The Final Fantasy franchise celebrated its 35th anniversary in 2021. Final Fantasy is a long-running and highly regarded series of role-playing games that was first released in 1987 by Square Enix (formerly Square). Since then, the series has become a cultural phenomenon, with over 160 million game sales and an enormous fanbase around the world.
To celebrate the 35th anniversary, Square Enix announced several special events and initiatives. One of the most notable announcements was the reveal of Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade, an enhanced version of the critically acclaimed Final Fantasy VII Remake that was released in 2020. The new version includes updated graphics, improved gameplay features, and a new episode featuring fan-favorite character Yuffie Kisaragi.
In addition to the game announcement, Square Enix also released a new Final Fantasy-themed music album, Final Fantasy XIV: Endwalker, and launched several new merchandise and collectibles, including a special edition of the classic Final Fantasy IV game for the Nintendo Switch.
Overall, the Final Fantasy 35th anniversary was a significant milestone for both Square Enix and fans of the franchise. The series has had a profound impact on the gaming industry, and its legacy continues to inspire and influence new generations of developers and gamers alike.
In celebration of the 35th anniversary of the Final Fantasy franchise, Square Enix just announced that it will be producing more Final Fantasy goods and memorabilia. Final Fantasy fans will be able to purchase new products themed after the iconic visuals especially made for the occasion thanks to a partnership with the Japanese company PARCO, known for its physical stores across its region.
The past few years have been filled with celebrations for Square Enix as several of its most well-known JRPG series have reached significant anniversaries. Kingdom Hearts turned 20 years old this year, Final Fantasy 7 turned 25 last year, and the Final Fantasy series as a whole will turn 35 in 2022. Square Enix led a variety of initiatives, including partnerships, collaborations, livestreams, and more, to create a more joyful atmosphere for the fans. Even though Final Fantasy reached its 35th anniversary last year, it appears Square Enix plans to keep marking the occasion with additional activities.
Pre-orders for official Final Fantasy 35th anniversary merchandise will be available beginning on March 1, 2023, according to the Japanese Twitter account. Several Japanese brands that are taking part in the collaboration have been listed, including Samantha Thavasa, Candy Stripper, ForSomeone, Milkthread, and Angelic Pretty. T-shirts, sweaters, bags, keychains, and other items are among the selection's many offerings. Games like Final Fantasy 7 and 10 as well as well-known icons like the Moogle, pixel designs of game classes, and logos are all featured in merchandise designs.
In addition to the themed items, Square Enix also prepared a microsite outlining the various activities planned for the PARCO partnership. This includes real-world activities like pop-up shops and store sales, which are similar to some of the activities for the 25th anniversary of Final Fantasy 7. These products can still be bought online through official channels, despite Square Enix's apparent desire to lure Final Fantasy fans out of their homes. Additionally, PARCO's online shops offer shipping to all countries, allowing fans worldwide to purchase some of the available goods.
ファイナルファンタジー35周年を記念したPOP UP STOREが渋谷PARCO・6Fに期間限定で登場💎期間：3/1(水)～3/21(火・祝)世界で一番ファイナルファンタジーのアイテムが揃う場所です！お見逃しなく！詳しくはこちら✨https://t.co/SbeyprWIry— PARCO（パルコ） (@parco__official) February 16, 2023
Square Enix also created a microsite that lists all of the PARCO partnership's other activities outside of the themed items. This includes real-world activities like pop-up shops and store sales, which are comparable to some of the activities for Final Fantasy 7's 25th anniversary. Final Fantasy fans can still buy these products online through authorized channels, despite Square Enix's apparent desire to lure them away from their homes. Additionally, PARCO's online shops offer worldwide shipping, giving fans in other countries the chance to purchase some of the items on offer.
Final Fantasy fans have a lot to look forward to in 2023 because Square Enix has a ton of releases planned. The hype and excitement among the fanbase will likely be at an all-time high because of the anniversary celebrations, which include the 35th anniversary of Final Fantasy. Hopefully Square Enix will surpass expectations with both its new video games and its brand collaborations, attracting more gamers to the entire franchise.