Final Fantasy 9is often remembered for its whimsical world, its nods to classic medieval fantasy, and a diverse cast of characters each navigating a world on the brink of collapse. While Zidane and Garnet carry much of the story’s emotional weight, certain side characters leave a lasting impression with far less screen time. Chief among them is General Beatrix, who commands presence with every appearance—yet remains tragically underused from a gameplay and narrative perspective.
Beatrix, Alexandria’s top general, functions as a boss character and temporary party member. Though her combat skills rival the best in the game, and her character arc introduces compelling internal conflict, players only get a fleeting taste of what she offers both on and off the battlefield. A futureFinal Fantasy 9remake—rumored and hoped for in many circles—has a rare opportunity to right this oversight.
Final Fantasy 9’s Beatrix Could Shine More
Beatrix’sbrief moment as a playable character happens late inFinal Fantasy 9, during the siege of Alexandria. She joins Steiner in a two-person party, unleashing powerful Seiken attacks and White Magic spells that combine offense and healing in a way no other character quite does. It’s a glimpse into what could be—a versatile, battle-hardened general with one of the most compelling kits in the game. Yet, after this short-lived section, she vanishes from the playable roster, leaving players to wonder why such a dynamic figure was so quickly shelved.
In a remake, Beatrix could easily be given a longer playable arc. One possibility is a new section added before her alliance with Steiner, allowing players to control her during the earlier phases of the war. This could offer a deeper look at her loyalty to Queen Brahne, her growing suspicion of Kuja, and her internal struggle between duty and morality. Just asFinal Fantasy 7 Remakeexpanded the roles of Jessie, Biggs, and Wedge—adding layers to previously minor characters—Beatrix could anchor an entirely new gameplay segment that enhances her character without altering her core.
Beatrix Embodies Final Fantasy 9’s Core Themes
Beatrix represents more than just strength; she is the embodiment of duty, conflict, and redemption. Her initial loyalty to Queen Brahne places her in morally questionable positions, but her concern for Alexandria’s people reveals a compassionate core. This duality makes her one of the game’s most symbolic figures—she’s a living tension between authority and conscience.
Consider her turning point after witnessing Brahne’s cruelty: Beatrix chooses to abandon blind loyalty and protect the innocent, even if it means betraying her queen. This moment parallelsVivi’s journey of self-awareness and Zidane’s quest to confront his origins. A remake that fleshes out these parallels could bring Beatrix into conversations she helped define, showcasing her as more than a narrative bystander. Her development is already strong; it only needs space to breathe.
A Final Fantasy 9 Remake Could Honor Beatrix’s Original Role
Expanding Beatrix’s role comes with risks. Overexposure or drastic changes could flatten the nuance that makes her memorable. But if handled with care, a remake could position her as a post-game character in a New Game Plus scenario, giving fans the chance to explore her combat potential in full without breaking the original story’s balance. This would also pay homage to her legacy without undermining the mystery and reverence surrounding her.
Mechanically, Beatrix already feels like an endgame powerhouse. Her Seiken abilities, such as Stock Break and Shock, rival Steiner’s Sword Arts, while her White Magic adds tactical flexibility. Imagine her as a bonus party member unlocked after finishing the main story—an incentive for deeper exploration, much like howFinal Fantasy 7 Remake Intergradeintroduced Yuffie as a side storywith full mechanics and character depth. It wouldn’t rewrite the original narrative but would instead celebrate her as the fan-favorite she has always been.
Beatrix is one ofFinal Fantasy 9’s strongest characters—on the battlefield and in storytelling. Her legacy deserves more than a temporary spotlight. A future remake has a rare opportunity to give her the expanded role she earned long ago.
