Alright, let’s get back to it. We still have plenty of Square Enix’s classics to detail on mobile, and I promise we’ll get to the non-Final Fantasy ones soon!
Final Fantasy VI
Above: Hey, sometimes the Earth needs a good cry.
Original platform: Super Nintendo (1994)
Mobile platforms: Android and iOS
What it is: This version of Final Fantasy VI got the same treatment as V: new visuals with the features and translation from the Game Boy Advance version. Final Fantasy VI is also one of the most celebrated role-playing games in history, with a huge cast of memorable characters and an epic, emotional story.
Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions
Above: Any real RPG fan would swoon at all of this potential organizing.
Original platform: PlayStation (1997)
Mobile platforms: iOS
What it is: The original Final Fantasy Tactics is a spin-off of the main series that features turn-based strategy gameplay as opposed to the series’ more traditional role-playing game mechanics. It also uses a Job system similar to Final Fantasy V’s. The iOS version uses the improved graphics, cutscenes, and new jobs from the PSP remake.
Dragon Quest IV: Chapters of the Chosen
Above: Looking pretty chosen right there.
Original platform: Nintendo Entertainment System (1990)
Mobile platforms: Android and iOS (the Android version is currently only available in Japan)
What it is: Dragon Quest IV features the classic turn-based gameplay found in most games in the series. It breaks up its story in different chapters, each one focusing on different characters, until they all come together in the end. The mobile versions uses the updated graphics and extra content originally created for the DS remake.
Dragon Quest VIII: Journey of the Cursed King
Above: Where the hell is the dragon?
Original platform: PlayStation 2 (2004)
Mobile platforms: Android and iOS
What it is: Dragon Quest VIII was the series lone installment on the PlayStation 2. It features colorful, cel-shaded graphics while retaining the series random battles and turn-based fighting systems. The mobile version is largely similar to the original, but it has touchscreen controls. It does have a drawback — it only plays in portrait mode, which doesn’t do the gorgeous graphics widescreen justice.
Secret of Mana
Above: In no way related to the Secret of Monkey Island.
Original platform: Super Nintendo (1993)
Mobile platforms: Android and iOS
What it is: Unlike the other games on this list, Secret of Mana is more action-based. Battles take place in real time instead of in turn-based environments, sometimes making it feel more like The Legend of Zelda than Final Fantasy. The iOS port is largely similar to the original, although it does add text originally cut from the English translation.
Chrono Trigger
Above: That thing looks like me after a Taco Bell run.
Original platform: Super Nintendo (1995)
Mobile platforms: iOS and Android
What it is: Chrono Trigger is right up there with Final Fantasy VI when it comes to classic 16-bit role-playing games. It features memorable characters, gorgeous music, and an exciting quest to save the world. Square Enix based the mobile version off of the DS release, which was largely similar to the original but with a slightly revised translation.