There are few who would argue against Final 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 6 is 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 of Final Fantasy creator Hironobu Sakaguchi’s announcement of a new project, one he specifically describes as a spiritual successor to the legendary FF6. 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 give FF IP owner and developer Square Enix renewed reason to seriously consider finally remaking the original Final Fantasy 6.

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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 the Pixel Remasters, on a number of platforms, a full or more modern Final Fantasy 6 remake has often been on fans’ wishlist. This even extends to studio members, with Dragon Quest 3 HD-2D Remake producer Masaaki Hayasaka expressing his interest in an FF6 remake. Square Enix instead focused on reimagining the similarly beloved Final Fantasy 7 as a new trilogy starting in 2020, with FF7 Remake and last year’s Rebirth both 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 a Final Fantasy 6 remake is not on the table for the foreseeable future, especially one in the style of FF7‘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 an FF9 remake is potentially next in line. Regardless, it seems that there are no plans for an FF6 remake immediately. But that doesn’t necessarily mean the studio has outright decided against it as an eventual possibility.

While there are valid debates over whether Final Fantasy 6 should 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 aforementioned Dragon Quest 3, Octopath Traveler, and Star Ocean: The Second Story R. This would preserve the essence of the original FF6 while making good use of a recognizable style that combines retro and modern sensibilities.

Final Fantasy 6 celebrated its 30th anniversary last 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 an FF6 remake by the time of his successor’s to honor both his and its enduring legacy.

Game

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Released

October 11, 1994

ESRB

T For Teen Due To Fantasy Violence, Partial Nudity

Developer(s)

Square Enix, Square

Publisher(s)

Square Enix, Square