Summary
- Square Enix recently updated the 25th anniversary website for Final Fantasy 9.
- The site now features new artwork of Zidane, Vivi, Garnet, and Steiner by the game's original character designer, Toshiyuki Itahana.
- Many believe this update implies that a remake announcement is imminent.
Square Enix has updated the 25th anniversary website for Final Fantasy 9, adding some new character art and official profiles for four of the game's main characters. While this may simply be the company's way of celebrating the title's auspicious milestone, many longtime fans are convinced that the update signals that a Final Fantasy 9 remake is finally on the way after years of perpetual rumors and speculation.
In late 2021, a massive Nvidia GeForce Now leak revealed many unannounced games, with the most shocking for many in the community being a Final Fantasy 9 remake. Many have disputed the possibility of the 2000 title's return any time soon, pointing out that Square Enix is still hard at work on the last game in the Final Fantasy 7 Remake trilogy. However, with Final Fantasy 9 currently celebrating its 25th anniversary, its developer has continued to celebrate in a myriad of ways, from new merchandise to unexpected crossovers. It's hard to think of a better time to release such a highly anticipated game, and fans are beginning to think that news of a proper remake is finally on the horizon.
Why a Final Fantasy 9 Remake Needs to Make One Character's Arc Crystal Clear
One character’s story in Final Fantasy 9 hits hard—but a remake could finally give fans clarity they never got.
Spotted by Push Square, the official Final Fantasy 9 25th anniversary website was recently updated with a new 'Character' section, which currently features new artwork for Zidane, Vivi, Garnet, and Steiner by the game's original character designer, Toshiyuki Itahana. Brief biographies of each character are also included, with many game fans pointing out that similar updates like this are usually rolled out shortly before a title is launched. Square Enix plans to celebrate Final Fantasy 9's anniversary through July 7, the original PlayStation title's launch date, on which many believe the company will reveal the rumored remake.
New Character Profiles and Artwork Appear on Final Fantasy 9’s 25th Anniversary Website
In 2024, Final Fantasy 14 and 16 lead producer Naoki Yoshida commented on the Final Fantasy 9 remake, stating that he had no involvement in the project and implying that he did not know such a game was in development. Yoshida also stated that if a remake were being created, it would likely be a massive undertaking, beyond even that of the ongoing Final Fantasy 7 Remake trilogy.
Those eager for even more new artwork from Final Fantasy 9 won't need to wait too long, as the upcoming Final Fantasy Magic: The Gathering collection of cards includes familiar faces from all mainline titles. Additionally, new FF9 merchandise is available for purchase on the game's anniversary site, including plushies, jewelry, apparel, and figures.
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 81 /100 Critics Rec: 81%
- Released
- July 7, 2000
- ESRB
- T for Teen: Violence, Mild Language
- Developer(s)
- Square Enix
- Publisher(s)
- Square Enix
- Engine
- Unity
- Multiplayer
- Local Multiplayer
- Franchise
- Final Fantasy
WHERE TO PLAY
- Genre(s)
- JRPG
