Square Enix's best turn-based JRPGs, sorted

Key takeaways

• Square Enix is ​​legendary for JRPGs like Live A Live, Xenogears, and Chrono Cross.
• Octopath Traveler 2 improves upon the first with engaging gameplay and a more varied structure.
• Dragon Quest 11 reigns as a beloved entry in the series, while Final Fantasy 10 remains a classic.

Square Enix has a rich and storied history in the field of video games, with these companies operating separately and surprising the public time after time with their games. While the company has been in a bit of a rut lately, that shouldn't take anything away from its impressive pedigree in the video game industry.

The company is synonymous with the JRPG genre, ushering in a golden age Final Fantasy 7 And never look back. Gamers who love turn-based games will find the best video games made by Square Enix right up their alley.

8 Live a Live

An ambitious story with multiple heroes in different settings

Live a live One of the most unique JRPGs players can get their hands on. The sheer number of unique scenarios present in this game along with an antagonist act as a connecting thread between each campaign. Live a live A joy to play.

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

7 Xenogears

The second disc could have been one of the greatest JRPGs ever made if it hadn't crashed

This is a shame Xenogears It failed to achieve its full potential and turned its second disc into a glorified slideshow because it had the potential to be something special with a JRPG. Instead, the game is currently one of the largest in the PS1's library and can still entertain players willing to accept a dip in quality in the latter part of the game.

Combat lets players pull off combos in combat while introducing mech combat in certain instances to let players wallop enemies in style. All this is enhanced with a philosophical story that raises some difficult questions and sets up very interesting plots.

6 Chrono Cross

A big departure from its predecessor but a great game in its own right

Players expect from the world Chrono Cross Because it was marketed as a sequel to one of the greatest JRPGs ever made. At this tournament, many fans felt that the game was an inferior sequel Chrono TriggerBut that's not necessarily a bad thing.

Over the years, fans have grown to appreciate it Chrono Cross And its bold options, adding a large list of party members to control with a unique level system that removes any grind. As long as players are willing to admit that this game is very different Chrono TriggerFans can have a great time playing the best JRPGs of the PS1 era.

5 Octopath Traveler 2

Features some of the best gameplay mechanics ever seen in a JRPG

Octopath Traveler is a great game, but it annoys fans with its predictable structure and lack of interaction between party members. Octopath Traveler 2 It learns from these mistakes and tries to tweak the formula somewhat, leading to a game that feels familiar but is definitely a significant improvement over its predecessor.

While each chapter is sort of in a silo, all of these stories 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 combat is as engaging as they are, letting players use BP to stock up and 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 a long wait, Dragon Quest 11 At last he saw the success he deserved in the West. This legendary JRPG franchise has evolved drastically into the eleventh mainline entry without losing the magic it created. Dragon Quest A household name in Japan.

The epic story throws in many twists and turns that help the classic JRPG story get its own unique flavor. It's turn-based combat is a blast to play, reveling in its simplicity and rewarding players for beating up and beating any monster that dares to catch them.

3 Final Fantasy 10

The last classic Final Fantasy game before the series went through an identity crisis

Final Fantasy 10 It is one of the greatest JRPGs of all time and the last title in the series. final fantasy The series faced somewhat of an identity crisis before and after the experiment began. Tidus can be an annoying hero at times, but his perseverance makes him endearing after a while.

The story is one of the best told in one final fantasy The game, with combat using a conditional turn-based battle system that lets players strategize in advance. Attacks like Quick Hit and Haste Magic are more valuable than ever as players understand the best way to take out their enemies quickly.

2 Final Fantasy 6

An amazing ensemble cast with one of the best plot twists in gaming

There is a reason Final Fantasy 6 Boasting the largest party members in the series and ensuring that almost every character gets their time in the light, it has been hailed by many as one of the best games in the series. This, combined with a major switch-up, makes the introduction of a whole new world in the second half of the game Final Fantasy 6 A must play for JRPG fans.

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

1 Chrono Trigger

The greatest JRPG of all time that has aged like fine wine

Chrono Trigger One of the greatest video games ever made. This JRPG doesn't overstay its welcome, ensures that no moment is bogged down with unnecessary filler, and features a memorable cast of characters that will stay fresh in fans' minds long after playing the game.

Combat doesn't feature combat screen transitions and feels fast and choppy. Due to the fact that players can unlock Lavos at any moment in the story Chrono Trigger A must play for players who want to check out the best turn-based JRPG made by Square Enix.