Final Fantasy IX

 PlayStation
User Score
9.0

Universal acclaim- based on 1535 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1,390 out of 1535
  2. Mixed: 75 out of 1535
  3. Negative: 70 out of 1535
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  1. steven14329
    Jun 12, 2011
    8
    I just found it too childish, when I was hoping for a more mature title after 7 and 8, and I didn't really like the characters. Good game, not great.
  2. 400lingrush
    Apr 4, 2011
    1
    Ever wondered what would happen if Square added 3D graphics and limit breaks to FFIV? FFIX would happen. Square basically took all the worst things from the older games, added some of the newer features, and laughed when people actually bought this trash.

    Old features include things such as a lack of customization, plot tropes, shallow character archetypes. New features include limit    Ever wondered what would happen if Square added 3D graphics and limit breaks to FFIV? FFIX would happen. Square basically took all the worst things from the older games, added some of the newer features, and laughed when people actually bought this trash.

    Old features include things such as a lack of customization, plot tropes, shallow character archetypes.

    New features include limit breaks, a half-assed clone of the FFVIII card game, minigames, good graphics.

    FFIX is just an attempt to cash in on the older fans, nothing more. Even if you like 1-4, don't bother with this garbage.    … Expand
  3. RomanFTW
    Mar 31, 2011
    10
    This is my favorite game period. Best music, best gameplay of the ff series, best graphics of its time, best ability set-up system, best and most well developed characters. With more than 100+(iv'e clocked alot more) hours of gameplay this game is not short on time obviously, and every second of it was full of the best ff story plot, awesome minigames, and lots and lots of chocobo treasureThis is my favorite game period. Best music, best gameplay of the ff series, best graphics of its time, best ability set-up system, best and most well developed characters. With more than 100+(iv'e clocked alot more) hours of gameplay this game is not short on time obviously, and every second of it was full of the best ff story plot, awesome minigames, and lots and lots of chocobo treasure hunting. The amount of effort put into this game is beyond real, and if every game creator took a cue from the bar that ff9 sets, the videogame community would be a much better place. This game is a perfect 10/10… Expand
  4. Tubie
    Jan 19, 2011
    9
    A fall back to a more traditional fantasy setting. Final Fantasy IX is pure fun and never really takes itself too seriously but still manages to maintain a compelling plot. Not my favorite FF game of the PSX era but it's still among the top 10 RPGs of all time.
  5. WoshJills
    Jan 6, 2011
    10
    Final Fantasy IX is a tribute to the series - the developers intended it to be the swan song of Final Fantasy knowing the games following would not remain in true Final Fantasy form. This can easily be seen as the game is filled with tons of easter eggs and references to previous installments of the franchise. Everything about this game screams "classic." It's easily the best Final FantasyFinal Fantasy IX is a tribute to the series - the developers intended it to be the swan song of Final Fantasy knowing the games following would not remain in true Final Fantasy form. This can easily be seen as the game is filled with tons of easter eggs and references to previous installments of the franchise. Everything about this game screams "classic." It's easily the best Final Fantasy ever made. (January 7th, 2011)… Expand
  6. Danilo89
    Nov 28, 2010
    6
    I don't like this kind of gameplay, FF VII and VIII were far better than this.
    FF IX lacks in complexity, bringing the series to a too much traditional rpg.
    Besides the story is a little childish.
  7. RaxsahW
    Jan 20, 2010
    10
    The most underrated Final Fantasy to have ever been made. I admit, the attention to character art during normal gameplay isn't the best (better than FF7 though) but the backdrops and sceneries are stunning. The storyline is captivating, surprising you with unexpected plot twists that intertwine with each other flawlessly. Each character also has his/her own story which leads you to a The most underrated Final Fantasy to have ever been made. I admit, the attention to character art during normal gameplay isn't the best (better than FF7 though) but the backdrops and sceneries are stunning. The storyline is captivating, surprising you with unexpected plot twists that intertwine with each other flawlessly. Each character also has his/her own story which leads you to a deeper understanding of them and how they have come to be where they are during the game. A masterpiece that was unfortunately released too late as by this time, the PS2 had already been in the market for a good year or so I believe, which diverted everyone's attention from the game. To anyone thinking of trying the game out, I can almost guarantee you won't be disappointed… Expand
  8. TidusD
    Jan 2, 2010
    10
    The best FF in the PSX and the best FF in all console after FFX
  9. pEzthepunker
    Nov 16, 2009
    10
    This is the BEST adventure game that must be play by all RPG fanz.It is easy to control the characters,not have system that make you want to crush your controller like in FF10,12 and 13,the sound and graphic also in incredible(in PS1),full of funny characters and have a GOOD looking heroin(Princess Garnett,hehe).Thats make me played this game more than 3 times!
  10. KyleH
    Jun 21, 2009
    10
    My favorite Final Fantasy ever. And in my personal opinion, the best one, hands down. This time around they took on a totally midieval feel and it just works. I've never been a huge fan of the gunplay in the series, so going back to pure blades and magic is awesome. The story is amazing. It blows final FF7 out of the water. Sephiroth is the baddest villian, but overall the story is My favorite Final Fantasy ever. And in my personal opinion, the best one, hands down. This time around they took on a totally midieval feel and it just works. I've never been a huge fan of the gunplay in the series, so going back to pure blades and magic is awesome. The story is amazing. It blows final FF7 out of the water. Sephiroth is the baddest villian, but overall the story is just more cohesive and emotional in 9. The sidequests can keep you entertained for hours and hours, and the skills system is really user firiendly. The graphics are superior to all those that came before it, and the active time battle system works well in the game. A must play for any RPG fan.… Expand
  11. BobbyL
    Jun 21, 2009
    10
    This game is a divider- people either love it or hate it. I love it as do most of the people who I've talked to who have played all of the core FF games. It's got a lot to offer as far as sidequests and such, the combat isn't innovative at all but is very solid, and more importantly than anything else the story and characters are fantastic.
  12. anonymous
    Apr 15, 2009
    10
    The best game I've ever played includes in my opninion best soundtrack and the most reliable characters of all FF games. Maybe because of that I've been trough eight times... still working on the perfect ninth.
  13. MorganF
    Mar 10, 2009
    0
    Boring, boring, boring. The plot is so shallow that makes you doubt your intelligence, the gameplay makes you want to cut your hands ang the graphics sucs. It is the most overrated game ever. I want my spended hours back!
  14. Lev
    Aug 26, 2008
    8
    Favourite FF out of the PSX FF titles, not counting Tactics. The whole game reminds me of the kind of adventure stories I liked (and still like!) as a kid. It has one of the best worlds that appear in a Final Fantasy, and the characters are really different so anyone can choose his/her favourite out of them. Battle system is simple and effective. Random encounters could get annoying after Favourite FF out of the PSX FF titles, not counting Tactics. The whole game reminds me of the kind of adventure stories I liked (and still like!) as a kid. It has one of the best worlds that appear in a Final Fantasy, and the characters are really different so anyone can choose his/her favourite out of them. Battle system is simple and effective. Random encounters could get annoying after a while but I think it works best in this game out of all the FFs.… Expand
  15. dk
    Jul 10, 2008
    10
    This is what Final Fantasy is meant to be. Instead of taking on a semi-realistic tone like ffvii and ffviii, it went back to Final Fantasy's original roots. It balanced everything out; it had a great story and great graphics, and it had a gameplay system that kept characters from becoming overpowered too easily. It also had a great soundtrack! This is easily one of my favorite games This is what Final Fantasy is meant to be. Instead of taking on a semi-realistic tone like ffvii and ffviii, it went back to Final Fantasy's original roots. It balanced everything out; it had a great story and great graphics, and it had a gameplay system that kept characters from becoming overpowered too easily. It also had a great soundtrack! This is easily one of my favorite games of all time, and definitely my favorite Final Fantasy of all time.… Expand
  16. StephanieR
    Apr 22, 2008
    10
    For all Final Fantasies, this has GOT to be the best RPG for me. It goes back to all the old tradition of Final Fantasy. This game has the best character developtment and you can completely feel being in the character's shoes. Final Fantasy X was a dissapointment. Good graphics, bad storyline. Stopped Final Fantasy VIII at Disc 2. Final Fantasy VII was also good! :) What separates For all Final Fantasies, this has GOT to be the best RPG for me. It goes back to all the old tradition of Final Fantasy. This game has the best character developtment and you can completely feel being in the character's shoes. Final Fantasy X was a dissapointment. Good graphics, bad storyline. Stopped Final Fantasy VIII at Disc 2. Final Fantasy VII was also good! :) What separates this from ANY OTHER Final Fantasies is it's magical atmosphere, you can completely feel the fantasy world, and be in the shoes of a thief (who is light hearted and funny, which in my opinion makes a good hero) saving the princess in a world full of mysteries.… Expand
  17. ConcreteC
    Feb 20, 2008
    10
    This is the best FF game on the PSX. Hands down. Characters are unique, you have to balance your party correctly, the battles are not HP-massacres but more displays of strategy made before the battle and reaction. The story itself is developing not only unexpectedly but also there is depth hidden in what the characters go thru and say. The graphics are the best in any PSX game, next to This is the best FF game on the PSX. Hands down. Characters are unique, you have to balance your party correctly, the battles are not HP-massacres but more displays of strategy made before the battle and reaction. The story itself is developing not only unexpectedly but also there is depth hidden in what the characters go thru and say. The graphics are the best in any PSX game, next to Metal Gear Solid. Just take a look at the Flare spell or at the Summons... like Bahamut, Madhin and Ark. The rendered sequences are spine-chilling. The weapon design is beautiful. The venue-design is exceptional. I never found any reason to criticize this game. It's a little easier than FF6 though. Plus I found interesting that the villain is actually vulnerable compared to ever insane Kefka or the corrupted and furious Sephiroth. If you hate this game, it is your loss.… Expand
  18. C.M.
    Sep 8, 2007
    9
    No. 9 just barely edges out no. 7 as the second best game in the Final Fantasy series (the top spot belongs unquestionably to no. 6, which may just be the best role-playing game ever made, or at least the best that I've had the privilege to experience). It was intended as both an homage to and a synthesis of the previous games in the series, which makes for wonderful in-jokes for No. 9 just barely edges out no. 7 as the second best game in the Final Fantasy series (the top spot belongs unquestionably to no. 6, which may just be the best role-playing game ever made, or at least the best that I've had the privilege to experience). It was intended as both an homage to and a synthesis of the previous games in the series, which makes for wonderful in-jokes for those familiar with the franchise. It's also one of the most humorous and whimsical RPGs I've played, two qualities that I value greatly in the genre; at the same time, however, it offers a deep and engaging storyline and mythos as well as a passel of fun characters (some more fun than others, granted) and a dazzling display of imagination. Best of all about the game, however, is the gameplay itself. The abitilies system (and most everything else in the game) is extremely user-friendly while never seeming too simple, and the synthesis shops are a great addition. Complaints? In my opinion, the tone of the game gets too serious as the storyline progresses, clashing with the initially established bright, colorful, whimsical feel. Battles, unfortunately, can get repetitive, especially when grinding (this is one aspect where 9 does not trump 7). And as is often the case with RPGs, the storyline gets needlessly confusing and murky as complications arise, requiring a great memory or a flow chart to keep track of exactly what's going on and why. (The ending's also a little disappointing.) But despite all that, Final Fantasy IX is a fantastic game that any RPG fan should definitely play, if they haven't already.… Expand
  19. Evan
    Jul 23, 2007
    10
    Why most people I've talked to skipped out on this one I will never know. EVERY aspect of this Final Fantasy game is superb. The characters, the story, the abilities system, the game world and especially the art.
  20. mogkupo
    Jul 11, 2007
    9
    I have played video games for 19years now and this is the best game ive ever seen. Sounds are cool, music is awesome, story is great, characters are wonderful but the graphics! they are absolutely SICK! every towns and places are with greatest graphics ive seen. I really like characters too. Quina is superfunny always thinks only food and Vivi is so cute and shy. There is only 2 I have played video games for 19years now and this is the best game ive ever seen. Sounds are cool, music is awesome, story is great, characters are wonderful but the graphics! they are absolutely SICK! every towns and places are with greatest graphics ive seen. I really like characters too. Quina is superfunny always thinks only food and Vivi is so cute and shy. There is only 2 characters i dont like: Thorn and Zorn. They boring me but good you dont see them very often. BUY THIS FANTASTIC GAME NOW!… Expand
  21. linkinpark
    May 24, 2007
    10
    Best game have played in my life! the graphics are insane, the characters seem like they are real people. the only thing that disappoints me though, is how come with a story so good, it hasn't been published as a book???
  22. Mithyus
    Mar 25, 2007
    10
    This ninth addition sums up everything the brilliant Final Fantasy franchise has to offer: An engaging story with charismatic characters, beautiful graphics, and efficient gameplay & presentation.
  23. DomH.
    Feb 6, 2007
    10
    This is the best FF game I've ever played. I own 6,7,9,10,10-2 and have pre-ordered 12 and used to have eight. im a true fanatic but I haven't played any of the others as much as I have this. Overall i have probably played over 500 hours of final fantasy IX and recently my disc one stopped working due to overuse. it was the first person game I bought and was money well spent. This is the best FF game I've ever played. I own 6,7,9,10,10-2 and have pre-ordered 12 and used to have eight. im a true fanatic but I haven't played any of the others as much as I have this. Overall i have probably played over 500 hours of final fantasy IX and recently my disc one stopped working due to overuse. it was the first person game I bought and was money well spent. The battle system, while a little slow is my personal favorite as well as skills being gained through armour ansd items it creates the best system in my opinion. the varied characters and excellent storyline combine to greate my favorite computer game of all time and once I've bought a second copy I will be completing it for the seventh time.… Expand
  24. Ashogo
    Dec 20, 2006
    10
    An amazing rpg that ANY gamer should pay. Period. -_- The story kept me playing, I never wanted to stop. The characters are well developed so you actually care (a lot) when something happens to them. Gorgeous FMV! And overall extreemly fun and solid gameplay. This is a game I would recommend to anyone.
  25. BryanS.
    Dec 6, 2006
    10
    Another final fantasy classic. The story was great (but not as good as FFVII). The graphics were unbelievable for a PS1 game.
  26. RichardT.
    Oct 18, 2006
    10
    This is one of the best games I have ever played I have completed it twice, it has such a good storly line that plays on emotion so well. the graphics for the time are just amazing and the game play is amazing too.
  27. Brian
    Aug 16, 2006
    10
    Simply a great blend of everything. The story is outstanding, graphics can be easily compared to Playstation 2 graphics. Sound is pretty good also. Great game, make sure to read the dialog to fall in love with the characters.
  28. John
    May 31, 2006
    9
    How could anybody give this game a bad score? Graphics were beautiful for ps1. The game play, and character building was very well done. The only problems I had, was A- the game was too damn short. Not only that, but the story started off nice and slowly at the begining, but the end was pushed too quickly. And B- too much was left unsaid. I wanted to learn more about the past of everyone How could anybody give this game a bad score? Graphics were beautiful for ps1. The game play, and character building was very well done. The only problems I had, was A- the game was too damn short. Not only that, but the story started off nice and slowly at the begining, but the end was pushed too quickly. And B- too much was left unsaid. I wanted to learn more about the past of everyone in the game. The ending didn't explain everything I wanted to know, either.… Expand
  29. AbraxusZ.
    May 8, 2006
    6
    well i do say this is a very good game. Although it does have its bads and goods. What i didnt like about ti was that it was very short. I went through the game pretty fast and i expected more of a chalenge. This is my first fantasy game. And i hope it wont be my last. I was impressed by the charictors. I liked the fact that the main charictors fell in love hapily ever after. but what well i do say this is a very good game. Although it does have its bads and goods. What i didnt like about ti was that it was very short. I went through the game pretty fast and i expected more of a chalenge. This is my first fantasy game. And i hope it wont be my last. I was impressed by the charictors. I liked the fact that the main charictors fell in love hapily ever after. but what wouldve been better was another game with same charictors and like a new bad guy comes and invades but there love still remains a secret to themselfs. that would be a little secret between them i wouldve liked to have happend. But aditional charictors would be cool too. Anyways, the game was good and what someone said before i wanted to here there voices because i cant imagien them. Also it is indeed forgetable. I would like more of a story next time and a more unprodictable story. Everybody knows the stor, bad guy comes in godd guy comes in good guy kills bad guys yippidy doo dahh hapily ever after . I want more then that and that is what i expect in a good fantasy game. The only thing i admire most was the game play, graphics, and the charictors.… Expand
  30. BonbonA.
    Apr 6, 2006
    8
    Ow.. How could I forgot to leave some comments here ^__^ Well, this one is one my favourite of FF series. The bad thing is just the characters. They are just too tiny n little.. Anyway, gameplay ok, audio very good, story excellent. An old classic game worth to play.
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Awards & Rankings

2
#2 Best PS1 Game of 2000
1
#1 Most Discussed PS1 Game of 2000
3
#3 Most Shared PS1 Game of 2000

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
94

Universal acclaim - based on 22 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 21 out of 22
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 22
  3. Negative: 0 out of 22
  1. GMR Magazine
    100
    The crystals return to the series, along with a four-member party, blue magic, and black mages. [Feb 2003, p.97]
  2. CNET Gamecenter
    90
    Continues the series' long-standing tradition of quality in one of the most compelling RPGs ever. This is the last Final Fantasy game that will appear on the PlayStation, and SquareSoft has definitely saved its best for last.
  3. Gamestyle
    90
    A masterpiece of an adventure game. For anyone not to fall in love with it would truly amaze me. Everything is set just right and you are drawn into the story right from the very offset.
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