Final Fantasy 9is one of the most beloved games in Square Enix’s series. Unlimited charm, fantastic localization,and a beloved castmade it a classic entry that is still talked about fondly and revisited regularly. Even all these years later,FF9is still an all-time great JRPG.
Given how successful theFinal Fantasy 7remake project has been, it’s easy to see why fans would be clamoring for another remake in the series.Final Fantasy 9is 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 withFinal Fantasy’s classic roots and what made this series unique in the first place. This is why aFinal Fantasy 9remake 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 likeFinal Fantasy 7and16were meant to appeal to mature audiences in a bid to help the series evolve. While this approach is great in its own right,Final Fantasyarguably became something special since it appealed to all audiences.
Such was the case withFinal 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 ofFF7.
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 9is 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 thatantagonists like Queen Brahneand 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&Rebirthhave 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 possibleFinal Fantasy 9remake. 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 aboutFinal Fantasy 9was 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 ofFinal Fantasy 9. After all,Final Fantasy 7 Remake&Rebirthfleshed out so many elements of the plot, so it’s easy to see whyFinal 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 9has aged gracefullyin 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 ofFinal Fantasy 9somewhat 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 everyFinal Fantasygame with his amazing work.Final Fantasy 9is 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 bestFinal Fantasysoundtracks 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 inFinal Fantasyhistory. 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 aFinal Fantasy 9remake does justice to Vivi’s character, then fans will be reaching for the tissues asthey bawl their eyes out after the game’s conclusion.
