The buzz around a potential Final Fantasy 9 remake has intensified following Square Enix's launch of an official 25th Anniversary website for the beloved game. Launched in Japanese, the site commemorates Final Fantasy 9's original release date of July 7, 2000, and its upcoming 25th anniversary. The website teases fans with a promise of "various projects, including merchandise and collaborations," sparking fervent speculation about the long-rumored remake.
The timing of the website's launch coincides intriguingly with Nintendo's upcoming Switch 2-focused Direct event scheduled for April 2, fueling hopes among fans that Square Enix might unveil the Final Fantasy 9 remake for the new console. While the website's mention of merchandise and collaborations seems straightforward, the vague reference to "various projects" has ignited discussions and anticipation across the gaming community.
Last year, Naoki 'Yoshi-P' Yoshida, the producer of Final Fantasy 14, hinted at the challenges of remaking Final Fantasy 9, citing its extensive content. He suggested that, similar to the Final Fantasy 7 Remake's trilogy approach, a Final Fantasy 9 remake might not fit into a single game due to its volume. This comment has led fans to speculate about the potential structure of such a remake.
Adding to the excitement, early in 2024, Yoshi-P announced Final Fantasy 9-themed bonuses for the Collector's Edition and Digital Collector's Edition of the Final Fantasy 14 expansion, Dawntrail. These include the Ark summon as a mount and a wind-up Princess Garnet minion, with pre-orders offering a wind-up Zidane minion. During PAX East, Yoshi-P teased the community with a cryptic remark about the inclusion of Final Fantasy 9 references, further stoking the fires of speculation.
Rumors of a Final Fantasy 9 remake have been circulating since a 2021 Nvidia leak that listed upcoming titles, including the game. Although Nvidia confirmed the list's authenticity, it may be outdated, as several listed games have since been released or announced. However, both the Final Fantasy 9 remake and Final Fantasy Tactics remain unconfirmed. Additionally, a Final Fantasy 9 animated series was reported to be in development in June 2021, though no updates have surfaced since.
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The anticipation for a Final Fantasy 9 remake continues to grow, fueled by Square Enix's actions and hints from key figures like Yoshi-P. As fans eagerly await official announcements, the gaming community remains hopeful that this beloved classic will be reimagined for modern audiences.