Best for faithfulness to franchise
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
4.9 attribute score
Highest scored product for this attribute based on supporting review evidence.
Best Square Enix Video Games for faithfulness to franchise
faithfulness to franchise Decision Dashboard
Safest pick
Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles
4.8 attribute score
Balances the attribute score, supporting reviews, and overall product strength.
Most evidence
Octopath Traveler 0
13 supporting reviews
Has the broadest review evidence for this attribute.
Best overall product
Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake
4.4 overall score
Strongest overall product among items with scored evidence for this attribute.
Reviewers strongly praise its respect for Final Fantasy VII's legacy while still modernizing or reshaping it.
Pros: combat system, content variety
Cons: pacing, movement feel
Reviewers felt the remaster respected the original and Final Fantasy identity while making it easier to revisit.
Pros: remake/remaster quality, voice acting
Cons: content variety, camera behavior
The familiar Dragon Quest charm survives intact through recognizable monsters, character designs, humor, and series flavor.
Pros: graphics quality, core gameplay loop
Cons: difficulty balance, remake/remaster quality
For many longtime fans, the tone, music, and Max-Chloe bond restore the series’ heart and provide fitting closure. Critics see the same approach as fan service that compromises earlier choices.
Pros: emotional impact, choice impact
Cons: narrative quality, bug frequency
The game preserves the series' combat, HD-2D identity, and Orsterra setting while changing the eight-protagonist structure. Some fans welcomed the fresher focus; others felt it was less distinctly 'Octopath.'
Pros: narrative quality, combat system
Cons: pacing, side character depth
One preview emphasized the games' JRPG legacy as a reason to experience them, supporting their faithfulness to Dragon Quest history.
Pros: remake/remaster quality, combat system
Cons: difficulty balance, grind level
Despite major modernization, the game still feels unmistakably like Dragon Quest and retains the original’s spirit for many players. Content cuts make that faithfulness more debatable for purists.
Pros: combat system, accessibility options
Cons: pacing, difficulty balance