As the gaming world buzzes with excitement, Final Fantasy 9's 25th anniversary has sparked a flurry of activity, highlighted by the launch of a dedicated anniversary website. This milestone not only celebrates the legacy of this beloved RPG but also teases fans with hints of what's to come. Dive in to uncover the exciting plans and potential future projects surrounding Final Fantasy 9.
25th Anniversary Website Launched
Square Enix has unveiled a new website to honor Final Fantasy 9's 25th anniversary. The site promises "various projects such as goods and collaborations" to mark this special occasion. Fans can already explore a range of FF9 merchandise, including character figures, plushies, vinyl records, CDs, storybooks, and more. But that's not all; Square Enix has teased that more exciting announcements are on the horizon as the anniversary approaches.
Originally released on July 7, 2000, for the PlayStation, Final Fantasy 9 has enjoyed widespread acclaim, selling over 8.9 million copies worldwide. It was later included in Square Enix's Final Fantasy 25th Anniversary Ultimate Box Japanese package in December 2012. A remastered version graced iOS and Android devices in February 2016, followed by a PC port later that year. The game made its way to the PlayStation 4 in September 2017 and was subsequently released on Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, and Windows 10 in February 2019.
Possible Final Fantasy 9 Remake and Seemingly Forgotten Anime
The launch of the anniversary website has fueled speculation about a potential FF9 remake. Given the success of Final Fantasy VII’s Remake and Rebirth, it's plausible that FF9 could be next in line for a modern overhaul. A 2019 poll by Japan's national broadcasting organization NHK ranked FF9 as the 4th best Final Fantasy game, bolstering its case for a remake. Though the anniversary website doesn't confirm such a project, the game's enduring popularity keeps the rumors alive.
Another project that has slipped under the radar is the previously announced FF9 anime series, "Final Fantasy IX: The Black Mages' Legacy." Set a decade after the original game, the series was poised to follow the adventures of Vivi's six children. Announced in 2021 by Square Enix, this project has been quiet since. Paris-based Cyber Group Studios, which secured the rights for the anime's distribution and merchandise, was set to produce the series in-house. However, the company's bankruptcy in October 2024 and subsequent entry into judicial recovery have cast doubt on the project's future. Despite this, potential buyers such as United Smile and Newen Studios have expressed interest in continuing the production, keeping a glimmer of hope alive for fans.
