The Final Fantasy Pixel Remasters Will Replace Previous Versions

One of Square Enix‘s new game announcements during their E3 presentation was actually for some OLD games…the Pixel Remaster series, which will rejigger Final Fantasies 1 through 6 in widescreen with original pixel art restored. They’re still solid games that hold up, especially the later ones, but not everyone was happy with this announcement.

For one thing, there was no console version of the Pixel Remasters announced at all. Currently the first six Final Fantasies are not available outside of the PC and mobile phones. This new project would have been the perfect excuse to offer them on consoles, but Square chose not to, instead reintroducing them where they already exist.

It’s not only neglectful, it’s redundant….and at the least, Square agrees with that last point. The current versions of Final Fantasy 5 and 6 on Steam have now been tagged with a notice that reads “This game will no longer be available for purchase after July 27, 2021.” Instead Square suggests waiting for the Pixel Remasters when they become available.

Ordinarily an announcement like this would cue the “what about preservation” crowd, but the truth is, no one ever liked these versions of the games. They were designed for mobile first, with redrawn, simplistic sprites and backgrounds that look terrible and cheap. Pixel Remaster is likely a direct response to all the complaints and requests for the original art back.

Square still hasn’t elaborated on the details regarding these Pixel Remasters, but if the previous versions are leaving in a month, we’re assuming the release date for the new versions can’t be far behind. Just….seriously, you guys, think about the console owners who want to give you money.