Final Fantasy IX
August 15, 2001
Through the years, RPG fans have had one constant series to enjoy, Final Fantasy. Focusing on action and adventure, character development, and excellent stories, Square has been called “King of RPGs.” Never content to release the same game over and over, each Final Fantasy title has introduced new characters in a new world, participating in a new story. While the last two Final Fantasy titles, Final Fantasy VII and Final Fantasy VIII, brought the popular RPG series to the Playstation, the hardcore Final Fantasy fans were disappointed. The series moved away from the engrossing plot and rich character development to a more “movie feel” with multiple CG cinemas playing throughout the game. With the release of Final Fantasy IX, Square has finally listened to the cries of hardcore Final Fantasy fans and produced a title that will turn those cries into sheer joy and excitement. Final Fantasy IX is the game Final Fantasy VII and VIII should have been… providing a rich plot, incredible character development, and an enchanting story.
Like all of the prior games in the Final Fantasy series, Final Fantasy IX provides a brand new cast of characters. These include: Zidane, Vivi, Steiner, and Princess Garnet. While you meet many others throughout your journey, you begin with these select few. One thing Square has done with Final Fantasy IX that it hasn’t done since Final Fantasy II (IV in Japan) is that they do not allow you to choose your party members, your party is chosen for you. While some fans may argue that this takes away with the freedom of building a unique party, I find that Square has chosen this method so they can put enemies in your path that will challenge the specific party you have.
Another element Square has implemented into Final Fantasy IX is a “kinder, gentler, more caring” main character. In the past two Final Fantasy titles, players have suffered through both Cloud and Squall. These characters were almost identical copies of one another that cared for none except themselves. While it was interesting, at first, to play as a character that is so cold hearted; it soon became a boring experience that took away from many key elements in the story, thus making both Final Fantasy VII and VIII a forgettable gaming experience. With Final Fantasy IX, Square has done away with this trend and players now control a main character who actually cares about the people around him. This change in attitude makes the character more enjoyable to control and adds a great deal to the story.
The high quality musical score in Final Fantasy IX continue the tradition that the Final Fantasy brand has been known for. While Final Fantasy VII and VIII attempted to provide a more mature soundtrack, Final Fantasy IX again goes back to the roots of the series to revive the ancient tunes of Final Fantasy II and III (IV and VI in Japan) and give them new life on the Playstation. While you are grooving to the incredible music, you will also find yourself enjoying the sound effects. They too also seem like a 32 bit update of the 16 bit sound effects.
Like the sound, Square has taken the same approach with the graphics within Final Fantasy IX. Instead of creating larger, more realistic characters, like in FF VII, Square has gone back to the shorter, more “cutesy” characters of prior titles in the series. The result is a game that looks more like Final Fantasy II and III than VII or VIII. The colors used are also brighter and colorful than the last two Final Fantasy titles. This helps create a world that you want to protect; a peaceful and kind land that you want to keep from harm.
Controlling Final Fantasy IX couldn’t be easier. While it is possible to control the game using the original Playstation controller, FFIX has been configured for use primarily on the Dual Shock controller. By using the analog stick, it is easy to run or walk, while combat is handled by using one simple button, X, for attacks and another, Triangle, for switching to a different active character during battle. While the controls may seem simplistic, the battles that rage onscreen can become very frustratingly difficult… Remember to keep your mages safe in the back row and that the “heal spell” is your best friend!
Final Fantasy IX is an extremely entertaining and addicting game with a ton of replay value. Square took their prized Role Playing series and gave attention to the elements that matter, instead of concentrating on cinemas and flashy graphics. In the end, Square has succeeded in creating one of the best Role Playing Games ever made. Nevertheless, do not take my word for it. This adventure deserves to be played again and again. So pop in that Final Fantasy IX disk and prepare to be immersed in a journey you won’t soon forget.
CVG Report CardFinal Fantasy IX
Developer: Square
Publisher: Square/Electronic Arts
1 Player Game
Genre: Role Playing Game
Rating: A+
Platform: PS one
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