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Fantastic recovery!

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 14 / 23
Date: January 08, 2001
Author: Amazon User

Final Fantasy is back and better than ever. After the tremendous disappointment that was Final Fantasy VIII, we have this beauty

First off, Final Fantasy IX FINALLY disses the futuristic settings of the last 2 games. Now it really is Final FANTASY. The character designs are downright cheesy, just how I like 'em!

Second, the plot is excellent. After Final Fantasy VIII's practically non-existant plot, I was very pleased. It involves a gang of theifs and a power hungry Queen. It is pure delight and masterfully done.

Third, the characters. You will feel Zidane's ambition, Garnet's sadness, Freya's faithfulness, and especially Vivi's confusion. The characters are all great in their own way, and my favorite has to be Vivi.

Fourth, more game-playing. FF VII and VIII practically knocked you over the head with cinemas. FF IX eases up on the cinemas and delivers more gametime, using CG only in extremely intense moments. And while the FF games dont exactly have the greatest graphics during play, you won't mind at all

And finally, the battle system. After FF VIII's absolutely horrendous battle system, I greeted this with open arms. No more spending a half an hour junctioning fifty thousand abilities. FF IX has established a much easier to use system, that I like to call the AP system. In addition, each character has it's own special type of abilities. For example, only Vivi, the Black Mage, can use Black Magic. Makes sense. Steiner has special abilities only he can use involving his sword.

All the excellent elements in this game are woven together and the end product is smooth as silk. Don't be scared away by FF VII, Final Fantasy IX is an excellent game, and shouldn't be missed

Final Fantasy IX

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 9 / 12
Date: November 29, 2000
Author: Amazon User

Well it has been a little over a year since Final Fantasy VIII was released and Squarsoft has shown the public that it doesn't take long to create a truely imaginative and unforgettable masterpiece. Final Fantasy IX brings back a lot of the themes found in earlier FF titles (i.e. FF IV,V,VI etc ) This is a blessing considering the last two titles released on the PSX. Final Fantasy VII was great in its own self and very entertaining and Final Fantasy VIII was good too however I found the last to titles in the series to be very serious and neo-esque especially in Final Fantasy VIII. Final Fantasy IX is a fresh change going back to the roots or core of what Final Fantasy is about...FANTASY. It has very rhobust characters, beautiful pre - rendered backrounds and of course the georgeous FMV cut scenes. In addition to this Nobuo Uemetsu once again shows the world that he is a gifted person, creating some of the most memorable themes and music for the game. Final Fantasy IX also has a very simple ability system...here's how it works:

You have a certain piece of armor, head gear, accessory etc. When these items are equipped you get certain abilities. Now if you wear these items you immediatly have access to the ability and if you wear the item(s)long enough and gain enough ability points then the ability is learned. I think this adds a depth of challange because if you are to quick to upgrade you might not have learned all the abilities for that particular piece of equipment. Speaking of equipment, armor shops are back. And to make things even more interesting there are special " Synth " shops that allow you to synthesize two items to make even greater items. This also makes you want to hold back on selling your items that you have acquired.

Now in nearly every Final Fantasy game there have been "summon" creatures. Well they are here too. In IX they are called Eidolons. Of course every animation sequence is very nice graphiclly wise and there are all your familiar favorites (Ifrit,Shiva,Odin,Carbunkle etc.) The interesting thing in summoning in Final Fantasy IX is that the attack comes in two forms, a short form and a long form that involves animation of the actual edilolon. For example if you summon Rhamu and perform " Judgement bolt " the short version shows a staff that impales the enemy and lightning strikes the staff. The longer version actually shows Rhamu and does quite a bit more damage.

Saving in Final Fantasy IX is quite interesting. In order to save your progress you must find a moogle. Moogles appear all over the world and they are the ones that can save your game, sell items and they may even ask you to take letters to their fellow moogle friends.

In short this game is a fresh change. To me the last two games had a very serious overtone and was set in a very modern-type environment. This allows you to go back to what we have grown to love. A series that has always told a great story and taken us to a different world. A series in which every game always ends as

final...

Old School Final Fantasy Greatness

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 9 / 12
Date: December 08, 2000
Author: Amazon User

Over the years Square has brought the best RPGs out to a system (exluding the Lunar series ^^) I havent played a bad Final Fantasy game yet and 9 did not dissapoint me. This game is simply amazing. The graphics are awesomely well done and the cut scene CG cinemas will leave your jaw weighted to the floor. The enviornments are lush and detailed. The amount of characters in a party has also been upped to 4 from the usual three. The story is also switched back to a medieval time, but of course you cant forget the semi-futuristic elements such as airships and giant steam powered cities (Think Final Fantasy 3). The story is simply engrossing. It will keep you hooked until you have beaten it with great twists and turns. I have 2 gripes that I have though. One, I think the main character, Zidane, isnt as memorable as Cloud, Lock, Squall, Cecil or any of the others heroes from previous games. Characters in the game are very well done. But Zidane I think was the wrong type of hero, just my opinion though. Character developement and backround in the game is awesome though. Square quality. The other gripe is the shortness of the game. I had the game for about a week and a half and I was at the 3rd disk. Maybe it was because I was hooked though =). My suggestion is by this game, everything about it is awesome and If you love Final Fantasy then this game wont dissapoint.

A nostalgic & enjoyable RPG!

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 7 / 8
Date: November 18, 2000
Author: Amazon User

Final Fantasy IX is an engrossing and captivating RPG. The game takes place in a magical, fantasy-based setting rather than the more high-technology settings of FFVII & FFVIII. This is one of the most technically and emotionally developed video games out there. There is so much value in the plots, concepts and ideas. All the issues that the characters are forced to face - from self-worth to love - is done in an understandable, intelligent, and touching way.

Gameplay for Final Fantasy IX is basically like the others in the series. I'm glad that the simple equip system is back. One problem with Final Fantasy VIII was the complex magic junction system. This was a confusing aspect to the Final Fantasy VIII, and it distracted me from that game's beauty. Fortunately, that has changed in Final Fantasy IX. Like older Final Fantasy titles, there are 4 characters in your party instead of 3. The Limit System is now called the "Trance System." Characters can be appointed certian gained abilities in the form of a Crystal System.

One of the most astonishing aspects of Final Fantasy IX has GOT to be graphics. Most of the scenes and settings are prerendered. The attention to details, as far as animations are concerned, are awesome. This whole game is colorful, beautiful, and breathtaking. As far as the CG sequences are concerned, it transcends any other game that I've ever seen. It has to be seen to be believed! All the CG scenes are beautiful! The graphics are excellent; lots of eye-candy!

The music and sound is another great aspect of this game. The music in any and all Final Fantasy games are so emotional and atmospheric. With Final Fintasy IX, not only is the sound great, but with remixed music, it even brings back so much nostalgia from the Super Nintendo Final Fantasies. I really like that! The music in this game is really moving.

Overall, I thought Final Fantasy IX was really enjoyable. It's a great RPG.

Better than I expected

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 7 / 8
Date: November 26, 2000
Author: Amazon User

I am a relatively new gamer to the Final Fantasy Market. I can't say "Oh, I've played every single one!", but I know a good Final Fantasy game when I see one. This one I saw not so well. I absolutely LOVED Final Fantasy VIII. From the breaktaking opening to the cast of characters that I actually felt like I knew at the end, to the dramatic and very emotional ending, I loved it. SuperDeformed (SD) people never appealed to me. That's why I probably wasn't as excited about IX when I first heard about it going back to SD. That really disappointed me. To me, it felt like the series was digressing. Don't get me wrong, I don't mean in it's change to total fantasy( I really like fantasy worlds) or it's story. Just the graphical move. I didn't think I would like it half as much as VIII. Yet, as I read more about it, I realized how neat it really was. I avidly read game reviews and articles, and every one I read about IX slowly took away my doubts. Soon, I was anticipating it so much, I ordered the Melodies of Life single CD. I love it. The song is very emotional, and rivals "Eyes on Me" (but I still really like that song too!). The in-game music is also really good, and you can hear undertones of "MoL" in it almost everywhere. (like in VIII with "EoM") I don't mind the SD characters at all (I did in VII, though. They just looked weird in gameplay.). I also like the comical air to it, another part I was unsure of (because I liked VIII's seriousness). Overall, this game definately is worth a try (and buy). The music is very good I mean, Vivi and Eiko are the cutest things I have ever seen! It is a bit harder, but what do you expect? Squaresoft isn't going to make it easier. If it digressed in that way, I'm sure there wouldn't be 9 games. If you aren't up to the challenge, you don't have to buy it. But you will be missing out on a great game.My point is that don't judge a book (or game) by it's cover. If you do, you are missing out.It gets very high praise from me.

Tied for 2nd best Final Fantasy Game Ever.

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 7 / 8
Date: March 09, 2001
Author: Amazon User

Ok let me start off by saying that Final Fantasy 6 or 3 here in the U.S. is the best ever. This game is tied for 2nd place with Final Fantasy 4 or 2 in the U.S.

Theres just so much in this game that i love. The artwork has gone back to the series roots. FF7 and 8 had too much a futuristic look to them. This game get back to the hardcore fantasy world with knights, castles, wizards, and swords. The cinematic scenes are awesome as well. But for hardcore RPGers like myself the most important aspects are story, and gameplay. The storyline is strong and makes a great deal of sense. You actually care about the characters you are playing with, unlike FF8. The battle system has gone back to the series roots as well. There are now 4 characters on screen during battle, unlike 3 in FF7 and 8. Each characters plays differently and has unique abilities, unlike FF8 when everyone was the same. There is actually armor, experience points and money in this game and they mean something, again unlike FF8.

Some argue that this game is meant for children.....if they did they obviously havent played it. This game can get tough at times, and even the most hardcore RPGer will see the Game Over screen a few times. This game is SOOOOO deep. Unless you cheat and use a guide then this game has major replay value for someone who likes to find everything. I could have done without the silly card game, but i guess some people just love collecting stuff.

In conclusion if you love the Final Fantasy series, but are in doubt about buying another one after the debacle that was Final Fantasy 8, trust me buy this game and you wont be disappointed

like a dream that comes true.........

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 8 / 10
Date: December 12, 2000
Author: Amazon User

I hated FF8....it was too technical and there was too much stuff to keep track of.....I loved FF7....but it was a little too easy.....Final Fantasy IX combines the best features of each game with an excellent storyline.....this game is a must for any fan of RPGs and Final fantasy

Some of the old with some of the new

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 5 / 5
Date: November 24, 2000
Author: Amazon User

This...This game... its one of the greatest games out there for the playstation. This is probably the best I've played since Final Fantasy VII. First let me explain the game. This is kinda a mixture between just about every final fantasy. The main villian is somewhat of a mixture between Sephiroth(FF7) and Kefka(FF6). Gaining magic and abilities is like when you junction a GF(FF8). The job systen hasn't really returned but there is a black mage. Charaacters have there own skills, but what one downside is that not everyone can use magic. For example Zidane can steal but he can't use any magic other then his skills, while Vivi is the only character that can use black magic and Dagger and Eiko are the only characters skilled in white magic and summoning. See? The rest will be explained when you get the game. Also learning magic. As i said its like Junctioning a GF from FFVIII, only to use them you must equip the proper weapons armor and accessories. This prompts you not to sell anything. Next is you can now combine weapons at a Synth shop. This also makes you not want to sell weapons. The music is nice and fitting and the story is pretty good. There are 8 characters in this one and they all prove useful in there own sort of way. The game also takes time to recomend which row they should be in. Also the Draw system has been eliminated and the MP system has been restored. Sorry to say that until you get to disk 3 you can't really choose who will be in and who will be out. Next is that the villian does have a pretty good purpose for the crisis in this one. I didn't find this to be as easy as FFVIII either (at least it took me more then 5 days to get to disc 4). Well enough said for now i think thats about it. Well lets see...

Graphics-10 Gameplay-10 Music-9.5 Story-9.5 estimated time to beat the game-40-60 hours.

Overall-9.8

Easily one of the best RPGs of the year 2000.

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 5 / 5
Date: December 14, 2000
Author: Amazon User

The Final Fantasy series is probably the most popular series in RPG history. My personal favorite has to be FF6 (Jap) which is probably one of the greatest Roleplaying games in history. After FF7 was released, it literally blew up the video game history, breaking every record on the charts, and rightfully so. The story was extremely deep and complex, and sephiroth literally took the show. But then came FF8. Which literally blurred everyones vision of what FF stood for. I mean FF8 was like watching another episode of Dawson's Creek with monsters into the mix. FF8's storyline was rather boring and not interesting at all, though its probably the most realistic FF in the series. But the problem with FF8 was that it never felt like an FF game. The junctioning and drawing system was something so different and very annoying. But never fear, because FF has relinquished their dissapointing release, and have brought us FF9. FF9 is indeed the best FF for the playstation, there is no doubt about that. Though FF7 probably had the best storyline, FF9's story was much more light but yet something new and fun. I can almost guarantee you, you'll be laughing and enjoying it right when you start the game. All I have to say is, if you enjoy RPGs, then you should Pick up Final Fantasy 9, Chrono Cross, Breath Of Fire 2 and Lunar: Eternal Blue. They are all great RPG's, probably the best for the playstation this year.

Gotta love em!

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 5 / 5
Date: September 07, 2001
Author: Amazon User

Okay folks, check this out: In my opinion, 9 and 8 are tied for the best in the entire FF series. But hey, that's me. FF8 was incredible for its complexity, depth and the new, innovative battle systems. FF9, on the other hand, is fantastic for almost completely opposite reasons. If you are looking for high drama, and deeply complex story lines, look elsewhere. This game is FUN. It's a feel good game, in all aspects. The battle system is a cry back to FF2 (or 4, whatever), much simpler than that in 8, but you still feel a large degree of control over your team's development. The characters are a joy to watch, and for those of us with a whimsical frame of mind, there are a lot of laughs. The plot may not have as many twists and turns as did FF8, but this game is high fantasy, not high drama. In conclusion, if you're looking for a great classic story about good vs. evil that's a bunch of fun to play through, go for this game NOW. But be warned: If you don't know how to loosen up and have fun, you aren't going to enjoy yourself much.

PS- Yes, yes, we're all getting tired of random battles. But hey, it wouldn't hardly be FF without them, right?

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