Final Fantasy IX emerged during a fascinating period for the franchise, developed in tandem with Final Fantasy VIII and following the monumental success of Final Fantasy VII. While VIII ventured into a more realistic and futuristic aesthetic, Final Fantasy IX deliberately returned to the series’ enchanting, fairytale roots. This installment is a quintessential fantasy RPG, deeply embedded in both its narrative and world design.
Upon its release, Final Fantasy IX garnered widespread critical acclaim and consistently ranks among the top titles in the series. While it holds a special place for many, it’s important to offer a balanced perspective. This review will serve as your guide to understanding the nuances of Final Fantasy IX, exploring both its celebrated aspects and areas where it falls short, especially when measured against the lofty standards set by its predecessors. It’s worth noting upfront that, while a good game overall, Final Fantasy IX isn’t universally loved and presents certain drawbacks that some players may find hard to overlook. This exploration aims to provide a comprehensive overview to help you decide if this classic RPG is the right adventure for you.
Delving into the Gameplay and Design of Final Fantasy IX
It’s crucial to address the elephant in the room: Final Fantasy IX is, personally, the least favored entry in the core Final Fantasy series. This isn’t to diminish its merits, but rather to preface a critique that stems from high expectations for a franchise renowned for its excellence. While undoubtedly worth playing and possessing many commendable qualities, Final Fantasy IX struggles to reach the heights of some of its brethren. This review will, therefore, lean into a more critical analysis, reflecting the demanding benchmark expected from a Final Fantasy title.
Developed concurrently with Final Fantasy VIII, the contrast between the two games is stark. Though sharing similar graphical capabilities due to their PlayStation origins, their stylistic approaches diverge immediately. Final Fantasy IX consciously evokes the nostalgic charm of earlier Final Fantasy games, embracing a more traditional, old-world fantasy ambiance in its setting and plot.
The game is replete with familiar elements from previous installments, including beloved Chocobos, endearing Moogles, and recurring names and locations. Even the inclusion of up to four combatants on screen—a feature that might seem innovative to newer players—is actually a nod to the series’ origins, reminiscent of the battles in Final Fantasy I through VI.
However, certain design choices in Final Fantasy IX significantly impede the overall flow of gameplay. The pacing is frequently disrupted by issues such as protracted battle sequences and an excessive frequency of enemy encounters.
Pacing Problems: Battles and Encounters
The transitions into battle from the world map or dungeons feel noticeably sluggish, and the rate of random encounters is unusually high. As the game progresses, the constant barrage of battles can become tiresome, turning exploration into a less enjoyable chore. This incessant combat can detract from the immersive experience that Final Fantasy games are typically known for.
Active Time Events (ATEs): Innovative or Interruptive?
A novel addition to Final Fantasy IX is the Active Time Event (ATE) system. Throughout the game, prompts appear, allowing players to observe concurrent events happening to other characters, often distant from the protagonist Zidane. Activated by pressing a button, ATEs initially appear as a creative storytelling device.
However, as the game unfolds, ATEs often feel more intrusive than enriching. They frequently divert attention to characters whose actions are peripheral to the immediate plot progression. While some might argue they enhance “character development,” their impact in this area is debatable. Often, these events disrupt the player’s focus and momentum without adding substantial narrative value.
Mini-Games and Side Quests: A Step Down?
The mini-games and numerous side quests in Final Fantasy IX feel somewhat perfunctory and uninspired, especially when juxtaposed with the memorable side content of Final Fantasy VII. While Final Fantasy VIII also faced criticism in this area, the contrast is particularly stark when recalling the engaging mini-games of FFVII, such as the exhilarating bike chase in Midgar or the addictive Chocobo Races at the Gold Saucer. In comparison, Final Fantasy IX offers activities like the “Catching Frogs” and “Racing Hippaul” side quests, which many players find underwhelming and tedious.
Tetra Master: A Missed Opportunity
Tetra Master, a card game within Final Fantasy IX, bears a superficial resemblance to Triple Triad from Final Fantasy VIII. However, it falls dramatically short in terms of its integration and reward structure. While some criticized Triple Triad for being too impactful—allowing players to gain significant advantages early in FFVIII—Tetra Master suffers from the opposite problem. It offers minimal in-game benefits beyond the intrinsic satisfaction of card collection, making it one of the less compelling side activities in the Final Fantasy series.
Redeeming Qualities: Music, Story, and Characters
Fortunately, Final Fantasy IX retains the series’ hallmark of exceptional music. While a few tracks subtly echo themes from the Final Fantasy VII soundtrack, the majority of the score is original and powerfully enhances the narrative, maintaining the high musical standards expected of the franchise. The plot itself is also a significant strength, featuring well-developed characters with compelling arcs. From a character-driven perspective, Final Fantasy IX delivers a rich and engaging narrative experience.
Character Customization and Antagonist Depth
However, the game does present shortcomings in character customization. Each character is rigidly confined to a specific class, limiting player agency in party development. For example, Vivi is exclusively a Black Mage, precluding any deviation from this role. Furthermore, Final Fantasy IX shares a weakness with Final Fantasy VIII in that its primary antagonist lacks a deeply explored backstory, though it is arguably less pronounced in IX.
The Trance System: Limit Break Frustration
Lastly, the Trance (Limit Break) system in Final Fantasy IX is a point of contention. While Limit Breaks are a beloved staple of the series, implemented uniquely in each game, the Trance system is arguably one of the least effective iterations. The Trance gauge fills as characters take damage, but Trance activates automatically once full, rather than being player-initiated like in previous titles.
This automatic activation often results in characters entering Trance at inopportune moments, such as at the end of battles or against weak enemies on the world map. This system largely negates the strategic potential of Limit Breaks, making it difficult to utilize Trance effectively in crucial encounters.
Final Verdict: A Unique but Flawed Gem
Despite its flaws, Final Fantasy IX holds a cherished place for many fans, some even ranking it among their favorites. While this review may highlight its shortcomings, it remains a distinctive entry in the Final Fantasy saga. It is recommended to experience Final Fantasy IX firsthand to appreciate its unique qualities. However, it’s undeniable that certain aspects, particularly the game’s pacing, may deter replayability.
Overall Score: 8.5/10
This score, while still commendable, reflects that Final Fantasy IX, despite its merits, doesn’t quite reach the exceptional standards consistently delivered by the Final Fantasy series. It’s a worthwhile journey, but one with noticeable bumps along the road.
