The Final Fantasy series is filled with games that could be reworked to fit perfectly into the modern gaming era. Final Fantasy 7 was one such game, but it wasn't necessarily the highest on the list when it comes to lesser-loved games that need remakes. There are a few games in the series that could use a remake over Final Fantasy 7, particularly since the originals either weren't so well-received.
It can be hard to pick the best remake candidates in a series as long-running and ever-changing as Final Fantasy. Multiple new Final Fantasy titles are confirmed as in development, with one of them being an action game spin-off reimagining of Final Fantasy I. For Square Enix, the choice is hard: should remakes focus on fan favorites like Final Fantasy 7 & 6, or should the oldest titles be remade from the ground up to fit modern gaming conventions? Each strategy has its own merits, and so far Square has seen great success with sticking to its most popular titles.
It may seem more obvious to remake favorite entries like FF6 or FF9, but success could still be found in remakes of the lesser-known Final Fantasy titles. While these titles many not top many best JRPG lists, they still have incredibly interesting worlds that are worthy of being explored in a new context. It's possible that a fresh coat of paint could usher these old titles into the spotlight.
Final Fantasy 2 Deserves More Than A Pixel Remaster
Final Fantasy II has been released in several forms, most recently as a part of the Final Fantasy Pixel Remasters series, but it has never received a modern remake. There are quite a few mechanics that never really popped up in other Final Fantasy games that could make Final Fantasy 2 a wholly unique experience for newcomers. The game featured a distinctive NPC dialogue system that allowed players to memorize certain words to unlock new dialogue or things to do. This system could lead to an inventive side quest system in a modern game that lets players take on more of a detective role when it comes to solving the problems of NPCs. Combine puzzle-y quests with the unique stat increase progression system could lead to an entirely new Final Fantasy II experience.
Final Fantasy 5's Great Job System Makes It Perfect For A Remake
Outside of Final Fantasy XIV, Final Fantasy's job system has been relatively absent from the most recent titles. A new version of Final Fantasy V could change that. The original featured a robust 22 jobs that let players diversify their party in any way they saw fit. A contemporary Final Fantasy 5 could reignite fan's passion for the game's job system.
Final Fantasy 13 Could Benefit From The Remake Treatment
While Final Fantasy 13 is relatively new compared to most games in the series, it could still benefit from a remake due to its divisive status in the Final Fantasy community. While some consider it one of the best stories in Final Fantasy, others complain about the convoluted combat system and lore. Square Enix could rewrite the story to alleviate some of the biggest complaints. The combat system would benefit from being less obtuse and more clear. It could even mirror Final Fantasy 7's path and decide to go with an entirely different system that mixes elements of the old with the new.
Every Final Fantasy game more than likely has a fan that wants a full remake of their favorite game. Final Fantasy 7 fans are currently the ones feasting on the new reimagining, and it's unknown which games are slated for remakes next. In the end, it's up to Square Enix to decide which games should be remade next, although a few entries are more deserving of remakes than some typical fan-favorite titles.