Top 5 Best Combat Systems In Square Enix Catalogue

The mitochondria are the powerhouse of the cell, and Parasite Eve takes that up to 11. Combining early bullet-hell shooting enemies, an ATB (active time battle) system, a gun, and a ‘magic’ system born from your own biology, this Square Enix classic offers hours of fun and replayability. Dodge enemies until you can attack, mark the target, take them down, and use your parasite energy to heal, shield, or boost your attacks. Though it has shown its age, what it has managed to do is still incredibly fun. Who doesn’t like giving your gun the power of mitochondria to shoot abominations in the face? When you’ve got a good couple of hours to spare, this game is definitely worth a play or two.

3. Final Fantasy X-2

The sequel to the much-beloved FFX, this game changed its combat system radically to provide a fresh take on the class system. Yuna, Rikku, and Paine wield their powers not through the Sphere Grid, but through the Dress Spheres which change their outfits and power sets, swapping them during battle brings new options, new weapons, and new powers for each girl to kick ass. In addition to the Dress Spheres, their placements in the Garment Grid will bring benefits as you swap. Truly, the idea of bringing magical girl transformations to Spira was one worthy of praise.

2. Nier: Automata

Square Enix, what have you done? The story alone was worthy of praise, but then you go and combine bullet-hell in both 2D and 3D, a customizable loadout, puzzle bosses, and three different combat philosophies, and make it all play beautifully? Nier: Automata hacks and slashes its way through your heart, then gives you a variety of enemies to whet your blade with, gives you all sorts of tools to play with, and makes you cry on top of it all? Yes, more of that, please. 2B uses her agility and strength to slash through the Machines, 042 provides fire support, and helps you make your way through the bullet-hell bosses. 

1. Final Fantasy VII Remake

To top off the list, one more remake of a game that stole our hearts when it first launched. Square Enix could’ve taken to simply remastering the game, but they took it a step further. Giving us an ATB system, throwing in a dash of the staggering mechanic, and combining it all with the tried and true materia for skills, magic, and more makes replaying this game feel both old and new. While the stagger system does take some getting used to, playing with the new and improved combat system to set up amazing combos, spectacular summons, and optimized materia placement will always be a treat.