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I’m worried about the potential for a remake of Final Fantasy 9, given Square Enix’s work on Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth and perhaps the direction they might take with future installments in the FF7 Remake series. There have been whispers about a remake of this 2000 game for quite some time now, and these rumors seem to be increasing lately due to the game’s upcoming 25th anniversary. With the celebrations surrounding Final Fantasy 9’s 25th anniversary, Square Enix has been releasing a lot of content related to the game, such as new character artwork.

There’s ongoing speculation that the long-awaited project, rumored to be a remake of Final Fantasy 9, might be officially announced on its 25th anniversary, which falls on July 7. Some whispers even suggest that the announcement could happen earlier, perhaps at an event like Summer Game Fest. In any case, it seems that the release of the Final Fantasy 9 Remake may come sooner than anticipated, leaving fans eagerly awaiting its arrival.

Final Fantasy 9 Remake Can’t Commit FF7 Rebirth’s Mistakes

Rebirth Often Feels Too Dragged Out

As a devoted film enthusiast and avid Final Fantasy fan, I must say that FF9 ranks as my second-most cherished title in the series. The anticipation of revisiting this classic under Square Enix’s revamped vision is absolutely exhilarating, especially given their exceptional work on the FF7 Remake thus far. Yet, even the most polished masterpieces aren’t without their flaws, and there are certain aspects of Rebirth that I fervently hope the company will avoid repeating when they unveil the Final Fantasy 9 Remake.

One notable concern about Rebirth lies in its pacing. Certain segments feel unduly extended, such as Costa del Sol, which seems excessively lengthy for a relatively inconsequential moment.

If the Final Fantasy IX Remake is indeed happening, Square Enix must ensure it doesn’t unnecessarily prolong the game to keep players engaged and risk losing their interest. Another concern I have with Rebirth is the alteration of significant story elements. I’m open to the way the game manipulates timelines for the remake series, but there are instances that were tailored for Final Fantasy VII Rebirth that diminished the original emotional impact, like the poignant occurrences in the Forgotten City’s temple.

Final Fantasy 9 Remake Would Introduce New Players To One Of The Best Entries In The Series

The Title’s Gameplay, Story, & Protagonist Are Flawless

I’m hoping Square Enix doesn’t alter the narrative of Final Fantasy 9 too drastically if they are indeed working on a remake, as maintaining the emotional weight of the original storyline is crucial for preserving its impact. The story of FF9 stands out among the series due to its blend of cheerful moments and dark turns, a classic trait of the Final Fantasy series. I’d appreciate it if the developers kept in mind that this is fundamentally a tale of tragedy and eventual triumph over sorrow, rather than focusing solely on enhancing the visual aspects.

This is an excellent chance for Square Enix to show off just how exceptional a top-tier ‘Final Fantasy’ game can be. Generally speaking, games from this series are fantastic – even the much-debated ‘Final Fantasy 15’ – but some fail to reach their full potential as ‘Final Fantasy’ installments. However, ‘Final Fantasy 9’ stands out among the best in the series and, consequently, among the best games ever created. One of the elements that I believe sets ‘FF9’ apart from other titles is its departure from the era of stoic protagonists who exist primarily to look cool.

In contrast to Cloud and Squall who came before him, Zidane is a charming and multifaceted character that players grow fond of over time. While the rough-edged protagonists of the past have their merits, Zidane seems more relatable. Rather than just revealing his backstory, we witness his growth, making him one of the most adored protagonists in the series. There’s never a dull moment with him; even when things seem hopeless, he manages to persevere.

Indeed, Zidane’s tale is enriched by an array of captivating characters who contribute significantly to his journey and hold their own charm. For example, Vivi’s narrative arc stands out as one of the most iconic in RPGs, and a particular dialogue exchange with him remains etched in my memory.

To put it simply, the turn-based combat, character development, and overall structure of the game are pitch-perfect. If FF9 were to be remade, I’d anticipate that its strengths would be polished, but not tampered with to such an extent that it loses its essence or transforms into something alien.

Previously, focus shifted towards real-time combat, leaving turn-based mechanics behind, but fortunately, they’re experiencing a resurgence now with games like Baldur’s Gate 3, Sea of Stars, and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 leading the charge. These titles demonstrate that turn-based combat can remain relevant without feeling outdated, and I think a Final Fantasy 9 Remake could embrace this style effectively, avoiding high-octane battles altogether. Moreover, incorporating voice acting could enhance its narrative’s impact, emphasizing why it stands as one of the franchise’s best stories.

Is Final Fantasy 9 Remake Actually In Development?

The Rumors & Leaks Have Been Going On For Years

To date, Square Enix has yet to officially confirm the development of the Final Fantasy 9 Remake. While rumors and alleged leaks suggest that it might be in production, these reports are quite old. Given Square Enix’s success with remakes for their titles, I strongly feel that Final Fantasy 9 would be an excellent candidate for a remake. Such a release could potentially broaden the game’s fanbase before or after the conclusion of the Final Fantasy 7 Remake series.

I’m quite optimistic that the rumors are true and that my second-favorite game in the franchise, Final Fantasy 9, will receive a remake. However, I must admit that I’m somewhat confused due to worries about how changes to an almost flawless game might negatively impact the final product. After all, Square Enix took a significant risk by reimagining the story of Final Fantasy 7 in their remake series, so I hope they’ve paid close attention to feedback and will use that experience to guide them when (or if) the Final Fantasy 9 Remake comes out.

2025-05-28 15:39