Celebrating a Milestone

Square Enix is throwing a lavish celebration for the 25th anniversary of Final Fantasy 9, releasing a heartwarming one-minute movie that features a montage of the game's stunning FMV sequences, all set to a beautiful new recording of the beloved theme song, 'Melodies of Life.' However, amidst the festivities, fans are left scratching their heads, wondering: where's the rumored remake?

A Journey Down Memory Lane

The anniversary festivities have been rolling out slowly since March, including a dedicated website brimming with new artwork to commemorate the game's original Japanese release on July 7, 2000, followed by its UK roll-out in 2001. Merchandise has hit the shelves, and fans are particularly buzzing over a delightful new prequel picture book from event designer Kazuhiko Aoki and character designer Toshiyuki Itahana, which unveils the charming origins of the iconic black mage, Vivi.

The Mystery of the Rumored Remake

The chatter surrounding a potential Final Fantasy 9 remake ignited back in 2021, thanks to the notorious Nvidia leak that hinted at several unannounced Square Enix titles. While many titles like the Chrono Cross remaster and the Final Fantasy 7 Remake have since materialized, the FF9 remake remains the last unconfirmed gem from the leak.

Hints and Speculations

Adding fuel to the speculation fire, a new vinyl titled 'Timeless Tales' is set to launch on July 9, 2023—could this be a cryptic reference to the rumored remake? Furthermore, the latest expansion of Final Fantasy 14, 'Dawntrail,' contains nods to FF9, though its director Naoki Yoshida has poured cold water on the remake rumors.

FF9's Place in the Franchise

While Square Enix proudly announced that Final Fantasy 9 has sold 8.9 million units worldwide, it pales in comparison to mega-hits like Final Fantasy 7, 15, and even 8 and 10. This raises eyebrows about why there hasn’t been more fanfare for Final Fantasy 8's own 25th anniversary.

Originally released towards the end of the PS1 era, Final Fantasy 9 took players back to the series' roots with its whimsical, medieval setting and charming art style. Its critical acclaim, while solid, hasn’t translated into the same level of popularity as its contemporaries.

Perfect Timing for a Remake?

Undoubtedly, the timing for a Final Fantasy 9 remake could be impeccable. Returning to the turn-based mechanics that defined the series while modernizing it for newer fans could refresh interest in this classic title. While the approach to remakes has been divisive—FF7 Remake's controversial twists and Final Fantasy 16's shift to action gameplay—fans are hungry for a faithful revival of this gem.

As anticipation mounts, Square Enix keeps us in suspense. If you're eager to dive into Final Fantasy 9, never fear—a remaster is currently available across multiple platforms, including PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch, and mobile.