10 Landmark PlayStation Games That Changed Your Life
5. Final Fantasy IX
Taking things back to their essence works wonders from time to time - just ask Square Enix, circa 2000.
After garnering critical acclaim and a boatload of sales with Final Fantasy VII and VIII, the developer took the risky move of returning the much-loved RPG series to its whimsical, medieval roots for the ninth instalment.
Retreating from dark, futuristic themes, Final Fantasy IX restored a sense of wonder to the series that had been fading since the SNES era, and told a suitably epic story, one coloured by memorable heroes and a nefarious villain.
Cloud and co. were a hard act to follow, but this was every inch classic Final Fantasy - something many fans around the world had no prior experience of due to Square’s decision to restrict the launch of the first six core instalments to select territories.