Final Fantasy IX (psx: 2000): Reviews

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Final Fantasy IX


9.2

based on 22 reviews
Read critic reviews
How did we calculate this?

based on 85 votes
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GAMES:

Final Fantasy XII

PUBLISHER:	Square Electronic Arts
DEVELOPER:	Square Soft
GENRE(S):	Role-Playing Game
PLAYERS:	1
ESRB RATING:	T (Teen)
RELEASE DATE:	November 14, 2000

All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...

100

Official U.S. Playstation Magazine

Our favorite PS one Final Fantasy. [Nov 2001, p.46]

100

Games Radar UK (Pre-2006)

Pushing the humble PSone to its absolute limits, Square have done the impossible and actually improved on FFVIII's visuals.

100

Core Magazine

Gorgeous graphics, pleasant music, and an engaging (although somewhat cliché) story combine in a fitting conclusion to the PlayStation series of Final Fantasy titles.

100

GamePro

It does, at times, go beyond expectations to give gamers a true masterpiece.

100

GMR Magazine

The crystals return to the series, along with a four-member party, blue magic, and black mages. [Feb 2003, p.97]

100

Hot Games

A triumph of style with a touch of whimsy, this Fantasy is the perfect finale to an era of PS RPG gaming.

100

Gaming Age

It just does everything in the most solid way possible. An intriguing storyline, characters you actually care about, tried and true FF gameplay, a memorable soundtrack, beautiful, polished graphics, and not many crazy "systems" to learn and master.

100

Daily Radar

If nothing else, Final Fantasy IX is a work of utterly sumptuous beauty, with gorgeous environments, jaw-dropping cut-scenes and detailed characters.

Gaming Maxx

Square went all out and put together a masterpiece that could only leave us all in anticipation of Final Fantasy X on the Sony Playstation 2.

Electronic Gaming Monthly

Yet another outstanding FF sequel, this time with a return to its roots. [Jan 2004, p.188]

Antagonist

It's a cap to all the Final Fantasies and still a masterpiece alone. It's not perfect, but it's as good as traditional RPGs get.

Happy Puppy

But for the feel of nostalgia bolstered by the still-capable technology of the PlayStation, this game can make you feel actual delight--something that's tough to do in these cynical times.

netjak

There are so many humorous moments in the game, but at the same time, many emotional moments as well. Throughout my journey, I connected with the characters, as they truly came alive for me. Few games were as engrossing as this, as it really captivated me with its fantastic story and entertaining twists.

IGN

Final Fantasy could go on forever re-creating its particular spin on the traditional heroic quest, and it would be a success every single time, but I can't help feeling as if something that features this kind of majestic visual craftsmanship ought to host a story built with equal care.

Gamestyle

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.

Spank!

The twists and turns of the plot are brought to life on screen in a way that leaves you itching to find out what's round the next corner.

CNET Gamecenter

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.

Gamezilla!

With a storyline that drew me in more than most games I’ve played recently, graphics quality that I thought was impossible on my TV, and a cast of characters that amused and delighted, I’ve found a game that I love.

Cincinnati Enquirer

One of the best games in the coveted series and one of the top RPGs of the year.

GameSpot

As with Final Fantasy VII and VIII, the music arrangements are distinctly synthesized and sound 16-bit.

Game Revolution

But big steps towards a deeper, more immersive experience haven't been made here. Even the most impassioned player must start asking for more out of the Final Fantasy institution.

GameCritics

Doesn't offer very much that is new. The game is more than a little formulaic at times, using rehashed bits from other Final Fantasy games and not taking them any further.

The average user rating for this game is 9.2 (out of 10) based on 85 User Votes
Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.

C. M. gave it a9:
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.

Evan gave it a10:
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.

mog kupo gave it a9:
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!

linkin park gave it a10:
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???

Mithyus gave it a10:
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.

Dom H. gave it a10:
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.

Ashogo gave it a10:
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.