Whenever I ask someone what their favorite Final Fantasy game is I often get one of three answers. These answers typically are Final Fantasy VI, Final Fantasy VII or Final Fantasy X. I can understand and respect this. But I’m not here to talk about them. Despite popular opinion Final Fantasy 9 is my favorite game in the series personally and is the second RPG I ever completed.
From what I remember back then a lot of people didn’t give this game chance because it went for a fantasy setting instead of a modernized setting like the last two entries. Others felt FF9 was simply a rehash of the earlier game’s gameplay mechanics and themes. Since Final Fantasy 8 was considered less than stellar, especially after trying to follow a tough act like FF7, many just assumed FF9 would follow the same. For the few that did look past the hype they found an amazing game worth playing.
Here are my top five reasons why this game is great.
Story
The story follows the Tantalus Theater Troupe, a group of performers who has come to the royal city to put on a famous play. The play itself is just an elaborate ruse so Zidane, a clever thief and his gang can kidnap princess Garnet. The thing is though Garnet actually wants to be kidnapped and during the ensuing escape the getaway ship crashes into a forest. Everyone survives, but the forest they landed in is very evil and seems bent on killing everyone. Throw in Steiner, a brave but ignorant knight and Vivi, a young black mage and you have an idea of the first hour of FF9 (maybe).
This is literally just the tip of the iceberg and overtime the story evolves. New worlds are explored and new allies are made. Foes, familiar and new, distant and close to home, look for every opportunity to thwart our heroes. Characters develop and grow against the backdrop of love, peace, war and destruction. And of course saving the world eventually becomes a goal. FF9 might be a callback to all the themes the earliest games had but there is one thing no one can argue. FF9 does all of these things well and polishes them to near perfection.
Characters
FF9 has some great characterization. Zidane is a lovable womanizing thief with a code of honor. As a main character he’s very laid back and is a true optimist. After seeing such serious and angst leads from the previous two games it’s nice that they changed it up a bit. Particularly this might be because Squall, the FF8 main protagonist, was so full of angst that many gamers still today want to punch him in the face (when their not making memes about him).
The other characters are good in their own right but special mention goes to Vivi. As a kind but powerful black mage who wants to find out more about his existence his struggle can be relatable. His personal journey takes him into some scary and unfamiliar places at times but it’s worth seeing.
Active Time Events
Another aspect of the story telling often has the characters separated and sometimes lends the question of what is everyone one else up to. Active Time Events, which toggle when you control certain characters at specific places, lets you briefly see a cut scene of what others are doing. While this sounds simple enough the way they implemented it worked really well and felt natural with the gameplay flow. The best part is these scenes are optional and you can skip them if you want (aside from a couple forced ones).
Equipment System and Abilities
Of course this game would be nothing if it didn’t have good gameplay. The battle system is still turn based and still uses the Active Time Battle system, though you can now have up four characters instead of three battling at once. Inside of complete customization the characters have their own set attacks and abilities, nodding to the job system of older titles. The difference is there is a sense of progression for each character individual style that feels unique to them, not just a proxy you decide to change at will.
The equipment system was expanded as well. Every piece of equipment had some unique ability and by training with that specific item long enough you would learn it permanently, no longer needing the item equipped to get its benefits. This felt more like a huge accomplishment, especially when the game relied on grinding and random battles.
Trance Mode
FF7 introduced the limit break, which was a powerful attack your character could perform once they had taken enough damage. These moves usually were enough to kill most enemies in one hit and seriously damage stronger ones or tough bosses. FF9 took this up to eleven with the Trance Mode. Instead of just one attack your characters physical strength increases greatly and their core abilities will become more deadly. For example Vivi will be able to cast black magic twice in a row and Zidane’s thieving moves will transformed into destructive pure energy attacks, known as “Dyne” moves. The best part is trance doesn’t end after one attack; you can perform it several times, depending on your level and stats.
There are many more things about this game that’s likeable but I’ll leave that up anyone else to decide. To be fair with criticism the card mini game FF9 has is very confusing and weak compared to FF8’s version. But other than that this is a true classic and probably one of the last good games for the PS1. Try this game if you haven’t already and if you have then play it again. Why not?

Grade: A+