Final Fantasy IX

Final Fantasy IX is a role-playing video game developed and published by Square for the PlayStation video game console. Originally released in 2000, it is the ninth title in the Final Fantasy series and last to debut on the original PlayStation console, and coincidentally the last single-digit installment and the last to be released in the 20th century. In 2010, it was re-released as a PS one Classics title on the PlayStation Network. On April 14, 2016, it was released on Steam.

Plot
Final Fantasy IX´s plot centers on a war between nations. Players follow a young thief named Zidane Tribal, who joins with others to defeat Queen Brahne of Alexandria, the one responsible for starting the war. The plot shifts, however, when the characters realize that Brahne is working with an even more threatening person called Kuja.

Why It Rocks

 * 1) Beautiful plot that centers in philosophical matters such as the meaning of life and why we do exist.
 * 2) Some of the best Final Fantasy characters ever, like Zidane, Princess Garnet and Vivi.
 * 3) Tragic storytelling but with bits of comedy courtesy of Steiner and Zidane.
 * 4) The game introduced new features to the series like the "Active Time Event", "Mognet", and a unique equipment and skill system.
 * 5) It is the best looking Final Fantasy game for the PlayStation, with overall great graphics for the console.
 * 6) Cartoony character models.
 * 7) The Tetra Master card game is good, however it is not as refined as the Triple Triad game from Final Fantasy VIII.
 * 8) Many side-quests and secrets to keep you busy.
 * 9) The game features a colosseum mini game similar to Final Fantasy VI and Final Fantasy VII in which you can win amazing prizes.
 * 10) A medieval setting unlike the futuristic settings from the previous installments, which was praised by fans and players alike.
 * 11) The PC version of the game has the correct sound font unlike Final Fantasy VII and Final Fantasy VIII so that the music sounds exactly like the PS1 version of the game.

The Only Bad Quality

 * 1) Some Character Designs can range from mediocre to horribly ugly. Examples are Queen Brahne, Amarant, Cinna and Blank.

Reception
Final Fantasy IX sold over 2.65 million copies in Japan by the end of 2000, making it the second-highest selling game of the year there. Although it was a top-seller in Japan and America, Final Fantasy IX did not sell as well as Final Fantasy VII or Final Fantasy VIII in either Japan or the United States.

As of March 31, 2003, the game had sold 5.30 million copies worldwide. The game was voted the 24th-best game of all time by readers of the Japanese magazine Famitsu.

Game Tips

 * 1) The Octagon Rod is required to get Vivi's Thundaga, Blizzaga, and Firaga spells. This item is unattainable in Disc/Part 4 of the game as you can only obtain the item from Esto Gaza, which will be blocked off in Disc/Part 4, or from the synth shop in Daguerro who changes his menu in Disc/Part 4 and the item becomes unavailable.