One thing that initially stands out about Final Fantasy IX is that unlike all the others it is set in medieval times on another planet in their 1600's. However, they are may seem the same as our times but they are more magical and advanced. They have flying ships powered by a gas called mist, however mist creates monsters so it is dangerous. But now the age of steam is coming, bust that's not the main plot. Another strange thing is that there are animal-human hybrids, in fact our hero Zidane has a monkey tail. Zidane is part of an acting group called Tantulas but they use their plays as a distraction to steal. Right now their current mission is abduct the beautiful Princess Garnet Til Alexandros the third from her ugly mother Queen Bahrne. After a bit Zidane finds Garnet and to his surpise Garnet wishes to be abducted. The leader of the pluto knights Captain Steiner tries to stop Zidane but they get escape to the forest. From there on they lead a quest the twist and turns with Steiner and Garnet and others like Vivi the magical mage.
All the fights in this game are turn based. Where allies and enemies take it in turns to attack using a list of moves they've learnt. But you have to be quick on pressing the buttons because the enemy can attack you while you are selecting your move giving the feel of a 'proper' fight, though you can turn off the ATB (Active Time Battles) in options though it will make the fights lose their appeal.
A few things have changed in this game. Now instead of save points Moggles will help you save, they also compete in a mini quest involving posting letters to other Moggles. Also now you can have four people fighting and limit breaks are now called trance and instead of a one off attack you have a short time limit to execute as many moves in the given time. Some get a list of special moves or some get double magic.
The learning systems is more basic now where you just equip the item and you learn it and even before you've learned it you can use it as long as you have the item equipped. Upgrading weapons is a combination of finding weapons and making them from other weaker weapons.
The in game graphics are quite good, especially the wonderfull pre-rendered backgrounds and although the characters are more realistic than FF7 they give off the feel with their build. There aren't many movies but when you view them they are brilliant as they are breathtakingly realistic. Especially a certain one with a focus on hair.
There is another card game called Tetra Master. It's a lot better in some ways to the previous card game in eight, like how it's kind of unpredictable and more challenging. Especially seeing as it only hints about the rules! You play on a 4x4 gride with random blocks put on preventing you from using some squares. Your cards have points on the sides and corners with equal power. The card has numbers represent attack, defence againts magic card and physical cards and your type. The only downside is that the tune isn't as catchy as the FF VIII card game. There are not as many sidequests to get cards but there are still some. But there are plenty of other sidequests to entertain. The main one is Hot and Cold. A game where you use your chocobo, presented to you by a chocobo for free, to dig up treasures not only in the arena but in the world. This is important for getting cards and the Ultima Weapon!
Final Fantasy IX is a brilliant game ranking high in all aspects but too much is taken from Final Fantasy VII to make it the best Final Fantasy. Maybe FF10 will do the job.
Graphics: Brilliant movies and great in game graphics
Sound: Catchy tunes and some nice sound effects of swords slicing
Lifespan: Without the side quests-easy. But it's not a FF game without plenty of sidequest to entertain
Storyline: Another great FF storyline that keeps you wondering who's pulling the strings. Though it bares uncanny reseblance to the plot off Final Fantasy IV (III in America)
Gameplay: The same old turn based fighting style but a style that never loses its appeal
Rating:91%
