On July 7th, 2000, the last FINAL FANTASY title for the original PlayStation console was released to great success. Now, 25 years later, Square Enix is celebrating the game’s legacy with a host of new merchandise, artwork, and special events through its social media channels.
A special short video montage set to the game’s theme song “Melodies of Life” sung by Emiko Shiratori, was shared to YouTube to mark the occasion.
Earlier this year, Square Enix unveiled new artwork of main characters Zidane Tribal, Princess Garnet til Alexandros XVII, Vivi Ornitier, Adelbert Steiner, Freya Crescent, Eiko Carol, Quina Quen and Amarant Coral.
An illustration by character designer Toshiyuki Itahana places the main cast at the roots of the Iifa Tree as antagonist Kuja soars above on his silver dragon.
A fan art campaign is open from now until October 31st, 2025, where artists worldwide (excluding Japan, China, Turkey, Russia, Republic of Korea, Hong Kong, Macao) can submit their work online to Square Enix where it will be shared on the official FINAL FANTASY website, social media channels and events. Applicants are also encouraged to share their work on social media using the hashtag #FFIX25FanArt.
Eager to expand your collection from this epic tale? Square Enix’s online store has number of items for this anniversary, including keychains, stickers, acrylic stands and a special edition vinyl record.
Here’s our brief synopsis of FINAL FANTASY IX.
A period of turmoil has engulfed the world of Gaia as Alexandria wages war against its neighbours. A troupe of theives, lead by Zidane Tribal, attempt to kidnap Princess Garnet of Alexandria in a plot to end the aggression. However, things don’t go according to plan as Garnet willingly partners up in a wild adventure that takes them to the edges of the world, and beyond!
Rumors of a remake, similar to that of FINAL FANTASY VII, have made the rounds online, but Square Enix remains tight-lipped if one is actually in the works. International pizza chain Domino’s Pizza has even joined in to call for a remake. FINAL FANTASY IX was remastered in successive years for the PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Windows, Android and Apple iOS.
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