### Final Fantasy IX Turns 25: Let’s All Pretend We’re Not Old
Ah, Final Fantasy IX. The game that made you cry over a moogle’s diary entry and question your life choices when you couldn’t beat Ozma. Now, Square Enix has launched a **25th Anniversary website** to celebrate this nostalgic gem. Because nothing says “celebration” like a website, right? You can check out the official announcement [here](https://www.gematsu.com/2025/03/final-fantasy-ix-25th-anniversary-website-launched).
If you’re expecting a full-blown remake announcement or, I don’t know, a new playable demo, let’s just say you’re setting yourself up for disappointment. Instead, we get a “dedicated website.” But hey, it’s pretty and has a few nuggets of nostalgia to scroll through. So, buckle up as we dive into what this site offers and whether it’s worth your time.
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### What’s On the Site? (Spoiler: Not Much)
The website is essentially a shrine to everything Final Fantasy IX. Here’s what Square Enix decided to include:
– **Character Bios**: Yes, because we all forgot who Zidane and Garnet are. Don’t worry; now you can relive their painfully awkward romantic tension.
– **Concept Art**: Oh, look, rough sketches of Vivi! Who knew he used to look like a rejected mascot for a cereal brand?
– **Historical Timeline**: A lovingly crafted timeline that reminds you this game is older than some of your coworkers.
– **Merch Updates**: Because nothing says “thank you for 25 years of loyalty” like overpriced figurines and T-shirts.
And that’s… pretty much it. It’s like opening a treasure chest in-game only to find a single Potion inside. Underwhelming, but hey, at least it exists.
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### Why This Matters (Or Does It?)
The launch of this website feels like Square Enix’s way of saying, “We know you’re still obsessed with this game, and we’re going to milk that obsession for all it’s worth.” And honestly? Fair play to them. Nostalgia sells. Just ask anyone who’s ever bought an NES Classic or rewatched “Friends” for the 14th time.
But here’s the thing: Fans were hoping for something *bigger*. Maybe a remake announcement, given the rumors swirling around for years. Or at least a remaster so we can finally play it on modern consoles without squinting at pixelated character models. But nope, we get a website. Thanks, Square Enix. Really.
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### Pros & Cons of the 25th Anniversary Website
#### Pros:
– **Nostalgia Factor**: Revisiting the artwork and character bios is a trip down memory lane.
– **Free Content**: At least you don’t have to pay to access the site. Small mercies.
– **Merchandise Updates**: If you’re a collector, this is your moment to shine (and empty your wallet).
#### Cons:
– **No New Game Announcements**: Let’s be real; this is what fans were hoping for.
– **Limited Content**: The site is more “mini-museum” than “comprehensive archive.”
– **Feels Like a Marketing Tool**: Because, well, it is. Let’s not kid ourselves.
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### What Fans Are Saying
Unsurprisingly, fan reactions have been mixed. Some are thrilled to see Final Fantasy IX celebrated at all, while others are, let’s say, *less than impressed*. Social media is ablaze with comments like:
– “This is great and all, but where’s the remake?”
– “Love the art, but I was expecting more.”
– “Square Enix, take my money already and give us a remaster!”
Clearly, the fanbase is passionate. Whether that passion translates into actual engagement with the site remains to be seen.
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### What Could Have Been
Imagine if Square Enix had gone all out for this anniversary. Here are some things they *could* have done:
– **Announced a Remake**: Come on, even a teaser trailer would have sufficed.
– **Released Exclusive DLC**: How about some new content for those playing the game on modern platforms?
– **Organized Fan Events**: Virtual meet-ups, Q&A sessions with the developers, or even a livestreamed concert of the game’s iconic soundtrack.
Instead, we got a website. Sigh.
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### The Bigger Picture
This isn’t just about Final Fantasy IX. It’s about how game studios approach anniversaries in general. From Pokémon’s year-long 25th celebration to Zelda’s *blink-and-you-miss-it* 35th anniversary, there’s a wide spectrum of effort involved. Square Enix’s FFIX website feels like it falls somewhere in the middle: better than nothing, but far from extraordinary.
If you’re interested in how other game anniversaries have been handled, check out our article on [gaming nostalgia and its impact on modern marketing](#). Spoiler alert: it’s a mixed bag.
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### Final Thoughts: Worth Your Click?
Should you check out the 25th Anniversary website? Sure, if you’re a die-hard fan or just want a quick hit of nostalgia. But if you’re hoping for something groundbreaking, prepare to be disappointed. This feels more like a warm “hello” from Square Enix than a full-on party.
So, what’s next for Final Fantasy IX? Only time will tell. In the meantime, we’ll be here, endlessly debating whether Zidane and Garnet are gaming’s most underrated couple.
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### Call to Action
What do you think of the 25th Anniversary website? Love it, hate it, or somewhere in between? Let us know in the comments below! And don’t forget to bookmark our page for more sarcastic takes on the latest in gaming and tech. For even more nostalgia, check out our piece on [why old-school gaming is making a comeback](#).
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