Fans of the Final Fantasy series have something to get excited about: Hironobu Sakaguchi, the mind behind the iconic franchise, has hinted at a new project. This one is particularly intriguing as it’s being described as a spiritual successor to the beloved Final Fantasy 6. The gaming community has long awaited a modern remake of Final Fantasy 6, but we’ve seen energies diverted toward remakes of Final Fantasy 7 instead. Many hope that this new endeavor from Sakaguchi might just nudge Square Enix into reconsidering a remake for FF6, potentially utilizing the captivating 2D-HD style we’ve seen in other games.
It’s hard to overstate Final Fantasy 6’s legendary status. Released in 1994, this classic has left its mark not only within the JRPG genre but across the entire gaming landscape. It’s a title that frequently pops up in conversations about groundbreaking games that have set benchmarks for storytelling and design. It’s a game that numerous developers have looked to for inspiration.
Now, fans have been thrown a tantalizing prospect with Sakaguchi’s announcement of his new project, albeit shrouded in mystery without a name or release date yet. However, this development might very well spark renewed interest from IP holder and developer Square Enix to finally give the original FF6 the full remake it deserves.
Sakaguchi, who played pivotal roles from director to executive producer in Final Fantasy titles from the first through to the eleventh, as well as FF Tactics and the conceptual crafting of Kingdom Hearts, continues to influence gaming to this day.
While Final Fantasy 6 is accessible today, thanks to versions like the Pixel Remasters, a complete modern remake is something both fans and professionals in the industry have pined for. Notably, Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake’s producer Masaaki Hayasaka has shown interest in this kind of reimagining for FF6. Yet, the spotlight has stayed on Final Fantasy 7, culminating in a new trilogy that began in 2020, which includes the FF7 Remake and Rebirth, both of which were colossal hits for Square Enix.
Though plans for an FF6 remake seem distant, such an undertaking isn’t off the table entirely. Despite rumors about an FF9 remake making rounds, Square Enix hasn’t closed the door on eventually tackling FF6. The presence of Sakaguchi’s upcoming spiritual successor could tip the scales, persuading the company to delve into this project sooner rather than later.
The debate on whether or not to remake Final Fantasy 6, ahead of other installments, is ongoing. However, capturing the essence of FF6 by giving it a fresh coat of the 2D-HD style seen in successful titles like Dragon Quest 3 and Octopath Traveler might be the perfect compromise, blending nostalgia with modern appeal.
Square Enix could simultaneously offer a remake bundled with a feature-rich Pixel Remasters version, providing an option for fans to toggle between versions, reminiscent of how players are allowed to switch between fonts and soundtracks.
As it was just last year that Final Fantasy 6 marked its 30th anniversary, the timing seems ripe. If Square Enix were to release a remake around the time Sakaguchi’s new title drops, it would serve as a fitting tribute to his pioneering impact and to a game that has touched so many lives.
