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. Rox22
    Sep 11, 2013
    9
    FF 9 is my favorite FF game so far.

    Beautiful animation. Lovely characters (not sure about Quina.) Great plot, at least up until the final battle which is a little weird. I really can not think of a single bad thing to say about this game. It embodies everything that is Final Fantasy. But if I had to mention a few minor issues I would say that the game is generally far too easy, at    FF 9 is my favorite FF game so far.

    Beautiful animation. Lovely characters (not sure about Quina.) Great plot, at least up until the final battle which is a little weird.

    I really can not think of a single bad thing to say about this game. It embodies everything that is Final Fantasy. But if I had to mention a few minor issues I would say that the game is generally far too easy, at least when you compare it to the rest of the series. Also, the weird "out-of-nowhere" final boss.

    Overall:
    FF 9 is light hearted, fun, full of adventure and everything I want out of a FF game.    … Expand
  2. ZanathKariashi
    Oct 1, 2014
    9
    Easily the best of the "modern" Final Fantasys (though still not quite as good as the some of the SNES era FFs).

    Graphics are out of the park. Going with a heavily stylized art-style helped the game in the long run, and even today it's one of the best looking Final Fantasys as a result. The ATE system add a surprising amount of depth and interactivity, letting you see background    Easily the best of the "modern" Final Fantasys (though still not quite as good as the some of the SNES era FFs).

    Graphics are out of the park. Going with a heavily stylized art-style helped the game in the long run, and even today it's one of the best looking Final Fantasys as a result.

    The ATE system add a surprising amount of depth and interactivity, letting you see background events or even gaining access to certain perks or encounters depending on the choices taken, which is one of the best uses to date for the player who actually wants to immerse themselves fully into the world/story.

    Going back to static classes was initially a downside, (since only really 1, 4, and 9 have enforced class roles) unlocking pretty much everything at anytime, but on the other hand, it does at least prevent everything from becoming Samey since each character is definitely unique, instead of everyone becoming pretty much carbon copies of each other with only minor statistical differences (or their limit break or weapon type alone having the biggest change).

    Music of course is great as always.

    The story was great of course, and was quite refreshing after the double-dipped gloom/doom of the previous titles, though the final boss could've used at least a little more in-game explanation, instead of requiring assembling of some fridge logic on the part of the player. (nothing really wrong with requiring a player to think a little, but it's such a common complaint it might've been just a tad too vague for the tastes of a vocal majority to piece it together).

    The mini-game being the only real mark against it, due to being completely up to RNG, no matter how well you played, unlike 8's card game which at least had consistent rules.    … Expand
  3. unluckydice
    Jan 20, 2014
    9
    Be prepared to travel through airships cast fire and aeons at your foes, experience the wondrous landscapes and city's through a whooping 4 discs, with a magical story with wonders and the added gem of classic final fantasy gameplay which we all grew accustomed to in FF7
  4. GeekusPrimus
    Aug 21, 2013
    9
    This is a wonderful game. I'm not sure it's my favorite Final Fantasy, although it certainly ties for the top spot. The characters, particularly Vivi and Steiner, are interesting and lovable, and the story, albeit a bit cliched in areas, is fun and entertaining. A lot of people felt the combat was a little slow, but I never had any real problems with it. I enjoy the more strategic feelThis is a wonderful game. I'm not sure it's my favorite Final Fantasy, although it certainly ties for the top spot. The characters, particularly Vivi and Steiner, are interesting and lovable, and the story, albeit a bit cliched in areas, is fun and entertaining. A lot of people felt the combat was a little slow, but I never had any real problems with it. I enjoy the more strategic feel gained from returning to the class-based gameplay, but I do miss the freedom of skill manipulation present in Final Fantasy VII and VIII. That said, even in 2013, the game is still attractive. It has aged very well, especially in comparison to its Playstation brothers, FFVII and VIII. The art style is vivid and fun, which contrasts to the dark and gritty style present in some of the other 3D Final Fantasies. This art style is reflected throughout the entire game, which seems cheerful and lighthearted most of the time, but it still manages to feel dramatic and suspenseful at its climax.
    That being said, the game is not without its problems. Even though the somewhat linear beginning opens up, the game doesn't really provide much of an incentive for exploration outside of the chocobo quest. There are really only a few areas you don't visit in the main quest of the game, and areas outside of the main continent are strangely barren and empty. There are multiple sidequests in the game, but most of them are expected to be done (and should be done) alongside the main quest. Attempting to complete them all at once is very tedious and time consuming. I'll blame most of this on the size limit of CDs, since most of the space was probably taken by the large number of cutscenes and detailed backdrops. The game was already four discs in its original incarnation, but it would be nice to have some extra dungeons to explore and goodies to find.
    That being said, I can't recommend this game highly enough. It's a wonderful game, and it looking back on it thirteen years after its release, it represents one of Square's last titles before deciding all games needed to be action RPGs with bad voice acting and convoluted stories revolving around characters wearing ridiculous costumes laden with ridiculous numbers of zippers and buckles. It is certainly the most underrated and forgotten game of the series (perhaps caused by being released so late in the Playstation's life cycle), which is certainly a shame for such a fine title. Do yourself a favor and play this game. Purchase it on the Playstation Store, or hit up Ebay for a used Playstation and a copy of this game. You won't regret it.    … Expand
  5. FogCityRoller
    Mar 14, 2015
    9
    Okay so 15 years later I decided to give FF9 another chance. I was fairly repulsed by this game as a teenager and I was a huge fan of Final Fantasy after playing IV & VI on the SNES (or II & III in North America) and VII. I admit to playing this game with a bit of a closed mind and constantly sizing it up with FFVII, which in the franchise of Final Fantasy should never be done. While IOkay so 15 years later I decided to give FF9 another chance. I was fairly repulsed by this game as a teenager and I was a huge fan of Final Fantasy after playing IV & VI on the SNES (or II & III in North America) and VII. I admit to playing this game with a bit of a closed mind and constantly sizing it up with FFVII, which in the franchise of Final Fantasy should never be done. While I will never agree with those that suggest it is the best of the PS titles, it has a thoroughly engaging story with characters that keep you constantly invested in their story arcs. My only complaint is the card game, even as a side game, is just plain silly when there is no actual strategy involved. Even 15 years ago I found it annoying.… Expand
  6. KyleS
    Mar 18, 2014
    9
    Great game. Not as good as final fantasy 7 though. The battle mechanics were less interesting and going from the amazing materia system to this was a little disappointing. I didn't feel for the characters as much as I did for the ff7 cast. The villain wasn't as compelling either. I still thinks it's a great game though. After this is when it all went downhill for the final fantasy series.Great game. Not as good as final fantasy 7 though. The battle mechanics were less interesting and going from the amazing materia system to this was a little disappointing. I didn't feel for the characters as much as I did for the ff7 cast. The villain wasn't as compelling either. I still thinks it's a great game though. After this is when it all went downhill for the final fantasy series. One crappy release after another.… Expand
  7. dashantaozi
    Aug 25, 2018
    9
    Boss design in this game is on another level. If only the game gave me more freedom to prepare for them.
  8. Wahfuu
    Oct 19, 2014
    9
    An absolute beautiful tale of loss and laughing despite of it. An underrated gem in the giant name that is final fantasy, and I don't think the series has ever or will ever top itself with it. Deserves alot more love than it gets for its characters that brim with personality with every line, it's world that shines with life at every town, and story with a central theme about findingAn absolute beautiful tale of loss and laughing despite of it. An underrated gem in the giant name that is final fantasy, and I don't think the series has ever or will ever top itself with it. Deserves alot more love than it gets for its characters that brim with personality with every line, it's world that shines with life at every town, and story with a central theme about finding yourself in a world filled with loss.… Expand
  9. Sephiroth_X
    Oct 25, 2014
    9
    After FF7 & 8 squaresoft decided to make a TRUE final fantasy game and the last and only FF in cd format that i love. Wish they remade this only graphically, cause is such a sweet game! Characters, soundtrack, etc you feel like in a circus fantasy experience.

    Play it if you can, like all ps1 3D games has not aged so good, but still has the nice 2D backgrounds to enjoy. Its the    After FF7 & 8 squaresoft decided to make a TRUE final fantasy game and the last and only FF in cd format that i love. Wish they remade this only graphically, cause is such a sweet game! Characters, soundtrack, etc you feel like in a circus fantasy experience.

    Play it if you can, like all ps1 3D games has not aged so good, but still has the nice 2D backgrounds to enjoy. Its the characters that could get some work on a remake.

    Recommended.    … Expand
  10. TheLemMeister
    Nov 5, 2015
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Final Fantasy. To each of us, these words hold a special and unique meaning, and these two simple words are the key to precious memories stored away in the hearts of every gamer.

    I still remember when I first played Final Fantasy IX. I was a fairly young child in those days, and my friend had a Labrador - a huge playful thing. Jake was the name of this canine, and for a long time I much preferred his company to that of my fellow man. Many happy hours we spent together, skipping gaily (in a heterosexual way) over the meadows. One night, I arrived at my friend's house alarmed to find Jake missing.

    Final Fantasy IX puts an interesting spin on Final Fantasy's famous battle system. More on that in my upcoming review of Final Fantasy X, in which I spend 2,000 words comparing it unfavourably to Final Fantasy IX.

    FFIX boasts a large cast of interesting characters. Freya will appeal to young children and anyone who likes anthropomorphic rat people. Zidane will appeal to young children and anyone who likes monkey people. Vivi will appeal to young children and anyone who likes young children.

    Overall, despite it's flaws, FFIX is a jRPG classic and fully deserving of my final rating of 8.5/10.    … Expand
  11. perkjl
    Jan 4, 2016
    9
    First Final Fantasy game I ever completed. It has some unusual characters, but they are fun nonetheless. They will definitely grow on you over the course of the game. Everything else about this FF entry plays it safe in the sense that it's more traditional than FFVIII or even FFVII. Lot's of references from all FF games and a nod to the earlier entries FF1-6). Great game and beautifulFirst Final Fantasy game I ever completed. It has some unusual characters, but they are fun nonetheless. They will definitely grow on you over the course of the game. Everything else about this FF entry plays it safe in the sense that it's more traditional than FFVIII or even FFVII. Lot's of references from all FF games and a nod to the earlier entries FF1-6). Great game and beautiful FMV's and worlds. Possibly my favorite airship overworld music as well.… Expand
  12. ptonyoliver
    Aug 1, 2016
    9
    In my opinion, the slower pace of battles compared to previous entries is more than compensated for its beautiful world, beautiful story, charming characters and overall "fantasy" setting that made this series popular in the first place. It is my favorite FInal Fantasy game along with VI.
  13. srianne
    Mar 30, 2017
    9
    Re-played this game on PS Vita and the nostalgia is still there. The opening song never ceases to hit me right in the feels when I finished the game on PSOne. I had the song playing while on my Chocobo in FFXV.

    The music is just one thing. Story-wise, though a little linear (please don't hate me for using that word, I don't like it eaither), it was fantastic. The visuals are good    Re-played this game on PS Vita and the nostalgia is still there. The opening song never ceases to hit me right in the feels when I finished the game on PSOne. I had the song playing while on my Chocobo in FFXV.

    The music is just one thing.

    Story-wise, though a little linear (please don't hate me for using that word, I don't like it eaither), it was fantastic.

    The visuals are good for a PSOne title.

    It's gameplay mechanics and tons of mini-games are what made this game more interesting.

    The character build up is there but could have expanded more on some playable characters as I find it a little lacking.

    I'd give it a 9.5/10.

    The .5 is for forcing people to rush the game just to get some ultimate weapon. I wanted to enjoy my as much as I want.    … Expand
  14. auditbadger
    Sep 26, 2018
    9
    I think that this is truly a unique game and I would recommend that if you are a fan of this type of genre then I think you should give this game a try.
  15. Kezian
    Jul 30, 2019
    9
    Final Fantasy IX is a great game ! But I prefer the seven, I'm sorry Zidane.
  16. Fletch1027
    Feb 21, 2023
    9
    My favorite Final Fantasy with a charming cast of characters with classic turn based combat. It has some of the best cutscenes of all the Ps1 Final Fantasy games.
  17. ArcCoat
    Jun 11, 2019
    9
    I give this game a 9.5/10
    Great soundtrack, great game play, great story.
    I don't give it a full score just because of my love/hate relationship with the chibi character design that they decided to go for that game, on one hand the character design gives the game its old-school charming design, on the other hand it makes it a bit harder sometimes to take the characters too seriously.    I give this game a 9.5/10
    Great soundtrack, great game play, great story.

    I don't give it a full score just because of my love/hate relationship with the chibi character design that they decided to go for that game, on one hand the character design gives the game its old-school charming design, on the other hand it makes it a bit harder sometimes to take the characters too seriously.

    To conclude, when you think of final fantasy, this is exactly what you would imagine it to be. I think the perfect words to describe that game would be theatrical, charming and grandiose.    … Expand
  18. Sitheral
    Jun 14, 2020
    9
    This quite literally would be a perfect Final Fantasy game if not for the fact that it is a bit sloppy in battles (probably because 4 character party) and well... while setting has its undieniable charm, I like 7 and 8 much more, but thats more of a personal opinion. I suppose summons could be more exciting as well. But overall, its a wonderful game.
  19. CloudStrife05
    Aug 24, 2021
    9
    Well done game that was brought back to the Final Fantasy roots of it all. For me personally, Zidane is not one of my fav. protagonist but the rest of the game was great. Besides, he is better that Vaan lol.
  20. Jattaman
    Sep 30, 2022
    9
    Trama toccante, dolcissima.
    Personaggi indimenticabili.
    Colonna sonora splendida.
    Un altro meraviglioso capitolo.
  21. Mene0
    Apr 6, 2023
    9
    Absolute classic. Great story, visuals and OST. Must play if a fan of JRPGs.
  22. PR9Gaming
    Aug 12, 2023
    9
    People still get sad over what's essentially a magic construct's story in this game. Also probably the last time heists in video games were cool.
  23. TudorH.
    Oct 17, 2005
    8
    This game is good, addictive and effective!
  24. 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.
  25. Mark
    Dec 6, 2002
    8
    It's an alright game with good graphics and some alright characters but still not as good as final fantasy 8.
  26. 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
  27. ChristopherP.
    Nov 22, 2003
    8
    While it still arguably suffers from too frequent random battles and periods of mediocrity, its long, exciting overall story and simplified battle and skill system contribute to keeping you playing through the whole thing pleasantly. and final fantasy is about playing through pleasantly, right?
  28. drlowdon
    May 30, 2020
    8
    The ninth mainline entry in the JPRG series centres on war between nations in a fantasy world called Gaia. When a bandit known as Zidane Tribal kidnaps an Alexandrian princess he finds himself on a quest to take down her mother, Queen Brahne of Alexandria, who started the war.

    The plot and characters aren’t as memorable as previous instalments, but with it’s complex turn based combat    The ninth mainline entry in the JPRG series centres on war between nations in a fantasy world called Gaia. When a bandit known as Zidane Tribal kidnaps an Alexandrian princess he finds himself on a quest to take down her mother, Queen Brahne of Alexandria, who started the war.

    The plot and characters aren’t as memorable as previous instalments, but with it’s complex turn based combat and huge world to explore, this remains a thoroughly enjoyable RPG even to this day. If you were a fan of the series to this point, Final Fantasy IX won’t disappoint.    … Expand
  29. Caestus
    Jul 31, 2013
    8
    It has a great world and OST and the graphics are among the best in the PSX era. But the battle system is, even with the highest speed, just slow. The ability system is, after FF VII and FF VIII, a disappointment, you dont have a big election in developing your characters. The story, especially Zidanes origin, is to predictable which makes it often fail to surprise you. Its a good gameIt has a great world and OST and the graphics are among the best in the PSX era. But the battle system is, even with the highest speed, just slow. The ability system is, after FF VII and FF VIII, a disappointment, you dont have a big election in developing your characters. The story, especially Zidanes origin, is to predictable which makes it often fail to surprise you. Its a good game but weaker compared to its two PSX prequels FF VII and FF VIII.… Expand
  30. 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.
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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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