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Developer: Square Enix
Publisher: Square Enix
Genre: RPG
Region: NTSC
Format:
Release Date: 13 May 08
User Rating
9.5 (19 votes) -
Overview
The story begins as we meet young Zidane who as just received word that his next mission is to kidnap royal princess Garnet. So Zidane and his group plan to kidnap her while attending the theater. But when Garnet runs away from the play before Zidane kidnaps her things go awry. Without going in to spoilers, I can without a doubt in my mind say this is the weakest storyline since FF has come to PlayStion. This is not a bad story just not as good as the others but none the less it is weak for a Final Fantasy game. Although the characters growth is very rewarding, the villains are plain boring. In continuing with the Final Fantasy tradition, airships are featured heavily, and Cid in also in the game. But fans of Biggs and Wedge will be disappointed as they are nowhere to be seen in the game.
Gameplay
Instead of three in a party there are now four characters ready to fight. The limit break is back, but now called the Trance. They are triggered when the Trance gauge is full, similar to the Limit Break gauge in FF VII. This should make the fans of the series happy, because Limit Breaks are no longer randomly triggered as in FF VIII.
The junction system is gone and item system is in. It reminds me of the materia system found in FFVII. By equipping items you gain access to a new move or spell. Each item is different - some can only be used by certain people but once enough exp has been gathered, you no longer need to have the item equipped, just enough AP. Summons are back and toned down a lot from the GFs found in FF VIII, which makes for a more challenging experience. Overall the game is great for everyone. Even if you just wanna play and not worry about being a master but even those who like to take hours and hours to master the battle system will enjoy it.
Graphics
Hmmm...let me see. If there's a way to describe imagine the characters from Final Fantasy VII placed in the world of Final Fantasy VIII. The smaller characters make you feel like you in another reality, while at the same time annoy you. The CGI and FMVs are the best they have ever been and make even those found in Final Fantasy VIII. The world map in FF IX is not much different but Square as been pushing the boundaries of the PlayStation for some time now, so what could you expect character art stunning. Square as done the unthinkable once again.
Fun Factor
Final Fantasy IX is just as addictive and fun as it predecessors. The card game from FF VIII returns in a new form with new rules. At first this is annoying, but when given the proper time can be ever more fun than the original found in Final Fantasy VIII. Even still, most people just shut it down without a second thought. The mini game are as addictive as ever and your sure to find yourself playing the mini games even when you don't have to.
Overall
Final Fantasy IX is a great and fun. It is a must have for anyone who has liked any of the Final Fantasy games and must have for those who just like to play a great and memorable even though the villains are lacking.
- Gameplay
9.0 - Graphics
10.0 - Fun Factor
9.0 - Overall
9.0
