It just does everything in the most solid way possible. An intriguing storyline, characters you actually care about, tried and true FF gameplay, a memorable soundtrack, beautiful, polished graphics, and not many crazy "systems" to learn and master.
This is definitely one of my favourite FF. The game imo is a piece of art, loved it from the start to the end. The music in the game is perfect and it compliments to its world and characters very much. Vivi forever.
Final Fantasy IX: A Timeless Journey Through Nostalgia and Innovation
Story and Setting
Final Fantasy IX transports players to the enchanting world of Gaia, a realm brimming with medieval aesthetics, whimsical creatures, and fantastical landscapes. The narrative follows the charming thief Zidane Tribal and his eclectic group of companions as they uncover a plot to conquer the world. Themes of identity, destiny, and existentialism are intricately woven into the storyline, creating a rich tapestry that resonates deeply with players.
Characters
One of Final Fantasy IX’s greatest strengths lies in its memorable cast. From the introspective black mage Vivi to the strong-willed princess Garnet, each character is meticulously crafted with their own unique arcs and personalities. The interplay between these characters is both heartfelt and humorous, making their journey feel genuine and compelling.
Gameplay
The game employs a traditional turn-based combat system, enhanced by the Active Time Battle (ATB) gauge that adds a layer of strategic depth. Each character has distinct abilities tied to their equipment, encouraging players to experiment with different gear combinations. The Trance system, which temporarily boosts a character’s abilities when their Trance gauge is full, adds another strategic element to battles.
Exploration is rewarding, with diverse environments ranging from bustling cities to eerie forests. Side quests and mini-games, such as the addictive Tetra Master card game, offer ample distractions from the main quest. The game’s pacing balances story progression and exploration, ensuring a consistently engaging experience.
Visuals and Sound
Final Fantasy IX’s visuals are a blend of charming, pre-rendered backgrounds and polygonal characters. While the graphics may seem dated compared to modern standards, the art direction imbues the game with a timeless, storybook quality. The character designs by Yoshitaka Amano are both whimsical and iconic.
Nobuo Uematsu’s masterful soundtrack is arguably one of the best in the series. The music perfectly complements the game’s emotional and narrative beats, from the serene melodies of the overworld to the intense themes of boss battles.
Overall Impressions
Final Fantasy IX is a heartfelt love letter to the classic era of RPGs. Its engaging story, memorable characters, and intricate gameplay mechanics offer a rich, fulfilling experience that stands the test of time. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the series or a newcomer, this game offers a captivating journey that is well worth embarking on.
Rating: 10/10
In summary, Final Fantasy IX is a beautifully crafted game that blends nostalgia with innovative gameplay, creating an adventure that remains one of the finest in the series.
There are so many humorous moments in the game, but at the same time, many emotional moments as well. Throughout my journey, I connected with the characters, as they truly came alive for me. Few games were as engrossing as this, as it really captivated me with its fantastic story and entertaining twists.
Doesn't offer very much that is new. The game is more than a little formulaic at times, using rehashed bits from other Final Fantasy games and not taking them any further.
wow im amazed this got so many positive reviews . this is the first FF game in the series i did not care for . the cutesey moronic graphic style really turned me off but i plodded through and beat the game . the story didnt do much for me eather even though Vivi was kinda intresting not much about what was going on hooked me. im tryin to remember the story more since its been 10 years or so since i beat this . i do remember how freekin annoyed i was about the back attacks and the pincer attacks which i swear to god happend like 50% of the time . i kid you not i do remember i had that happen 13X in a **** just wanted to spike my controller into the TV. then your main charicter looks like a metrosexaul monkey which i just hated how he looked and him personally . about the only possitive thing is you can have 4 players in your party . i really dont even know how or why i finished this game . my guess was that it was sqaure at the time who back then almost every RPG they made was GOLD . this certainly is not.
Das schlechteste Final Fantasy, was ich bis heute gespielt habe. Mega nervige Charaktere, schlechte Story, dumme Dialoge und abschreckend kindischer Stil. Nach den Meisterwerken 7 und 8 war das hier ein echt krasser Schock. Ich habe keine Ahnung, wie dieser Schrott zu einem der erfolgreichsten Teilen der Serie werden konnte.
SummaryThe last Final Fantasy for the PlayStation, Final Fantasy IX returns to the pure fantasy roots that spawned the series. This latest installment features highly detailed characters, vehicles, and environments, and breathtaking cinema-graphics. The addition of brand new features such as the story-enhancing Active Time Event system and th...