Final Fantasy 9 25th Anniversary: Where’s the Remake?
▼ Summary
– Square Enix released a 1-minute anniversary movie for Final Fantasy 9’s 25th anniversary, featuring game highlights and a new recording of its theme song.
– The company has celebrated the anniversary with merchandise, a prequel picture book, and a vinyl release, but no confirmation of a rumored remake.
– The remake rumor originated from a 2021 Nvidia leak, which has been accurate for other Square Enix games but remains unconfirmed for FF9.
– Despite FF9’s critical acclaim, it has sold fewer copies than other entries in the series, and its anniversary received more attention than FF8’s.
– A FF9 remake could appeal to fans by returning to turn-based gameplay, but Square Enix has not officially announced any plans.
Square Enix has marked the 25th anniversary of Final Fantasy IX with a nostalgic tribute video, yet fans remain eager for news about the long-rumored remake. The minute-long anniversary clip stitches together memorable FMV sequences from the 2000 classic, set to a fresh rendition of Melodies of Life, the game’s beloved theme. While the video serves as a heartfelt nod to the past, it does little to address the growing speculation about a potential modern reimagining of the title.
The anniversary celebration hasn’t been limited to just this video. Earlier this year, Square Enix launched a dedicated website that has been gradually updated with new artwork, commemorating the game’s original Japanese release date of July 7, 2000. Additional merchandise has also surfaced, including a prequel picture book penned by Final Fantasy IX’s event designer Kazuhiko Aoki and character artist Toshiyuki Itahana. The book delves into the origins of fan-favorite black mage Vivi, offering new lore for longtime enthusiasts.
So why the silence on the remake? The whispers began in 2021 with the infamous Nvidia leak, which accurately predicted several Square Enix projects, including the Chrono Cross remaster and Final Fantasy Tactics revival. Final Fantasy IX Remake was among the leaked titles, yet it remains the only one still unconfirmed. Some fans speculate that Timeless Tales, the subtitle of a new vinyl soundtrack releasing July 9, could hint at the remake’s official name, though nothing concrete has surfaced.
Adding fuel to the fire, Final Fantasy XIV’s latest expansion, Dawntrail, features numerous FFIX references. While the MMO frequently nods to past entries, the timing has led to renewed hope. However, producer Naoki Yoshida has publicly dismissed rumors of a remake, leaving fans in limbo.
Despite its critical acclaim, Final Fantasy IX has historically lagged behind its siblings in sales, with 8.9 million copies sold, fewer than FFVII, FFVIII, FFX, or even FFXV. Its 25th anniversary push suggests Square Enix is keen to reignite interest, but the absence of a Final Fantasy VIII celebration raises questions about the company’s priorities.
A remake could be a strategic move. Originally positioned as a throwback to the series’ medieval roots, FFIX’s charm lies in its whimsical art style and turn-based combat, a stark contrast to recent action-heavy entries like FFXVI. A faithful remake could bridge the gap between nostalgic players and newcomers, offering a return to form amid Square Enix’s evolving direction.
For now, fans will have to settle for the existing remaster, available on modern platforms. Whether the remake is still in the cards, or merely wishful thinking, remains to be seen. Until then, the anniversary festivities serve as a bittersweet reminder of what could be.
(Source: EuroGamer)
