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Final Fantasy said goodbye to the PS One with a strong title. Taking everything that has made all the previous entries so memorable, FF IX nor only combines, but also improves upon many of the series strengths in order to deliver a masterpiece. Even though I had already waved 2016, this very game was the best I played last year, so writing a review of it seemed most appropriate.
A game from the 2000s, the last year the Playstation 1 had to make the best its games both in graphically and gameplay wise saw this title doing just that. Still relying on 3D rendered backgrounds, the game looks just nice as it is. Detailed 3D characters and beautifully made CG cutscenes make the Final Fantasy feeling even stronger. Before I even played my first FF game, all I heard was about how the games' graphics were: almost "real", neat and powerful. However, as I don't recognize FF IX graphics as such, the beauty is there, as it there are great production values. The team must have worked very hard to make this game run on a PS1, and I couldn't be happier for that.
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Final Fantasy games have always had memorable soundtracks, and IX is no exception. That classic tune before a battle, just like it was from I to VI, doesn't only open up every battle in the most nostalgic of ways, but also lets yet another remarkable battle theme to be heard. From the overworld theme, to even the ones that play during cutscenes, Final Fantasy IX pays tribute to that old style that is always wonderful to listen to, even more for FF fans. Also, the game does a good job working with both the narrative and the soundtrack at the same time. There was not a moment where I felt that which I as listening to was out of place, instead, it only added more feeling to the whole story.
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Perhaps the best Final Fantasy IX has to offer, is its story. Even since the beginning act, everything flows so natural, so unique and most importantly, so much fun to keep the audience plugged in while the cast make their appearance. We have Zidane, a determined boy who loves women and like to flirt with them. Vivi, a magician boy whose troubled, yet spontaneous personality enlights every scene. Garnet (Dagger) a princess who only wants to be free no matter if kidnapped, and who meets her fate become true by Zidane's hands. Quite the match, huh?. Last but not least, there's Steiner, the princess (Dagger) personal guard who only wants to protect her, even if his stubborn attitude engulfs his vision. Together, they escape with the princess but back at her kingdom the queen is ready to take vengeance upon all of them. More great characters join our original party's side, and the adventure they unfold is unlike any other a Final Fantasy game has even seen, all thanks to the game's active time events which puts the played in each of the characters shoes to see them unfold their past and develop their character.
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As for the gameplay, the game does a pretty good job. With its trance option, which serves almost as a limit break seen in Final Fantasy VII, every character is allowed to perform special attacks during a short amount of time. There are also the abilities characters can acquire via their equipment, similar to the job system in FF V. These abilities, once learned how to use serve to make every character stronger in their own right, as they all have different stats and classes (Zidane won't use magic) so managing which party members to use and what ability to learn is required to make the best out of the battle. Apart from these 2 additions, the gameplay remains a turn based RPG with 4 members eligible to battle (Yes, 4 again after FF VII and VIII 3 rule). With the game changed ATB system implemented by FF IV, patience is advised to enjoy the most out of this game due to its random encounter, just like any other RPG game. See all the reference to previous titles in the series? That's how genuinely Final Fantasy IX managed to bring the best of them into one game.
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In my dearest memories, Final Fantasy IX has won an important place. For years the epicness, the looks and the simplicity of it kept me wanting to play it to completion. Now that such desire has been fulfilled, the experience I had seeing Zidane wanting to impress Dagger every time he had the chance, Vivi's dance while battling, Steiner's funny way of running, even Quina's incomplete way of speaking, they all entertained me while the game lasted. Those 35 hours seemed eternal, now I see them like a brief moment so awesome I don't want to let go. Yes, Final Fantasy IX made me that happy. I'm so glad I played this game.
10 out of 10
Thanks for Reading.
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