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- Best overall: Square Enix Chrono Cross: The Radical Dreamers Edition for Nintendo Switch
- Best budget: Square Enix Collection of Mana for Nintendo Switch
- Best premium: Square Enix Final Fantasy I–VI Pixel Remaster Collection for Nintendo Switch
- Best for co-op: Square Enix Secret of Mana for PlayStation 4
- Square Enix Chrono Cross: The Radical Dreamers Edition for Nintendo Switch is the strongest pick for a story-rich RPG with more than 40 recruitable characters.
- Square Enix Secret of Mana for PlayStation 4 suits players who want a classic action RPG and three-player local co-op.
- Square Enix Collection of Mana for Nintendo Switch includes three games, including Secret of Mana and Trials of Mana.
- Check platform, physical or digital format, and multiplayer support before choosing a Black Friday 2026 RPG.
Secret of Mana and Chrono Cross: The Radical Dreamers Edition bring two very different kinds of classic Square Enix RPG to Black Friday 2026. Secret of Mana is an action-focused adventure with real-time battles and local co-op. Chrono Cross is a story-led role-playing game built around turn-based combat, parallel worlds, and a huge roster of characters. Your best pick comes down to whether you want to fight together or explore a branching story.
I researched and compared specs, reviews and owner feedback to build this guide around the two headline games and five related RPGs. The list includes PlayStation 4 and Nintendo Switch options, with collection and remake picks for different play styles. Here's the bottom line: check the platform and edition before buying, then match the game’s combat and multiplayer features to the way you play.
How We Picked
- Compared each game’s platform, format, core gameplay and announced content.
- Prioritized recognizable Square Enix RPGs connected to classic adventures and remakes.
- Checked official descriptions and owner feedback for multiplayer, party size and included games.
- Included choices for solo players, co-op fans, collectors and players who want several RPGs in one package.
Comparison Table
| Product | Best for | Platform | Included games or protagonists | Players or party size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Square Enix Secret of Mana for PlayStation 4 | Classic action and couch co-op | PlayStation 4 | 1 game; 3 heroes | 1–3 local players |
| Square Enix Chrono Cross: The Radical Dreamers Edition for Nintendo Switch | Branching stories and party variety | Nintendo Switch | 2 games; 40+ characters | 3 characters per party |
| Square Enix Collection of Mana for Nintendo Switch | Mana series collectors | Nintendo Switch | 3 games | Up to 3 local players in Secret of Mana |
| Square Enix Trials of Mana for Nintendo Switch | Action RPG fans who want a remake | Nintendo Switch | 6 heroes | 3 characters per party |
| Square Enix Legend of Mana for Nintendo Switch | Artful exploration and flexible combat | Nintendo Switch | 4 weapon categories | Single-player action RPG |
| Square Enix Final Fantasy I–VI Pixel Remaster Collection for Nintendo Switch | A long-running classic RPG collection | Nintendo Switch | 6 games | Single-player RPGs |
| Square Enix Octopath Traveler II for Nintendo Switch | Modern pixel-art storytelling | Nintendo Switch | 8 protagonists | Single-player RPG |
Best Picks Reviewed
#1
Square Enix Secret of Mana for PlayStation 4
The Square Enix Secret of Mana for PlayStation 4 is the best pick for classic action-RPG fans who want local co-op, with support for up to 3 players.
Best for: Classic action and couch co-op
- Platform
- PlayStation 4
- Players
- 1–3 local players
- Playable characters
- 3 heroes
- Genre
- Action role-playing game
- Real-time combat keeps fights active.
- Three-player co-op makes it a strong shared-play pick.
- The remake retells a beloved Mana adventure.
- The PlayStation 4 release is a remake, not the original SNES version.
- The Square Enix Secret of Mana for PlayStation 4's action-first design differs from Chrono Cross’s turn-based battles.
Is the Square Enix Secret of Mana for PlayStation 4 worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Square Enix Secret of Mana for PlayStation 4 is worth considering for players who want a classic action RPG with three-player local co-op. Choose it over Chrono Cross for real-time battles and shared play, not for a large recruitable cast.
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#2 · Top pick
Square Enix Chrono Cross: The Radical Dreamers Edition for Nintendo Switch
The Square Enix Chrono Cross: The Radical Dreamers Edition for Nintendo Switch is the best pick for story-focused RPG fans, with more than 40 recruitable characters.
Best for: Branching stories and party variety
- Platform
- Nintendo Switch
- Recruitable characters
- More than 40
- Party size
- 3 characters
- Included games
- 2: Chrono Cross and Radical Dreamers
- Two connected experiences come in one edition.
- The large cast supports varied party choices.
- Parallel-world exploration drives the story.
- Turn-based battles do not offer Secret of Mana’s co-op action.
- A large roster means some characters receive less story focus.
Is the Square Enix Chrono Cross: The Radical Dreamers Edition for Nintendo Switch worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Square Enix Chrono Cross: The Radical Dreamers Edition for Nintendo Switch is a strong choice for solo players who value story, exploration and party-building. The edition includes Chrono Cross and Radical Dreamers, while its more than 40 characters offer plenty of roster variety.
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#3
Square Enix Collection of Mana for Nintendo Switch
The Square Enix Collection of Mana for Nintendo Switch is the best pick for players seeking several classic Mana adventures, with 3 games in one collection.
Best for: Mana series collectors
- Platform
- Nintendo Switch
- Included games
- 3
- Games included
- Final Fantasy Adventure, Secret of Mana, Trials of Mana
- Multiplayer
- Secret of Mana supports up to 3 players
- Puts three Mana series games together.
- Includes the original Secret of Mana adventure.
- Offers a mix of action RPG stories.
- The collection’s classic presentation differs from modern remakes.
- Check the included game versions before purchasing.
Is the Square Enix Collection of Mana for Nintendo Switch worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Square Enix Collection of Mana for Nintendo Switch is a great fit for players who want three classic adventures in one package. The collection includes Secret of Mana and Trials of Mana, making it a broader Mana-series option than the standalone PlayStation 4 remake.
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#4
Square Enix Trials of Mana for Nintendo Switch
The Square Enix Trials of Mana for Nintendo Switch is the best pick for players who want a modern 3D Mana remake, with 6 heroes to choose from.
Best for: Action RPG fans who want a remake
- Platform
- Nintendo Switch
- Playable heroes
- 6
- Active party
- 3 characters
- Presentation
- 3D remake
- Six heroes let players shape the adventure around a chosen team.
- Real-time combat brings a modern action feel.
- The 3D presentation distinguishes it from the original game.
- The story centers on a three-character party.
- Players seeking turn-based combat should choose another RPG.
Is the Square Enix Trials of Mana for Nintendo Switch worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Square Enix Trials of Mana for Nintendo Switch is a strong choice for players who want an action RPG remake with six heroes and a three-character party. Pick it for 3D combat and team selection; choose Chrono Cross for turn-based battles and a larger cast.
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#5
Square Enix Legend of Mana for Nintendo Switch
The Square Enix Legend of Mana for Nintendo Switch is the best pick for players drawn to handcrafted fantasy art, with 4 main weapon categories to shape combat.
Best for: Artful exploration and flexible combat
- Weapon categories
- 4
- Combat style
- Action RPG
- Edition
- Remastered release
- Distinctive painted backgrounds give the world a storybook look.
- Weapon choices add variety to action combat.
- The remaster suits players exploring the Mana series.
- The Square Enix Legend of Mana for Nintendo Switch's quest structure feels less linear than many RPGs.
- Combat is action-based rather than turn-based.
Is the Square Enix Legend of Mana for Nintendo Switch worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Square Enix Legend of Mana for Nintendo Switch is a good pick for players who enjoy distinctive fantasy art, exploration and action combat. Four main weapon categories offer different combat approaches, while the remastered presentation refreshes a classic Mana adventure.
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#6
Square Enix Final Fantasy I–VI Pixel Remaster Collection for Nintendo Switch
The Square Enix Final Fantasy I–VI Pixel Remaster Collection for Nintendo Switch is the best pick for classic turn-based RPG fans, with 6 numbered games included.
Best for: A long-running classic RPG collection
- Platform
- Nintendo Switch
- Included games
- 6
- Game range
- Final Fantasy I through VI
- Presentation
- Pixel-art remasters
- Six complete RPGs provide a deep library.
- Pixel art preserves the classic visual style.
- A strong alternative to action-focused Mana games.
- The collection emphasizes turn-based battles.
- Six separate adventures take commitment to explore.
Is the Square Enix Final Fantasy I–VI Pixel Remaster Collection for Nintendo Switch worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Square Enix Final Fantasy I–VI Pixel Remaster Collection for Nintendo Switch is a solid choice for players who want six classic, turn-based RPG adventures in one collection. The pixel-art remasters make it a different kind of classic pick from Secret of Mana’s real-time action.
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#7
Square Enix Octopath Traveler II for Nintendo Switch
The Square Enix Octopath Traveler II for Nintendo Switch is the best pick for players who want a modern pixel-art RPG, with 8 protagonists whose stories shape the journey.
Best for: Modern pixel-art storytelling
- Platform
- Nintendo Switch
- Protagonists
- 8
- Visual style
- HD-2D
- Combat
- Turn-based
- Eight protagonists provide multiple story paths.
- HD-2D blends pixel characters with dimensional environments.
- Turn-based battles reward tactical party choices.
- The Square Enix Octopath Traveler II for Nintendo Switch's modern design differs from the older classics in this guide.
- Players looking for co-op should choose another title.
Is the Square Enix Octopath Traveler II for Nintendo Switch worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Square Enix Octopath Traveler II for Nintendo Switch is a strong choice for players who want a modern, turn-based RPG with eight protagonists. Choose it for HD-2D visuals and multiple character stories rather than the action combat and local co-op of Secret of Mana.
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Which is better: Secret of Mana or Chrono Cross?
Square Enix Secret of Mana for PlayStation 4 is the better fit for real-time action and up to 3-player local co-op, while Square Enix Chrono Cross: The Radical Dreamers Edition for Nintendo Switch suits solo players who want a branching story and more than 40 characters.
The combat difference is the clearest deciding factor. Secret of Mana lets players move and attack in real time, with friends joining locally. Chrono Cross uses turn-based battles and builds its adventure around a large cast, parallel worlds and story choices. Both are strong classic RPG picks, but they serve different moods. Pick Secret of Mana for shared action; pick Chrono Cross for a solo, story-led journey.
What does Chrono Cross: The Radical Dreamers Edition include?
Square Enix Chrono Cross: The Radical Dreamers Edition for Nintendo Switch includes 2 games: Chrono Cross and the text-based Radical Dreamers adventure.
Chrono Cross follows Serge through connected worlds and turn-based battles, with more than 40 characters available to recruit. Radical Dreamers adds a separate narrative experience connected to the Chrono series. The package is a natural pick for fans who want both a full RPG and a shorter story-focused companion. Check the retailer listing for the exact format and platform before ordering, since Switch and PlayStation releases are separate products.
Which game is best for local multiplayer?
Square Enix Secret of Mana for PlayStation 4 is the best local multiplayer pick in this guide, supporting up to 3 players in co-op.
That co-op support changes the feel of the adventure: friends can share the action and play as part of the hero team. Square Enix Collection of Mana for Nintendo Switch also includes Secret of Mana, so players who want more classic Mana games in the same package should compare that collection. Chrono Cross, Trials of Mana, Legend of Mana and the other RPGs here are better suited to solo play. Confirm the specific edition and platform if multiplayer is a must-have.
Which Black Friday 2026 RPG offers the most games?
Square Enix Final Fantasy I–VI Pixel Remaster Collection for Nintendo Switch offers the most separate games in this lineup, with 6 numbered Final Fantasy adventures.
Square Enix Collection of Mana for Nintendo Switch is another strong collection choice, with 3 games, including Secret of Mana and Trials of Mana. Chrono Cross: The Radical Dreamers Edition includes 2 experiences. Collections suit players who want a deeper library from one purchase, while standalone remakes such as Trials of Mana focus on one refreshed adventure. Check each listing for platform and edition details before choosing.
How do I choose between a remake and a remaster?
Square Enix Trials of Mana for Nintendo Switch is a 3D remake, while Square Enix Legend of Mana for Nintendo Switch and Square Enix Final Fantasy I–VI Pixel Remaster Collection for Nintendo Switch are remastered classic releases.
A remake rebuilds a game with a new presentation, while a remaster refreshes an existing release while retaining more of its original structure. For a modern action presentation, look at Trials of Mana. For classic pixel-era adventures, compare the Mana collection and Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster. The Chrono Cross edition pairs its RPG remaster with Radical Dreamers. Match the style you want rather than assuming every refreshed edition plays the same.
Buying Guide
Match the game to your combat preference
Choose Secret of Mana or Trials of Mana for real-time action. Pick Chrono Cross, Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster or Octopath Traveler II for turn-based battles. Combat style shapes the experience more than a shared retro label.
Check the platform and edition
Secret of Mana’s remake is listed here for PlayStation 4; the other picks are Nintendo Switch releases. Confirm platform, physical or digital format, and edition on the retailer listing before checkout.
Decide whether co-op matters
Secret of Mana supports up to 3 local players. Most other games in this guide focus on solo play. Choose based on who will play, not just which title has the most familiar name.
Compare collections with standalone games
Collection of Mana includes 3 games, while Final Fantasy I–VI Pixel Remaster includes 6. Standalone releases focus on one adventure. Consider how much of the collection you actually want to play.
Use Black Friday 2026 to compare editions
Review the full product name, platform, included content and seller before buying. Physical stock and digital listings can differ by retailer, so verify that the selected edition matches your console and collection.
FAQ
Is Secret of Mana better than Chrono Cross?
Square Enix Secret of Mana is better for real-time action and local co-op for up to 3 players. Square Enix Chrono Cross: The Radical Dreamers Edition is a better fit for solo players who want turn-based battles, parallel-world exploration and more than 40 recruitable characters.
Does Chrono Cross: The Radical Dreamers Edition include both games?
Yes. Square Enix Chrono Cross: The Radical Dreamers Edition includes Chrono Cross and Radical Dreamers. The Nintendo Switch edition combines the turn-based RPG’s large character roster and world-hopping story with a separate text-based adventure connected to the Chrono series.
Which Mana game has multiplayer?
Square Enix Secret of Mana supports local co-op for up to 3 players. Square Enix Collection of Mana for Nintendo Switch includes Secret of Mana alongside two other games. Check the chosen platform and edition to confirm the release matches your multiplayer plans.
What is included in Collection of Mana?
Square Enix Collection of Mana for Nintendo Switch includes 3 games: Final Fantasy Adventure, Secret of Mana and Trials of Mana. The package is a convenient option for players seeking several classic Mana adventures, including a game with three-player local co-op.
Which RPG in this guide has the most playable characters?
Square Enix Chrono Cross: The Radical Dreamers Edition features more than 40 recruitable characters, the largest character roster noted in this guide. Square Enix Octopath Traveler II offers 8 protagonists, while Square Enix Trials of Mana lets players choose from 6 heroes.