Square Enix's Best Turn-Based JRPGs, Ranked

Square Enix has a rich and celebrated history in the realm of video games, with these companies operating separately and wowing the masses time and time again with their games. While the company has fallen into a rut of sorts in recent times, this should take nothing away from its impressive pedigree in the video game industry.

This company is synonymous with the JRPG genre, ushering in the golden era with Final Fantasy 7 and never looking back. Players who love turn-based games will find the best video games made by Square Enix to be right up their alley.

8 Live A Live

An Ambitious Narrative With Multiple Protagonists In Different Settings

Live a Live is one of the most unique JRPGs players can get their hands on. The sheer number of unique scenarios present in this game coupled with an antagonist that serves as the connecting thread between each campaign makes Live a Live a joy to play through.

All of these scenarios lead to a final tale where the seven heroes are brought to a common plane where they either face off against Odio or fall to his blade, depending on what protagonist players choose as the hero of this scenario. It’s a game that encourages replayability and keeps things fresh and engaging until the very end.

7 Xenogears

Could’ve Been One Of The Greatest JRPGs Ever Made If The Second Disc Hadn’t Faltered

Xenogears

Systems

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Released

October 20, 1998

Developer(s)

Square

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It’s a shame that Xenogears failed to achieve its full potential and turned its second disc into a glorified slideshow since this JRPG had the potential to be something special. Instead, the game is now the biggest what-if in the PS1’s library and can still entertain players willing to accept a dip in quality in the game’s latter half.

The combat lets players pull off combos in battle while introducing mech combat in certain instances to let players wallop enemies in style. All of this is augmented with a philosophical story that poses some tough questions and sets up many intriguing plotlines.

6 Chrono Cross

A Huge Departure From Its Predecessor But An Excellent Game In Its Own Right

Players expected the world from Chrono Cross because it was marketed as the sequel to one of the greatest JRPGs ever made. In this contest, many fans felt that this game was an inferior sequel to Chrono Trigger, but that isn’t necessarily a bad thing.

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Over the years, fans have grown to appreciate Chrono Cross and its bold choices, adding a massive list of party members to control along with a unique leveling system that removes any grinding. As long as players are willing to accept that this game is very different from Chrono Trigger, fans can have a great time playing one of the best JRPGs of the PS1 era.

5 Octopath Traveler 2

Features Some Of The Best Gameplay Mechanics Seen In A JRPG

Octopath Traveler is an excellent game, but it irritates fans with its predictable structure and lack of interaction between party members. Octopath Traveler 2 learns from these mistakes and tries to buck the formula somewhat, leading to a game that feels familiar but is certainly a marked improvement over its predecessor.

While each chapter takes place in a silo of sorts, all these narratives are wrapped up in a neat bow that gives this game a proper final boss that was missing from the first title. It helps that the combat is as engaging as they come, letting players stock and use BP to unleash a wave of punishment on their opponents.

4 Dragon Quest 11

One Of The Most Popular And Beloved Dragon Quest Games In The Series

After an agonizingly long wait, Dragon Quest 11 finally saw the success in the West it deserved. This legendary JRPG franchise has evolved quite a bit in the eleventh mainline entry without losing the magic that made Dragon Quest a household name in Japan.

The epic story throws many twists and turns that help what seems like a classic JRPG story attain a unique flavor of its own. It helps that the turn-based combat is a blast to play through, reveling in its simplicity and rewarding players for leveling up and beating down any monster that dares to take them on.

3 Final Fantasy 10

The Last Classic Final Fantasy Game Before The Series Underwent An Identity Crisis

Systems

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Released

December 17, 2001

OpenCritic Rating

Strong

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Final Fantasy 10 is one of the greatest JRPGs of all time and the last title in the series to retain the essence of Final Fantasy before the series started experimenting and faced somewhat of an identity crisis. Tidus may be an annoying protagonist at times, but his earnestness helps him become endearing after a while.

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The story is one of the very best told in a Final Fantasy game, with the combat utilizing a Conditional Turn-Based Battle system that lets players strategize in advance. Attacks like Quick Hit and Haste magic become more valuable than ever once players understand the best way possible to take out their enemies quickly.

2 Final Fantasy 6

An Amazing Ensemble Cast With One Of The Best Plot Twists In Gaming

There’s a reason why Final Fantasy 6 is hailed by many as one of the best games in the series, boasting the biggest cast of party members in the series and ensuring that almost every character gets their time to shine. This, coupled with a major switch-up that introduces a whole new world in the second half of the game, makes Final Fantasy 6 a must-play for JRPG fans.

The classic ATB battle system is smooth and satisfying as ever, with an epic story that doesn’t require a central protagonist to help its story stand out. This ensemble cast must fight against the mad jester Kefka who is completely bonkers and has no problems with destroying the world to get his way.

1 Chrono Trigger

The Greatest JRPG Of All Time That Has Aged Like A Fine Wine

Chrono Trigger is one of the greatest video games ever made. This JRPG doesn’t overstay its welcome, ensures that no moment is bogged down by unnecessary filler, and introduces a memorable cast of characters who will remain fresh in the minds of fans long after they’re finished playing this game.

The combat doesn’t feature a battle screen transition and feels quick and snappy. The fact that players can tackle Lavos at any moment in the story to unlock a unique ending makes Chrono Trigger a must-play for players who want to check out the best turn-based JRPG made by Square Enix.

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