The long-rumoredFinal Fantasy 9remake has yet to be officially announced by Square Enix, but signs continue to point to its eventual reveal. From Nvidia leaks to anniversary tie-ins and character art revamps, the game’s return seems likely, if not inevitable. However, even before a trailer has dropped, the remake could already be stepping into controversial territory.
Localization changes have quietly started appearing in recent promotional material, including updated names for fan-favorite characters. Most notably,Final Fantasy 9’s Freya Crescent is listed as “Freija,” and Amarant Coral is labeled “Salamander,” his original Japanese name. These adjustments may indicate that Square Enix plans to standardize character names across regions in the same way it did with Aerith inFinal Fantasy 7 Remake.
Final Fantasy 9 Character Names Are Changing
WhenFinal Fantasy 7 Remakewas released in 2020, it did more than overhaul graphics and gameplay. It also resolved a long-standing localization debate by settling on “Aerith,” aligning with the original Japanese script. IfFinal Fantasy 9receives similar treatment, the presence of names like Freija and Salamander in anniversary materials may not be accidental.
These were the characters' original names in the Japanese release, and the English names were likely chosen for stylistic or localization reasons during the early 2000s. Today, many remakes aim to preserve creator intent by sticking closer to the original Japanese text. This often appeals to some fans while frustrating others who have strong emotional ties to the original English versions.
Kingdom Heartsused the name “Aerith”instead of “Aeris” as early as 2002, showing that Square Enix had already begun aligning its localizations with the original Japanese names years beforeFinal Fantasy 7 Remakemade the change official in the mainline series.
Beatrix Deserves More in Final Fantasy 9
While name changes may be the most immediate concern, a remake ofFinal Fantasy 9offers the opportunity to fix some of the structural limitations of the original. One of the most commonly discussed topics isBeatrix, a powerful character inFF9who joins the party briefly but never becomes a full-time companion. Her limited role left many players disappointed.
Giving Beatrix more time in the party or even making her permanently playable could enhance both the narrative and gameplay. Her story with Steiner is one of the more emotionally grounded side plots in the game, and adding new playable sections with her could make that arc more satisfying. Beatrix already comes with a complete skill set, so expanding her role would not require major reinvention.
Similarly, players have long speculated aboutVivi’s fate at the end ofFF9. The ending implies that he may have passed away, but this is never confirmed outright. A remake could add small moments or optional scenes that provide more clarity, without rewriting the original story’s intent.
Final Fantasy 4: The After Yearsbrought back characters, but sometimes weakened the impact of earlier narratives.Final Fantasy 9should avoid this by using restraint in any changes.
Final Fantasy 9 Remake Needs Familiar Combat
Thebattle system ofFinal Fantasy 9is part of what defines the game’s identity. It uses turn-based Active Time Battles, each character has a set role based on classic job systems, and the Trance mechanic adds strategic layers to combat. Changing the system too much would risk alienating long-time fans.
Final Fantasy 7 Remakeadopted a hybrid combat systemthat blends action with traditional commands. This worked for that title because it aimed to reimagine the story and gameplay entirely.Final Fantasy 9, by contrast, was designed from the start as a return to the series’ roots. A remake should preserve its core mechanics while updating presentation and flow. Enhancements like optional difficulty modes or combat speed adjustments could modernize the experience without changing its soul.
Square Enix has recently embraced shorter marketing cycles for big projects. TheFinal Fantasy 16Xbox release appeared via a shadow drop, andThe Elder Scrolls: Oblivionremaster did the same during a major showcase. IfFinal Fantasy 9is close to completion, revealing and releasing it in short succession might work better than a drawn-out campaign. This approach could also give players less time to worry about potential changes and more time to judge the game by what it actually delivers.
AFinal Fantasy 9remakewould carry more than the weight of nostalgia. It would carry the expectations of players who grew up with its characters, its systems, and even its translations. Names like Freya and Amarant are more than text on a screen; they’re part of how the game lives on in memory. Updating those names or expanding certain roles might seem like small changes, but they speak to something deeper. If Square Enix moves forward with a remake, it will need to decide what matters more: matching the original vision or honoring how players came to know it.
