Since its inception in 1986,Square Enixhas been consistently releasing revolutionary JRPGs. Though it is mostly recognized for its creation of theFinal Fantasy,Kingdom Hearts, andDragon Questfranchises, the company has developed a vast number of unique video games that have unfortunately been forgotten by most fans.
Square Enix has always attempted to convey a storythrough a title’s cover art. For many titles, the cover art associated contains multiple hints regarding the plot of the game and its characters. Sometimes the cover art will attempt to convey a sense of spectacle to emphasize the nature of the game, or it can adopt a minimalist approach to promote a sense of wonder.
10The Bouncer
The Bounceris an action-based game that tells the story of three bouncers on a mission to free their friend from the clutches of the Mikado Group, a company that specializes in Solar Technologies. It allows the player to incorporate their own choices into the game’s narrative by giving them the option to choose different characters to play as during different events. Since its release, it hasgained a small cult following.
The cover art depicts Sion Barzahd with his left fist clenched in his right hand. His stern demeanor and intimidating nature suggest that he is an unstoppable force with a mission to complete. The nature of the game is highlighted clearly through the game’s cover art.
9Dirge Of Cerberus: Final Fantasy 7
Dirge Of Cerberus: Final Fantasy 7is a spin-off game toFinal Fantasy 7that follows the story of Vincent Valentine as he attempts to stop the organization known as Deep Ground from achieving its goals. His main goal is to prevent Deep Ground from gaining the ability to control Omega, a creature capable of mass destruction.
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UnlikeFinal Fantasy 7’s slightly more charming cover art,Dirge of Cerberusconveys hints of a more sinister narrative. AsVincent Valentine is a vampire, it makes sense that he is depicted in such a menacing way on the cover. He glares at the spectator while surrounded by darkness and fire, suggesting that his methods will be merciless.
8Drakengard
Though many are familiar with Yoko Taro’sNierseries,some are unaware of its origins. TheDrakengardseries is set over one thousand years before the events ofNier,showcasing an amalgamation of events that lead to the destruction of humanity.
This title sees the character Caim allying with the Red Dragon, both of which are depicted on the cover art surrounded by flames. Caim loses his voice in forming this pact, rendering him mute for a large portion of the plot. The cover art highlights this through its minimalist approach. Two expressionless beings standing among fire are all that need to be portrayed to highlight the game’s themes of sorrow and revenge.
7Dragon Quest 2
The plot ofDragon Quest 2sees the Midenhall Prince tasked with putting a stop to Hargon, an evil wizard responsible for the destruction of Moonbrooke Castle. It is a fantasy game that tells the classic tale of a group of tightly-knit companions who attempt to thwart the forces of evil.
The cover art succeeds in capturing the theme of fantasy in this game, though it fails to mention thegrinding required to complete. The sheer abundance of fantasy-based imagery depicted, though it may appear jarring to some, is undoubtedly one of Square Enix’s best attempts to convey an entire story through a single image.
6Final Fantasy X-2
The sequel to one of Square Enix’s most cherishedFinal Fantasyinstallments,Final Fantasy X-2, was met with mixed reviews. Though the game’s approach differed greatly from its origins, the cover art managed to capture the experimental narrative showcased in the game.
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The story focuses on Yuna as she attempts to locate spheres throughout Spira. The cover depicts the protagonists Yuna, Rikku, and Paine, all posing for the viewer in separate, but connected images. This stylistic choice highlights the game’s emphasis on teamwork and individuality which, regarding the game’s combat system, is fitting aseach character has a unique abilitythat contributes to the overall gameplay.
5Secret Of Mana
Secret of Manafollows the story of a young boy who has been banished from his home in Potos. While he ventures to new and exciting lands in the hope of saving the Mana Tree, he meets a young girl and a Sprite who decide to accompany him on his journey.
Though the cover art seems simple enough in its design, it explains exactly what the story entails. The three companions are seen standing in a forest, seemingly absorbing the surrounding environment. The trees depicted tower over them, highlightinghow small they are in comparison to the vast world, subtly alluding to the game’s themes of adventure and discovery.
4Kingdom Hearts: Chain Of Memories
The second installment in theKingdom Heartsseries sees Sora losing his memories while journeying through Castle Oblivion. It is the first game in the series to redesign the combat system through the incorporation of cards in favor of itsiconic hack and slash combat.
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The cover art for this game depicts a floating Sora, surrounded by playing cards. Each card displays a picture of someone close to Sora, emphasizing the power these cards contain. The cover art highlights the new combat system and, though it is a minimalist approach, further strengthens the necessity of Sora’s power of friendship.
3Front Mission 4
Withremakes of the first twoFront Missiongamesannounced, it seems thatFront Mission 4has been forgotten. The story follows the characters of Elsa Eliane and Darril Traubel as they investigate a series of attacks on several military bases in Germany. Though their stories mostly take place in different countries, the game switches between the characters throughout the game’s plot.
The similarities between the two stories being told are evident in the game’s cover art. We see Elsa and Traubel asleep with the game’s title separating them. This serves to highlight the physical distance between the pair while showcasing their similarities in their sleeping states.
2Project Sylpheed: Arc Of Deception
Project Sylpheedfocuses onhumanity’s voyage through spaceand colonization of distant worlds. Though the game’s plot revolves around political disagreements and military intervention, at its heart is a passionate love story between the protagonist Katana Faraway and Ellen Bernstein.
The cover art displays everything one can expect from a game set in space. Katana and his crew are pictured side-by-side above a spacecraft while the background is engulfed by planets, space debris, and enemy fighter ships. Though its story details are lacking, the sheer spectacle of its presentation is sure to entice those willing to discover more.
1MindJack
The story of MindJack follows the character of Jim Corbijn, an activist for human rights. When sent to investigate reports of a shootout, he is attacked by a group of government agents. The game receivednegative criticism due to its poor mechanicsand graphics, leaving the cover art to be its least critiqued element.
The cover art serves to highlight Corbijn and his ability to hack his enemies. This is evident through the presentation of him wearing a mechanical headpiece, a device that allows him to do so. The overlaying image depicts a visceral shootout, suggesting that these events are happening due to Corbjin’s mind hacking abilities.
