This Classic Final Fantasy Game Would Most Benefit From A Remake (& It's Not FF9 Or FF6)

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The final game in the FF7 remake project is set to be the last, however, opening up the option for Square Enix to pursue a similar route with other games. Fan favorites like FF6, FF9, and the strategy-oriented Final Fantasy tactics are all major contenders, and revisiting some of the most acclaimed games in the series would make a lot of sense. While these might be the most popular picks, there are other things to consider when making a potentially great remake, and the game that might benefit the most is Final Fantasy 8.

Why FF8 Should Be The Next Final Fantasy Remake

A Flawed Game Brimming With Potential

Final Fantasy 8 has a lot going for it, but it also has some notable problems in terms of gameplay and storytelling. Some decisions simply frustrate those who prefer a more standard approach, like the turn-based combat system that doesn't provide the traditional rewards for grinding. In FF8, as the player levels up, the enemies get stronger as well. It's an approach that can be more fun for some, but having the option to make grinding matter could make the game rewarding for others who prefer to triumph over high-level enemies with ease.

The design of the battle system has also been contentious over the years. The new Junction system was meant to give the player a chance to switch up the game plan if things went wrong in a battle, but it proves more janky in practice than the standard Active Time Battle system of Final Fantasy games at the time. Essentially, it is a confusing equipping system that no other Final Fantasy installment uses. Likewise, FF8 features new actions like "Draw" for drawing magic and "GFs" for summoning "Guardians Forces," or espers, in this case.

Aerith from FF7 Rebirth looking sad in front of an image of magical effects in combat.

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No other Final Fantasy has had this complex of a battle system, and it resulted in many not using this essential system to its full potential. Taking full advantage of it isn't necessarily better, as it's surprisingly easy to break to the party's advantage, negating challenges in a way that's not particularly inspiring.

FF8's Storytelling & Combat Issues Could Be Fixed

Despite FF8 having plenty of issues regarding the gameplay, these are easy enough to be fixed in a remake. Similar to the FF7 remake, Square Enix could easily redo the battle system and UI design. Instead of using the Junction system and using "draw" and "GFs," FF8 could mimic earlier or new installments and push characters into particular classes. This is the case for FF7, with the characters having abilities associated with their character's class. This doesn't mean that characters are locked outside of melee or magic classes; rather, like FF7, every character could use any magical ability equipped.

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FF8 is also known for having a confusing plot that doesn't really mesh well, but it's partly the result of being too complex for its own restraints. Similar to Final Fantasy 7's approach, FF8 could expand over several installments to allow the story to be edited into something more cohesive. The game's dream sequences are also some of its most interesting elements, and a remake could expand on those in interesting ways to highlight FF8's strengths.

FF8 Still Has The Most To Benefit From A Remake

While every game deserves to be unique and different in some way, completely changing the battle system does not work out in the long run, especially when the presentation is confusing. Changes to the battle system definitely made FF8 stand out, but they mostly did so in the wrong ways. Likewise, its story is unique and far more interesting than some of the franchise's earlier installments, but it lacks cohesive storytelling, resulting in something that's more confusing than anything else.

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So while FF6 and FF9 would make for beautiful and fun remakes, the one game that benefits the most from a remake is FF8. Completely abandoning its identity would be to its detriment, but taking the unique ideas and marrying them to the strengths exhibited elsewhere in the series opens up wider opportunities. FF8's combat system and storytelling could be improved significantly, and in turn, this could help establish the game as one of the greatest in the Final Fantasy franchise.