Next Final Fantasy Remake Should Be One of the Series’ Most Overlooked Games

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The Final Fantasy series is one of the most important in video game history. For over thirty years, it’s been a leader in the role-playing genre, influencing storytelling and combat in countless games. Each generation typically has a standout Final Fantasy title that players remember fondly. While Final Fantasy VII and Final Fantasy VI are often considered the best, there’s another game in the series that doesn’t get the recognition it deserves.

Final Fantasy V doesn’t get the attention it deserves, and is often overlooked by fans of the series. While it’s not anyone’s top pick, it’s a game I really enjoyed playing. The recent Pixel Remaster has brought it back into the spotlight, and I believe it’s time for a full remake to truly showcase its potential.

Final Fantasy V Deserves More Love

I came to Final Fantasy V after enjoying VII, IX, and VI, and it felt like finding a hidden gem in the series. It wasn’t a game my friends talked about, and I didn’t see much discussion of it online. But I was really impressed by it! It struck a great balance between lightheartedness and a darker story, with fun characters and surprisingly complex gameplay. The Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster reminded me why I love these games, and playing Final Fantasy V was a big part of that.

When it first came out on the Super Famicom in 1992, this game featured a remarkably deep and adaptable job system – one of the best the series has ever had. Players could combine different skills to create unique teams and try out new strategies. Getting a new job didn’t just make your characters stronger; it fundamentally changed how you approached the game. The ability to have a Knight who could cast healing spells or a Ninja who could use magic felt truly innovative, and it’s something many modern RPGs still try to capture.

Many consider Final Fantasy V‘s story to be simple and overlook it, but that’s not really fair. It doesn’t have the dramatic flair of some of the later games, but the story becomes increasingly serious as you play. It explores important ideas like what we leave behind, making difficult choices, and taking responsibility. Characters like Galuf are some of the most memorable in the series, and the game’s emotional moments are genuinely touching. A remake could give these scenes the visual polish they deserve while still keeping the original game’s unique appeal.

Final Fantasy VI & VII Completely Overshadowed It

Man, timing really is everything, and Final Fantasy V just got squeezed in a tough spot. It came out right after Final Fantasy IV, which totally changed how RPGs told stories, and before Final Fantasy VI, which a lot of people consider the best RPG ever. But it was even worse for us gamers outside of Japan! We didn’t even get to play Final Fantasy V officially until years later, after Final Fantasy VII had already blown everyone’s minds and become a global phenomenon. It felt like it missed its moment, you know?

Because of this, many players didn’t play Final Fantasy V, particularly in Western markets. After experiencing the advancements in Final Fantasy VI and VII, going back to an older title like V didn’t seem as appealing. Even today, it’s often overlooked when fans discuss which Final Fantasy games deserve remakes, with titles like VI and IX being mentioned instead. This continued focus on other games further contributes to V‘s lack of recognition. While it heavily influenced numerous RPGs, it rarely receives credit for pioneering those systems.

A fresh remake could help Final Fantasy V be appreciated as a classic, rather than being overshadowed by other, more popular entries in the series. Updated graphics, voice acting, and modern improvements would allow it to finally stand alongside its siblings and gain the recognition it deserves, bringing it out of obscurity and into the spotlight.

The Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster Proved Its Value

The Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster collection proved that people are still very interested in the original Final Fantasy games. Final Fantasy V, especially, looked and sounded great thanks to updated graphics, music, and menus. Many players, including myself, were experiencing the game for the first time, and the reaction was incredibly positive.

The game’s fundamental design is remarkably solid. Its job system feels current and in-depth, the gameplay flows at a good pace, and the battles are fun without requiring a lot of repetitive grinding. This demonstrates that Final Fantasy V doesn’t need a complete overhaul like Final Fantasy VII – a simple visual refresh, perhaps using Square Enix’s HD-2D style, would be ideal to both maintain and improve its look.

Building on the success of the Pixel Remaster series, a complete remake of Final Fantasy V could be fantastic. Imagine keeping the beloved classic job system, but adding updated battle effects, more detailed character stories, and a richer game world. Remaking Final Fantasy V would also be a fresh choice for the remake series, instead of focusing on the most popular titles. This would both introduce a key game to a new audience and finally give longtime fans the updated version they’ve been hoping for decades.

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2026-01-08 20:12