- ‘Final Fantasy 9’ Search Numbers and Talk Soar as a Result of Children’s Picture Book Release by Square Enix
- Misleading headlines suggest a lengthy remake rather than a new piece of merchandise
- Interest in the rumored game is still massive and I still hope we hear news this year
i love Final Fantasy IX. Along with one Spyro the dragon game, it was one of the first video games I got for the original PlayStation as a kid, and it taught me games could tell riveting, heartbreaking stories.
There has been an increase recently Final Fantasy IX (FF9) searches online as some outlets have reported that a ‘new FF9 release’ is coming this year. Of course, these headlines are clickbait: rather than a new entry to our best RPGs and best PS5 games lists, it’s a new piece of merchandise, a children’s storybook centered around Vivi – one of the game’s most popular characters. There is no confirmation that we will see a remake this year.
I remain optimistic though, we will see in the end. The existence of the FF9 remake was first revealed via a massive Nvidia leak of upcoming Square Enix games, including a Chrono Cross Remasters, Final Fantasy Tactics replay, and Kingdom Hearts 4all of which have since been either published or announced.
While some leakers reported that IX has been put on hold, the wave of renewed interest in the property and the success of the line of 25th anniversary merchandise (featuring new concept art, such as the piece above) must show Square Enix that a remake is worth sticking with.
It didn’t even have to be a AAA, basic build of the game with real-time action battles like Final Fantasy VII Remake trilogy. It would probably be much more like the latest Dragon Quest VII Reimagined, which uses chibi-style imagery, charming dioramas and scanned dolls alongside traditional turn-based combat. Coincidentally, we gave the game 4.5 stars in our review.
This is the perfect way to adapt FF9 to the modern age. The original Final Fantasy IX consisted of scenes consisting of two elements: beautiful static 2D backgrounds, and characters, monsters and other moving parts laid over the top of these backgrounds. There’s no reason Square Enix couldn’t keep that vibe with crisp, modern visuals like it’s done for Dragon Quest.
Turn-based combat is seeing a resurgence thanks to the success of titles like Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, and of course it’s much easier to animate. That would represent a significantly cheaper investment on Square’s part than a fast-paced, real-time, AAA game that requires lots of highly interactive 3D environments.
Come on, Square Enix. Give the people what they want, lean into this wave of fan interest, and give us a return to Gaia. If we get a surprise reveal before the end of the year, it’s bound to end up on lists of the best JRPGs of 2026.
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