Square Enix has orchestrated a crossover event that blends two of its most iconic Final Fantasy entries, the timeless and critically acclaimed JRPG darling, Final Fantasy 9, and the expansive multimedia juggernaut, Final Fantasy 7, in its mobile game, Final Fantasy 7: Ever Crisis. This unprecedented fusion, which launches on November 9, showcases Square Enix’s commitment to both celebrating its legacy and embracing the synergistic potential of its iconic franchises.
Final Fantasy VII: Ever Crisis, a free-to-play mobile title, has captured the attention of series veterans and newcomers. A re-telling of the original Final Fantasy 7 narrative with a new twist, it introduces three new characters – Glenn, Matt, and Lucia – while delving into the lore of The First Soldier and the enigmatic history of Sephiroth.
As part of the crossover event, Square Enix will introduce the formidable Black Waltz, an entity crafted by the duo, Zorn and Thorn, the twisted tandem from Final Fantasy 9, as a boss adversary in Ever Crisis. The integration of Black Waltz is a nod to the complex and darker themes that FF9 explored with its storytelling, which touched upon existence, identity, and mortality – themes that resonate with FF7’s own exploration of life’s poignant questions.
Not only does this event bring in daunting bosses, but it also sees FF7 characters donning classic FF9 regalia. Its players can outfit Cloud in garb reminiscent of Zidane Tribal, the optimistic protagonist whose charm is a stark contrast to the more somber Cloud Strife. Tifa, meanwhile, can don an outfit inspired by Amarant Coral, bringing the fiery mercenary of another world into the fray. These costumes aren’t just aesthetic choices; they’re symbolic bridges connecting the ethos of two distinct worlds, both beloved by fans.
The event is supplemented by a showcase of new weapons and an original story segment, ensuring players a fresh as well as tailored experience. Square Enix has even released a teaser trailer to drive the point home, one that’s pulsating with the familiar, haunting melodies of Nobuo Uematsu, whose music for FF9 remains a high watermark for the genre. These compositions, now woven into the Ever Crisis experience, serve to further blur the lines between the two worlds, offering a rich, nostalgia-infused soundscape.
As part of the celebration, FF9 has seen a price reduction on both iOS and Android platforms, making it accessible for those wishing to revisit the classic or experience it for the first time. This gesture acknowledges the enduring legacy of the 2000 title, which has been lauded for its return to the series’ fantastical roots, complete with medieval settings and whimsical character designs by Yoshitaka Amano and Hideo Minaba, and a deep, strategic gameplay that challenged and delighted players.
The crossover event is scheduled for release on mobile devices, with Ever Crisis also poised for a future Steam launch. As fans eagerly await further details, current festivities continue with a Halloween-themed costume and weapon draw event, adding to the excitement leading up to November 9.
Coincidentally, this crossover event comes not too long after rumors of a remake of Final Fantasy 9 emerged. All of the talks started with an Nvidia GeForce Now leak, which has since confirmed the existence of several new titles, remakes, and remasters. In addition to this, the leaks ramped up earlier this year, with an insider describing the project as having “Sony written all over it.” However, Jeff Grubb warns fans to exercise caution as not all leaks are real, but he did confirm that the game exists. The last we heard, the FF9 Remake has since been delayed to 2025 following the financial hit that Square Enix took earlier this year.
Square Enix is currently all-in on the Final Fantasy franchise, with FF7 Rebirth coming out in February and a PC port as well as a pair of DLCs coming for Final Fantasy 16. It’s unclear if FF7 Rebirth will be available on PC as well but it feels just like a matter of time. Finally, FF14 is headed to Xbox consoles at some point next year.
