Can Anyone Abolish the Square Enix Juggernaut?

Individually, Square and Enix were the two biggest RPG developers and publishers in the world. Their number-one games are so huge that I don’t even have to say them by name because their abbreviations, DQ and FF, are automatically translated in our minds.

When the two publishers decided to join forces, they quickly formed a role-playing juggernaut that continued to rule the market. Sure, there are bigger MMOs than Final Fantasy XI, but in the world of turn-based RPGs and strategy/RPGs, no one is bigger than Square Enix. Together they own the biggest crossover franchise (Kingdom Hearts), the most acclaimed strategy/RPG (Final Fantasy Tactics), the most successful horror/RPG series (Parasite Eve), the first major console RPG to use AI-assisted allies (Star Ocean), and the longest-running tactical RPG series (Front Mission). And that doesn’t even include DQ or FF!

(Note: If you think that DQ stands for Dairy Queen and that FF stands for Freaky Friday, please stop reading this and seek medical attention immediately.)

In 2009, Square Enix indicated that it was interested in tackling the action genre. After acquiring Eidos, that dream became a reality. With the resilient Tomb Raider, Just Cause, and Kane & Lynch series now under its command, this publisher is practically unstoppable.

However, “practically” is not the same as “entirely.” Although it seemed that Square and Enix could do no wrong in the ‘90s, the following decade has not been as kind.

Meanwhile, other RPG makers have been slowly working their way toward penetrating the global market. Let’s examine these companies, the work they’ve accomplished, and the threats they pose to Square Enix’s future.

Nippon Ichi

Much like Square Enix, Nippon Ichi Software’s roots are tied to the genre’s stylized beginnings; quirky characters, flashy graphics, and quick, turn-based combat are the norm for this publisher. Unlike the juggernaut, NIS refuses to leave its past behind. This is a company that welcomes returning fans with open arms, releasing many treats – and several consecutive morsels – without changing the ingredients because of a bad executive decision. That strategy has allowed NIS to rise above the hyperbole that has plagued so many in the game industry, particularly those that design or publish RPGs.

Square Enix Should Be Worried Because: NIS is striving to build the Disgaea brand as something more than a great strategy/RPG. From anime and a visual novel on the PSP to a side-scrolling action game that stars Prinny, Disgaea is evolving and expanding very quickly.

Square Enix Should Be Terrified Because: As frustrating as it was, I’d rather play Prinny: Can I Really Be The Hero? than any of the awful Final Fantasy spin-offs. Considering my love and obsession for the series, this doesn’t bode well for Square Enix, a company that hypes and releases games as convoluted as “Dissidia” and “Versus XIII.”

Namco Bandai

While Namco Bandai is primarily known for Pac-Man, Tekken and SoulCalibur, the publisher has occasionally dabbled in role-playing development. Xenosaga is one of its most prominent releases, primarily because it attempted to replicate the magic of Xenogears. But while few remember the Xeno games, many cherish Namco’s original franchise: Tales of Phantasia. Starting out on the SNES in the early ‘90s, the Tales series has made its way to PSone (Tales of Destiny), GameCube (Tales of Symphonia), Xbox 360 (Tales of Vesperia), and will arrive on PS3 in the not-too-distant future.

Square Enix Should Be Worried Because: Let’s face it: after PSone and PS2’s impeccable lineup of RPGs, PlayStation 3 has been a huge disappointment. Consequently, any Tales game that arrives on PS3 will get an easy shot at the spotlight – first because it’s one of the few RPGs on the system, and second because it’s unlikely to appear on other consoles at launch. (Square Enix’s RPGs, on the other hand, are typically released simultaneously on PS3, Xbox 360 and PC.)

Square Enix Should Be Terrified If: Namco Bandai ever decides to use its talent and development resources to create a truly groundbreaking RPG.

Xseed

Xseed Games is mostly known for its unusual classics (Retro Game Challenge for the DS, Little King’s Story for Wii) and for its unexpectedly epic RPGs. The Wizard of Oz: Beyond the Yellow Brick Road ended up being one of the best game-to-film adaptations of the decade. Rune Factory Frontier gave Wii owners a nice change of pace. On PSP, Half-Minute Hero racked up several RPG awards and near-endless critical acclaim.

Square Enix Should Be Worried Because: Xseed isn’t afraid to take risks. For proof, take one look at the Korg DS-10 synthesizer. Most publishers wouldn’t go anywhere near a product as niche as that. Xseed also had the balls to give us Ivy the Kiwi. It may look simple but the gameplay is ultra addictive and the quirky visuals are fairly likable.

Square Enix Should Be Terrified Because: Square Enix has gotten away from making risky and super-quirky games, so it may not care if Xseed rules that market. However, when that same publisher releases great games like Avalon Code – an action/RPG that’s comparable to Square’s earlier hits – it’s time to panic.

Electronic Arts

Along with the many Madden and Need for Speed updates, EA has built up a collection of successful RPGs. Ultima, The Bard’s Tale and Dark Age of Camelot were only the beginning. In the past few years, Mass Effect and Dragon Age: Origins (both courtesy of BioWare) have swept the world as two of the biggest RPGs of the current generation.

Square Enix Should Be Worried Because: While Square Enix fights to penetrate the action game market, EA can fend off newcomers by relying on its enormous catalogue of established brands. As if that weren’t enough, EA’s venture into role-playing development has taken away from the once-mammoth Final Fantasy franchise.

Square Enix Should Be Terrified Because: EA has one of the best lineups in gaming. This year, Medal of Honor, Rock Band 3 and numerous sports games will reign supreme. In 2011, the publisher has every major genre covered: action (Crysis 2), adventure (Mirror’s Edge 2), horror (Dead Space 2), RPG (Mass Effect 3 and Dragon Age 2), and simulation (The Sims Medieval), along with another slate of sports updates. How can anyone compete with that?