels, and pioneered narrative-driven storytelling in RPGs.
Final Fantasy III introduced the revolutionary Job System that became a franchise staple. Four orphaned warriors of light embark on a quest to restore balance to a world threatened by the Cloud of Darkness, with 22 unique job classes to master.
Rad Racer II is a high-speed racing game developed by Square and released for the NES in 1990. As the sequel to the popular Rad Racer, this game features improved graphics, new tracks, and faster gameplay. Players race against time through various international locations, with the option to switch between first-person and third-person perspectives.
Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars is a 1996 role-playing game developed by Square and published by Nintendo for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System. This groundbreaking collaboration blends Mario's platforming world with Square's RPG expertise, featuring an original story where Mario teams with Bowser and new allies to recover seven stars from the villain Smithy.
Groundbreaking JRPG featuring time travel across seven distinct eras, developed by the 'Dream Team' of Hironobu Sakaguchi (Final Fantasy), Yuji Horii (Dragon Quest), and Akira Toriyama (Dragon Ball). Known for its multiple endings, active battle system, and absence of random encounters.
Final Fantasy IV is a role-playing game developed and published by Square for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System. Released in 1991, it introduced the Active Time Battle system and follows the story of Cecil, a dark knight who journeys to redeem himself. The game features five playable characters with unique abilities.
Final Fantasy V is a 1992 role-playing game developed and published by Square for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System. The fifth main installment in the Final Fantasy series, it introduced the iconic Job System that allowed deep character customization through 22 unique job classes. The story follows four warriors chosen by the Crystals to prevent the destruction of their world.
Final Fantasy VI is a role-playing game developed and published by Square for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System. Released in 1994, it is the sixth main installment in the Final Fantasy series. The game features fourteen permanent playable characters, the most of any game in the series, and combines fantasy with steampunk elements in its setting.
The third entry in the SaGa series introduces an open-world structure with eight unique protagonists, nonlinear storytelling, and innovative battle mechanics that would define the franchise.
Romancing SaGa 2 is an innovative JRPG developed by Square for the SNES. Breaking conventions with its generational system where players guide an empire through centuries of rulers, the game features non-linear progression, intricate skill-based combat, and one of the first 'New Game Plus' modes in RPG history.
The cult-classic nonlinear JRPG featuring free scenario progression and eight unique protagonists. Explore a dark fantasy world where the fate of the 'Death Eclipse' looms over all.
Secret of Mana is an action RPG that follows a young boy's quest to prevent an empire from conquering the world with an ancient airship. The game features real-time combat, a unique ring menu system, and cooperative multiplayer for up to three players.
Live A Live is an anthology-style role-playing game that spans seven distinct eras, each with its own protagonist, setting, and gameplay mechanics. From prehistory to the distant future, the Wild West to feudal Japan, players experience seven unique stories before they converge in an unforgettable eighth chapter that ties all timelines together.
Final Fantasy for the Bandai WonderSwan is a 2000 enhanced remake of the original 1987 NES game. Developed by Square, this portable version features updated graphics, streamlined gameplay, and new content while preserving the classic story of the four Warriors of Light restoring power to the elemental Crystals.
Final Fantasy II is a role-playing game developed and published by Square for the Bandai WonderSwan. Originally released in 1988 for the NES, this 2001 remake features updated graphics and gameplay while retaining the original's innovative leveling system where characters grow based on actions rather than experience points.
Final Fantasy IV is a 2002 enhanced port of the classic SNES RPG for Bandai WonderSwan. This version features upgraded visuals, rebalanced gameplay, and new content while preserving the original's iconic Active Time Battle system and dramatic storyline about dark knight Cecil's redemption.

















