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Be stunned by Square Enix’s most beautiful JRPGs

2K View2022-10-16

Written by @Kef

Over the nearly twenty years that Square Enix has existed (not to mention the fifteen-plus years that it existed as two separate companies, Square and Enix, before that), this Japanese publisher has made its name more or less synonymous with Japanese role-playing games. And it’s not just that they make some of the biggest and best-known JRPGs ever; they also make some of the best-looking games in the genre.

Here’s our rundown of our personal picks for Square Enix’s most beautiful JRPGs.

Triangle Strategy (Nintendo Switch, PC)

As the newest entry on the list, Triangle Strategy embraces an old-school look but is still no slouch in the graphics department. Triangle Strategy looks and plays similar to the strategy-RPG classic Final Fantasy Tactics, but it really shines thanks to its use of Square Enix’s fresh HD-2D art.

Octopath Traveler (Nintendo Switch, PC, Xbox One)

Speaking of HD-2D, Octopath Traveler is the game that first introduced us to this gorgeous new approach to visuals back in 2018, and it still holds up now. The recent mobile spin-off, Octopath Traveler: Champions of the Continent, is equally beautiful (and an excellent game), and a full-on sequel is set to be released for PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Switch early next year.

OCTOPATH TRAVELER: Champions of the Continent

8.3

RPG

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OCTOPATH TRAVELER™

10.0

Pixel GraphicsSandboxStrategyTurn-basedJRPGRPGCasualAdventure

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Chrono Trigger (Android, DS, iOS, PC PS1, SNES)

Obviously new games look great, but Square Enix has been making beautiful 2D JRPGs from its early days as well. Chrono Trigger is one of the best examples of classic, 16-bit pixel art ever put to cartridge. It holds up today, even without the fancy HD-2D improvements.

Final Fantasy XIV (PC, PS4, PS5)

Okay, enough 2D games! Square Enix also has some stunning full 3D titles, including the beloved massively multiplayer RPG Final Fantasy XIV. This nearly decade-old title may not have the most impressively high-resolution visuals possible, but each new expansion still provides stunning landscapes to explore and an ever-increasing level of customization for player characters.

Dragon Quest VIII: Journey of the Cursed King (3DS, Android, iOS, PS2)

The PlayStation 2 era was notorious for having 3D games that were an improvement on the polygonal style of the PS1 but were still pretty rough. However, Square Enix’s Dragon Quest VIII avoided that weakness with a lovely cel shaded look that means it holds up much better than other titles from that era. I just wish we could get a full HD upgrade!