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. 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
  2. Nekomancer
    Nov 21, 2011
    10
    Definitely my favourite Final Fantasy game and one of the best jrps ever created. A perfect example how FF should look like. Take a note SE, you could make great games in past... Now look at yourselves...
  3. troubadorgilgam
    Aug 9, 2011
    10
    Music -

    The music in this installment is superior in every way. All tracks are creative and enthralling.

    Gameplay -

    4 characters in one party (8 characters total, with a couple temporaries, all unique, memorable and interesting), wonderful equipment and ability system, battles can be intense and super fun.

    Story -

    Epic. Doesn't get any better.
  4. RPGROB
    Oct 14, 2011
    10
    The biggest mistake I ever made was waiting 11 years to play this game. It has everything you could want in an RPG. Mini games, a lengthy story, lots of beautiful cutscenes. The pre-rendered graphics are beautiful and make the game look like an interactive piece of art. The 3D graphics are comparable to Final Fantasy VIII, but the overworld looks terrible. Even the overworld in FinalThe biggest mistake I ever made was waiting 11 years to play this game. It has everything you could want in an RPG. Mini games, a lengthy story, lots of beautiful cutscenes. The pre-rendered graphics are beautiful and make the game look like an interactive piece of art. The 3D graphics are comparable to Final Fantasy VIII, but the overworld looks terrible. Even the overworld in Final Fantasy VII looked good. This isn't really a problem, since the game doesn't force you to travel long distances in the overworld. I immediately fell in love with the characters. The pacing is excellent, and well into the second disc the game will continually be switching your parties for coinciding stories. It's very fun to see how they connect. I heard this game was easy, but I found it pretty challenging. I guess it's easy only if you spend hours leveling up before story events. One of my favorite things is tetra master in this game. It's a card minigame you can play with many different npcs. Minigames are always a welcome addition to an RPG, as they break the monotony of just killing. 4 discs shows how long this game is. It's great fun.… Expand
  5. Dezuuu
    Apr 4, 2012
    10
    The definitive Final Fantasy game. It has good story, very likeable characters, great gameplay-mechanics, amazing graphics and an even more amazing soundtrack.
    Unlike VII and VIII, it's doesn't have a futuristic style, but takes a lot from the old games.
    Once again there's castles, character-specific classes, and crystals. This old style is realized very well in 3D, for the first time.    The definitive Final Fantasy game. It has good story, very likeable characters, great gameplay-mechanics, amazing graphics and an even more amazing soundtrack.
    Unlike VII and VIII, it's doesn't have a futuristic style, but takes a lot from the old games.

    Once again there's castles, character-specific classes, and crystals. This old style is realized very well in 3D, for the first time.

    This is the best game to start with if you're new to the franchise, because it has the best of everything this series has to offer.    … Expand
  6. AdamHeauser
    Jun 6, 2012
    10
    An absolutely amazing game with great graphics, wonderful character development and a very beautiful and engrossing story. I don't think recommend this game enough.
  7. 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
  8. Regal4point1
    Jul 31, 2012
    9
    Definitely the definitive Final Fantasy. It knows the formula and near perfects it for one last hurrah. The art design, world, gameplay, party, antagonist, soundtrack, and every other element of this game is the culmination of all the work before it, creating one enchanting game.
  9. BlacksitePSU
    Oct 6, 2011
    10
    Final Fantasy IX mixes the best of the old with the new. Beautiful visuals accompany a deep and compelling story with a cast of memorable characters that help elevate the title to the very top of the Final Fantasy franchise in terms of quality game design.
  10. Mutto
    Dec 1, 2011
    10
    A throwback to how things used to be. Specific classes for characters instead of carbon copy characters. Fantasy based setting. 4 man party. Packs an absolutely amazing soundtrack as well. The story has extreme depth and some unexpected twists in it. Plus, the villain is probably the most developed villain of any previous game. A must buy for any true FF fan.
  11. NyreX
    Nov 22, 2011
    10
    What a legendary game. I don't know how many times i finished that game, i just had to do everything to really finish it. It really deserve a high score, i can feel the ''Fantasy'' in that game.
  12. Boyrex
    Sep 24, 2014
    10
    This game is the best FF in my opinion. Featured by the perfect OST: I really like the Soundtracks as epic symphony for my ears!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  13. DBZ19
    Nov 28, 2011
    8
    it was a pretty good game. Had many great hours.
  14. Kefkiroth
    Nov 28, 2011
    10
    Simply amazing FF, quite an underrated gem.
    You rarely ever get a clever and **** protagonist in Zidane. The music is amazing, too. The combat can be a little slow sometimes, but the story contains a lot of charm and humor in it that other FF games didn't have.
  15. Kenmei
    Oct 15, 2012
    10
    Easily the best Final Fantasy that came out on the PS1 and one of my favorite games of all time. When compared to the other two numbered FF games on the PS1, this one easily had the best characters and character development, the best story and some great music. The characters themselves are really a treat here and when you compare Zidane to the other main characters of Cloud and Squall,Easily the best Final Fantasy that came out on the PS1 and one of my favorite games of all time. When compared to the other two numbered FF games on the PS1, this one easily had the best characters and character development, the best story and some great music. The characters themselves are really a treat here and when you compare Zidane to the other main characters of Cloud and Squall, there really isn't any comparison. While Cloud and Squall are both melodrama angst ridden whiners, Zidane starts off as the goofy joking light-hearted character who goes through constant trials and tribulations that seem to follow him. And while not all the characters are as in-depth as he is, the rest of the cast all have their moments that really make you care about them and their futures. The story can get a little off track toward the end and some of the sci-fi elements that pop up at the end of the game really don't belong in a medieval setting like this one, but it's still one of the best plots in FF history. The battle system is VERY slow compared to FF VII and VIII and that can take quite awhile to get used too. Things slow down quite a bit and for the people who played 7 and 8 before this one, probably won't like it too much. You will have 1 more person in your party to worry about though so things aren't totally bad. The worst part is the fact that, while you end up with 8 characters you can choose from, you don't get the full roster of 8 to choose from till about 75% into the game, making leveling some of the characters you haven't seen in ages a bit tiresome. Plus the fact that some of those characters end up playing a fairly big role in the story make back tracking almost a necessity in some parts. However, the game is not that hard. You won't have to do much grinding over the course of the game to get by the regular mobs and bosses that pop up. I guess I'm a bit biased when it comes to this game but it's easily the most underrated FF game of all time and one that doesn't get enough of the credit that FF VII seems to get in spades. I'll always say this game was 10 times better than FF VII and nothing will ever change my mind. This game is easily purchased nowadays on the PSN so if you have any sort of Sony console, handheld or not, then your doing yourself an injustice by not buying this game.… Expand
  16. Tripe4Life
    Mar 17, 2012
    10
    This is definitely the most underrated gem that Squaresoft ever produced, but it's also my personal favorite in the series of games. The fact that it's so underrated and underappreciated is sad, because this game is bucketloads better than Final Fantasy 7. And here's why: This game is the first game since Final Fantasy 6 where I actually gave two craps about the characters. Every castThis is definitely the most underrated gem that Squaresoft ever produced, but it's also my personal favorite in the series of games. The fact that it's so underrated and underappreciated is sad, because this game is bucketloads better than Final Fantasy 7. And here's why: This game is the first game since Final Fantasy 6 where I actually gave two craps about the characters. Every cast member in this game is very solid, having more shades to them than just one, and sometimes even having very wonderfully done backstories. Also, this game holds the trump card for the best villain the series has ever produced. Kuja puts even Kefka to shame. He is simply the most complex villain I have ever seen, and not because he looks like a chick but is actually a dude. The villain is the biggest case of "Do not judge a book by it's cover" because while Kuja may look very feminine, this guy is actually a boss. Like I said before, he is the most complex villain in the series, not like Kefka who, while silly, sort of has a one-track mind on destruction and chaos, and most definitely not like Sephiroth, who has no emotions to speak of. Kuja has class and sophistication, more often than not speaking in very poetic lines and putting even some of the big **** like Brahne, to shame. But, as the case of "Do not judge a book by it's cover goes", this guy definitely has the biggest breakdown of any villain, completely destroying an entire world in one murderous rampage. But, other than the characters, this game also looks very grand and very nice. The settings are wonderfully victorian, having been set in the 1800's during the said victorian era, even though Gaia is a completely different world entirely, and the character art, while some may consider a turnoff, is probably some of the best I've ever seen. Hideo Minaba has a very chibi-ish look to his characters, and I think it's very original in terms of Final Fantasy. And, probably the biggest reason of why I love this game, the soundtrack is just straight up awesome. It's certainly one of Nobuo Uematsu's best works ever. My reasoning for THIS is that, while 90% of the Final Fantasy games have that one song where Uematsu goes beastmode and completely goes above and beyond in a specific piece, (4 being "Four Feinds", 6 being "Dancing Mad", 7 being "Crazy Motorcycle", and 8 being "The Landing") Final Fantasy IX has for of these said songs: "Blades of Fury", "Wavering Blade", "Silver Dragon", and "Dark Messenger". As for the final tangent, the story, it feels more like a Shakespearean tale rather than a Final Fantasy one. Also, while people think that Necron, the final boss, came out of nowhere and is one of the biggest letdowns of a final boss, I think that this character had more story than people let on, due to the fact that it is actually implied that due to the break of the Crystal which holds all order in Gaia, Necron is spawned. So, with that mindset, I feel that Necron, far from being an unnecessary final boss, is actually very symbolic. But, if you need one more reason as to why I feel it's the best, Hironobu Sakaguchi, the creator of this famous legacy, has called Final Fantasy IX his personal favorite FF game as well.

    So, as a final say, this game is perfect in my eyes. I love every second of it and recommend it to anyone and everyone.    … Expand
  17. pookie
    Jun 28, 2012
    10
    Perfect. Interesting cast of characters, good storyline, beautiful visuals and music. FFIX seems lighter than FF7 and FF8. The absence of the the materia and junction system help. Character stats and skills are easier to achieve and or much more linear. The battles focus on old school job classes. This Final Fantasy is probably my favorite. Such a Charming little game.
  18. Blackazure
    Oct 3, 2012
    10
    Best final fantasy ever, great story, great character, great gameplay,.. everything that define the greatness of RPG is in this game... this game was a masterpiece of PS1 game.
  19. Chymos
    Nov 10, 2013
    10
    I remember being 12 years old. I was given this game from my parents as a birthday gift. I remember putting the game into the console and thinking: "I'm just going to try it a little while, see what it is at least". Little did I know that this game was going to take me on the biggest, coolest, bravest and most emotional journey of my life. I was so baffled how a game could be so awesome,I remember being 12 years old. I was given this game from my parents as a birthday gift. I remember putting the game into the console and thinking: "I'm just going to try it a little while, see what it is at least". Little did I know that this game was going to take me on the biggest, coolest, bravest and most emotional journey of my life. I was so baffled how a game could be so awesome, going through hours upon hours of continuous gaming just to understand the story and experience the finale. When it finally struck I cried like a little baby for so long. The first time I ever cried because of a game. So many feelings embraced me and it was almost too much. Everything was just not fair for being over but still all too perfect. I remember every single event and character like it was a journey I actually went through in real life as a little kid. Please take me back to those moments and memories. Please take me back to that place.

    I remember that song "The Place I'll Return to Someday". Maybe I will return to that place someday. 10/10.    … Expand
  20. SydanL.
    Sep 4, 2002
    9
    Hey luke get lost if you dont like this game. it is worth a 9.5 and its great cause i like cartoon stories and this reminds me a little of dragonball Z. i really dreamed one day that i was zidane (with the tail etc.) may final fantasy live as long as the world excists!!!
  21. Kujuv.sS.
    Apr 19, 2005
    10
    The best game ever, i own all the final fantasy games (1-11) my 3 favorites in order are 9,10 and 7 this game reminds me of the cool "oldskool" rpg's with nice cartoon graphics and mad sound effects and the things that are out standing is that the characters are about the only real final fantasy characters with there own story (excluding quin) all in all this game derserves moreThe best game ever, i own all the final fantasy games (1-11) my 3 favorites in order are 9,10 and 7 this game reminds me of the cool "oldskool" rpg's with nice cartoon graphics and mad sound effects and the things that are out standing is that the characters are about the only real final fantasy characters with there own story (excluding quin) all in all this game derserves more credit that it getts and it is the best sony 1 or 2 game ever!… Expand
  22. 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
  23. TidusD
    Jan 2, 2010
    10
    The best FF in the PSX and the best FF in all console after FFX
  24. JarrodB.
    Mar 20, 2003
    10
    I don't know why people think this game doesn't live up to Final Fantasy Standards. This is the greatest game of all time. The Battle system, the music, the graphics, the story, everything is perfect. Don't Hesistate to think otherwise.
  25. 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
  26. SergioS.
    Aug 25, 2001
    10
    The best game EVER made.
  27. RobertM.
    Oct 19, 2003
    10
    This the best Final Fantasy game I have ever played and I was hooked on it from the beginning to end.
  28. zeniff
    Jul 18, 2013
    10
    One of the few games I have played through multiple times. This was the first FF game I played and it got me hooked on the franchise. Story is great and character development is great and the battle system is a ton of fun. The Open world feel was one of the best things.
  29. Fabian-Gonzalo
    Dec 19, 2013
    10
    When I received my Ps one in 2001 I was 13 years old, the only game that came with it was Final Fantasy IX, I started playing, I didn't realized that this game would become the best game that I've ever played until now, I have played, Nintento,Snes,PS2 and PS3, I've played many games, but I do not know why I haven't felt the same emotion anymore. masterpiece with all the word,When I received my Ps one in 2001 I was 13 years old, the only game that came with it was Final Fantasy IX, I started playing, I didn't realized that this game would become the best game that I've ever played until now, I have played, Nintento,Snes,PS2 and PS3, I've played many games, but I do not know why I haven't felt the same emotion anymore. masterpiece with all the word, Story,sound,music,characters,graphics, this game is perfection, no more than that. if you haven't played it yet, go for it!… Expand
  30. Robert88
    Aug 4, 2020
    10
    Arguably one of the best final fantasy games of all time .. ff9 took what it learned from its predecessors and made improvements .. soo many unique characters which is to be expected from a final fantasy game. Graphics for the time was mind boggling just how beautiful it was .. I loved the combat and felt it offered a nice challenge I definitely would rate this a must play game in theArguably one of the best final fantasy games of all time .. ff9 took what it learned from its predecessors and made improvements .. soo many unique characters which is to be expected from a final fantasy game. Graphics for the time was mind boggling just how beautiful it was .. I loved the combat and felt it offered a nice challenge I definitely would rate this a must play game in the final fantasy series

    My favorite final fantasy games Between final fantasy 7 and 9 are tied , ff10 , final fantasy 8, final fantasy 15,final fantasy 4 , final fantasy 6 ,    … Expand
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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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