The dream of a Final Fantasy 8 remake may be just that – a dream. Yoshinori Kitase, the director and producer of the series, has dashed hopes of such a remake once the Final Fantasy 7 Remake trilogy is complete. And the reason for this disappointment is simple: it’s an incredibly arduous task. Kitase, speaking ahead of FF8’s 25th anniversary, expressed his thoughts to IGN about the challenges that come with remaking the beloved game.
If a hypothetical remake of Final Fantasy 8 were to happen, Kitase would look to “really rework” the game’s divisive Junction system. This system involves upgrading characters to use specific skills and abilities, granting complete customization of their attributes during battles. However, Kitase acknowledges that this system proved difficult for some players to understand and master. Therefore, any modern remake would need to improve the system’s difficulty and approachability.
Even if the Junction system were to be reworked, Kitase made it clear that the likelihood of a Final Fantasy 8 remake happening is slim. The sheer cost and effort required to recreate a lengthy RPG with modern-day visuals and gameplay is a major obstacle. Kitase emphasized the massive investment of time and effort that such a project would demand. Therefore, careful consideration is crucial before undertaking any kind of endeavor like this.
Remaking the Past
Even the prospect of remaking an older 2D Final Fantasy game seems unlikely. Kitase previously mentioned that remaking Final Fantasy 6 alone would take two decades. Square Enix staff themselves have expressed interest, but it seems far from becoming a reality. Furthermore, with the lingering uncertainty surrounding the release of the third part of the FF7 Remake trilogy, the future of Final Fantasy remakes remains uncertain.
Avoiding Disappointment
While some fans may feel let down that Final Fantasy 7 is the only game in the series to receive a remake, it is essential to recognize the silver lining. The older games still hold up remarkably well, and the less successful remakes of the SNES games serve as cautionary tales. These remakes, with their chibi sprites and unattractive fonts, exemplify how not every Final Fantasy game should be touched. Therefore, preserving the integrity of the original games may be the best course of action.
Regardless of the unlikelihood of a Final Fantasy 8 remake, there is plenty to anticipate in the realm of Final Fantasy. The upcoming FF7 Rebirth promises an array of engaging mini-games, ensuring that fans will have plenty to keep them entertained. As for Square Enix, they will undoubtedly continue to captivate audiences with their imaginative and breathtaking creations. While a Final Fantasy 8 remake may not be on the horizon, there is no shortage of captivating experiences to be had in the world of Final Fantasy.
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