Final Fantasy is no doubt one of my favorite video game franchises of all time, as I grew to love the PlayStation with the franchise. Each game is essentially a conglomeration of world cultures, envisioned under a Japanese lens, often resulting in unique interpretations of these world characters and stories. Next year, Square Enix will be celebrating 30 years of Final Fantasy games and media. If the recent rumors from VGLeaks prove true, next year could be an amazing year for Final Fantasy fans. This includes a Final Fantasy 30th Anniversary Collection on PS4, but is there any weight to the rumors?
This all according to the post made by VGLeaks, who claims this comes from a valuable source. This rumor is abnormally detailed for it to not have at least have some truth to it. We do know that the Final Fantasy XII’s remaster is coming out early next year, so if anything that much is true. For those who haven’t seen the leak, let’s lay out the details.
Games supposedly being released by Square Enix, as celebration for the 30th Anniversary of Final Fantasy:
- Final Fantasy VII Remake (First Episode)
- Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age
- Final Fantasy XIII Trilogy (PS4, separate discs, 1080p, 60fps)
- Final Fantasy 30th Anniversary Collection (FF 1-9 for PS4)
- Final Fantasy XV and Final Fantasy VII Remake (PC Release in 2018)
So far, all of these games are only coming to the PS4, with only a couple Final Fantasy games releasing on the Xbox One at all so far. Most interesting of all of these is the 30th Anniversary Collection, due to a couple features. For starters, Final Fantasy 2 and 3, will be available in their original NES versions, officially translated for the first time in English. Now, all of the 2D era Final Fantasy games (1-6) will be playable in two different versions, their initial console releases, as well as modern ports for each one. We can assume this means the DS versions of 3 and 4, but this also means we could get the ugly mobile ports of 5 and 6. Final Fantasy 7 through 9 will only be available as modern ports, so probably the updated PC versions that allow players to skip random encounters when they choose to. This collection will also have a gallery and a sound test to enjoy the art and music players have come to know and love over the years.
Also according to VGLeaks, 30th Anniversary Collection will have three different ways to purchase the bundles.
- Regular Version – Simply the game and a poster
- Collector’s Edition – Game, Poster, Art Book, 8-Bit Black Mage Keychain, Chocobo Plush, and two discs with a selection of songs chosen by Nobuo Uematsu
- Crystal Complete Collection – The ultimate collection only available on Square Enix’s website for the PS4
Of course the biggest item on this list is the Crystal Complete Collection, which essentially puts almost every main series Final Fantasy game ever on the PS4. Just as the best collector’s edition of Final Fantasy XV was limited, so too will this package, meant for the fondest of fans or those looking to enjoy the series on one console. The Crystal Complete Collection is rumored to have the following items inside:
- Games: Final Fantasy 30th Anniversary Collection titles (FF I to IX), Final Fantasy X/X-2 HD, Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age, Final Fantasy XIII Trilogy, Final Fantasy XV (and all DLC), Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn (including all expansions + a 3 month subscription). Special items for Final Fantasy XI Mobile and Final Fantasy XIV will be included as well.
- Physical items: all the content included in the Collector’s Edition, two extra discs for the soundtrack, a crystal necklace, a Moogle plush, a Black Mage statue, all three Final Fantasy Trading Card Game starter decks, Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children, Kingsglaive: Final Fantasy XV and Brotherhood: Final Fantasy XV. Everything will be packed in a luxury chest decorated with the Final Fantasy logo.
With all of these amazing remasters and more ways to play the Final Fantasy anthology, next year could truly be the best year ever for fans of this long running series. There are also mentions of several Final Fantasy games coming to Steam next year as well: Final Fantasy I, Final Fantasy II, Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age, Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions and Chrono Trigger.
Of course we won’t know for certain if any of this information is true until Square Enix confirms it themselves. If I were to guess, an announcement like this will probably hold out until well into 2017, so around March or April. The Final Fantasy VII Remake news could make for an astounding E3 announcement, but Square Enix does tend to share its best news at their own pace.
We also haven’t heard much else about the new Final Fantasy Dissidia game supposedly coming to PS4. Could that be releasing in 2017 as well?
Final Fantasy fans, are you excited to possibly play these classics on PS4? Let us know!
Personally, I’m most excited for the official translations of Final Fantasy 2 and 3 for the NES. This will be the first time these games reach English audiences in an official, rumored to be uncensored, fashion other than a remake. It will make for an interesting comparison. Those wanting the extreme challenge should play through the entire franchise and then start over with the modern ports in the package. Now that would make for a cool charity stream!
As far as we know, Square Enix has yet to comment on these rumors. Details will be amended if they release an official statement.
