This article contains spoilers for Final Fantasy VII Remake, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, and Final Fantasy IX.
Recent rumors concerning a potential Final Fantasy IX remake evoke a sense of unease. A significant part of this apprehension arises because Square Enix has already provided a modern remaster of the original FFIX, which effectively preserves the game for long-time fans and makes it readily available to new players. However, an even greater concern is Square Enix`s approach to the Final Fantasy VII Remake trilogy and the broader industry`s perspective on remakes.
The preservation of video games is a widely discussed subject within the gaming community today. The Video Game History Foundation reports that nearly 87% of all video games released before 2010 are `critically endangered,` implying that only about 13% of these titles are currently easily accessible. This highlights a considerable number of games facing the risk of being permanently lost to time.
Nevertheless, companies are indeed making deliberate efforts to preserve some of their more popular titles. In recent years, Capcom has garnered praise for its remasters and re-releases across franchises like Resident Evil, Ace Attorney, and Mega Man. Konami has launched a highly anticipated Metal Gear collection, and Square Enix itself has delivered several excellent remasters within its Kingdom Hearts and Final Fantasy series.
Another approach adopted by companies when reimagining beloved classics is the `remake` strategy. This involves redeveloping titles to modernize controls, graphics, or even narrative elements for contemporary audiences. Excellent examples include Resident Evil 2, Silent Hill 2, Demon`s Souls, and Dead Space. Given that these games are widely regarded as all-time masterpieces in their original forms, it`s understandable why studios might opt to re-examine these experiences through a new perspective rather than merely trying to replicate them. However, while these transformations are often highly successful, some core elements that defined the originals can be lost in the adaptation process. This is particularly evident with Square Enix`s Final Fantasy VII Remake trilogy, which deviates from a mere update, instead re-envisioning the original Final Fantasy VII as a foundation for an entirely new experience.
This distinction is precisely why the idea of Square Enix undertaking a complete remake of Final Fantasy IX, as opposed to preserving its original vision, causes significant apprehension.
When Square Enix ultimately announced the Final Fantasy VII remake, it was met with a mix of celebration and apprehension. Questions arose: would it retain its turn-based combat? Would it adhere faithfully to the original narrative? Would it be released as a single game? These questions were eventually answered with an ongoing trilogy that incorporates real-time action combat and significant alterations to key story events, effectively transforming Final Fantasy VII Remake into a hidden sequel to the original. Regardless of one`s perspective, the modern Final Fantasy VII iteration is not a direct substitute for the original experience.
This naturally leads to speculation regarding Final Fantasy IX`s potential remake. Given that a contemporary remaster of FFIX already exists, it implies that Square Enix`s remake plans for the title might be more ambitious, akin to the Final Fantasy VII Remake. Will this, then, be another reinterpretation? Will Square Enix compromise the original`s distinctive charm and unique characteristics to appeal to modern tastes? FFIX is renowned as a homage to earlier Final Fantasy titles, a fact reflected in its art direction and gameplay. The game boasts some of the series` most breathtaking art through its pre-rendered backgrounds, which vividly bring the world of Gaia to life and are reminiscent of storybook artistry, greatly enhancing the game`s fantastical atmosphere. One can`t help but question if some of the enchantment of FFIX`s world would dissipate if these were replaced by full 3D environments in a remake.
I also ponder whether a Final Fantasy IX remake would introduce story alterations, similar to those in the VII Remake. There`s concern that pivotal moments, such as the Mog or Vivi reveals, could be rewritten or lose their emotional resonance. FFIX is highly esteemed by many as the narrative peak of the Final Fantasy series. A ground-up remake risks introducing creative deviations that could fundamentally change the storytelling experience. Consider, for instance, Square Enix`s treatment of Aerith`s death in Final Fantasy VII – an iconic and universally recognized scene depicting Sephiroth impaling the beloved character. In Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, this moment is muddied by a confusing blend of visions, dream sequences, and temporal shifts, rendering it almost unrecognizable, perplexing, and significantly less impactful.
Is it conceivable that Square Enix would once again forgo the Active Time Battle (ATB) system, characteristic of classic Final Fantasy games including IX, in favor of more action-oriented gameplay, catering to fans of Final Fantasy XVI or Final Fantasy VII Remake? The ATB system prompted players to engage in tactical decision-making and deliberate each turn. In contrast, Final Fantasy VII Remake often allows players to rely predominantly on basic attacks in most encounters, with abilities primarily reserved for late-game and boss fights. While VII`s transition to real-time action feels somewhat more fitting due to its futuristic backdrop, Final Fantasy IX`s fantasy setting and core identity are inherently tied to its classic ATB system. Such gameplay shifts could also extend to moments like the sword-fighting tournament, potentially reducing it to a quick-time event, much like the Shinra parade in Final Fantasy VII Rebirth.
Final Fantasy IX, while beloved, isn`t a flawless game, as some of its concepts don`t feel fully realized. For instance, Trance, FFIX`s equivalent to Final Fantasy VII`s Limit Break system, allows party members to transform into more potent forms upon sustaining significant damage. Although not always mechanically flawless, Trance effectively conveys the sense of a character accumulating rage and a will to survive in perilous combat, contributing to the game`s overall appeal. Removing such an element would be akin to eliminating codec calls from Metal Gear Solid games for the sake of streamlining, thereby sacrificing a crucial part of their identity – a simplification that, notably, later entries did implement.
Another element susceptible to change is Zidane himself. Despite his popularity, he possesses a few questionable personality traits, notably his tendency towards womanizing and excessive flirtation with Garnet. However, it is precisely these imperfections that lend profound meaning to his actions, character arc, and growth throughout the narrative, making his apparent death and subsequent return to Garnet one of the most heartwarming moments in the entire series. If his personality were overly sanitized to portray him in a more positive light, it could diminish the emotional impact and alter the fundamental perception of the game`s concluding moments.
Is there a possibility that my concerns are unwarranted, and an FFIX remake could indeed bypass the shortcomings of the VII Remake trilogy while perfectly encapsulating the original`s charm? Perhaps. Does the emergence of a new, reinterpreted Final Fantasy IX invalidate the original`s existence? Certainly not. Yet, if this new iteration is promoted as the definitive experience, but fails to capture what made the original so special, isn`t something irreplaceable diminished?
It is crucial to be able to revisit the past and experience games in their original fidelity. When companies diligently preserve and make these cherished titles accessible, it represents a positive stride. Square Enix has achieved this by re-releasing Final Fantasy IX for contemporary gaming hardware. However, when companies opt to unnecessarily remake beloved titles merely for the sake of modernity, they risk jeopardizing the overall perception of these games, even if the original source material remains intact. Something valuable is lost when ideas and design are homogenized into a `one size fits all` model and then given the same name as an established classic. Final Fantasy IX stands as a masterpiece in storytelling, gameplay, and design, potentially marking the franchise`s pinnacle. Should it receive a remake, my earnest hope is that Square Enix will meticulously remember what initially rendered it so exceptional.