The Final Fantasy VI remaster is just around the corner, available on mobile and PC (via Steam) from February 23, 2022.
This is the sixth game in the mainline series that has been upgraded as part of Square Enix’s Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster Collection. However, there’s a neat bonus FF6 fans will definitely want to see, even if they don’t intend on picking up a copy of the game.
Square confirms that the Final Fantasy VI remaster opera scene has been completely redone using the same HD-2D style seen in superb turn-based JRPG, Octopath Traveler. This visual technique adds a new dimension to one of the game’s most memorable moments. We watch our party of heroes perform a daring caper in disguise as an acting troupe, this scene elevated by Nobuo Uematsu’s compositions.
When the curtains rise on Final Fantasy VI pixel remaster you’ll be able to experience the iconic opera scene with vocals in 7 languages including English, French, Italian, German & Spanish.
There’s still time to join the audience; pre-purchase now: https://t.co/MOlhSpOOwb pic.twitter.com/5MIL7Gxz0O
— FINAL FANTASY (@FinalFantasy) February 21, 2022
Instead of the cute chirping noises allowed by the SNES sound hardware at the time, the opera is now sung with full vocals. As confirmed in the message above, this can be enjoyed in several different languages.
Besides the opera, there are plenty of changes to get excited for, including:
- Universally updated 2D pixel graphics, including the iconic Final Fantasy character pixel designs created by Kazuko Shibuya, the original artist and current collaborator.
- Beautifully rearranged soundtrack in a faithful Final Fantasy style, overseen by original composer Nobuo Uematsu.
- Improved gameplay, including modernized UI, auto-battle options, and more!
- Dive into the world of the game with supplemental extras like the bestiary, illustration gallery, and music player.
Final Fantasy VI Remake should be the next game in the series
Right now, the Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster Collection has only been released on PC and mobile devices. Naturally, there have been plenty of fans clamouring for console ports, especially for the Nintendo Switch. However, Square has given no indication that these games will launch on other platforms.
For those who have never played FF6 – or even seen it in action – it’s a bizarre game even by Final Fantasy standards, dialling up every aspect of the beloved JRPG in terms of story, presentation, and enriched gameplay.
An ideal remake for Final Fantasy VI would see the turn-based combat would remain, yet with some modern flourishes. FF6’s battle system still holds up yet certain aspects could be streamlined, expanded, and sped up. It would also give the developers a chance to rebalance certain characters, making some of the weaker, less popular party members more viable.
The video above shows a fan concept for what a Final Fantasy VI remake could look like.
