Square Enix may be enduring a rather rocky time in the gaming industry right now, but there's no denying that the company is still one of the most recognized developers in existence. They have developed several amazing titles that have stood the test, going on to become some of the greatest video games in living memory.
The company enjoyed many golden years, with its output on the PS2 being particularly noteworthy. From blockbuster JRPGs to action-heavy titles that pushed the boundaries of what the console could achieve, Square Enix carved an amazing legacy on the PS2 that many fans still look back on fondly to this day.
10 Final Fantasy 10-2
Final Fantasy 10-2 is the first-ever numbered sequel in the series, and fans couldn't help but wonder if this was because of Square's massive misstep when it came to Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within. Regardless, many people didn't complain about this, seeing as they would be able to explore the world of Spira once again.
Final Fantasy 10-2's lighthearted tone and imaginative take on the battle system were praised by the masses. While the heavier aspects of the story were criticized for how they downplayed some of Final Fantasy 10's stronger elements, it was still perceived as a great game by those who liked what this title brought to the table.
9 Drakengard
Before Nier, there was Drakengard — a unique blend of gameplay styles with a story penned by the brilliant mind of Yoko Taro. Suffice it to say, the narrative of this title was one of its biggest strengths, with players loving the dark themes of the story quite a bit.
The gameplay was a different matter, trying to emulate the gameplay of Dynasty Warriors and Ace Combat without featuring the depth of either series. The result was a mixed bag that slowly became a cult classic that some fans love, especially with Nier: Automata turning out to be a massive success.
8 Valkyrie Profile 2: Silmeria
Valkyrie Profile 2: Silmeria is a brilliant sequel that expands on the first game in many ways. The combat system, graphics, and gameplay have all been improved significantly and make for a great time as players explore everything this ambitious JRPG has to offer.
However, some fans lament the loss of the first game's soul, with the individual stories of the einherjar taking a back seat in this experience. While fans of both games can go to war describing why their favorite title is better, there's no denying that Valkyrie Profile 2: Silmeria makes for an enjoyable escape regardless.
7 Front Mission 4
Front Mission 4 is a mecha RPG that can be intimidating to get into. There are many stats to keep track of and the menu system does a great job of trying to frustrate the player as they try to understand what this title's all about.
However, as players customize their wanzers (the mechs in this game) and slowly come to grips with the gameplay, they'll understand why this game is so beloved by the fanbase. The learning curve is intense, but players who decide to power through this experience will slowly but surely realize why the game is so rewarding.
6 Final Fantasy 11
Final Fantasy 11 was a game that elicited consternation among fans when it was introduced. After all, no one could predict that one of the mainline games in a series known for single-player experiences would delve into the realm of MMORPGs!
However, most critics were silenced when Final Fantasy 11 launched, with the game being a massive hit both critically and commercially. The fact that the game is still active to this day is a huge achievement and shows just how much of a landmark success Final Fantasy 11 really was.
5 Kingdom Hearts
Kingdom Hearts is a famous action RPG franchise, featuring a premise that's so bizarre that no one expected it to work. The crossover between various Square Enix IPs and Disney ended up being a surprise hit that fans adore to this day.
The story of Sora, as he teamed up with familiar Disney faces to take on the forces of darkness, was a blast. Kingdom Hearts was universally considered a successful experiment, launching Tetsuya Nomura's career as a game director.
4 Final Fantasy 12
Final Fantasy 12 was a step in a completely new direction for Square Enix, clearly inspired by their work on the previous MMORPG in the series. The game featured an ensemble cast in the same vein as Final Fantasy 6, throwing players smack-dab in the middle of a war where the kingdom of Dalmasca gets caught in the crossfire between the empires of Archadia and Rozarria.
The game's focus on politics and a mature story was welcomed by the masses, even if the Gambit system felt a bit too complicated for its own good. Regardless, Final Fantasy 12 was a blast to play through, with the reimagining of the series being appreciated by fans and critics alike.
3 Dragon Quest 8: Journey Of The Cursed King
Dragon Quest 8 is a great game that continued the strong legacy of this legendary JRPG series. Many people credit Dragon Quest 11 as the game that placed the series on the map for Western audiences, but the truth is that Dragon Quest had already experienced its fair share of success on foreign shores with this game.
Featuring a god-tier localization along with a cel-shaded art style that is quite timeless, Dragon Quest 8 is a masterclass in how to craft a beautiful JRPG. People who got into this franchise courtesy of the eleventh mainline entry owe it to themselves to check this amazing game out.
2 Kingdom Hearts 2
Kingdom Hearts 2 is pretty much the definition of a sequel done right, topping the first game in every way and cementing its reputation as one of the greatest games on the PS2. The presentation was improved across pretty much every front and still looks amazing to this day.
The greater role played by the sinister Organization XIII gives the story a better focus as players fight against this massive threat. Even after twenty years, many people consider this game to be the best in the franchise, which is a significant achievement.
1 Final Fantasy 10
Final Fantasy 10 is one of the greatest JRPGs of all time, serving as Square Enix's first foray with this franchise on the PS2. The results are nothing short of spectacular, with combat being quick and satisfying while the visuals were truly astounding and still hold up!
Of course, it would be impossible to talk about the strengths of this game without mentioning how the lore of Spira and the narrative gel together in a harmonious and beautiful combination. Final Fantasy 10's story will hit players right in the feels, with the ending being a tearjerker that still stands strong as one of the best video game conclusions ever crafted.