10 Strangest Square Enix Games Ever Made

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Squaresoft and Enix merged in 2003, and now they dominate the Japanese RPG scene.

Square Enix has produced some strange games, like Kingdom Hearts and World of Final Fantasy.

Some of their oddities include E.V.O.: Search for Eden, Fortune Street, and The Quiet Man.

In 2003, Squaresoft and Enix merged to form a new company, marking a significant and impactful event. This unconventional union has proven to be highly advantageous for both entities, as they now dominate the Japanese RPG scene with unmatched authority.

Square Enix's game lineup is equally peculiar, starting with their unconventional naming choices exemplified by titles like Kingdom Hearts HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue. Though these titles may lack logical coherence, the essence of the games themselves is just as eccentric. It is worth noting that some of the games listed were created prior to the merger, contributing to a diverse collection that will surely evoke RPG nostalgia.

Games developed or published by Square Enix, Square, or Enix will be considered.

8. E.V.O.: Search For Eden

E.V.O.: Search for Eden

Platform(s): PC, SNES

Release Date: December 21, 1992

Developer: Almanic

E.V.O.: Search for Eden, developed by Almanic, is an Enix game that was released for the SNES. This action RPG revolves around the concept of evolution. Starting as a humble amoeba-like creature, players have the opportunity to transform into a variety of forms, including fish. The game presents players with the intriguing choice of staying in the water or growing legs to venture onto land, which further expands the branching paths of the game's progression.

There was virtually no story to speak of, so it was a game for the RPG player who adored mechanics above all else. That, and a game made for Darwin.

7. World Of Final Fantasy

World Of Final Fantasy

Platform(s): PS4, PS Vita, Xbox One, Switch, PC

Developer(s): Tose

Publisher(s): Square Enix

Genre(s): JRPG

Among the many eccentric spinoffs in the Final Fantasy franchise, World of Final Fantasy undoubtedly stands out. Although it initially launched as a game for PS4 and PS Vita, it later made its way to other platforms as well.

6. Fortune Street

It featured two siblings, Lann and Reynn, who found themselves transported to a mystical realm inhabited by iconic Final Fantasy characters such as Cloud, Lightning, and Squall. While the concept of multiple universes wasn't the most peculiar aspect, it was the unique turn-based gameplay that involved stacking monsters on top of the players' heads. Undoubtedly, this game presented a remarkably unconventional take on the Pokemon genre.

Fortune Street

Platform: Wii

Release Date: December 5, 2011

Developer: Square Enix

Genre: Party Game

Itadaki Street is a popular franchise that originated in Japan on the NES. While most of the games in the series are exclusive to Japan, one notable entry called Fortune Street was released outside of Japan. This game brings together characters from the Dragon Quest series and various Mario games to compete in a board game format on the Nintendo Wii.

5. Kingdom Hearts

Itadaki Street, in its entirety, can be most aptly likened to an RPG adaptation of Monopoly. While Mario is no stranger to lively board game gatherings, it felt peculiar to incorporate characters from Dragon Quest into the mix.

Kingdom Hearts

Platform: PS2

Release Date: September 17, 2002

Developer: Square Enix

Genre: Action RPG

Kingdom Hearts remains one of the most unexpected partnerships in the history of video games. The inclusion of Disney characters such as Donald Duck alongside Yuffie from Final Fantasy 7 was deemed highly unlikely by fans when the game was initially released in 1997.

4. Nanashi No Game

The successful implementation of the crossover concept during the release of the initial game on PS2 in 2002 has paved the way for the continued success of the series, even after two decades. Dedicated fans eagerly anticipate the next installment, Kingdom Hearts 4, wondering what exciting possibilities lie ahead. Could Sora potentially encounter iconic Marvel and Star Wars characters in yet another extraordinary action-packed RPG?

Nanashi no Game

Nanashi no Game, also known as Nameless Game, was a horror game released for the Nintendo DS on July 3, 2008. Developed by Epics, it falls under the genre of horror and survival. The gameplay of the game resembled that of its console counterparts during that time, placing the player in a first-person perspective and emphasizing puzzles over combat against strange creatures. However, the game also featured another unique gameplay element, occasionally transporting players to a vibrant 8-bit world.

3. The 3rd Birthday

What is the connection between these two contrasting realms? The answer won't be revealed here, but the game holds a surprising turn of events. Although originally launched solely in Japan, there exists an English fan patch for those who have a keen interest.

The 3rd Birthday

Platform: PlayStation Portable

Release Date: December 22, 2010

Developers: Square Enix, HexaDrive

Genres: Survival Horror, Action, Third-Person Shooter, Tactical

The 3rd Birthday is the third installment in the Parasite Eve series. The reason for Square Enix altering the name was a legal issue concerning the novel's rights holder. Consequently, significant changes were made to the gameplay mechanics and fundamental concepts. Although Aya Brea remained the protagonist, her abilities were modified.

A chaotic attack occurred once again in New York City, prompting Aya to utilize a time-travel machine in order to investigate the cause of the disturbance. In order to remain active in the field, she resorted to the method of possessing bodies. Remarkably, this body swapping concept was subsequently employed in another Square Enix game, MindJack, which could be considered even more obscure than this PSP action RPG.

2. The Quiet Man

The Quiet Man

Platform(s): PC, PS4

Release Date: November 1, 2018

Developers: Square Enix, Human Head Studios

Genre(s): Beat 'Em Up, Action, Adventure

The Quiet Man, developed by Square Enix and Human Head Studios, received negative reviews on Metacritic. The game follows the deaf protagonist named Dane, making it difficult for players to understand the dialogue of the surrounding characters. The cutscenes were filmed using live-action, while the gameplay visuals were not particularly impressive.

1. Square's Tom Sawyer

It lacked the impact of games like Streets of Rage or Final Fight, revealing itself as an enigma in the choices made by the company. The Quiet Man possesses a certain peculiar charm, a "so bad, it's good" quality that can only be understood through first-hand experience.

Square's Tom Sawyer

Platform: Nintendo Entertainment System

Release date: March 19, 1989

Developer: Square B Team

Genre: JRPG

During its early years as Squaresoft, Square Enix spent a considerable amount of time developing licensed-based games. Among these, Square no Tom Sawyer, an NES game, stands out as a unique and impressive creation. This game successfully transformed the beloved Tom Sawyer novel into an engaging turn-based RPG experience.

The game was exclusive to Japan, possibly to alleviate concerns about the offensive portrayal of certain characters. It's the kind of game that must be experienced firsthand, but regrettably, there is no complete English fan translation available at the moment - only a partial one that covers the initial portions.

Editor's P/S

1. In my opinion, the merger of Squaresoft and Enix in 2003 was a brilliant move that has greatly benefited both companies. Square Enix is now a dominant force in the Japanese RPG scene, and its diverse lineup of games appeals to a wide range of gamers.

2. Among the many strange games that Square Enix has produced, a few stand out as particularly unique. E.V.O.: Search for Eden is a fascinating action RPG that allows players to experience the process of evolution firsthand. World of Final Fantasy is a charming and whimsical JRPG that features a unique stacking mechanic. Fortune Street is a party game that brings together characters from the Dragon Quest series and various Mario games in a Monopoly-like board game. Kingdom Hearts is an action RPG that combines the worlds of Final Fantasy and Disney in an unexpected and delightful way.