I’m concerned about the possibility of the rumored Final Fantasy 9’s 25th anniversary, Square Enix is sharing a lot of content about the game, including new artwork for the characters.

The celebrations are still underway, and the company hasn’t teased a possible remake yet, aside from the character artworks, which could be interpreted as art for the remake. Even so, speculation leans on the idea that the long-rumored project may finally get announced on its 25th anniversary, set to occur on July 7. Some rumors also point toward the possibility of the project being announced beforehand, during an event such as Summer Game Fest, for example. Even so, Final Fantasy 9 Remake’s announcement may occur sooner than expected, and players may not have to wait too long to play it.

Final Fantasy 9 Remake Can't Commit FF7 Rebirth's Mistakes

Rebirth Often Feels Too Dragged Out

FF9 is my second-favorite in the series, and I couldn’t be more excited about the prospect of replaying it under a refreshed guise, especially considering how well Square Enix developed the FF7 Remake entries so far. However, they are not devoid of mistakes, and there are some aspects of Rebirth, more specifically, that I’d like the company to steer clear of when releasing Final Fantasy 9 Remake to the world. One of the main issues about Rebirth is how dragged out some of its parts are. Costa del Sol, for instance, is abnormally long for such a trivial moment.

If the FF9 Remake is real, then Square Enix can’t allow the title to extend itself just for the sake of it and end up losing players’ interest. One of the other issues I have with Rebirth is how some crucial parts of the story were changed. I’m very receptive to how the game is playing around with timelines to fit the context of the remake series, but there are moments that were adapted for FF7 Rebirth that lost a lot of their original impact – such as the heart-piercing events that take place in Forgotten City’s temple.

Final Fantasy 9 Remake Would Introduce New Players To One Of The Best Entries In The Series

The Title’s Gameplay, Story, & Protagonist Are Flawless

If Square Enix is truly working on a remake of Final Fantasy 9, I hope they don’t change too much of the story to the point that the crucial moments from the original lose their impact in exchange for aesthetic flair alone. FF9’s story is one of the best in the franchise. It starts off as a cheerful tale that quickly turns dark, as is the mark of a good Final Fantasy game. While there are some lighthearted moments, I’d love for the developers not to forget that this is a tale of tragedy and, ultimately, overcoming the ensuing sorrow.

This is a great opportunity for Square Enix to highlight just how tremendous a great Final Fantasy game can be. In general, titles from the franchise are great games – even the ever-criticized Final Fantasy 15 – but some fall short of their full potential as Final Fantasy installments. Final Fantasy 9, however, stands as one of the best in the series and, subsequently, one of the best games ever made. One of the aspects that puts FF9 ahead of other titles, to me, is that it ends the era of stoic protagonists that are only there to look cool.

Contrary to Cloud and Squall before him, Zidane is a fun and layered character who grows on players, showing more of his strengths and his flaws as the story progresses. There is merit to the rough protagonists of before, but Zidane feels more grounded. Instead of simply uncovering his past, players get to see him develop and become one of the most endearing protagonists in the series. There isn’t a single moment of dullness with him; even when all hope feels lost, he finds a way to push through.

Another great thing about Zidane is that he is not completely goofy like his successor, Final Fantasy X’s Tidus, who takes a long time to get used to.

Of course, Zidane is backed by a roster of memorable characters that help him through the story and are just as remarkable as him. Vivi, for instance, has one of the most iconic story arcs in RPGs, and there is one dialogue scene with him that I simply cannot forget. The turn-based combat, the progression, and the overall flow of the game are perfect as they are. If FF9 were to get a remake, I’d expect the parts that work to be enhanced, but not modified to the point that it loses its value or is morphed into something unrecognizable.

Turn-based combat was left aside to open space for real-time action-based combat, but it is luckily making a magnificent comeback recently with successful titles like Baldur’s Gate 3, Sea of Stars, and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. These titles are proof that turn-based combat can still be well done without feeling sured in time, and I believe that a Final Fantasy 9 Remake would benefit from it without swapping into action-filled battles. Furthermore, voice acting could help improve the impact of its story, showing just why this is one of the best in the series.

Is Final Fantasy 9 Remake Actually In Development?

The Rumors & Leaks Have Been Going On For Years

So far, there hasn’t been confirmation about the development of FF9 Remake from Square Enix. Apart from rumors, there have also been alleged leaks indicating that it is being produced, but these pieces of information are years old. Considering that Square Enix has found a gold pot in remakes for its titles, I believe Final Fantasy 9 would be a great contender for a remake to be released before the final entry in the FF7 Remake series or after it. The game is already popular, but a remake could make it reach new audiences.

I have high hopes for the rumors to be accurate and my second-favorite entry in the franchise to get a new version. Even so, I can’t help but be muddled by concerns about how much the changes to an already perfect game could ruin the final result. There’s no doubt that Square Enix took a big gamble shaking things up with FF7’s story in the remake series, so hopefully the company has listened to the and will take that into consideration for Final Fantasy 9 Remake when it is released – if ever.