Throwback Reviews: Final Fantasy IX

Final Fantasy IX

Reviewed By: Giuliano V.

Platform: PS1

Gameplay: 8.5

Final Fantasy IX is your typical Final Fantasy styled game. The combat is a mix of turn-based and real-time combat with the use of an active-time mechanic that only allows you to pick your attack once your ATB gauge fills. However, time does stop when you are choosing your Magic or your Items, so enemies won't just attack you while you're scrolling through the menus. Most of the fights follow the same structure, but many of the boss battles require strategy and a keen eye. There are also several mini-games throughout the game, some great and some not so great. There was a particular portion of the game where there was a forced mini-game immediately following a boss battle, with a timer that would result in a game over. I found this particularly unfair, as the boss battle prior was quite tough and I did not want to have to rebattle him due to losing a mini-game. Another part of the gameplay I particularly disliked was the fact that throughout the game, they constantly force you to either use or lose party members, forcing you to use party members who may be underleveled because you do not use them often. This causes for some parts of the game to be ridiculously difficult. While it isn't the greatest RPG gameplay out there, Final Fantasy IX does have some great JRPG-styled combat that will entertain any fan of the genre.

Story: 9.5

For the most part, Final Fantasy IX has a beautiful and well-written story that is consistent throughout the entire game. The story mainly follows the three main characters: Zidane, Dagger and Vivi as they all try to discover their origins and what they particularly want out of life. The antagonists, Kuja and Garland, are given a great enough amount of depth that you can both hate and love them at the same time. Most of the story also involves metaphors from the "plays" that Tantalus puts on at the beginning and end of the game allowing for one to understand the tone of the game right from the beginning until the very end. The ending of the game was quite touching and a great way to give closure to all the characters. However, there is one aspect of Final Fantasy IX's story that is too horrible to not mention. While most of the party characters have some great depth and personalities, one party character by the name of Quina is the most unnecessary and absolutely horrendous party character I have ever obtained in any RPG. Quina, while intended to be the "comic-relief," takes a backseat to the much funnier Steiner and in the end, is simply a hindrance and annoyance. His character also does not match the tone of the game, and while this would be okay for a supporting character, it is downright unacceptable for a party member. Thankfully, they only force you to use Quina a couple times in the game. But other than that, Final Fantasy IX was truly an awe-inspiring performance.

Sound: 10

It is no surprise that a Final Fantasy game contains unbelievable music. The series is full of fantastic tracks, and this one is the same. It borrows some of the iconic tunes from past entries while also introducing fantastic themes like Dagger's Theme and Kuja's Theme that really convey the mood that is supposed to be present during the events. 

Presentation: 9

The graphics of the game are quite good for its time. While the character models may be a little lacking, most of the enemies, bosses and environments are wonderfully designed with loads of detail. The cutscenes are also quite visually fantastic and push the limits of the hardware. My one problem with the presentation is that many of the levels are too similar. There are way too many forest and castle ruin areas in the game and it begins to become redundant. However, it is a small negative in the mix of this otherwise fantastic game.

Lasting Appeal: 8.5

If you avoid any side missions and simply stick to the main plot, the game should clock you in at roughly 30 hours of gameplay. Doing everything in the game could take you well over 50 hours, which means you will be devoting a lot of time if you really enjoy this game. However, aside from liking the way the game plays, there is no real reason to replay it, as there is no New Game+ mode and there is also no variation in the ending. But I feel like this game is such a great game that many would go back and replay it just to re-experience the story.

Final Verdict: 9.3 / 10

Final Fantasy is another fantastic JRPG on the PS1. It is definitely one of the most underrated Final Fantasy titles and if you haven't checked it out, I'd definitely recommend giving it a try. Although I have only played a few titles in the franchise, Final Fantasy IX is easily my favourite so far and at the low price of $10 on the PS Store, it is definitely worth a purchase if you are looking for a game to play.

Article By:

Giuliano V.