Square Enix has done a tremendous job on the remake of Final Fantasy VII. Composed of three parts, this project has so far convinced fans with its first two parts.

Graphics, gameplay, storyline development: this is a true remake that assumes its heritage while offering many new features. However, he can be blamed for his episodic pattern, forcing players to go through the checkout three times to wrap up the story of Cloud and his companions. However, the enthusiastic reception of the specialized press and players relegates this disadvantage to a secondary level.

Another Final Fantasy has a special place in the hearts of fans: Final Fantasy IX. Taking a character design close to that of FFVII, it marked a return to the heroic fantasy, thus reconnecting with the first inspirations of the saga. With its deep storyline, mature themes and characters as varied as endearing, it remains an essential opus.

For a few months, persistent rumors have been circulating on the web. Although they should be taken with care, they come from generally reliable leakers.

This is a tweet from NatetheHate2 who recently put Final Fantasy IX back in the spotlight. When asked by a follower about possible news of the game, he replied:

"Both [FF9 and FF Tactics] are still in active development. FFIX is not expected to be released in 2025. Maybe we’ll see him out in 2026."

The project seems to be underway, although Square Enix has not yet made it official. According to previous rumors, the development was initially entrusted to an external studio, but, considered unsatisfactory, it was taken internally by Square Enix and is now at an advanced stage.

Finally, unlike the remake of Final Fantasy VII, Final Fantasy IX would not receive the same prestige treatment, perhaps due to a smaller fanbase. The game would remain more faithful to the original game, released in 2000 on PlayStation 1.

All this is of course still to be taken lightly, but these leaks are beginning to gain credibility with many media. If a release in 2026 is really planned, an official release by Square Enix this year seems quite plausible.

Source: Retro News