Every Major Square Enix RPG Series Ranked

As a gamer, I can tell you Square Enix is a huge deal – seriously, one of the most important companies ever when it comes to video games. They’ve been at the forefront of role-playing games for ages, even back when RPGs weren’t as popular as they are now. Before they became Square Enix, both Square and Enix were constantly trying new things with storytelling, focusing on characters you actually cared about, and making games that really felt like an adventure. When they finally joined forces, it just made everything even better – they really helped shape what RPGs are today, not just on consoles, but everywhere.

Square Enix stands out because they’re willing to try new things creatively, even with their established and popular game series. Some of these series are incredibly well-known, while others have a dedicated, smaller fanbase and continue to influence game creators today. These franchises are fundamental to how modern role-playing games are designed, impacting everything from small independent projects to big-budget titles. While Square Enix has also released some excellent standalone games that didn’t get sequels, the following represent the very best of their core franchises.

15) Voice of Cards

The Voice of Cards series is a recent and unique RPG from Square Enix. Creator Yoko Taro and his team have taken a minimalist approach, presenting worlds, menus, and battles using illustrations, dice rolls, and narration instead of typical video game graphics and environments. Games like Voice of Cards: The Isle Dragon Roars and its follow-ups feel more like a tabletop game than a traditional video game experience.

This series isn’t trying to appeal to everyone, but it proves Square Enix is still willing to take creative risks. The battles are simple to understand, but the way the game is presented creates a really immersive experience for players who want something new. It’s inspired by Voice of Cards more in terms of its ideas and storytelling than how it actually plays, and it shows that RPGs don’t need to have incredibly realistic graphics to be captivating. The series isn’t currently being updated, but another installment could happen, especially now that the Nintendo Switch 2 is available.

14) Front Mission

The Front Mission series is a key tactical RPG franchise from Square Enix. These games center around battles with giant robots, combining strategic, grid-based combat with extensive customization options and compelling stories that often deal with politics and war. Front Mission 3 is particularly well-regarded for its branching story and exploration of complex moral issues, offering multiple viewpoints on the realities of war.

I’ve always loved how Front Mission helped prove tactical RPGs could tell really serious, grown-up stories. The way you could customize your Wanzer mechs was amazing, and I think it really set the stage for a lot of strategy games that came after, games that let you really feel in control and let you dig deep into the mechanics. It’s never been quite as huge as, say, Final Fantasy, but it always got a lot of respect from critics for trying something different. The recent remakes have been awesome, bringing the series back into the spotlight. We’re still waiting for a totally new game, but even now, it’s still one of the best tactical RPGs out there, in my opinion.

13) Valkyrie Profile

The Valkyrie Profile games are famous for their blend of Norse mythology, sad and thoughtful stories, and a battle system that was different from most RPGs. The series deeply explores ideas about destiny, death, and what people are willing to give up, which was unusual for the genre when the first game came out. Valkyrie Profile originally combined moving through levels like in a platformer with turn-based battles that required players to time their actions and work together.

What makes Valkyrie Profile special is its bold storytelling and how it dared to move away from typical RPG formulas. It masterfully combined unique gameplay with a deeply emotional story – something few games have achieved before or since. The characters were often heartbreaking, and their stories stayed with players long after they finished the game. Although the series has seen a few newer installments, like Valkyrie Elysium, none have quite matched the impact of the original. Even so, Valkyrie Profile remains a fan favorite and a lasting example of how RPGs can explore serious topics in creative and innovative ways.

12) Parasite Eve

Parasite Eve stands out in Square Enix’s history as a creative mix of RPG and survival horror. Drawing inspiration from science fiction horror, the game combined a compelling story with action-packed, real-time battles built on RPG foundations. The original Parasite Eve was innovative for its time, both in how it played and the themes it explored. Many fans still cherish the original game, and there’s a strong desire for a modern remake.

The Parasite Eve series is well-regarded for its immersive atmosphere and its brave exploration of disturbing themes like body horror and intense psychological drama. It was unique for its time, as many role-playing games focused on fantasy worlds, while Parasite Eve opted for a contemporary setting and a much grimmer mood. Though the series hasn’t seen a new installment in years, likely due to legal complications and changes in the company’s focus, it’s still considered a significant and memorable part of RPG history, showcasing Square Enix’s willingness to take creative risks.

11) The World Ends With You

The World Ends With You is a unique RPG series from Square Enix, known for its striking visual style. The games take place in a trendy, reimagined Tokyo, mixing contemporary fashion, music, and youth trends with unusual gameplay. The first game, originally on the Nintendo DS, featured a groundbreaking combat system that made excellent use of the console’s dual screens – something very few games at the time even tried.

The game delves into relatable themes like finding yourself, feeling alone, and growing as a person, which really resonated with players and helped build a dedicated following. Its memorable music and unique art style also left a lasting impression. The recent release of NEO: The World Ends With You showed the series can adapt and stay true to itself. While not a massive commercial success, the game clearly influenced many modern role-playing games that prioritize style. Square Enix has a great opportunity to create a third installment on the Nintendo Switch 2 and fully utilize the console’s potential.

10) Star Ocean

The Star Ocean series is special within Square Enix’s collection of RPGs because it mixes classic fantasy elements with science fiction stories. It was also one of the first RPGs to use a fast-paced, real-time combat system, which felt different from the slower, turn-based battles common at the time. Games like Star Ocean: The Second Story are well-regarded for their stories that change based on your choices, the relationships you build with characters, and how much replay value they offer.

The Star Ocean series is well-known for letting players make meaningful choices, offering different characters and storylines that encouraged replayability. This focus on varied narratives influenced many RPGs that came after it. The games also featured deep crafting systems that allowed skilled players to creatively overcome challenges. Despite some later installments receiving mixed reviews, the Star Ocean franchise continues to thrive with remakes and new games being released.

9) Bravely Default

When Bravely Default came out, many thought traditional turn-based RPGs were no longer popular. However, it showed that these classic styles could be exciting again with some clever new ideas. The unique Brave and Default system completely changed turn-based battles, letting players take risks for big rewards by saving or spending turns. The game successfully blended the charm of older RPGs with Square Enix’s current approach to game development.

The series brought back the classic RPG style of character growth through jobs, allowing for lots of customization and strategic gameplay. Titles like Bravely Default and Bravely Second stayed true to RPG roots while updating the look and feel. Bravely Default II really boosted the series’ popularity, proving that many players still want challenging, turn-based RPGs that reward thoughtful strategy and creativity.

8) SaGa

The SaGa series showcases Square Enix’s willingness to try new things. These role-playing games are known for letting players explore freely, with unique ways to level up and very little in-game guidance. Instead of a set story, SaGa games create narratives based on the player’s choices. You can often choose from multiple characters, each with their own story, and many of those stories connect to each other.

Though not widely known, the SaGa series quietly influenced how many open-world RPGs are made. Games like Romancing SaGa 2 and SaGa Frontier are celebrated for being complex and ambitious, even if they’re challenging to learn. Thanks to recent remakes and new games, SaGa is reaching a new generation of players and solidifying its place in Square Enix’s legacy. While it never became a mainstream hit, SaGa has left a lasting mark on RPG design and remains popular today.

7) Mana

The Mana series is a pioneer in action RPGs, famously combining fast-paced combat with role-playing elements. Secret of Mana really stood out by letting up to three players team up and play together at the same time, which was groundbreaking when it was released. The series was designed to be easy to pick up and play for everyone, while still offering strategic challenges for experienced gamers.

I absolutely love the Mana series, and it’s way more than just how the games play. The art is gorgeous, the music is unforgettable, and the worlds are so creative. What really hooked me was how they told stories through the environments themselves – it made exploring feel so rewarding, with tons of secrets, hidden bosses, and cool side quests that kept me coming back for more. You can totally see its influence in a lot of action RPGs today, like Ys and a bunch of indie games, that focus on fast-paced combat and playing with friends. Thankfully, with remakes and newer games like Visions of Mana, the series is still going strong, which proves just how well-designed and beautiful these games are.

6) Drakengard/Nier

As a gamer, I’ve always appreciated that Square Enix isn’t afraid to get a little weird and tackle some really heavy stuff in their games. The Drakengard series was a first step, mixing fast-paced combat with a story that really pulled you in. But NieR: Automata? That game blew me away. It took everything great about Drakengard and cranked it up to eleven – amazing action RPG gameplay combined with a story that made you think, and those multiple endings totally messed with your head in the best way. Honestly, a lot of people, myself included, think NieR: Automata is Yoko Taro’s masterpiece, and you can definitely see its influence in newer games like Stellar Blade.

The NieR series has become incredibly popular, proving that games with unusual and thought-provoking stories can appeal to a wide audience. Fans constantly discuss and debate its gameplay, music, and deeply emotional story. With more games planned and a dedicated fanbase, NieR continues to shape the design of story-focused action RPGs. Its blend of exciting gameplay and stories that explore big questions about life make it one of Square Enix’s most daring and influential series.

5) Octopath Traveler

Similar to Bravely Default, Octopath Traveler is well-known for bringing a fresh take to classic RPG visuals. Its unique HD-2D style mixes pixel art with modern effects, setting a new benchmark for combining retro charm with contemporary graphics. This art style has become increasingly popular, particularly in remakes from Square Enix. In terms of gameplay, the game features turn-based combat with special abilities for each character, encouraging strategic thinking and careful planning.

One of the most innovative aspects of the Octopath Traveler series is its storytelling. The first game featured eight main characters, each with their own unique story that players could experience. This allowed for a more diverse and personal connection to the game world and has influenced how other RPGs tell their stories. With continued success and the release of Octopath Traveler 0, the series proves that RPGs can successfully blend classic elements with fresh, new ideas. It continues to be a popular and evolving franchise.

4) Kingdom Hearts

Kingdom Hearts is a remarkably creative series from Square Enix. It surprised everyone by combining the studio’s role-playing gameplay and stories with the beloved settings and characters of Disney. The game features both new, now-popular characters and classic Disney favorites, instantly making the franchise memorable. Its fast-paced combat is easy to pick up but still offers depth for experienced RPG players. Players enjoy taking on the role of Sora and joining forces with iconic Disney characters to explore imaginative worlds, many of which hold nostalgic value.

The Kingdom Hearts series is well-known for its complex and sometimes confusing story. However, it has gained a dedicated following thanks to its strong character connections and beautiful graphics. The franchise keeps growing with new games that expand the overall story and improve how the game is played. Kingdom Hearts proves Square Enix can create innovative role-playing games that are both emotionally engaging and offer deep gameplay. Fans are eagerly awaiting Kingdom Hearts 4, which promises to be the largest and most ambitious installment yet.

3) Chrono

Though a relatively short series, Chrono has had a huge impact on gaming. Chrono Trigger is still considered one of the greatest RPGs ever made, known for its smooth battles, multiple ways to end the game, and clever use of time travel. It proved that player decisions could truly change the story without disrupting the fun. Even now, many gamers list it as their all-time favorite, and interest in RPGs remains incredibly strong.

Despite having only a few games, the Chrono Trigger series has had a huge impact on the RPG world. Game developers often look to it for ideas, especially when creating stories with choices that matter to players. While the latest game, Chrono Cross, came out some time ago, the series remains popular thanks to re-releases, updated versions, and a dedicated fanbase. It’s a great example of how a small, well-made series can continue to influence games and delight players for years to come.

2) Dragon Quest

The Dragon Quest series is incredibly important – it’s considered the basis for many Japanese role-playing games on consoles, and perhaps Square Enix’s most culturally impactful creation. Its simple, turn-based gameplay and the distinctive art of Akira Toriyama set a standard that many other game developers copied. Each new Dragon Quest game improves on the original formula while still being easy for newcomers to pick up, which helps keep the series popular. It’s also worth noting that Dragon Quest had a major influence on the creation of Pokémon Red and Blue – those games might not exist without it.

The Dragon Quest series has had an incredibly long run, consistently delivering high-quality games for decades. From the compelling story of Dragon Quest III to the updated features in Dragon Quest XI, the series has always evolved while staying true to its core. Its impact on role-playing games is still apparent today. With Dragon Quest VII Reimagined showcasing its rich history, and Dragon Quest XII looking ahead, Dragon Quest isn’t just a game series – it’s a cornerstone of RPG history.

1) Final Fantasy

Final Fantasy is Square Enix’s most important and well-known series, and it has had a huge impact on the history of role-playing games. Each main game in the series features a completely new world, unique gameplay, and a compelling story, all created with incredible attention to detail and a grand vision. The series has always been innovative, whether with traditional turn-based battles or more modern, action-packed combat. Final Fantasy VII was a turning point, making the series incredibly popular worldwide, and it’s still a fan favorite today.

Beyond Final Fantasy VII, the series is known for its memorable characters, incredible music, and compelling stories that have influenced gamers around the globe. With new games, related titles, and adaptations constantly being released, Final Fantasy remains a leader in the RPG genre and continues to inspire game developers on every platform. Its influence on how stories are told, how games are played, and how they look is unparalleled, solidifying its place as Square Enix’s most important RPG series.

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2026-01-28 01:17