Final Fantasy IX

Final Fantasy IX is the ninth entry in the iconic series of jRPG genre, which begun in 1987 on Nintendo’s console. Title has been developed by Square Co. studio and at first was meant to be only a spin-off to the core series.

Plot

After a few somewhat cyberpunk titles, Final Fantasy IX for PC, PS4 and etc. returns to the roots of the series, and so we once again met with knights, princesses and dragons. Its plot revolves around a great war, with players taking the role of a young thief named Zidane Tribal. He joins forces with princess Garnet, and other heroes to face queen Brahne of Alexandria, who is responsible for the war. But it soon turns out that Brahne is just a pawn in a more dangerous game, because a much more dangerous being stands behind the whole conflict.

Gameplay

In terms of game mechanics, the title mostly applies solutions that the fans of the series will instantly recognize, but some novelties were introduced as well. A slightly changed profession system returns again, with each hero possessing unique set of skills, which he develops by gathering experience and leveling-up. Fights continue the tradition started in the sixth game of the series – they are turn-based, with active pause system (Active Time Battle). One novelty is ATE mode (Active Time Event), during which we can see what other teammates are doing at the moment. ATE does not affect the main plotline, but develops the side quests, and sometimes introduces various useful items.

Technicalities

Similarly to its plot, Final Fantasy IX for PC, PS4 and etc. refers audio-visually to the origins of the series. Graphics has returned to a fairy-tale like atmosphere, known the from first titles and – unlike its direct predecessors – glitters with feast of colors. Realistic characters of Final Fantasy VIII have been replaced by the typically cartoonish ones. Soundtrack has been written, for the ninth time, by Nobuo Uematsu.

Last updated on February 10, 2016