A fan-made AI video that reimagines Final Fantasy VI in realistic 3D has drawn a mixed reaction from the game's original creators. The clip, posted on X, recreates iconic scenes such as Sabin suplexing the Phantom Train and the Opera House sequence. Series creator Hironobu Sakaguchi responded enthusiastically, writing, "What is this!? That's amazing!"
Sakaguchi reacts enthusiastically to AI video
Akitoshi Kawazu, a combat designer on the original Final Fantasy and Final Fantasy II, pushed back against the AI remake. He replied directly to Sakaguchi, saying, "No, Sakaguchi-san, please stop at the first line." Kawazu added that he had recently spoken to a fan who loved Final Fantasy VI, which reminded him how well the game would translate to a 3D remake, but he noted that the AI video itself was not the right approach.
The video has sparked debate among fans. Some praised its visual ambition, while others criticized flaws such as characters appearing at implausible scales, rigid facial expressions, and a metallic texture that stripped the original's warmth. One reviewer described the faces as "dead husks with no semblance of character or soul."
Final Fantasy VI was released in 1994 for the Super Nintendo and remains one of the most requested games for a modern remake. Square Enix has not announced such a project. The director of the Final Fantasy VII Remake trilogy has said he would prefer to support a new creator rather than lead another remake himself.
It is not clear whether Sakaguchi realized the video was AI-generated when he reacted. Square Enix has not commented on the fan creation or any plans for an official remake.
Source: NotebookCheck
