Final Fantasy 9 enthusiasts have reason to celebrate as the game marks its 25th anniversary this year. Square Enix has launched a dedicated website to commemorate this milestone, stirring excitement with promises of various projects on the horizon. The site not only showcases an array of FF9 merchandise, including character figures, plushies, vinyl records, CDs, and story books, but also teases more announcements in the lead-up to the anniversary.
Originally released on July 7, 2000, for the PlayStation, Final Fantasy 9 has captivated gamers worldwide, selling over 8.9 million copies. Its legacy continued with re-releases in the Final Fantasy 25th Anniversary Ultimate Box in Japan in December 2012, a remastered version for iOS and Android in February 2016, and subsequent ports to PC, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, and Windows 10.
25th Anniversary Website Launched
The excitement surrounding the anniversary has fueled rumors of a potential Final Fantasy 9 remake. The success of the Final Fantasy VII Remake and Rebirth has set a precedent, and with FF9 voted the 4th best FF game in a 2019 NHK poll, fans are hopeful. Although the anniversary website remains silent on the topic, the game's enduring popularity keeps the speculation alive.
Possible Final Fantasy 9 Remake and Seemingly Forgotten Anime
In addition to the remake buzz, there's renewed interest in the previously announced FF9 anime, "Final Fantasy IX: The Black Mages' Legacy." Revealed in 2021, the anime was set to explore the adventures of Vivi's six children a decade after the game's events. However, since the initial announcement, updates have been scarce. The project's fate took a turn when Paris-based Cyber Group Studios, tasked with distribution and production, declared bankruptcy in October 2024 and entered judicial recovery. Despite this setback, potential buyers like United Smile and Newen Studios have shown interest in continuing the series, keeping fans hopeful for its eventual release.
