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.Final Fantasy Tactics is a tactical RPG set in the war-torn kingdom of Ivalice, featuring grid-based battles and a deep job class system. The game follows Ramza Beoulve as he uncovers a conspiracy during the Lion War, blending political intrigue with fantasy elements.
A groundbreaking action RPG set in the medieval city of Leá Monde, blending tactical combat with dungeon crawling. Follow agent Ashley Riot as he uncovers a conspiracy involving cults and ancient artifacts in this mature-themed adventure.
Front Mission 2 is a tactical RPG developed by Square for PlayStation. Set in 2102, six years after the original, the game follows three intersecting stories during a coup d'état in the Alordesh Republic. Featuring deep tactical combat with customizable Wanzers (mechs), the game introduced new mechanics like the Link System and expanded political storytelling.
Final Fantasy Origins is a PlayStation compilation containing enhanced remakes of the first two Final Fantasy games. Released in 2002, it features completely rebuilt graphics, new CG cutscenes, and additional content while preserving the original gameplay of the NES classics.
Enhanced PlayStation port of the 1991 SNES classic, featuring the complete 1997 'Easy Type' version with new CG cutscenes, a bestiary, and music player. Chronicles edition includes the definitive English localization with Chrono Trigger as bonus content.
First official Western release of the 1992 SNES classic, bundled with FFVI in the Anthology collection. Features new CG opening sequences, a rearranged soundtrack, and the complete Job System that inspired later MMO class mechanics.
The PlayStation port of the SNES classic, bundled with Final Fantasy V in North America. Features new CG cutscenes and a rearranged soundtrack, though with longer load times.
Final Fantasy VII is a landmark role-playing game developed and published by Square for the PlayStation. The game follows Cloud Strife, a mercenary who joins the eco-terrorist group AVALANCHE to fight against the megacorporation Shinra, which is draining the planet's life energy. The story expands into a cosmic struggle against the rogue SOLDIER Sephiroth.
FINAL FANTASY VIII is a landmark 1999 JRPG developed and published by Square for PlayStation. The game revolutionized the series with its realistic character proportions, innovative Junction system, and a deeply emotional story about love, war, and memory. Players follow mercenary student Squall Leonhart and his companions as they navigate political conflicts, supernatural threats, and the haunting mystery of their forgotten childhood connections.
FINAL FANTASY IX is a Japanese role-playing game developed and published by Square for the PlayStation. Directed by Hiroyuki Ito and produced by Hironobu Sakaguchi, it returns to the series' fantasy roots after the sci-fi themes of VII and VIII. The story follows Zidane Tribal, a thief who kidnaps Princess Garnet, only to become entangled in a war between nations and a deeper existential threat.
Parasite Eve is a 1998 survival horror-RPG hybrid developed and published by Square for PlayStation. Based on Hideaki Sena's novel, the game follows NYPD detective Aya Brea as she battles mitochondrial mutants during a catastrophic Christmas Eve in Manhattan, blending cinematic storytelling with strategic real-time combat and RPG progression.
Parasite Eve II is a 1999 survival horror-RPG sequel developed by Square for PlayStation, continuing Aya Brea's story as she investigates new mitochondrial threats across the American Southwest. The game shifts to a more traditional survival horror format with fixed camera angles, resource management, and puzzle-solving while retaining RPG elements like experience points and weapon customization.
This unique action-RPG features two distinct protagonists - the sword-wielding Rue and magic-stealing Mint - each with their own storyline and gameplay mechanics. Explore vibrant 3D worlds while solving puzzles and battling monsters.
Brave Fencer Musashi is an innovative action-RPG from Square that blends real-time combat with environmental puzzle-solving. Players control young samurai Musashi who must rescue the Princess of the Allucaneet Kingdom using two legendary swords with unique day/night mechanics.
SaGa Frontier is an ambitious non-linear RPG featuring seven unique protagonists with interconnected stories across multiple dimensions. The game revolutionized the genre with its Free Scenario System, allowing players to experience different perspectives and outcomes in a vast sci-fi fantasy universe.
SaGa Frontier 2 is an artistic RPG that tells an epic generational saga through watercolor-style visuals and dual protagonists. The game follows the intertwined destinies of knight Gustave XIII and treasure hunter Wil Knights across decades, featuring innovative battle systems and non-linear storytelling.
Chrono Cross is a role-playing video game developed and published by Square for the PlayStation. Released in 1999, it serves as a sequel to Chrono Trigger, featuring a parallel world storyline where players control Serge as he travels between two alternate dimensions. The game introduced innovative combat mechanics without random encounters and featured over 40 possible party members.
Legend of Mana is an action role-playing game developed and published by Square for the PlayStation. Released in 1999, it features a unique non-linear narrative structure where players create their own world map by placing artifacts across the land of Fa'Diel. The game is renowned for its beautiful hand-painted visuals, deep crafting systems, and multiple interconnected storylines.

















