There has been a leak regarding a Final Fantasy IX Remake, which some fans might find confusing, as there is no word regarding a remake of FF8. Square Enix is currently hard at work on the next entry in the FF7 Remake series, and it’s odd that the company would start remaking another one of the mainline Final Fantasy games that appeared on the original PlayStation, as it’s busy finishing Cloud’s revamped adventure. It’s also odd that they would skip FF8 and move onto FF9.
The original PlayStation might have had the strongest run of Final Fantasy games, with FF7 not only elevating the system, but also the JRPG genre as a whole, while single-handedly turning Final Fantasy into a global franchise. FF8 was a natural evolution of FF7, with drastically improved visuals and the series’ first attempt at telling a love story. FF9 was a throwback to the classic entries on Nintendo systems while having a surprisingly dark tone. The original PlayStation also had Final Fantasy Tactics, which is considered by many to be one of the best entries in the series. There are many Final Fantasy fans who look back on this era with fondness, and the FF7 Remake series gives hope that they will be all be remade in the future.
It might seem odd that Square Enix would be considering an FF9 Remake, as the company is currently working on the FF7 Remake series, as well as FF16, and finishing up work on Endwalker. There is also a remastered version of FF9 available on modern systems. It seems that Zidane could be returning alongside Cloud in a full FF9 Remake, while poor Squall and the other SeeD members are being ignored.
The GeForce Now Leak Is Looking More Legitimate
The rumors of an FF9 Remake started because of the GeForce Now datamine leak, which revealed the identity of several games that are in development. Nvidia has confirmed that the leak is legitimate, but not all of the games are real and that some of the names are speculative. This certainly rings true for some of them, as Kingdom Hearts 4 is on the list, and that isn’t expected to launch for a long time. There are some names on the list that have since been formally announced, including the Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition, which adds a great deal of credence to the leak.
Square Enix had a few names on the list and at least one of them seems to be confirmed. There is a lot of evidence to suggest that Chrono Cross Remaster is on the way and that it could be announced at The Game Awards. The recent announcement of Another Eden and Chrono Cross crossing over, as well as rumors surrounding a full Chrono Cross coming to modern systems, suggests that the Square Enix portion of the leak was legit. FF9 Remake was one of the games mentioned on the list, which caught many people by surprise, as Square still has its hands full with the FF7 Remake series. There could be another reason why FF9 is getting a remake so quickly, and why it’s not waiting for FF7 Remake to end its run, and why it’s skipping FF8 in the queue.
FF9 Could Get A Remake Thanks To Receiving An Anime
The reason why there could be a rush to make an FF9 Remake is that there is an FF9 animated series in the works. Not much has been revealed about the show, except for the fact that it’s going to be aimed at kids/young teens. The show was meant to enter production at the end of 2021 or the beginning of 2022, so it likely won’t be coming for another year or two. If Square Enix decides to go the episodic route with FF9 Remake, as it’s doing with FF7 Remake, then could be enough time to release the first part of an FF9 Remake series.
The fact that the FF9 animated series is aimed at kids raises the question of whether the FF9 Remake will be faithful, or if it will tone down some of its darker elements. FF7 Remake changed elements of its story to better resonate with a modern audience, including a more critical look at Avalanche’s actions, and overhauling the Honey Bee Inn and cross-dressing sections of the game. It’s possible that FF9 Remake could lighten its tone, which wouldn’t be an easy task. There is a lot of death and destruction in the game, and the overall theme involves mortality and how one chooses to live their life, knowing that death is inevitable, so it’s unclear how much can be changed without totally shifting the focus of the story. If Square Enix wants to turn FF9 into a multimedia entity, then such changes might be necessary, especially when skewing towards a younger audience.
Squall Will Have His Final Fantasy 8 Remake Eventually
If FF9 Remake is legit, then it means FF8 has been skipped over for a remake. This doesn’t mean that Squall’s adventure is going to be forgotten forever. Square Enix will eventually finish up work on the FF7 and FF9 Remake series, and FF8 is the natural choice for the next full-blown remake. The fact that Square Enix went to so much effort to clean up the visuals in FF8 Remastered proves that the company hasn’t forgotten the game. Square Enix has gone to a lot of effort to remaster and remake its old library, and if games like Trials of Mana can be reborn on modern systems, then FF8 will almost certainly be in line.
FF8 is one of the most beloved entries in the Final Fantasy series, even if it has earned a memetic status for some of its story elements. A full remake could not only update the visuals, but it could also iron out some of the gameplay issues, like the exploits that make it far too easy. The story could also use some tweaks to make it easier to understand. The time might also have arrived to make the “Squall is dead” fan theory canon. A Final Fantasy VIII Remake will arrive someday and Zidane’s crew skipping the queue doesn’t mean that Squall isn’t being considered for a modern revival.
