Summary
Square Enix is known for creating memorable RPGs including big tentpole franchises likeDragon QuestandFinal Fantasy. It’s spawned many great other series too likeParasite Eveand theManagames. Some of these franchises have even featured multiplayer and were successful.
In a world where it’s easier now more than ever to connect with friends and family online, multiplayer is becoming a popular mechanic to base a game around.Foamstars, for example, is a recent multiplayer-focused shooter from Square Enix that does indeed have co-op. Is it the best co-op game though? Let’s take a look at Square Enix’s back catalog to look for the standouts.
Dungeon Siege 3was the first and only entry that Square Enix published in this beloved PC franchise once they acquired the rights. It was a good note to end on, for now, which brought the series to consoles alongside couch co-op. Up to two could play at home while four people could gather online. It was adungeon-crawler action RPG akin toDiablofit with plenty of loot and classes to mess around with. It was made for multiplayer but the story does have its fans too.
Outriderswas an interesting gambit for Square Enix as they published for People Can Fly. The studio has worked on many ports and original shooters likeGears of WarandBulletstormbefore this, butOutriderswas their big push into the looter shooter genre. There were four classes to choose from, most revolving around magic in some form. For example, Pyromancers could control fire. Besides magic abilities, players could collect tons of weird weapons to run and gun around with. Up to three players online can still enjoy this one-off on a variety of platforms.
Lara Croft and the Temple of Osirisis the second dungeon-crawler that was spun off from themainlineTomb Raidergames.Lara Croft and the Guardian of Lightreviewed better on Metacritic but that game only has two-player co-op.
Lara Croft and the Temple of Osirisfeatures four-player co-op online and local which is a rarity. It’s a top-down action game with a big emphasis on puzzles although none of them are going to make anyone’s brains explode. They’re simple but enjoyable and they promote a healthy sense of cooperation.
Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Daysis admittedly a silly name but this series is full of them. Odd names aside, this game was set during the events ofKingdom Hearts: Chain of MemoriesandKingdom Hearts 2. It starredRoxas, Sora’s Nobody, who was brought into Organization 13 to help gather materials for some nefarious deeds. Up to four players could link together using their DS systems and they could play as any of the Organizations 13 members. The multiplayer is what attracted fans to this spinoff as it was a first for the franchise but it could be enjoyed alone too.
Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicleswas the first game in the franchise to come back to a Nintendo system in years. It was a dungeon-crawler wherein players could select a race and a class. Four players could connect on the GameCube but they each needed a link cable and Game Boy Advance to play. It was an expensive setup which was made easier with sequels on the DS. Expensiveness aside, players at the time were truly into this co-op action RPG. While not as well reviewed, theremaster ofFinal Fantasy Crystal Chroniclesmade it a lot easier for players to connect online across a wide assortment of systems.
It may be a cheat to select a collection to put on this list but it’s only because the SNES version ofSecret of Manais not on Metacritic. It’s the game to beat in this collection as it was a rarity on the system. It supported three-player co-op on the SNES as long as someone bought a multitap.
Getting three players together with this Switch port is even easier with local play. Also included in the package isTrials of Manawhich features two-player co-op. ThefirstManagame,Final Fantasy Adventure, does not support any multiplayer nor has it ever. Also worth noting is that the 3D remakes, not included in this collection, forTrials of ManaandSecret of Manaremoved the multiplayer features.
Final Fantasy 14is the ultimate co-op experience for Square Enix andFinal Fantasyfans. The point of anMMO is to play togetherwith friends and strangers. It’s built into the model even though it is possible to play alone. Players can team up in small parties of four or they can get together a group of eight for a truly mind-blowing experience. This is the MMO that keeps on giving as there have been numerous expansions includingDawntrailwhich is set to release in July 2024.
Slightly higher thanFinal Fantasy 14isDragon Quest 9: Sentinels of the Starry Skies. This was the first mainline title to be released on a handheld and also the first to integrate four-player cooperative gameplay. Players could create a character and then eventually change their class, called a Vocation, in the campaign. This Vocation system made it perfect for co-op as players could build their teams around classes. It only had local gameplay via LAN connectivity on the DS but players could download maps online to group together in or buy special gear from the online shop. It was ahead of its time for a DS RPG that is at least still remembered as a high point for the series by fans.
