Final Fantasy, Dragon Quest, Kingdom Hearts: Square Enix is the reigning house of the JRPG and the epic. RomWize re-ranks the publisher's best games by its re-evaluated scores, each with its current score, its versions, their rarity and their collector value.
"The sequel introduces the hero party and a broader quest. Already richer and more varied than the first. A great step forward that establishes the series formula. Still playable and enjoyable."
"Dragon Quest III splendidly remade, with a fresh bonus dungeon that will thrill veterans. Deep party customization, epic exploration and pure nostalgia all in one package. A reference point for anyone curious about classic Japanese RPGs."
"Four independent chapters culminating in an epic conclusion. Choral storytelling revolutionary for the era. Each chapter is a remarkable mini-adventure. The pinnacle of DQ on NES."
"The very first Dragon Quest: the game that invented the modern J-RPG in Japan. Rudimentary compared to its successors but foundational in essence. Historically essential."
"Quintet weaves 2D action with godlike city building in a one of a kind blend, carried by Yuzo Koshiro's legendary score. A truly singular experience."
"Quest's cult tactical RPG, with majestic staging and an original alignment system. Long, dense, still spellbinding today."
"PS1 remake of Dragon Quest IV with an additional fifth narrative chapter and deeply likable characters. The independent chapter system is brilliant and Sugiyama's soundtrack unforgettable. A JRPG masterpiece and one of the finest versions of this foundational entry."
"A Dragon Quest VI with a rich job system and a dreamlike two world story. Long, dense, sometimes slow, but memorable."
"A technically breathtaking late-NES Japanese tactical-RPG. Deep turn-based strategy, elaborate story. Entirely in Japanese. One of the best hidden strategy games on the console."
"Valkyrie Profile is a Tri-Ace PS1 masterpiece. Valkyrie Lenneth collects souls of fallen warriors to prepare them for Ragnarok in dark Norse mythology. Spectacular side-scrolling combat system and unique Einherjar integration system. Epic Motoi Sakuraba soundtrack. An unparalleled JRPG."
"Enix's evolution RPG where you grow your creature across the ages. Strange, sometimes slow, but bursting with imagination for its time."
"A uniquely moving Dragon Quest V centered on three generations and marriage. More touching than many modern stories, an absolute must."
"The first tri-Ace Star Ocean, an ambitious and technically rare Japanese JRPG. Real time combat and solid narrative, essential."
"The Japanese Illusion of Gaia, a Quintet action RPG mixing world spanning exploration and smooth combat. A forgotten SFC peak."
"Atmospheric and poetic point-and-click narrative adventure. Visually splendid with unique art direction. Melancholic and touching story. Accessible to non-Japanese speakers via available fan translations. A quiet Saturn jewel."
"Dragon Quest VII is a monumental PS1 JRPG of extraordinary length. The lost continent reconstruction mechanic is brilliantly implemented and the mature scenario dazzles. Complete and unmatched Japanese version. One of the greatest JRPGs ever designed."
"American release of Dragon Quest VII, a colossal PS1 JRPG. Reconstructing lost civilizations through stone tablets is a unique mechanic. Phenomenal playtime exceeding 100 hours. One of the finest JRPGs ever made, slightly truncated compared to the Japanese version."
"The Japanese name for Soul Blazer, a brilliant Quintet action RPG. World rebuilding, moving narrative, essential for fans."
"Suzuki Bakuhatsu is an absurdly original Japanese PS1 adventure game. A high school girl will explode unless kept in a constant state of happiness and excitement. Zany puzzles and grotesque situations in a delightfully mad comedy. A unique and memorable Japanese PS1 oddity."
"A Japanese Produce JRPG, spiritual successor to The 7th Saga, more accessible and better written. A real success."