Final Fantasy players have been left to ponder the significance of Final Fantasy 9 references sprinkled throughout the upcoming collector's edition of Final Fantasy 14: Dawntrail. During a panel at PAX East, the game's producer and director, Naoki Yoshida, tantalizingly teased fans with nods to the classic title while keeping tight-lipped about any concrete details.
(Photo : Square Enix / Screenshot taken from the official website.)
Read Also: Starfield Quest Development Under Pressure, Lead Designer Admits Time Shortage
Hints and Speculation
"You may have noticed a lot of Final Fantasy 9 references here... And the reason is a secret," Yoshida remarked through a translator, playfully gesturing to seal his lips shut on divulging further information. This cryptic response has sparked a flurry of speculation among fans, many of whom have long harbored hopes for a Final Fantasy 9 remake.
Rumors surrounding a potential remake gained traction after Final Fantasy 9 appeared in a list of unannounced games leaked from the GeForce Now database several years ago. This leak also included titles like the Final Fantasy 7 Remake, Kingdom Hearts 4, and a remaster of Chrono Cross. While Yoshida's comments at PAX East may add fuel to these speculations, they ultimately leave fans with more questions than answers.
Dawntrail's Editions Revealed, Release Date Confirmed
Aside from the tantalizing hints about Final Fantasy 9, Yoshida also shed light on the editions and release details for Final Fantasy 14: Dawntrail. Confirming an absence of physical discs for the game, he outlined four distinct editions: standard, digital collector's edition, collector's box, and collector's edition. Further details about these editions will be available on the official website to assist players in making their purchasing decisions.
Final Fantasy 14: Dawntrail is set to launch in full on July 2, 2024, with early access available from June 28. However, Yoshida humorously noted that the release schedule had to account for the highly anticipated DLC for Elden Ring, aptly named Shadow of the Erdtree, which players and developers alike are eagerly anticipating.
Dawntrail follows in the footsteps of the immensely popular Endwalker expansion, which garnered such widespread acclaim upon release that the game temporarily ceased sales.
Related Article: Controversial Story Feature Likely Delayed in Final Fantasy 14, Dawntrail Unaffected