Commemorating the 25th anniversary of Final Fantasy 9, the Nier producer recalls his initial thoughts about enhancing the game's loading speed.
Twenty-five years have passed since the release of Final Fantasy 9, a game that continues to captivate fans with its classic setting and unique character designs. In a recent interview, Nier series producer Yosuke Saito, who was not at Square Enix at the time of Final Fantasy 9's release, shared his thoughts on the iconic game.
Saito admitted that some references to older games slipped by the translators, but he fondly recalled the game's great, classic feel. He wished the translators had been sharper about the nostalgia that permeated Final Fantasy 9.
One aspect that stood out to Saito was the game's distinct character designs, which differed from previous games like Final Fantasy 7 and 8. However, he expressed a desire for faster loading times, a common complaint among gamers even today.
At the time, Saito was working at Enix and was putting the finishing touches on Dragon Quest 7: Fragments of the Forgotten Past, which was released just under two months after Final Fantasy 9. Despite his busy schedule, Saito found it difficult to take his work hat off while playing Final Fantasy 9.
Square Enix celebrated the anniversary of Final Fantasy 9 by interviewing several of its current producers, including Final Fantasy 14 director Naoki Yoshida, Final Fantasy 7 Remake series director Naoki Hamaguchi, and Final Fantasy 14 and 16 composer Masayoshi Soken. Saito's reflections on Final Fantasy 9 serve as a reminder of the game's enduring appeal and the impact it has had on the gaming industry.
As we look back on the legacy of Final Fantasy 9, Saito expressed a desire for a new team to tackle the game, ensuring that its classic feel and unique charm are preserved for future generations of gamers to enjoy.
