The 25th anniversary of Final Fantasy IX is celebrated, an iconic title marking the return to traditional fantasy in the saga, which has left a significant mark in the history of video games. This return to the medieval style, after the modernizations of Final Fantasy VII and VIII, has particularly resonated with fans outside of Japan, as stated by Nobuo Uematsu, the renowned composer of the game.
He liked returning to medieval origins
Uematsu commented that his perception abroad is that there is a large number of FF IX followers, who mention it more often than the fans in Japan themselves. “It seems to me that the music of FF IX has reached remarkable popularity beyond Japanese borders,” he noted. The composer also highlighted that this game includes some of his most beloved compositions, especially the final boss music, which is considered one of his most memorable works.
Regarding his creative process, Uematsu expressed his satisfaction in returning to a medieval theme, describing it as “fun and natural” to compose. He was inspired by the musicality of works like Riverdance and the style of ancient music, although he admitted that he did not have a special revelation during his trip to Europe with his wife, despite seeking the medieval atmosphere to enrich his work.
Although Uematsu is his own harshest critic and listens to his music with discomfort, he feels proud of his work on FF IX. Despite the sadness it brings him to hear his own compositions, he acknowledges that the melody and chord progression in this title are exceptional, which highlights his legacy in the video game industry and his emotional connection with players.
