Final Fantasy IX

Note: I rate *actual* games (read: non-DBZ games) very strictly! Anything above an 80% is extremely hard to come by! Since I'm a long-time FF fan (I've played through FFIV-IX and Tactics), I'm rating this by every single aspect possible. Sure, I have experience with past Fantasies, and that sure as heck will change your perspective. If you want a newbie-ish review, go elsewhere. With that in mind, read below.

A Little Background: After a short wait, and two games that were--to some--not up to FF's very high standards as its predecessors, Final Fantasy IX was thought to be a mix between the innovations of the new (VII, VIII, Tactics) and the style, wit, and flow of the...well, the old. Many may find this game to be disappointing, but this game is still a Final Fantasy game in the truest sense of the word.

Intrigue was at an all-time low for Squaresoft at this point in the series. Their Playstation additions were becoming linear. Not to mention that FFVIII had one of the biggest mixed audiences in the history of the series: you either liked it or hated it. Since I was on the former for this game, it came no surprise to me that I wouldn't like this as much. The game elements were not evenly distributed in this game of "inspiration" as much as borrowed elements from past entries.

Plot: The most important part of the game. Perhaps the series is becoming too visually orientated, and the rest is left for dust. Twists to a minimum, innovation left on the floor, and makeovers abound, I didn't find this story all too different. The story was a bit lacking, but I still liked it a heck of a lot. The mystery of finding a whole new parallel world to your own is pretty neat. However, that couldn't account for the many mistakes that went wrong with this game. The predictability was at a peak!

Characters: Almost as nice as the EXCELLENT characters of FFVIII, this one was full of development and interaction. I must say that Vivi is one of the best characters I've ever had the pleasure of playing as, lest we forget Steiner and Zidane. Even the extra characters added depth to the whole gang. The ATE (Active Time Event) idea took this category to a whole new level! However, it did have its share of letdowns with characters such as the boring Amarant and the HORRIBLY annoying Eiko. Also, Kuja seemed to be a dead-on mix of Kefka and Sephiroth, and Garnet was a total Rinoa clone! All that aside, the humor of the characters worked well with the game's light tone. I have to admit that the past four FF games I've played through recently (VI, VII, VIII, and Tactics) have all focused on mass destruction, oppression, death, and numerous other dark themes as their guide. (Oh, Kefka, you shain't be forgotten!) I loved the layout of the the plot and characters as much as I like milk with my cereal.

Music: First, I must state that I am THE biggest fan of Nobuo Uematsu fan in the WORLD! Although the majority of the soundtrack in this game was not too great, there were certain pieces that I will never forget (as I have them on Napster ^^). Examples are Zorn and Thorn's Theme (Jesters of the Moon), Steiner's Theme, Kuja's Theme on the piano, Brahne's Theme (Queen of the Abyss), the battle themes reminiscent of FFVI's, and a couple others. The piano took the solo weight for the better part of the soundtrack, and I thought it was a nice change. The downfall of this game's score isn't due to lack of effort, but instead due to the high standards set with previous titles. I think we can still agree that Uematsu is a God in this business.

Graphics: Nothing short of stunning. Somehow, even though every FF fan thought it was impossible, they've managed to spiff up the graphics even more. The CG cinemas are spectacular and take your breath away. I was hooked! Better than watching any movie...period.

Gameplay: A mix of the typical mechanics of FFVIII and a set-up simply borrowed from FFVI. The magic system goes back to its roots with the fresh "Ability" system. Not nearly as complex as the Junction system (LOVED IT!), the Job system (mixed feelings on this one) or the Materia system (nothing special), it gets the job done. Each character has their limits and are only capable of certain magic and skills. This allows, or calls rather, for more strategy. However, again to its root, you're allowed four members per party so as not to cut into ambition (for lack of a better word). Again, typical, but that's nothing bad...

Replay Value: Um...there's lots to do at 30+ hours, but even still, I wouldn't push it here. I'd probably wait a couple months before picking this up again (of course, that's from a total run-through of the game). About normal for an FF game.

Final Verdict: FF fans should immediately add to their collection with this stellar game. Despite all the stuff taken from elsewhere, or predecessors, this one's still worth playing to the end. Add on the fact that most the plot is a mystery until Disc 3, you'll pretty much have to reach the finale with this anyways. If not that, then to see Trance Kuja and his dastardly act on Terra (I'm not spoiling it!) in CG (AMAZING!). While not as original as was hoped, it has the name Final Fantasy, deserves it, and there's nothing wrong with that!

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