Square Enix announces Final Fantasy IX for PC and smartphones

TOKYO, Dec. 31 (UPI) -- Fans of Final Fantasy rejoiced Thursday as publisher Square-Enix announced that Final Fantasy IX is coming to PC and smartphones.

The re-release will feature improved graphics, new achievements, an auto-save functionality, a "high speed" mode and a number of other "game boosting features" most likely similar to those found in the PC ports of Final Fantasy VII and Final Fantasy VIII, according to Square-Enix.

The Japanese role-playing classic was originally released for the Playstation in 2000 and was made available for the Playstation 3 and Playstation Vita through Sony's Playstation Network sans any special features in 2010.

A trailer for the updated game was also released Thursday giving fans their first look at the title's in-game graphics and visually tweaked battle system. The publisher specified that Final Fantasy IX would be made available on both iOS and Android devices. "Now you can relive the adventures of Zidane and his crew in the palm of your hands!" reads the game's official announcement.

Final Fantasy IX will launch in Japan sometime next year with no word yet on pricing or date for a Western release.