Final Fantasy 9 Officially Returns October 2026

Final Fantasy 9 Legend Zidane Returns October 2026 Published Aug 25, 2026, 7:00 AM EDT Known as 'Cyberpunk 2077's' biggest fan, Angharad is a Welsh games writer who thrives in anything related to digital storytelling. If a video game explores the intricacies and horrors of womanhood, she is there. Thanks to previous work at GAMINGbible, GameByte, The Loadout, Game Luster, Angharad has built a strong understanding of both the digital world and what fans want from it and is eager to share her thoughts and expertise with readers. With 16 mainline entries under its belt, it is no wonder that many Final Fantasy fans have their favorite, and Final Fantasy 9 just so happens to be one of them. First released back in 2000 as, you guessed it, the ninth installment in the franchise, Final Fantasy 9 takes place during a war between nations as players take on the role of Zidane, a thief who kidnaps the princess as part of a ploy by a neighboring nation. However, when the two unite forces to topple the princess' mother, Queen Brahne of Alexandria, they soon discover that dark forces reach a lot further than they had first thought. Now considered one of the greatest video games of all time, Final Fantasy 9 reached commercial and critical success and, as of March 2025, it has sold a whopping 8.9 million copies. Now with re-releases and remasters under its belt, its popularity still continues to grow strong, especially with the news that an animated series adaptation is currently in development by Square Enix and Cyber Group Studios. Whilst a modern-day remake of Final Fantasy 9 has not yet been confirmed, it seems as though its main character, Zidane, is set to make a triumphant return later this year. Set to launch on 22 October, Final Fantasy Resonance is set to return the pixel-art style of classic entries and take the series back to its roots. "Travel with companions bound by fate and call on Visions to aid you in battle to uncover the truth behind a force that threatens to bring everything to ruin," the official synopsis reads. FINAL FANTASY RESONANCE delivers a visually striking experience that feels both nostalgic and new, enhanced by dynamic camera angles and pixelized 3D models that make every moment more dramatic and immersive. Not only that, but Final Fantasy Resonance is set to welcome the return of some beloved characters, one of which includes Zidane. Over on r/JRPG, one post reveals the 17 characters that will be added to the roster, showing off their pixel-art designs in the process. The full list is as follows: Warrior Of Light, Final Fantasy I Firion, Final Fantasy II Onion Knight, Final Fantasy III Cecil, Final Fantasy IV Bartz, FF V Terra, Final Fantasy VI Cloud, Final Fantasy VII Sephiroth, Final Fantasy VII Squall, Final Fantasy VIII Zidane, Final Fantasy IX Tidus, Final Fantasy X Shantotto, Final Fantasy XI Vaan, Final Fantasy XII Lightning, Final Fantasy XIII Y'shtola, Final Fantasy XIV Noctis, Final Fantasy XV Clive, Final Fantasy XVI As one of the most iconic characters in the Final Fantasy franchise, the return of Zidane will be enough to bring fans flocking to Final Fantasy Resonance when it launches later this year, especially with the pixel-art design we all know and have greatly missed. Systems Released July 7, 2000 ESRB T for Teen: Violence, Mild Language Developer(s) Square Enix Publisher(s) Square Enix Engine Unity Multiplayer Local Multiplayer Franchise Final Fantasy