Summary
WithFinal Fantasy 7 Rebirthcontinuing Square Enix’s trend of successful remake releases, it’s only seeming more likely that other classic titles from the franchise might end up getting the same treatment in the future. Now that rumors of anupcomingFinal Fantasy 9remakehave begun circulating, the next game to be revisited after theFF7trilogy concludes might have already been decided on. This doesn’t come as much of a surprise considering how muchFF9’s popularity has grown over the years, but it does raise concerns about whether one ofRebirth’s strangest visual changes to the original will become a recurring design for the series.
Between its expansion of many smaller elements ofFF7and the overall quality of its HD upgrade to the PS1 game’s presentation,Final Fantasy 7 Rebirthhas become recognized as one of the most engaging RPGs released this year in the eyes of many players. The depth provided for character interactions and the game’s new battle system represent what a modern remake can bring to a landmark title of the past, but one of these alterations has been far from unanimously well-received. The controversially unappealing look ofRebirth’s Moogles may not have been highlighted much, but having them in anFF9remake would be guaranteed to draw more unfavorable attention.
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth’s Moogle Design Hasn’t Resonated with Series Fans
A Staple Final Fantasy Creature
Appearing since early releases,Final Fantasy’s iconic Moogleshave acted as a cute mascot of the franchise for decades across various titles. Consistently present throughout the different worlds of the numbered entries, they have had several different designs which all stayed relatively close to their original chibi-style concept.
Rebirth Dropped the Ball with Moogles
Many aspects of its world have been enhanced by its HD look, but thecreepy look of Moogles inFF7 Rebirthhas largely been seen as one of the title’s downsides. Appearing more humanoid and koala-like, these creatures don’t convey the same charm that their classic looks are known for. They aren’t a major issue due to mainly being relegated to the side content ofRebirth, but this design becoming permanent could detract fromFF9in a much bigger way.
Final Fantasy 9 Remake Would Need to Retain the Appeal of Its Moogles
FF9’s Moogles Are Impossible to Ignore
Their presence in optional content makes Moogles a superfluous part ofRebirthwhich can be avoided, but their far more substantial role inFF9isn’t comparable. Acting as merchants, key NPCs, and even the game’s save points, Moogles are deeply integrated into theworld ofFinal Fantasy 9’s Gaia. Characters like Mogster, Stiltzkin, and the Moogles that party member Eiko is associated with all might suffer from resembling their uncanny counterparts withinFF7’s remake. Their look in the original should be respected if they are to achieve the same adorable effect, and other appearances in more recentFFtitles have shown that this is more than possible.
Other HD Final Fantasy Games Already Feature Cuter Moogles
While thedark tone ofFinal Fantasy 16may set it apart from many other games in the series, it still features Moogles which don’t veer far from the look they were introduced with. If both such a serious release, the complex world ofFF13, and even an MMO outing likeFF14can all have charming designs that haven’t been seen as creepy, then future remakes already have references for avoiding the missteps ofRebirth. In a title that will have to be updated as much asFF9, maintaining iconic parts of its original aesthetic, such as its Moogles, will be crucial to one day reaching the same heights asFF7’s remake trilogy.
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
WHERE TO PLAY
Discover a vibrant and vast world in this standalone entry in the Final Fantasy VII remake project. Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is the second entry in the Final Fantasy VII remake project, which retells the story of the genre-redefining RPG across three distinct games. Iconic heroes Cloud, Barret, Tifa, Aerith and Red XIII have escaped from the dystopian city Midgar and are now in pursuit of Sephiroth, the vengeful swordsman from Cloud’s past who was thought to be dead. This new adventure can be enjoyed by all players, even those who have yet to play Final Fantasy VII Remake or the PlayStation original. Expect a new standard of cinematic storytelling, fast-paced combat and rich exploration across a vast world.
