The Nvidia GeForce Now streaming platform recently had a potentially massive leak. Included in the leak was a list of unannounced titles, many of which were expected to be in development. These games includedResident Evil 4 Remake,Dragon’s Dogma 2,Kingdom Hearts 4,Injustice 3, andMortal Kombat 12, among others. Nvidia has stated the list is made of a mixture of real and hypothetical games, but that hasn’t discouraged fans from assuming it is generally trustworthy. Of particular note is the Square Enix section, which includes remasters and remakes of several older games includingFinal Fantasy 9.
Final Fantasy 9has gotten a surprising amount of attention recently thanks to the confirmation an animated TV show is in the works. This title is often considered to be the sleeper hit of the PS1 and PS2Final Fantasygeneration, so it’s a surprise to see it receive so much attention. If this trend continues, it would make sense for the game to receive a new release to complement its existing HD remaster. AFinal Fantasy 9 Remakeseemed like a long shot years ago, especially withFinal Fantasy 7 Remakein active development. However, these two different remakes can coexist, andFF9 Remakecould take some pointers fromFF7 Remake.
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Why Final Fantasy 9 Is Perfect for a Remake
Aremake forFinal Fantasy 9seems ideal. The PS1 classic already has a remastered version in the form of its modern ports, and this is especially true for the PC version as an AI upscale mod named the Moguri Mod can bring the game’s visuals to new heights. At this point, the available console, PC, and mobile versions ofFinal Fantasy 9are on par withFinal Fantasy 8 Remasteredand the most recentFinal Fantasy 7console remaster, so more work with the original version is unnecessary. A full-on remake would be necessary to takeFF9to the next level.
If Square Enix really wants to pushFinal Fantasy 9as hard as it seem to with an upcoming show, a remake should be in the cards.FF9is in an awkward spot, as nothing could stand up to the overwhelming popularity ofFinal Fantasy 7, andFinal Fantasy 8remains divisive due to its story and gameplay.Final Fantasy 9was intended as a love letter to classicFinal Fantasy,and features a more cartoonish art style and fantastical world than the other PS1 entries. It was well-liked, but because it’s so different, many didn’t give it a chance. A remake would get the game back in the public eye, please existing fans, and likely make some new ones.
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What Final Fantasy 9 Remake Should Take From Final Fantasy 7 Remake
The main question on many peoples' minds when they hear about aFinal Fantasy 9 Remakeis how similar it would be toFinal Fantasy 7 Remake. Ideally, it wouldmatchFF7 Remake’s presentation, particularly in regards to visual fidelity and vocal performances. Square Enix has always prided itself in being on the cutting edge of graphical technology, and its games have come a long way sinceFinal Fantasy 9was released late on the PS1. A visual overhaul would definitely be a major part of anFF9 Remake, though its developers should keep the original title’s unique charm. Adding an all-star voice cast and new cinematics certainly wouldn’t hurt, either.
On the subject of new cinematics, theFinal Fantasy 9 Remakecould be used to expand the game similar toFinal Fantasy 7 Remake. This would not include a large divergence from the original game, but some elements theFinal Fantasy 9development team had to cutcould be added. Various missing fights, like three of the four elemental Guardians, and absent mechanics like pre-existing encounters and moving around battle screens could be implemented. The Ranger character the party was supposed to meet in the city of Treno could even be added as an optional character. There’s plenty of room for expansion inFinal Fantasy 9.
Final Fantasy 7 Remake Pitfalls That 9 Remake Must Avoid
However,Final Fantasy 9 Remakeshould not be expanded recklessly.FF9should be a single release that contains all of its content.Final Fantasy 7 Remakehas caused a lot of debate among its fandom due to stretching out the previously five-hour long Midgar section into a full 30-hour RPG experience. It still isn’t clearhow many partsFinal Fantasy 7 Remakewill be, too.Final Fantasy 9really doesn’t need that much elaboration on its setting and characters, and theFinal Fantasyfranchise as a whole should try to keep the number of sub-series to a minimum. There doesn’t need to be aCompilation of Final Fantasy 9competing with theCompilation of Final Fantasy 7.
Final Fantasy 9 Remakeshould also be hesitant about changing its gameplay. While it is true that light action elements were considered for the game’s original release, their absence does not cause any problems. It would be nice to see a new big-budget console game usingFinal Fantasy’s old Active Time Battle systemagain, andFF9’s solid take would be the perfect vessel.Final Fantasy 7Remakemeans many things to many people, butFF9could enjoy a much simpler reception if it just recreates the original game with some enhancements. It’s still unknown whetherFinal Fantasy 9 Remakewill actually happen, but hopefully it can learn some lessons fromFinal Fantasy 7 Remake.
