Square Enix Celebrates 25 Years of Final Fantasy IX: Is the Rumored Remake Finally on the Horizon?

Square Enix just released a short film to mark the 25th anniversary of Final Fantasy 9, but many fans are still curious about a possible remake.

This one-minute video is a quick montage of key scenes from the game, set to a fresh recording of the beloved theme song, “Melodies of Life.” It follows other small releases in celebration of the game’s Japanese debut on July 7, 2000, with a similar version hitting the UK a year later.

New merchandise has also rolled out, including a prequel picture book from Kazuhiko Aoki and Toshiyuki Itahana. It tells the backstory of the charming black mage, Vivi. I won’t spoil it!

But what about that rumored remake?

The buzz about a remake began in 2021, sparked by the Nvidia leak that mentioned multiple unreleased Square Enix titles. Many of those games have since been confirmed, like the remasters of Chrono Cross and Final Fantasy 7. As of now, the Final Fantasy 9 remake remains the last unannounced title from that leak.

On the anniversary website, there’s news about a new vinyl record titled “Timeless Tales,” set to launch on July 9. Some fans speculate this could hint at the name for the remake.

Interestingly, the latest expansion of Final Fantasy 14, called Dawntrail, references elements from Final Fantasy 9. While this isn’t unusual for the MMORPG, Naoki Yoshida, the game’s director, has denied any plans for a remake.

In 2023, Square Enix announced that Final Fantasy 9 has sold 8.9 million copies worldwide. While that’s impressive, it falls short when compared to other titles. For instance, Final Fantasy 7 and 15 have both outperformed it significantly. It does make one wonder — where’s the celebration for Final Fantasy 8’s 25th anniversary?

The game originally launched late in the PS1 era, just after the critically acclaimed Final Fantasy 8 and before the leap to the PS2 with Final Fantasy 10. While it received good reviews, Final Fantasy 9 hasn’t always been the fan favorite in the franchise.

A remake now could be a smart move for Square Enix. The original game paid homage to the series’ roots with its medieval vibe and whimsical art. If a remake embraces that spirit, it could attract both devoted fans and newcomers at a time when the company seems to be exploring its identity.

While the remake of Final Fantasy 7 sparked debate among fans over its modernization, Final Fantasy 16’s shift towards action gameplay has pleased some, but distanced others. A new approach with a Final Fantasy 9 remake could offer a nostalgic return to turn-based gameplay, delighting long-time followers of the series.

For those eager to dive into Final Fantasy 9, a remaster is already available on PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch, and mobile devices. The wait continues for the much-anticipated remake, but the 25th anniversary festivities show that Square Enix hasn’t forgotten about this beloved title.

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