A Square Enix executive hinted that the video game company could possibly also release a remake of Final Fantasy VIII, the popular RPG released back in 1999 for the PlayStation 1.
The news comes as Square Enix remains hard at work in the development of the Final Fantasy VII Remake, which was first announced at E3 2015.
More 'Final Fantasy' Remakes May Be On The Way
In an interview with International Business Times UK, Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age game director Takashi Katano teased that Square Enix could remake more Final Fantasy games that were released for the PlayStation 1.
While Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age is a remaster of the PlayStation 2 RPG released in 2006, Katano noted that Square Enix would prefer full remakes over remaster for games released on the original PlayStation.
"[Final Fantasy 12] is a PS2 title, and you look at the other titles in the series and technologically anything before the PS2 era is going to be quite difficult to do a modern remaster of to a suitable level of quality," said Katano, adding that future Final Fantasy games are far more likely to be released as remakes instead of remaster.
To clarify, a remaster upgrades certain elements of older games, almost always visually, to make them look more appropriate to be played in current-generation video game consoles. As an example, Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age upgrades the graphics of the PlayStation 2 game into HD, while also making slight improvements to the gameplay and adding a Job system that was only accessible in an exclusive edition released in Japan.
A remake, on the other hand, is an overhaul that completely renovates significant aspects of titles. The Final Fantasy VII Remake, for example, retains the story of the 1997 title for the PlayStation 1 but modernizes almost everything else, as can be seen in two screenshots that were revealed in February.
'Final Fantasy VIII Remake' Possible?
With Square Enix working on the Final Fantasy VII Remake, there is a good chance that it will follow the chronological order for its next project and develop the Final Fantasy VIII Remake afterward.
Similar to Final Fantasy VII, Final Fantasy VIII featuring Squall Leonhart as he leads his team against the sorceress Ultimecia has a strong fanbase. Katano's comments seemingly add more fuel to speculations that Square Enix is planning to remake several Final Fantasy games in celebration of the history of the storied franchise, which will celebrate its 30th anniversary in December.
Square Enix may even have a remake trilogy up its sleeves, with a collection that would feature overhauled versions of Final Fantasy VII, Final Fantasy VIII, and Final Fantasy IX.
Finish The 'Final Fantasy VII Remake' First, Square Enix!
The possibility of more Final Fantasy remakes down the line is exciting news for gamers, but for hardcore Final Fantasy VII fans, it would be better if Square Enix would finish the remake of their favorite RPF quickly.
Square Enix has been pretty secretive about its progress for the Final Fantasy VII Remake, leading to wishful rumors that the game may be released this year for the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. The game could once again be present at this year's E3, and hopefully, Square Enix will show off more details of the highly anticipated remake and an expected release date.
