Naoki Yoshida, known as Yoshi-P and the director of Final Fantasy 14, has expressed skepticism about the feasibility of remaking Final Fantasy 9 as a single title. In recent interviews, he highlighted the challenges posed by the game’s extensive content and the potential need to split it into multiple parts, similar to the approach taken with the Final Fantasy 7 Remake series.
Key Points from Yoshi-P’s Remarks
- Volume and Complexity: Yoshi-P noted that Final Fantasy 9 is a game with significant volume, encompassing various kingdoms, environments, and story elements. This complexity makes it challenging to fit into a single remake without substantial expansion and enhancement of its world.
- Comparison to Final Fantasy 7 Remake: The Final Fantasy 7 Remake trilogy serves as a precedent for how a large-scale remake might be handled. Yoshi-P suggested that a similar approach might be necessary for Final Fantasy 9 due to its size and scope.
- Development Considerations: While acknowledging fan interest in a remake, Yoshi-P emphasized the logistical and financial challenges of such a project. He mentioned that transforming the game’s original world map into a more detailed and interconnected environment would significantly increase its development demands.
- Personal Preferences: Interestingly, Yoshi-P expressed a personal interest in remaking Final Fantasy 3, highlighting his unique perspective on which titles might benefit from modern updates.
Current Status of Final Fantasy 9 Remake
Despite ongoing rumors and leaks suggesting that a Final Fantasy 9 remake is in development, Yoshi-P clarified that he is not involved with any such project. The references to Final Fantasy 9 within Final Fantasy 14 are intended as nods to the franchise’s history rather than hints at future games.