FF9 Unveils New Revelations 25 Years Later

FF9 Developer Reveals Kuja’s Original Ending Narration – 25th Anniversary Insights

To mark the 25th anniversary of Final Fantasy IX, Square Enix has released a new video featuring interviews that shed light on critical decisions made during the development of the classic JRPG. These choices significantly shaped the game’s ending and could have drastically altered the player experience, fueling renewed interest in a potential Final Fantasy IX remake. In Final Fantasy IX’s released version, the finale features an emotional speech, which many interpret as Vivi’s final words, followed by scenes depicting the fates of the main cast and the appearance of Vivi’s children. However, Hideo Minaba, the game’s artistic director, recently revealed that Kuja was originally intended to be the narrator. Such a change would have drastically altered the ending’s tone. Kuja, a complex character with a history of violent actions, narrating his final moments might have humanized him. However, this would likely have diminished the emotional impact of the current ending.

Final Fantasy IX’s Thoughtful Creative Process: Unveiling the Narrative Evolution

Ultimately, Vivi delivered Final Fantasy IX’s concluding message, a decision fans now consider pivotal. His thoughtful yet tender address lends significant depth to the ending, providing a heartfelt but not overly sentimental conclusion. Kuja’s fate, by contrast, remains intentionally ambiguous in the game; while he perishes after the final battle, a clear confirmation is absent. Had he been the narrator, narrating his end would have explicitly clarified it, though potentially at the expense of emotional resonance. Additionally, the development team considered other antagonists before settling on Necron as the final boss. Early concepts included figures like Hades or even Death itself, but the developers ultimately replaced these more concrete options with a more symbolic approach. These newly revealed insights highlight the thoughtful creative process behind Final Fantasy IX’s iconic narrative and its enduring appeal to fans.

In Case You Missed It

For all the devoted fans of Final Fantasy 9 who are eagerly awaiting news about a potential remake, Sophie Laurent’s recent post on Players for Life delves into the current state of affairs. Published on July 16, 2025, this insightful piece examines the disappointment surrounding the lack of official announcements despite widespread rumors and the game’s significant milestone anniversary last week. As fans look towards alternative solutions in light of Square Enix’s silence, Sophie offers a thoughtful perspective on how to move forward while celebrating FF9’s enduring legacy. Be sure to check out “FF9 Remake: In Face of Disappointment, Fans Seek Alternative Solutions” (FF9 Remake: In Face of Disappointment, Fans Seek Alternative Solutions) for a deeper dive into this ongoing saga. For those fascinated by the evolving landscape of Final Fantasy, especially regarding its combat mechanics, be sure to dive into Marcus Thompson’s latest piece titled “Turn-based Combat Remains Uncertain for Final Fantasy XVII,” published on July 11th. In this insightful article, Naoki Yoshida shares his thoughts on whether turn-based combat could make a comeback in future titles and discusses the intricate balance between narrative style and gameplay mechanics. Whether you’re a purist or an advocate of action-packed battles, there’s plenty to ponder over in this discussion about Final Fantasy’s direction Turn-based Combat Remains Uncertain for Final Fantasy XVII. For those who are deeply invested in the world of Final Fantasy XIV, you won’t want to miss Marcus Thompson’s latest piece, “Final Fantasy XIV Will No Longer Support Windows 10,” published on July 19, 2025. This insightful article delves into the upcoming changes for one of the most beloved MMORPGs and what it means for its extensive player base. As the game transitions away from Windows 10 support starting October 14, 2022, Marcus breaks down the implications and provides clarity on future support strategies. Be sure to check out this informative read at Final Fantasy XIV Will No Longer Support Windows 10.

About the Author

Jonathan Dubinski

Author

Author's posts