Reviews Final Fantasy IX

Sum1sgruj

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_______FINAL FANTASY IX

This installment of Final Fantasy was the last in the PSX age. Maybe this is the reason why it was so overlooked, as I found it hard to find a lot of discussion about it. Because of that, I am compelled to offer a review that might help someone elses inquiry if they feel that other, more official reviews seem too distant on the subject.
Final Fantasy IX is considered by many to be a refreshing return to the classics (FF's 1-5), but that is only looking at it from a distance. FF9 (we'll just use that for short) contains many elements that stir it away from the classics, essentially making it new and more unique. This review will help you explore the quality of the game and hopefully determine if it suits your appetite.
So let's start!
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STORYLINE
FF9 has a very engaging story that is sure to keep you guessing what will happen next. Like most others in the series, there are many elements that throttle the story forward. Irony, deception, and heart-rending intrigue are major counterparts of the adventure.
Throughout the game, you will experiance real-time events. They boost the story potential even more, as they help do a number of things such as forshadowing or spiking irony. This is one of many unique quirks the game has to offer. Any RPG enthusiast will find themselves relishing in the dynamic plot.
The only thing that mars it's perfect quality is that at some points, the dialogue is due to be long and borderline tedious. That being the case, I give it:

9/10

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CHARACTERS
The characters are highly detailed, all having convincing emotions and personalities. It is very easy to get attached to them as you progress through the game. Their dialogue is also immensly satisfying, adding to the overall molding of the characters. They present themselves so well that it's hard not to enjoy the characters, as well as NPCs. There are few characters in the game that don't spark interest. In fact, you may find yourself talking to everybody just to hear what they have to say_

10/10
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GAMEPLAY
General gameplay is uncommonly fun in this type of RPG, introducing more discovery and less run-around that can be potentially tedious. There are many different aspects of gameplay, including a very well-designed battle system and mini-games/quests.
The battle system ensures that you will enjoy fighting and maneuvering through enemies. It includes a complex equip/ability junction as well as specific skills for each character. With this at your disposal, you can create your own strategy and be able to switch it up easily as new challenges arise.
As far as the mini-games/quests, they are very worthwhile and satisfying if you ever want to take a break from the main adventure. I can't say too much without spoiling it, so you'll just have to discover them yourself.
The only two things you might find redundant is the amount of random battles and the slower battle speed. Most RPGs have a more consistant flow in battle, whereas in FF9, it sometimes seem like a staring contest. However, this will be mostly overlooked because of the game's general high standard of gameplay.

8/10
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CONTROLS
The controls are not much different than FF's other titles on the PSX. If you're familiar with them, than FF9 will be a breeze as far as thats concerened. Either way, they are fairly simple and allow easy manuevering in any mode of the game. If you've played FF7 a lot, you might get confused at first with the switching of the confirm and cancel buttons (x=confirm and circle=cancel, FF7 was the opposite). I had this problem lol.
Basically, the controls are simple, though not remarkable as far as camera-view or doing anything too special. So I will rate it:

8/10
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GRAPHICS
FF9 simply has the best graphics the PSX can offer. It out-leagues it's predecessors with it's flawless cg sequences and effects. Every city and place is highly detailed, along with the characters and NPCs.
By all this, I'm am strictly pertaning to it's era in the gaming industry. Of course it doesn't pack a punch as brutal as what you might see on most modern games, but the fact that you will be stunned by it's graphics even to this day gives this category an undisputable verdict//

10/10
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SOUND
Sound effects and music, the cornerstone of any tone-setting experiance.// FF9 stays in tune with it's dynamic storyline largely through it's music composition. As with most other FF's, it has beautifully composed themes that set the mood for any event. You will find that it greatly contributes to the gravity of the game, whereas other games just fill the silence with something cool sounding. If you play a lot of FF, you know this well enough that it doesn't lack in this area.
From pleasant rendezvous to showdowns, to cities and dark depths, it will always be pleasant to hear. Two annoying things, though. 1.) The beeping noise when you're scrolling through menus. It can drown out everything else at times and makes it a guilty pleasure to cut the volume. The beep is just a lot louder and more present for some odd reason. 2.) General battle music can get bland after hearing it over and over.
Nonetheless, you will overcome those flaws by the forgiving music that follows.

9/10
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UNIQUE/EXTRA FEATURES
FF generally has it's own idea of 'features'. When it comes to this one, it definitely satisfies any enthusiast. But at the same time, FF9 doesn't venture too, too far out of it's series as far as any kind of gameplay. But with tweaks such as synthesizing weapons, treaure-hunting, and collecting cards for FF9's extensive card game, you will find the game appealing even after beating it. Compared to other games, though, it isn't exactly World of Craft.

7/10

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REPLAY VALUE
FF9 is a game you could enjoy quite a few times, but the game is so long that immediate replay isn't likely. At the same time, it's something that will outlive a lot of other games, even if it does stay tucked on the shelf until you feel compelled to play it again. It is definitely a 'gem' to hold on to if your'e an RPG fan. Obviously, FF has it's own idea of 'replay value' also. As for it being compared to Call of Duty, it doesn't contrast. As for it being compared to Zelda, it does. To be fair, I have to give it a_

7/10

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OVERALL RATING: 8.5

This game is an RPG bombshell, simply put. However, there are small areas that could use improvement. If you can get passed those, Final Fantasy IX will be a very entertaining experiance. As I mentioned before, this game was highly overlooked considering that it raises the bar in role-playing. Anyone, especially FF fans, who have not gotten around to playing FF9 should definitely pick up a copy and see what it's about.



 
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