Every version of Final Fantasy has a unique charm and appeal, but Final Fantasy 9 holds a special place in the hearts of die-hard fans since its release at the turn of the last century.
- Final Fantasy 9 Remake is in development.
- FF9 Remake is expected to be a full remake.
- It’s not a remaster like FF8 Remastered.
- A release date is not yet announced.
Arguably the last of the traditional Final Fantasy games to retain the franchise’s “vibe”, FF9 remains one of the most well-reviewed games in the series, with an average score of “94” based on 22 Critic Reviews. Naturally, when the news of an FF9 remake emerged, initially courtesy of the now-infamous Nvidia GeForce Now leak, fans expressed excitement. Several more leaks later and the industry insider, Jeff Grubb, adds an interesting tidbit to the upcoming remake.
According to Grubb, Square Enix is actively working on a remake of this beloved installment, which makes sense since it’s reportedly scheduled for a 2024/2025 launch, before another remake, this time of Final Fantasy X.
However, Grubb was quick to manage expectations by asserting that the FF9 Remake won’t scale up to the Final Fantasy VII Remake. Instead, it would be more akin to the difference observed between Crisis Core -Final Fantasy VII- Reunion and the Final Fantasy VII: Remake. While this might temper some fans’ enthusiasm, it’s important to remember a different approach doesn’t imply a compromised experience. Rather, it could mean a more streamlined, intimate focus on the elements that made Final Fantasy IX so endearing in the first place.
TLDR; the remake of FF9 will be more like the original but better-looking, for better or for worse.
Indeed, this new iteration of FF9 won’t simply be a glossed-over HD remaster, but rather, it will feature a familiar, yet rejuvenated, ATB turn-based battle system. This indicates that the classic gameplay won’t undergo a drastic transformation, allowing it to remain as is, with the same sense of magic, intrigue, and emotional investment that fans experienced the first time around.
FF9 is renowned for its seamless blend of an enchanting narrative, memorable characters, and an immersive fantasy world. The story unravels in the fantastical kingdom of Gaia and trails the journey of the good-natured thief, Zidane Tribal, and his band of diverse allies. The narrative strikes a harmonious balance between epic adventure, emotional character arcs, and an underlying current of humor, making it a timeless classic in the gaming world.
The “Trance” system, a distinct game mechanic that enables characters to tap into extraordinary powers temporarily, will be a much-anticipated return in the remake. Not to mention the opportunity to relive the memorable journeys of Vivi Ornitier, the youthful dark mage grappling with existential questions, Steiner, the loyally comical knight, and Freya Crescent, the dragon knight on a quest for lost love.
A crucial part of the Final Fantasy IX charm is its unmistakable aesthetic, melding “chibi” character proportions with a hued and vibrant fantasy world, creating a distinctive visual identity that continues to captivate fans. Another prominent feature is the unforgettable soundtrack by Nobuo Uematsu, whose compositions deftly underscored the game’s atmospheric storytelling.
To say FF9 is a beloved installment in the iconic series would be an understatement. It was lauded upon its initial release and continues to hold a steadfast fanbase even two decades later. The anticipation for the remake will undoubtedly build as Square Enix starts to peel back the curtain on what’s in store.
For now, fans can look forward to the release of Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth sometime early next year. But, if we’re lucky, Square Enix might release the PC port of Final Fantasy 16 before then if only to mitigate the presumably “low” second-week sales of the game following a generation-topping launch.
