Overview
Final Fantasy wasn’t just a game—it was Squaresoft’s entire identity. From NES origins through PlayStation dominance, they defined what Japanese RPGs could achieve: epic stories, memorable characters, spectacular visuals. The merger with Enix ended the Squaresoft name but continued the legacy.
Fast facts
- Founded: 1983.
- Location: Japan.
- Known for: Final Fantasy, Chrono Trigger.
- Merged: Enix (2003, became Square Enix).
Final Fantasy series
| Title | Year | Platform |
|---|
| Final Fantasy I | 1987 | NES |
| Final Fantasy IV | 1991 | SNES |
| Final Fantasy VI | 1994 | SNES |
| Final Fantasy VII | 1997 | PlayStation |
| Final Fantasy VIII | 1999 | PlayStation |
| Final Fantasy IX | 2000 | PlayStation |
| Final Fantasy X | 2001 | PlayStation 2 |
Other major titles
| Title | Year |
|---|
| Secret of Mana | 1993 |
| Chrono Trigger | 1995 |
| Super Mario RPG | 1996 |
| Xenogears | 1998 |
| Vagrant Story | 2000 |
| Kingdom Hearts | 2002 |
PlayStation partnership
| Achievement | Impact |
|---|
| FFVII exclusivity | System seller |
| Technical showcase | FMV, pre-rendering |
| Western breakthrough | Mainstream JRPG |
Visual evolution
| Era | Approach |
|---|
| NES | Sprite-based |
| SNES | Mode 7, detail |
| PlayStation | Pre-rendered, FMV |
| PS2 | Real-time 3D |
Enix merger
| Year | Event |
|---|
| 2003 | Square Enix formed |
| Reason | Financial recovery |
| Result | Combined catalogues |
See also