The ambition of Final Fantasy IX to fuse together all the things that people loved about the series up to that point was a lofty one, and there are still plenty of people who question whether it really achieved that. But whatever the case, at the best of times this game's ambition shines through in its stunning storyline moments, jaw-dropping cut-scenes and fantastic soundtrack. Final Fantasy feels first and foremost like a love story between rakish protagonist Zidane Tribal and the Princess Garnet, who he initially kidnaps but soon dedicates his life to protecting against a world-threatening evil. It's arguably the best-written game in the series, and while it does away with some of the more daring themes of its predecessors, it's filled with humour and some powerful moments (the image of Alexander's giant wings emerging from behind Alexandria Castle is one that will stick with us forever) Aside from the addition of an extra party member during battles and a return to the steampunky fantasy world after the futuristic vibes of VII and VIII, Final Fantasy IX plays things safe and doesn't try doing anything too fancy. Instead, it focused on polishing the things that VII and VIII introduced, making it easily the best-looking, best presented and most refined Final Fantasy game of the PS1 era. A worthy swansong for both the PS1 generation of Final Fantasy games, and the console itself.
Gamer, Researcher of strange things.
I'm a writer-editor hybrid whose writings on video games, technology and movies can be found across the internet. I've even ventured into the realm of current affairs on occasion but, unable to face reality, have retreated into expatiating on things on screens instead.
