Why Final Fantasy 9 Should Be Square Enix’s Next Remake

Final Fantasy 9 is one of the most beloved games in Square Enix’s series. Unlimited charm, fantastic localization, and a beloved cast made it a classic entry that is still talked about fondly and revisited regularly. Even all these years later, FF9 is still an all-time great JRPG.

Given how successful the Final Fantasy 7 remake project has been, it’s easy to see why fans would be clamoring for another remake in the series. Final Fantasy 9 is an obvious candidate in this regard, and there are many reasons why both new and old fans would love a modern spin on this beloved classic.

FF9 Is The Perfect Mix Of Classic And Modern Final Fantasy

A Remake Will Highlight The Strengths Of This Franchise For Everyone To See

In a bid to appeal to modern audiences, newer players might not be that familiar with Final Fantasy‘s classic roots and what made this series unique in the first place. This is why a Final Fantasy 9 remake can be incredible if it moves things in the right direction.

The game was praised by many for retaining the modern (at the time) changes while also paying homage to the series’ roots. This can be channeled into a remake to let new fans enjoy what makes this JRPG franchise so special.

The Game Is Charming And Appeals To All Audiences

Can Be Marketed To Both Young Gamers And Older Veterans

Games like Final Fantasy 7 and 16 were meant to appeal to mature audiences in a bid to help the series evolve. While this approach is great in its own right, Final Fantasy arguably became something special since it appealed to all audiences.

Such was the case with Final Fantasy 9, which oozed with charm and endeared itself to audiences of all ages. A remake can be marketed to a broad audience by emphasizing the original’s sense of whimsy and adventure, rather than the more brooding tone of FF7.

Boasts One Of The Best Casts Seen In A Final Fantasy Game

Characters Like Zidane, Vivi, Steiner, Garnet, And Eiko Are A Blast To Interact With

Final Fantasy 9 is beloved by many for its lovely cast, featuring some of the most fleshed-out and memorable party members seen in the series. Zidane and Steiner’s rivalry is comedic and just one of the many ways that the relationships between the cast become a highlight of the series.

It helps that antagonists like Queen Brahne and Kuja are also quite captivating in their own right. The former is a comically exaggerated villain who is easy to hate, while the latter boasts a ton of depth and nuance for an antagonist.

The Final Fantasy 7 Remake Games Have Already Modernized The ATB Combat

Translating This Combat System To A Final Fantasy 9 Remake Will Be Easy

Final Fantasy 7 Remake & Rebirth have done a great job of modernizing the combat from the original title. Some people might not love the idea of a hybrid combat system that combines turn-based and real-time combat, but the remakes presented arguably the best combination of both battle systems.

This formula can be easily plastered onto a possible Final Fantasy 9 remake. All Square Enix has to do is add four active party members to the mix instead of three, and they’ll be able to let fans enjoy a great modernization of the classic ATB combat system.

The Final Boss Battle Can Be Reworked To Make It Seem More Organic

Grand Necron Came Out Of Nowhere And Diluted The Impact Of The Game’s Conclusion

A major complaint most fans had about Final Fantasy 9 was the random inclusion of Grand Necron. This godlike being wanted to bring death and destruction to the world and had to be taken down by the heroes after a hellacious battle against Trance Kuja.

With a remake, time can be taken to organically introduce Grand Necron’s presence and why he can serve as a believable final boss to cap off the events of Final Fantasy 9. After all, Final Fantasy 7 Remake & Rebirth fleshed out so many elements of the plot, so it’s easy to see why Final Fantasy 9‘s remake can do the same.

The Combat Is Slow And In Need Of An Overhaul

The Only Part Of The Game That Has Aged Poorly

Final Fantasy 9 has aged gracefully in most departments, but there’s one area that can be a bit frustrating during contemporary playthroughs. The battle system can be rather slow, what with the extended intros and the slow animations.

This is an easy area for a potential remake to improve with its combat system. Battles can feel faster and less frustrating, compelling players to seek out encounters with the game’s many unique monsters instead of running away from every encounter.

To be fair, more modern versions of Final Fantasy 9 somewhat fixed this issue by incorporating a fast-forward button.

The Incredible OST Deserves A Remaster

The Music Is In A Class Of Its Own And Must Be Heard By A New Generation

Nobuo Uematsu is one of the greatest video game composers of all time, breathing new life into every Final Fantasy game with his amazing work. Final Fantasy 9 is no exception, boasting some incredible soundtracks that make everything from the game’s melancholic moments to its pulse-pounding battles feel better than ever.

It’s easy to see why this would be one of the best parts of the remake. Fans will love a reimagining of the original OST, letting them enjoy one of the best Final Fantasy soundtracks with a fresh coat of paint.

Vivi’s Story Should Be Experienced By Every Final Fantasy Fan

One Of The Most Emotional Character Narratives Told In A Video Game

Vivi deserves a special mention for being one of the most endearing and tragic characters in Final Fantasy history. His classic Black Mage look makes him an easy character to love early on, only for the truth of his origins to serve as a slap in the face for players who bonded with this character.

A remake can do a great job of fleshing out Vivi’s personality, potentially turning him into an even better character than he already is. If a Final Fantasy 9 remake does justice to Vivi’s character, then fans will be reaching for the tissues as they bawl their eyes out after the game’s conclusion.