Unreleased Square Enix games that should get HD-2D remakes

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As a lifelong gamer who has been fortunate enough to witness the evolution of Square Enix from its humble beginnings to the powerhouse it is today, I can’t help but be excited about the potential future releases under their HD-2D label. Having grown up playing Quintet’s masterpieces, I’ve always held a soft spot for Terranigma, a game that, despite its English localization, was never graced with a North American release. If Square Enix could somehow navigate the rights issues and bring this gem to light, it would be a dream come true for many of us who have longed to explore its dark and dense storytelling.

Among the captivating and thrilling game genres under Square Enix’s control is the HD-2D style. Originally a visually unique engine for original IP like Octopath Traveler, it has evolved into its own label, encompassing not just new games but also remakes or enhanced versions of games that might have gone unnoticed. Games such as Live A Live might not have been revived without the success of HD-2D. Even though the latest Dragon Quest 3 release isn’t a small project, it reinforced the reputation of this piece of the JRPG genre, guaranteeing its longevity. So, what other games could Square Enix create under the HD-2D banner to broaden fans’ perspectives and reinforce their rich back catalog?

Terrangima

Among Square Enix’s diverse intellectual property collection lies the creations of Quintet, a company renowned for producing unique Action-RPGs, primarily published by Enix. Some undervalued cult favorites, including ActRaiser and Illusion of Gaia, were produced by Quintet. However, Terranigma, though localized in English, was never released in North America. This game is frequently highlighted by RPG enthusiasts as one of the lost classics of history due to its unexpectedly deep and dark narrative. The closure of Quintet and the disappearance of its owner have sparked speculation about rights issues, but Square Enix’s launch of ActRaiser Renaissance suggests that there might be a possibility of more Quintet productions reemerging in the future.

King’s Knight

In the beginning, Square’s creations were quite diverse in theme and scale, and one of my personal favorites is King’s Knight. At first glance, it might seem like a traditional JRPG similar to Dragon Quest, but it’s actually more akin to Galaga in terms of gameplay – a ‘shoot ’em up’. However, the levels in this game involve constructing a party, boosting your stats, and discovering hidden treasures, which are reminiscent of RPGs and fantasy games popular at that time. It’s an unusual blend of genres, truly unique. Until Demon Throttle by Doinksoft emerged, it was like nothing else. A full-fledged expansion or remake (without the pitfalls of a mobile game) would be amazing, I promise!

Treasure Hunter G

In the ’90s, localizing RPGs was such a time-consuming task that we missed out on several Square adventures for Super Famicom, which were almost simultaneous with the arrival of the Nintendo 64. One of those games I wish I had played back then is Treasure Hunter G, a tactics-style RPG known for its striking art style reminiscent of Donkey Kong Country. The characters in this game had sprites that were actually converted 3D models, giving them an endearing charm despite their rough edges. It’s the potential of this unique style being adapted into the HD-2D look that piques my interest, but let me emphasize that Treasure Hunter G is fascinating in its own right.

Treasure of the Rudras

Isn’t it intriguing that two of the final Square games for Super Famicom share “Treasure” in their titles, one being Treasure Hunter G? Despite their similar names, they are remarkably distinct. Rudras, on the other hand, bears more resemblance to Chrono Trigger with its impressive visuals for its era and a non-linear narrative that allows players to switch between various scenarios at will. This game is also recognized for its innovative magic system, where players construct words to create new spells. This mechanic posed quite a challenge for fan translators, as you can probably guess. If the magic system in Treasure of the Rudras were refined, it would certainly demonstrate that this RPG has just as much charm and appeal as the classic Square RPGs we all cherish.

Secret of Evermore

In an unusual turn of events, let me explain. Following the triumph of Secret of Mana, Square’s Japanese division tasked its American counterpart with creating a game in a similar style. This was no small feat for numerous reasons, but the team at Squaresoft rose to the challenge and produced something unique, bold, and worthy of cult classic status. Given its peculiar nature, particularly given the recent revival of Mana as a series, revisiting this quirky gem could make for an intriguing project. Moreover, such a venture would be a remarkable way to create something distinctive within the HD-2D brand, especially since it wasn’t originally released in Japan!

Bahamut Lagoon

To be honest, I thought we’d have seen a remake or localization of Bahamut Lagoon much earlier than now. For as long as I can remember, this unlocalized Square game has been the talk of the town among gamers, known for its stunning graphics, intricate tactical combat, and the fact that it was originally intended to be “Final Fantasy Tactics”. That title eventually went elsewhere, but longtime Final Fantasy writer Kazushige Nojima helmed this project, with Motomu Toriyama making his debut as a writer. Given the pedigree of these two veterans, I can’t believe it hasn’t been brought back in the recent years.

Square Enix boasts an extensive history that has seen numerous remakes and remasters throughout the years, yet only scratched the surface of its rich legacy. Particularly intriguing are recent developments like the HD-2D style and the Live A Live remake, which have sparked my interest for quite some time. Additionally, I’ve been hoping that King’s Knight might make an appearance as a bonus underdog project. While Square Enix is known for its unpredictability, let’s hope that at least a few of these projects are already on their to-do list. Are there any deeper cuts from Square Enix’s catalog that you think deserve the HD-2D treatment? Share your ideas here!

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2024-12-09 22:27