Gaming Squared

In 2003, the world of console rpgs was forever changed. Gaming giants Square Soft and Enix merged into what became Square Enix. 5 years later, the world still hangs on their every release. But, some have complained about changes in development philosophy. But what changes have occurred? Well, to begin with, let’s look at the reasons for the merger.

Square Soft was considered the worldwide leader in console rpgs. Obviously, the Final Fantasy series is probably the preeminent brand in console role-playing. The company also had the cult favorite SaGa series, as well as the very successful Mana and Chrono games (Trivia note: the first Mana game was on the Game Boy, and was actually titled Final Fantasy Adventure.) Square had also made a splash with the mainstream-friendly Kingdom Hearts. Less well known outside of Japan, Square also owned the strategy based Front Mission series, as well as Parasite Eve. However, Square was not as profitable as many thought it should be, and games were released at a fairly slow pace.

Enix, however had a different problem. Although the Dragon Quest series (formerly known in America as Dragon Warrior) was extremely popular in Japan, it was not nearly as popular in the US and elsewhere. And the companies other notable properties, Star Ocean and Valkyrie Profile, failed to accomplish mainstream recognition in the way that Square had. That said, Enix was still able to produce games regularly, and make profit off of what sales they had.

In short, Square had the talent, and Enix had the savvy. Enix absorbed Square, and Square Enix was born.

But what has the difference been? Well, many Enix games are much better marketed and developed than they once were. Star Ocean: Till the End of Time and Valkyrie Profile 2: Silmeria were much better marketed than their predecessors, not to mention much more enjoyable. On the other hand, Square’s properties have been released with more regularity, and some business philosophies have changed. For example, in the past, the Final Fantasy games had no direct sequels. Each game was set in a different world, had different characters, engines, and mechanics. Now, Final Fantasy X-2 changed the gameplay of FFX, but reused the characters, storyline, and even many of the maps. Final Fantasy XI and Final Fantasy XII also share a world, which happens to be the same one used for Final Fantasy Tactics, although in a different time period. The biggest departure so far, however, has to be FFVII. In addition to making a movie, Advent Children, there was also a sequel, Final Fantasy VII: Dirge of Cerberus, which was actually a first person shooter, with minor rpg traits.

But what has it meant for gamers? Well, more games, some of which are better, some of which were worse. Because by changing the teams and stepping up the timetables, there has been some decrease in quality with some of Square’s games. And Square Enix is apparently doing very well financially, whereas Square Soft was always in danger of bankruptcy (The disastrously unsuccessful Final Fantasy: the Spirits Within would almost definitely have been a coffin nail if the merger had fallen through).

Ultimately, I feel that the merger was a step forward. Although I do feel like the wheels of progress might have dented a few of the games, I am happy knowing that the games will keep coming for a long time.