Best Square Enix Games Only Available On The PS2, Ranked

Best Square Enix Games Only Available On The PS2, Ranked

Summary

  • Many top Square Enix games are exclusive to the PS2, limiting accessibility for players.
  • Unique titles like Musashi: Samurai Legend and Radiata Stories are gems stuck on the console.
  • Front Mission 5 and Valkyrie Profile 2 are rewarding, challenging games held back by PS2 exclusivity.

Square Enix is one of the most notable video game companies of all time. This merger occurred around the time when the sixth generation of gaming was in its infancy, means that the bulk of its games were developed with the PS2 in mind. After all, it wasn’t until the next generation arrived that Square Enix would start releasing games for both PlayStation and Xbox consoles.

As a result, some of the best Square Enix games are PS2 exclusives that are stuck on this console. Unfortunately, this makes it hard for players to check out these interesting titles for themselves.

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8

Musashi: Samurai Legend

An Obscure Sequel To Brave Fencer Musashi



Musashi: Samurai Legend

Most fans of SquareSoft are aware of Brave Fencer Musashi, a unique action RPG that flew under the radar for many in the wider gaming sphere. Fans of this title will be surprised to know that this title received a sequel that was somehow even more obscure.

Most people have no idea that Musashi: Samurai Legend exists, which is a shame since Nomura’s designs and the fun combat make it a PS2 gem that is stuck on this console. Players who want to check out a charming action RPG will love what Musashi: Samurai Legend brings to the table.

7

Dawn Of Mana

An Underrated Entry In The Mana Series



Dawn of Mana
Systems

Dawn of Mana is one of the most important games in the Mana series, so it’s puzzling that this title is stuck on the PS2. It was the first game in the series to be set in a 3D environment, and abandoned the co-op gameplay that had become a staple of the series at one point.

While Dawn of Mana had its fans, the story and leveling system were criticized for bogging down the experience. Perhaps this is why the game was never ported to other consoles, with Square Enix focusing on other priorities instead.

6

Radiata Stories

A Unique JRPG With A Ridiculous Number Of Recruitable NPCs



Radiata Stories

Released

January 27, 2005

Despite being one of the most unique PS2 JRPGs, this one can be a tough title to get into. Radiata Stories boasts a great script and simple combat that would seem to make it easily accessible. It’s not until players go through the game that they realize how overwhelming it can be to recruit NPCs for their journey.

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Players can recruit more than a hundred characters to use in battle, which helps make up for the simplicity of the combat itself. This can make Radiata Stories a daunting game to get into, but its cult classic reputation makes it clear that players will have a great time if the experience clicks with them.

5

Front Mission 4

A Challenging Tactical RPG With Mech Combat



Front Mission 4
Systems

Released

June 15, 2004

Publisher(s)

Square Enix

One of the most underrated tactical RPG franchises players can sink their teeth into, most Front Mission games are engaging enough for fans to stick with these games for the long haul. Front Mission 4 is no exception here, forcing players to adjust to its difficulty or die trying.

The game had its flaws and can be a bit boring at times, but the tactical gameplay more than makes up for any issues. It’s a shame that Front Mission fans can only check out this title on the PS2. Many fans agree that a re-release on modern consoles is long overdue.

4

Grandia 3

One Of The Best Battle Systems In Any JRPG



Grandia III

If players want a JRPG with a unique story, then Grandia 3 may not be the best game for them. However, the real strength of this title is a hybrid combat system, which still looks amazing to this day.

Anyone who owns a PS2 and wants to check out Square Enix’s history should play through Grandia 3. Some of its elements may be generic, but the engaging battles that players can engage in more than make up for this.

3

Front Mission 5: Scars Of The War

Easily The Best Front Mission Game On The PS2



Front Mission 5: Scars of the War
Systems

Released

December 29, 2005

Developer(s)

Square Enix

Front Mission 5: Scars of the War is an excellent title in the series, and it tests a player’s knowledge of the battle system. It’s advised that players have a basic idea of the combat system from previous games before trying to jump into this title, which makes no effort to hide its difficulty.

5:34

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Every victory feels rewarding as players enjoy a cinematic story that is surprisingly well-told and engaging for its time. This game is a no-brainer for fans of the series who are attached to previous games in the series and want to see how far Front Mission pushes things without getting too frustrating.

2

Drakengard

Yoko Taro’s Genius Is On Full Display



Drakengard

Action RPG

JRPG

Fantasy

Science Fiction

Systems

Released

September 11, 2003

Yoko Taro has become a household name at this point, but there was a time when his name wasn’t all that prominent in the video game industry. His work on Drakengard was exemplary in regard to the ambitious narrative, though the story was bogged down by unimaginative gameplay.

However, players who can deal with some of the game’s shakier gameplay systems will be drawn into the story in no time. As one would expect, the title boasts multiple endings that are equally riveting and worth unlocking for players who love Yoko Taro’s eccentric work.

1

Valkyrie Profile 2: Silmeria

A Hard Yet Rewarding JRPG That Is Highly Underrated



Valkyrie Profile 2: Silmeria
Systems

Released

September 26, 2006

Developer(s)

Tri-Ace
, tri-Crescendo

One of the most beautiful yet complex JRPGs on the PS2, it’s a crying shame that Valkyrie Profile 2: Silmeria hasn’t been ported to other consoles yet. If there’s one game that deserves this treatment, it’s the amazing sequel to Valkyrie Profile that rewards players for mastering a fast-paced combat system that can get challenging at times.

Everything from the visuals to the soundtrack boasts immense quality, and fans can’t get enough of the combat system that rewards players for beating a foe that has been giving them a tough time. It’s a wonderful JRPG with an epic story perfect for fans seeking a unique JRPG to invest a ton of hours in.

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