Why Square Enix's Next Remake Will Shock Gamers - It's Not Final Fantasy!

Highlights

Square Enix has been increasingly interested in remaking titles from its back catalog, including the possibility of remaking Vagrant Story.

The release of Vagrant Story on the PS1 marked a departure from Final Fantasy and introduced exceptional game design. Recent tweets from director Yasumi Matsuno have raised speculation regarding a potential remake or remaster of the game.

Square Enix has shown a growing interest in remaking titles from its extensive back catalog, alongside releasing new installments and exploring new IPs. The highly anticipated Final Fantasy 7 Remake Part 2 is set to be released in 2024, while rumors circulate regarding potential remakes of other iconic PS1-era games. While remaking games from popular series makes financial sense, Square Enix has the opportunity to also breathe new life into overlooked gems that exemplify exceptional game design. One such example is Vagrant Story.

During a time when Square Enix was at the top of their game, delivering groundbreaking and innovative titles following the unprecedented success of Final Fantasy 7, Vagrant Story emerged as a radical departure from the norm. Developed by Yasumi Matsuno, the visionary director behind Tactics Ogre and Final Fantasy Tactics, Vagrant Story stood out as one of the best titles for the PS1 and deserves to be remade with the respect it deserves.

Vagrant Story's Brilliance Still Sets It Apart 23 Years Later

The immense success of Final Fantasy 7 in the Western market opened up a new opportunity for Square. Consequently, this paved the way for one of the developer's most prolific and highly regarded eras. Following his involvement in Final Fantasy Tactics, Yasumi Matsuno aimed to create a new kind of RPG that embodied a distinct visual and tonal difference from the Final Fantasy series. Additionally, Matsuno sought to delve deeper into the expansive realm he had previously established as the backdrop for FFT's narrative - the kingdom of Ivalice. Right from its opening moments, Vagrant Story establishes itself as a completely unique addition to Square Enix's library of PS1 games.

Long before Final Fantasy 16 borrowed heavily from Game of Thrones, Vagrant Story's plot was imbued with cinematic flair. It explored controversial themes reminiscent of the ascension of European powers and the ensuing political and religious intrigues. However, the game's strengths were not limited to its narrative alone. Vagrant Story also introduced an innovative battle system, allowing players to seamlessly switch weapon types and target specific body parts to afflict status effects or impair enemies directly. Despite being largely overlooked due to its release just before Final Fantasy 8, those who experienced Vagrant Story still hold it dearly in their memories. It is widely regarded as one of Square's finest offerings in their PS1 collection.

Matsuno Himself May Be Hinting at a Possible Resurgence of Vagrant Story

There are rumors suggesting that Square Enix may be working on a remake or remaster of Vagrant Story, despite most of the speculation surrounding a Final Fantasy 9 remake. Yasumi Matsuno, who directed Final Fantasy 12, has recently hinted at the possibility through cryptic images posted on his Twitter. These images include Vagrant Story running on the PS Vita and imagery from the game itself. This aligns with Square Enix's expressed interest in remaking their past titles. The idea of modernizing Vagrant Story's visual style for next-gen hardware and adding new features like radial menus and weapon wheels is exciting. Fans hope that Vagrant Story will have the opportunity to shine once again.

Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth will release in early 2024 on PS5.