Summary
There are few who would argue againstFinal Fantasy 6’s status as one of the most revered and resonant games ever created. The 1994 classic’s influence on the medium has since reached well beyond its JRPG genre and series roots to leave an indelible mark across the entirety of the industry.Final Fantasy 6is consistently in the discussion around important groundbreaking works that pushed the envelope to set new highs for design and storytelling in gaming, and innumerable titles in its wake have found inspiration in its innovations.
Bringing things somewhat full circle, fans recently received some promising news in the form ofFinal Fantasycreator Hironobu Sakaguchi’s announcement of a new project, one he specifically describes as a spiritual successor to the legendaryFF6. Further details about it are extremely light at the time of writing, though, as it has no release window and even the name of this project is unknown. However, the reveal does giveFFIP owner and developer Square Enix renewed reason to seriously consider finally remaking the originalFinal Fantasy 6.
Sakaguchi worked as director, executive producer, and other related roles onFinal Fantasy 1-11,spin-offs likeFF Tactics, and was integral in contributing to the initial idea behindKingdom Hearts.
Final Fantasy Franchise Creator’s Forthcoming FF6 Spiritual Successor Should Spark An Official Remake
A Final Fantasy 6 Remake Has Been Much Requested But Yet to Come to Fruition
Though it’s available in various versions, like thePixel Remasters, on a number of platforms, a full or more modernFinal Fantasy 6remake has often been on fans' wishlist. This even extends to studio members, withDragonQuest 3 HD-2D RemakeproducerMasaaki Hayasaka expressing his interest in anFF6remake. Square Enix instead focused on reimagining the similarly belovedFinal Fantasy 7as a new trilogy starting in 2020, withFF7 Remakeand last year’sRebirthboth proving extremely popular and successful. Its attention has been firmly on this endeavor, and the highly-anticipated final entry is currently one of Square’s biggest priorities.
Hironobu Sakaguchi’s Upcoming Game Is the Perfect Catalyst For a Final Fantasy 6 Remake
Despite the desire for one, Square Enix has previously stated that aFinal Fantasy 6remake is not on the tablefor the foreseeable future, especially one in the style ofFF7’s. This is understandable, as the resources needed for such an undertaking are significant, to say the least. Additionally, unconfirmed leaks and rumors suggest that anFF9remake is potentially next in line. Regardless, it seems that there are no plans for anFF6remake immediately. But that doesn’t necessarily mean the studio has outright decided against it as an eventual possibility.
While there are valid debates overwhetherFinal Fantasy 6should receive a remake(or may need one) versus other entries, the fact that the franchise’s original creator is now working on a spiritual successor could be what tips the scales for Square Enix deciding to more seriously consider one. As for the question of how Square might best go about it, a previous viable suggestion is to emulate its 2D-HD treatment of titles like the aforementionedDragon Quest 3,Octopath Traveler,andStar Ocean: The Second Story R. This would preserve the essence of the originalFF6while making good use of a recognizable style that combines retro and modern sensibilities.
Square could even bundle anFF6remake as described above with aPixel Remastersversion that also contains all content from other editions previously not included, and allow players to toggle between them, similar to the option to do this for fonts and soundtracks.
Final Fantasy 6celebrated its 30th anniversarylast year, and given its monumental place in gaming history and in the hearts and minds of fans, arguably deserves a remake sooner than most. Sakaguchi’s next title, according to him, also may be his last before retiring. It would thus be a perfectly fitting salute and surely embraced by fans if Square Enix were to release anFF6remake by the time of his successor’s to honor both his and its enduring legacy.
