The Nvidia GeForce Now streaming platform recently had a potentially massive leak. Included in the leak was a list of unannounced titles, many of which were expected to be in development. These games included Resident Evil 4 Remake, Dragon's Dogma 2, Kingdom Hearts 4, Injustice 3, and Mortal Kombat 12, among others. Nvidia has stated the list is made of a mixture of real and hypothetical games, but that hasn't discouraged fans from assuming it is generally trustworthy. Of particular note is the Square Enix section, which includes remasters and remakes of several older games including Final Fantasy 9.

Final Fantasy 9 has gotten a surprising amount of attention recently thanks to the confirmation an animated TV show is in the works. This title is often considered to be the sleeper hit of the PS1 and PS2 Final Fantasy generation, so it's a surprise to see it receive so much attention. If this trend continues, it would make sense for the game to receive a new release to complement its existing HD remaster. A Final Fantasy 9 Remake seemed like a long shot years ago, especially with Final Fantasy 7 Remake in active development. However, these two different remakes can coexist, and FF9 Remake could take some pointers from FF7 Remake.

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Why Final Fantasy 9 Is Perfect for a Remake

A remake for Final Fantasy 9 seems ideal. The PS1 classic already has a remastered version in the form of its modern ports, and this is especially true for the PC version as an AI upscale mod named the Moguri Mod can bring the game's visuals to new heights. At this point, the available console, PC, and mobile versions of Final Fantasy 9 are on par with Final Fantasy 8 Remastered and the most recent Final Fantasy 7 console remaster, so more work with the original version is unnecessary. A full-on remake would be necessary to take FF9 to the next level.

If Square Enix really wants to push Final Fantasy 9 as hard as it seem to with an upcoming show, a remake should be in the cards. FF9 is in an awkward spot, as nothing could stand up to the overwhelming popularity of Final Fantasy 7, and Final Fantasy 8 remains divisive due to its story and gameplay. Final Fantasy 9 was intended as a love letter to classic Final Fantasy, and features a more cartoonish art style and fantastical world than the other PS1 entries. It was well-liked, but because it's so different, many didn't give it a chance. A remake would get the game back in the public eye, please existing fans, and likely make some new ones.

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What Final Fantasy 9 Remake Should Take From Final Fantasy 7 Remake

The main question on many peoples' minds when they hear about a Final Fantasy 9 Remake is how similar it would be to Final Fantasy 7 Remake. Ideally, it would match FF7 Remake's presentation, particularly in regards to visual fidelity and vocal performances. Square Enix has always prided itself in being on the cutting edge of graphical technology, and its games have come a long way since Final Fantasy 9 was released late on the PS1. A visual overhaul would definitely be a major part of an FF9 Remake, though its developers should keep the original title's unique charm. Adding an all-star voice cast and new cinematics certainly wouldn't hurt, either.

On the subject of new cinematics, the Final Fantasy 9 Remake could be used to expand the game similar to Final Fantasy 7 Remake. This would not include a large divergence from the original game, but some elements the Final Fantasy 9 development team had to cut could be added. Various missing fights, like three of the four elemental Guardians, and absent mechanics like pre-existing encounters and moving around battle screens could be implemented. The Ranger character the party was supposed to meet in the city of Treno could even be added as an optional character. There's plenty of room for expansion in Final Fantasy 9.

Final Fantasy 7 Remake Pitfalls That 9 Remake Must Avoid

However, Final Fantasy 9 Remake should not be expanded recklessly. FF9 should be a single release that contains all of its content. Final Fantasy 7 Remake has caused a lot of debate among its fandom due to stretching out the previously five-hour long Midgar section into a full 30-hour RPG experience. It still isn't clear how many parts Final Fantasy 7 Remake will be, too. Final Fantasy 9 really doesn't need that much elaboration on its setting and characters, and the Final Fantasy franchise as a whole should try to keep the number of sub-series to a minimum. There doesn't need to be a Compilation of Final Fantasy 9 competing with the Compilation of Final Fantasy 7.

Final Fantasy 9 Remake should also be hesitant about changing its gameplay. While it is true that light action elements were considered for the game's original release, their absence does not cause any problems. It would be nice to see a new big-budget console game using Final Fantasy's old Active Time Battle system again, and FF9's solid take would be the perfect vessel. Final Fantasy 7 Remake means many things to many people, but FF9 could enjoy a much simpler reception if it just recreates the original game with some enhancements. It's still unknown whether Final Fantasy 9 Remake will actually happen, but hopefully it can learn some lessons from Final Fantasy 7 Remake.

Final Fantasy 9 Remake is rumored to be in development.

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