Summary
- Square Enix titles captivate players with immediate action and engaging narratives.
- Just Cause 4 offers explosive sandbox action right from the start with creative gameplay.
- Life is Strange delivers deep, emotional storytelling that hooks players in from the get-go.
Square Enix, as a publisher and developer, has graced the gaming world with some of the most impressive and well-loved series for years now. From classic franchises like Final Fantasy to emotional tales in Life is Strange, their catalog of titles is expansive and continues to grow every year with a new set of smash hits that continue to revolutionize and stun players of all kinds.
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The pedigree of Square Enix's sprawling JRPG storytelling arrives in a portable, on-the-go format in these Nintendo Switch games.
As far as publishers go, there are few that are revered as highly, and part of the draw to their games is their ability to immediately hook players in without taking too long to set up the narrative or gameplay. It's nice to be able to get straight into the action or be given a taste of what's to come right from the get-go go and there are plenty of Square Enix titles that capture this idea perfectly.
Games published or developed by Square Enix have been taken into consideration for this article.
9 Just Cause 4
High-Octane Open-World Action Right From The Start
Just Cause 4
- Released
- December 4, 2018
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ due to Blood, Intense Violence, Strong Language
- Developer(s)
- Avalanche Studios
- Publisher(s)
- Square Enix
- Genre(s)
- Action, Adventure, Open-World
- Platform(s)
- PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
- OpenCritic Rating
- Fair
Just Cause 4 perfects the sandbox action that the series is most known for and delivers an explosive sequel that never holds back. The game thrusts players into South America, armed to the teeth with all manner of insane pieces of equipment, from a wingsuit to a grappling hook, all of which can be used together to create some wild moments and open the door for insane movement tech.
Just five minutes into the game and players are already gliding and gunning their way through enemies on top of mountains, and from there, the gameplay never slows down. The sheer level of creativity and freedom that is afforded to the player just cannot be found elsewhere, and in terms of games that prioritize fun and action over slow-burning narratives, Just Cause 4 is among the best.
8 Sleeping Dogs
Thrilling Martial Arts That Wastes No Time At All
Sleeping Dogs
- Released
- August 14, 2012
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- Mature 17+ / Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Sexual Content, Strong Language, Use of Drugs
- Developer(s)
- United Front Games
- Publisher(s)
- Square Enix
- Genre(s)
- Open-World, Action
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, Xbox One, Xbox 360, PC
Combining cinematic storytelling with fluid hand-to-hand combat, Sleeping Dogs presents a very compelling narrative as soon as the game loads, bringing the dark underworld of Hong Kong's criminals to light in what is so much more than a cop story. Starting out with an arrest after a drug bust gone wrong, the desire to fight back against the evil is immediate and that feeling never goes away.
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What really distinguishes the game is the focus on melee combat, which is heavily inspired by martial arts films, all set in an authentic urban setting that drips from the screen and immerses players at every moment. Every aspect of world interaction elevates the story, and despite comparisons drawn to other open city titles, Sleeping Dogs offers something unique that few have even attempted to replicate.
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6 Tomb Raider
A Gritty Reboot That Stays True To Its Roots
Tomb Raider
- Released
- March 5, 2013
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ Due To Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Strong Language
- Developer(s)
- Crystal Dynamics
- Publisher(s)
- Square Enix
- Genre(s)
- Action
- Platform(s)
- PC, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Stadia, Xbox 360, Xbox One
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
The 2013 reboot of Tomb Raider redefined the classic Lara Croft series for a modern audience, and it did so with flying colors. Abandoning the premise of earlier entries, the game presents a grounded origin story, with Lara stranded on a mysterious island and forced to evolve from survivor to warrior through a series of increasingly dangerous and treacherous encounters.
The game’s hook lies in its cinematic presentation and environmental storytelling. Tight controls and immersive combat blend with dynamic set pieces that rival blockbuster films. Its emphasis on character development sets a new standard for action-adventure protagonists and re-establishes Lara as one of gaming's best and boldest protagonists.
5 Life Is Strange
Choices Couldn't Matter Any More
Life is Strange
- Released
- January 30, 2015
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ Due To Blood, Intense Violence, Sexual Themes, Strong Language, Use of Drugs and Alcohol
- Developer(s)
- Dontnod Entertainment
- Publisher(s)
- Square Enix
- Genre(s)
- Adventure
- Platform(s)
- Android, iOS, Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, Xbox One
- OpenCritic Rating
- Strong
Life is Strange is one of the most widely loved and deeply personal video games of all time, receiving so much praise for its complex exploration of heavy themes and a unique gameplay style that puts time travel in the palms of the player's hands. Playing as Max Caulfield, a young photographer who suddenly gains access to a time-rewinding ability, players navigate the struggles of youth, all while juggling the responsibility that comes with being the resident superhero.
Within a few moments, there is carnage, death, and complexity that slowly becomes clearer as the narrative unfolds, and by the end, there are more than a few tears in the player's eyes. An unforgettable journey that hooks the player in before they even have a chance to take a breath, Life is Strange remains one of Square's best releases and still holds a dear place in so many hearts.
4 Octopath Traveler
A Retro Style With So Much Depth
Octopath Traveler
- Released
- July 13, 2018
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T for Teen: Blood, Fantasy Violence, Mild Language, Suggestive Themes, Use of Alcohol
- Developer(s)
- Square Enix
- Publisher(s)
- Nintendo
- Genre(s)
- JRPG
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
Octopath Traveler reinvigorates the classic JRPG formula with modern flair, featuring eight protagonists with unique stories and abilities that each start in their own action-packed ways. The game offers a nonlinear structure where players can explore narratives in any order, enhancing replayability and depth and providing a truly unique RPG experience.
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The visual hook is its signature HD-2D style that layers pixel art over dynamic 3D environments. Beneath the aesthetic, the combat system shines with its turn-based “Break and Boost” mechanics, offering deep strategy and challenge that pushes even veterans of the genre. The title stands as a modern benchmark for nostalgic yet innovative role-playing games, and the sequel serves to break the mold even further.
3 Nier: Automata
A Story Unlike Any Other
NieR: Automata
- Released
- March 7, 2017
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Blood, Partial Nudity, Strong Language, Violence
- Developer(s)
- Platinum Games
- Publisher(s)
- Square Enix
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
Nier: Automata starts in one of the wildest ways of any video game. Straight into slashing through robots as 2D, the grounded combat quickly transitions into taking on a giant mechanical structure that never seems to let up and delivers a pretty mind-blowing spectacle before players have even had a chance to fully digest the insanity that is happening on screen.
From there, the story takes over and the rest is history, with a compelling narrative that is both heavily emotional and deeply philosophical, and a combat tightness that is pretty unmatched in the genre. The exploration of some deep and complex themes, combined with a heavily rewarding gameplay style, makes every moment fo the game feel like a movie and players will struggle to put the controller down once they start their adventure into the unknown.
2 Deus Ex: Human Revolution
Cyberpunk Action With A Compelling Narrative That Never Shows Fear
Deus Ex: Human Revolution
- Released
- August 23, 2011
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Blood, Drug Reference, Intense Violence, Sexual Themes, Strong Language, Use of Alcohol
- Developer(s)
- Eidos Montreal
- Publisher(s)
- Square Enix
- Genre(s)
- FPS
- Platform(s)
- PS3, Xbox 360, Nintendo Wii U, PC
Deus Ex: Human Revolution is a cerebral action RPG that explores transhumanism in a dystopian future. Players control Adam Jensen, a cybernetically augmented operative navigating corporate conspiracies and moral ambiguity, all while engaging in a world that requires both stealth and ingenuity from every facet of gameplay from combat to stealth.
Its hook is player agency. Whether approaching objectives through stealth, hacking, dialogue, or brute force, the game adapts to diverse playstyles and constantly changes how every encounter can be approached. Rich world-building and branching narratives ensure that choices have tangible consequences, reinforcing the series’ legacy of intelligent design and social commentary.
1 Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
The Start Of A New Era
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
- Released
- February 29, 2024
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T For Teen Due To Blood, Language, Mild Suggestive Themes, Use of Alcohol and Tobacco, Violence
- Developer(s)
- Square Enix
- Publisher(s)
- Square Enix
- Genre(s)
- RPG
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, PC
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth continues Square Enix’s ambitious retelling of a genre-defining classic, bringing back some all-time classic characters with a new upgraded look and all the same enjoyment. Built on modern hardware, the game expands the story and world of its predecessor with breathtaking scale and cinematic flair that rarely disappoints, even when the moments slow down.
The action begins right from the get go and the combination of real-time combat and strategic mechanics, makes every fight feel like a dance of blades. Familiar characters are given new emotional depth and the story that defined a generation is given a new set of twists that takes it in a completely different direction whilst still keeping the core DNA at heart. As the second entry in a trilogy, Rebirth deepens the lore and raises the stakes, reaffirming its status as a landmark in both RPG storytelling and gameplay.
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From their very first moments, these Square Enix games grab their players' attention, and they don't let go until the credits roll.