Final Fantasy 9has been the source of discussion for a while at this point, specifically around a potential remake of one of the most popular and impactful entries in Square Enix’s enduring RPG franchise. Although this speculation has been met with no official word from the developer as of this time, the IP recently got a big boost.Magic: The Gathering’sFinal Fantasyset was just released this past June 13. The collection features a tribute to the franchise that covers the entire breadth and history of all the mainline games, including the fourteenth MMO entry, andFinal Fantasy 9was naturally part of it.
However,Final Fantasy 9did not make the cut forMTG’s Commander decks, with four other games—FF6,7,10, and14—chosen to represent them instead, and deflating some initial hopes that this would mean a remake was happening. Nevertheless,FF9has a strong presence and representation within the main set, and one card in particular depicting one ofitsmost iconic and beloved characters might yet be a promising indication that a remake could still be imminent.
Magic: The Gathering’s Vivi Card Could Be Another Hint at a Final Fantasy 9 Remake
Final Fantasy 9 Remake Rumors Have Been Picking Up Steam
Many fans have been wishing for aFinal Fantasy 9remake for some time, as it remains one of the most memorable entries for its story, characters, and themes. Sony’s State of Play and Summer Game Fest recently took place, and ahead of these events, there were expectations that Square was possibly going to show up in a big way. Indeed, it was announced thatFinal Fantasy 16andFF7 Remakeare coming to Xbox and PC, with the former even shadow-dropping during the show, and the latter set to release this Winter. The other big reveal wasFinal Fantasy Tactics: The IvaliceChronicles, a remake of the fan-favorite 1997 strategy spin-off dropping on September 30. However, there was no sign ofFinal Fantasy 9.
Previously adding fuel to the fire of the remake rumors, the officialFinal Fantasy 9website was recently updated with new character portraitsdone by the original designer, Toshiyuki Itahana. These included the likes of lovable black mage Vivi Ornitier, along with Garnet, Zidane, and Steiner. Though Square has yet to comment on this directly, also of note is thatFF9’s 25th anniversary isn’t far off, taking place in July. Combined with Vivi inMTG,it could be the case that the studio is gearing up for something major related toFF9.
Final Fantasy 9’s Vivi Magic: The Gathering Card Could Be a Remake Clue Hiding in Plain Sight
Notably,Magic: The Gathering’s Vivi Ornitier cardis making the rounds and raising eyebrows due to the power and versatility it offers, along with the gorgeous artwork renderings of its various versions. Vivi has proven to be borderline-overpowered within theFinal Fantasycollection, and this may have been Square’s strategy all along, building up hype and attention before it officially announces anFF9remake.
And with the original game’s 25th anniversary just ahead, it wouldn’t be too much of a stretch to imagine that the reveal of aFinal Fantasy 9 Remakemay come soon in order to capitalize on the buzz that Vivi’s inclusion inMTGis currently generating. Thus, “the little black mage that could” may actually be setting the stage for the remake of the game he stars in to finally be unveiled in the wake ofFF’s successful crossover withMagic: The Gathering.
