The recent announcement of the release date for Final Fantasy 14’s next expansion, Dawntrail, at PAX East has stirred up quite a bit of excitement among fans. Producer Yoshi-P added fuel to the fire by dropping hints about Final Fantasy 9 in connection with the upcoming expansion. The pre-order and special edition bonus items for Dawntrail have a suspiciously FF9-themed feel to them, with references to the beloved game scattered throughout. Despite the obvious nods to FF9, Yoshi-P cryptically mentioned that “the reason is a secret,” leaving fans to speculate wildly about what this could mean for the future of the franchise.
One of the standout bonus items included with the Dawntrail expansion is a mount version of FF9’s Ark eidolon summon. This mount has the ability to transform into an airship and a mech-like robot, making it a formidable presence on the battlefield. Additionally, players can look forward to wind-up minions of both Zidane and Garnet, the iconic lead characters from Final Fantasy 9. While the exact function of these wind-up minions remains a mystery to many, their presence adds to the overall excitement surrounding the upcoming expansion.
The mention of Final Fantasy 9 in connection with the Dawntrail expansion has reignited rumors that have been circulating for some time. Back in 2021, a leak from Nvidia suggested that a remake of Final Fantasy IX was in the works, leading to speculation about the possibility of revisiting this classic title. However, there has been no official confirmation from Square Enix regarding a potential remake or remaster of FF9. The recent focus on Final Fantasy remakes and remasters, particularly in the wake of Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, has only added to the speculation about what the future holds for the series.
Potential Outcomes
While a full-blown remake of Final Fantasy 9 may seem unlikely, given the significant time and resources required for such a project, fans can still hold out hope for a remaster in the style of Final Fantasy 8 Remastered. Alternatively, it is possible that Yoshi-P’s hints about FF9 are simply teasing a crossover event within Final Fantasy 14 itself. Regardless of the outcome, the anticipation surrounding the Dawntrail expansion and its FF9-themed content continues to grow as the release date approaches. For now, fans can enjoy the current version of Final Fantasy IX on PC, which remains a timeless classic and a testament to the enduring appeal of the series.
The mystery surrounding Final Fantasy IX and the Dawntrail expansion only adds to the excitement and speculation within the fan community. Whether it leads to a full-scale remake, a remaster, or simply a crossover event within Final Fantasy 14, one thing is certain – the magic of Final Fantasy 9 lives on in the hearts of fans old and new.
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