During the mid-2000s, Square Enix carved a niche for itself in the realm of portable gaming. With minimal focus on console offerings, the company recognized the potential of handheld gaming and the appeal of on-the-go multiplayer experiences. At the forefront of this movement was the Nintendo DS, a platform that played host to a range of innovative titles, including the iconic game, The World Ends With You.
While games like The World Ends With You and Final Fantasy Tactics A2: Grimoire of the Rift are fondly remembered, there exists a handful of other Square Enix titles on the DS that have largely faded from public consciousness. Let’s take a trip down memory lane and shine a light on some of these forgotten gems.
6 Dragon Quest Wars
Metacritic Score: 83
Dragon Quest Wars may stand as the most obscure DS entry for Western fans, with its release being limited to the Japanese market. Developed in collaboration with Intelligent Systems, known for their work on the Fire Emblem series, Dragon Quest Wars offered players a tactical RPG experience, allowing them to command classic monsters like Slimes in battles on small maps.
Despite being a digital exclusive on the DSiWare store, the game eventually slipped into obscurity following the closure of the store. However, given Square Enix's penchant for remakes and remasters, there may still be hope for Dragon Quest Wars to reclaim its place in the spotlight.
5 Final Fantasy 12: Revenant Wings
Metacritic Score: 81
Final Fantasy 12: Revenant Wings presented a departure from its predecessor, offering players a direct sequel that ventured into the skies with characters from the main game. Bringing a real-time strategy (RTS) approach, the game infused a cheerful ambiance into the franchise, albeit with a challenge arising from the DS's limitations, particularly its small screen.
4 Heroes Of Mana
Metacritic Score: 66
Heroes of Mana, another title that delved into the realm of real-time strategy, encountered similar challenges as Final Fantasy 12: Revenant Wings due to the limitations posed by the DS's screen size. With these limitations in mind, it's intriguing to contemplate how these games might have flourished on platforms such as PC or Switch, which offer enhanced control options in handheld mode.
3 Kingdom Hearts Re:Coded
Metacritic Score: 66
Kingdom Hearts Re:Coded ventured into experimental territory for the Kingdom Hearts series, with its exclusive release in Japan as a phone game. Although the game's remake on the DS sought to breathe new life into the title, its journey was plagued by clunky controls and a revisiting of familiar narrative ground, resulting in a rather understated presence in the franchise.
2 Mario Hoops 3-On-3
Metacritic Score: 69
Mario Hoops 3-On-3 marked a surprising collaboration between Square Enix and Nintendo, weaving the beloved characters from the Mario franchise into an unexpected sports-themed endeavor. This arcade-style basketball game introduced an exhilarating experience centered on managing three characters against opponents on compact courts, featuring a delightful blend of iconic Mario characters and familiar faces from the Final Fantasy universe.
1 Valkyrie Profile: Covenant Of The Plume
Metacritic Score: 74
Valkyrie Profile: Covenant of the Plume represented a prominent addition to Square Enix's repertoire of tactical RPGs, drawing from Norse mythology to craft a compelling grid-based setup filled with hero characters, distinct classes, and intricate abilities. Despite its substantial difficulty level, the game resonated with players seeking a challenge, prompting a wish for its potential resurgence alongside other tactical RPGs from Square Enix's DS era.