Square Enix has released new artwork to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Final Fantasy IX. The new Final Fantasy IX 25th anniversary artwork was illustrated by character designer Toshiyuki Itahana.
Previously, Square Enix opened the Final Fantasy IX 25th anniversary website and made multiple merch-related announcements. Square Enix Manga & Books released the Final Fantasy IX Picture Book: Vivi, Grandpa, and the Day of the Departure for 1,320 yen (tax included) in the Square Enix e-store in Japan on July 2. The book depicts a prequel story involving Vivi and Quan, his adoptive grandfather. The story is written by Kazuhiko Aoki and illustrated by Toshiyuki Itahana.
As shown on the official website, fans can also look forward to the Final Fantasy IX 25th Anniversary Commemorative Lottery in Japan. Eyewear brand Zoff will collaborate with Final Fantasy IX to release three new pairs of glasses this month, and various 25th anniversary-themed products will be released by Square Enix as well.
Moreover, the Final Fantasy IX 25th Anniversary Vinyl – Timeless Tale will be released on July 9 for 4,950 yen (tax included). It will feature originally sourced music from Final Fantasy IX and a newly recorded version of the game’s theme song, “Melodies of Life.” Pre-orders are available in the Square Enix e-store.
For those unfamiliar, the Final Fantasy IX remake first surfaced from the NVIDIA leak, which revealed countless titles either in development or formerly in development. So far, dozens of titles have been released, and the leak has been proven true in many cases, including PC releases of God of War. Other rumors indicated that Final Fantasy IX is “very far along” in its development.
