This year marks the 25th anniversary of Final Fantasy 9, and Square Enix has wasted no time in celebrating this iconic title. The developer recently unveiled a dedicated website to honor the occasion, teasing a range of projects in the pipeline. From merchandise to potential game adaptations, fans are abuzz with speculation about what lies ahead for this beloved RPG classic.
Celebrating 25 Years of Final Fantasy 9
A New Era Begins: 25th Anniversary Website Launches
To mark the milestone, Square Enix has created a special website filled with nostalgia and excitement. According to the announcement, the studio is preparing "various projects such as goods and collaborations" to celebrate the 25th anniversary. The website already features an array of merchandise inspired by Final Fantasy 9. Fans can look forward to collectibles like character figures, plush toys, vinyl records, CDs, storybooks, and much more.
But the surprises don’t stop there. Square Enix hinted at additional announcements leading up to the anniversary, keeping fans eagerly anticipating what else is in store.
Released initially on July 7, 2000, for the PlayStation, Final Fantasy 9 became a fan favorite, selling over 8.9 million copies globally. Over the years, it received multiple re-releases, including the Ultimate Box in Japan in December 2012, a mobile remaster in 2016, and ports for PC, PS4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, and Windows 10.
Could a Remake Be on the Horizon?
The launch of the anniversary website sparked rampant rumors about a possible remake of Final Fantasy 9. Following the success of Final Fantasy VII Remake and its sequel, Rebirth, fans are hopeful that Square Enix will give FF9 the same treatment.
A 2019 poll conducted by Japan’s NHK placed Final Fantasy 9 as the fourth-best FF game, highlighting its enduring appeal. While the anniversary website didn’t explicitly confirm a remake, the game’s popularity makes it a strong candidate for such a project.
What About the Long-Awaited Anime?
Another intriguing project involves an Final Fantasy IX-inspired anime series titled "Final Fantasy IX: The Black Mages' Legacy." Set a decade after the events of the original game, the storyline focuses on the children of Vivi, the beloved black mage.
Back in 2021, Square Enix confirmed the project in partnership with Paris-based Cyber Group Studios. Unfortunately, Cyber Group Studios filed for bankruptcy by the end of October 2024 and entered judicial recovery proceedings. Despite this setback, two companies—United Smile and Newen Studios—have expressed interest in acquiring the studio’s assets, including the FF9 anime rights. Both studios aim to resume production of the series, providing hope for its completion.
With the 25th anniversary celebrations underway, the future looks bright for Final Fantasy 9. Whether through remakes, merchandise, or new media ventures, Square Enix is clearly committed to keeping this classic alive in the hearts of fans worldwide. Stay tuned for further updates as the year unfolds!
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