February 2001, and Final Fantasy IX had just been released in the UK.  I remember as soon as I saw the advert (read. Commercial) for it, I wanted that game.  After forcing my way through VIII (man I really didn’t like that game) I felt I was due a good Final Fantasy game.  Boy was I in for a ride.

After seeing Dankempster and his awesome blog about Final Fantasy VII I knew I had to do one of these for IX.  So please, before you even start to read this, check his blog out, follow him and have a great read.

So like him, I’m gona play through the game again and blog about my adventures, detailing what happens in the game, how it holds up by today’s standards and what it made me feel at the time.  I’m going to be as objective as possible where it counts, but this game resonates with me on an emotional level to the point where not letting my emotions get to me would take away from some of my more stronger feelings towards it.  So, without further ado:

Why don’t you like Final Fantasy IX?

My theory is that is you loved VIII, then you hate IX and vice versa, as this seems to be the general rule of thumb, but I’d really like to know what your opinions of the game are, good or bad, with reasons as top why.  I’m not going to argue against any points you make, I’m gona utilise them to help objectify my own views of the game.

What Final Fantasy IX means to me.

Final Fantasy IX changed the way I looked at games.  I was only 11 when it came out and at that age, I was finally branching out when it came to video games.   I’d played both Final Fantasy VII and VIII before but both of them left me the wrong way.  Final Fantasy VII started out SOOOOOOO strong for me that I feel in love, but as it went on the story started getting more and more crazy, which for an 8/9 year old, was pretty much incomprehensible.  As it turns out though, the story is still incomprehensible; I just didn’t know that at the time.  As for VIII, “Bleck!!!” don’t get me started.   The systems were poorly implemented and the story was weak.  The point where they said “Hey it turns out we were all orphans at this orphanage but we forgot ‘til now aint that cool?” was the point where I turned the game off and never looked back.   It was just stupid and lazy of Square to think that was a good storyline...and what frustrates me more is that people have praised that as one of the highest points in videogame story history....”Bleck!!!”    

I never put the game down for an instant.  Like a good book I just wanted to know what happened next, I wanted to play more “Chocobo Hot Cold” and “Tetra Master,” I wanted to be a part of that world.   

As years went by, I replayed the game several times and, if memory serves me right, this will be play through 4.  I’ve played the first disc soooo many times I could probably write the script from memory but that doesn’t take anything away from the game, every play through I’m discovering more and I know I still haven’t seen it all.  I can’t wait to fire her up again.

How this is all going to go down.

It’s simple: I play the game, take notes, transfer those notes into something informative and fun to read and you then read it.  I’m going to try and make the blogs as simple

to read, whilst containing plenty of information, pictures, and videos...general cool things that set it apart from other blogs.  I want this blog to be as special to read for you, as the game is to play with me, and I’m hoping my passion for the game translates into this blog.  I've got some really neat ideas, and i promise I'm going to go all out.  My theory is if I can get just one dude to look at this game again (or even for the first time) then it’s worthwhile.

I’m going to start the game again tonight, so expect episode one to hit sometime in the next few days.

Until then...please please please please PLEASSSSSEEEEEE post with your thoughts on the game, how it made you feel and how this blog makes you feel.  Any response will be greatly appreciated and addressed. 
 

 
EDIT: It would help if I could spell Prelude right -_-'''

February 2001, and Final Fantasy IX had just been released in the UK.  I remember as soon as I saw the advert (read. Commercial) for it, I wanted that game.  After forcing my way through VIII (man I really didn’t like that game) I felt I was due a good Final Fantasy game.  Boy was I in for a ride.

After seeing Dankempster and his awesome blog about Final Fantasy VII I knew I had to do one of these for IX.  So please, before you even start to read this, check his blog out, follow him and have a great read.

So like him, I’m gona play through the game again and blog about my adventures, detailing what happens in the game, how it holds up by today’s standards and what it made me feel at the time.  I’m going to be as objective as possible where it counts, but this game resonates with me on an emotional level to the point where not letting my emotions get to me would take away from some of my more stronger feelings towards it.  So, without further ado:

Why don’t you like Final Fantasy IX?

My theory is that is you loved VIII, then you hate IX and vice versa, as this seems to be the general rule of thumb, but I’d really like to know what your opinions of the game are, good or bad, with reasons as top why.  I’m not going to argue against any points you make, I’m gona utilise them to help objectify my own views of the game.

What Final Fantasy IX means to me.

Final Fantasy IX changed the way I looked at games.  I was only 11 when it came out and at that age, I was finally branching out when it came to video games.   I’d played both Final Fantasy VII and VIII before but both of them left me the wrong way.  Final Fantasy VII started out SOOOOOOO strong for me that I feel in love, but as it went on the story started getting more and more crazy, which for an 8/9 year old, was pretty much incomprehensible.  As it turns out though, the story is still incomprehensible; I just didn’t know that at the time.  As for VIII, “Bleck!!!” don’t get me started.   The systems were poorly implemented and the story was weak.  The point where they said “Hey it turns out we were all orphans at this orphanage but we forgot ‘til now aint that cool?” was the point where I turned the game off and never looked back.   It was just stupid and lazy of Square to think that was a good storyline...and what frustrates me more is that people have praised that as one of the highest points in videogame story history....”Bleck!!!”    

I never put the game down for an instant.  Like a good book I just wanted to know what happened next, I wanted to play more “Chocobo Hot Cold” and “Tetra Master,” I wanted to be a part of that world.   

As years went by, I replayed the game several times and, if memory serves me right, this will be play through 4.  I’ve played the first disc soooo many times I could probably write the script from memory but that doesn’t take anything away from the game, every play through I’m discovering more and I know I still haven’t seen it all.  I can’t wait to fire her up again.

How this is all going to go down.

It’s simple: I play the game, take notes, transfer those notes into something informative and fun to read and you then read it.  I’m going to try and make the blogs as simple

to read, whilst containing plenty of information, pictures, and videos...general cool things that set it apart from other blogs.  I want this blog to be as special to read for you, as the game is to play with me, and I’m hoping my passion for the game translates into this blog.  I've got some really neat ideas, and i promise I'm going to go all out.  My theory is if I can get just one dude to look at this game again (or even for the first time) then it’s worthwhile.

I’m going to start the game again tonight, so expect episode one to hit sometime in the next few days.

Until then...please please please please PLEASSSSSEEEEEE post with your thoughts on the game, how it made you feel and how this blog makes you feel.  Any response will be greatly appreciated and addressed. 
 

 
EDIT: It would help if I could spell Prelude right -_-'''

go for it. I loved the game, and I would love to at least read a few blogs, even if only to reminiscent.
 
Edit: yes it would.

Probably my favorite final fantasy. Looking forward to reading this.

I loved 9, just as how I loved 7 and 10. It was charming, had a great cast, and never took itself seriously (unless you count the antagonist introduction, being a rather cliche transvestite). If only FF games were like this and less of being melodramatic sci-fi tragedies.
 
And there was no pop-theme in 9. Another plus.

I've finished every Final Fantasy except for 9. I just couldn't muddle my way through it. I didn't like the characters, and I didn't care for the short aesthetic. It was such a step backwards after FF8.  
 
I know FF8 has problems, but it's still one of my favorite games of all time. I think it comes down to the characters - I really love every one of them. Yes, the repeated summoning sucks, yes the orphanage was a bad plot twist, but it's my love of the characters that caused me to buy a PSPgo to continue playing it. 

This game is the most charming thing I have ever played next to LittleBigPlanet and Psychonauts. You are absolutely right about the story. The pacing is fantastic and you always want to know what happens next. Each new world looks and feels leagues away from the previous one. The characters are fantastic as well. And Zidane is just a care free guy, which is always better than moody bitches. (Joking...but not really.) I will read your blog good sir.
 
This is a neat find too because I just started replaying the game just a few days ago so this will be fun to follow along with and see what different things pop up from my experience.

I guess it's all subjective. I mean, look at it from a girl's perspective - what girls can you relate to in FF8? All of them! Selphie was the prototype for fangal fav Rikku. Rinoa is the main love interest - what girl doesn't know what it's like to be in love with an oblivious guy? Quistis is really beautiful, smart and awesome. Even Edea and Ultemecia are great villianesses.  
 
What does FF9 have for girls. Garnet? Really? I mean, it's cool that she's a princess, but she's not especially awesome. Vivi is clearly the star of that game.  
 
I'm not trying to diss your opinion. I think it's great that you love it. But, for me, I have to have great girl characters to get into a game - and FF9 just didn't have them.  
 
Bri

I thought it was merely ok.  It was fine as a throwback to the older games in the series, but it wasn't terribly interesting to play on its own merits.  The story was decent, the characters were generally likable, but it didn't stand out much amongst the RPGs that I've played over the years.  It certainly was better than FF8, though.

FFIX was great, I was hooked from the intro sequence with the play and the sword fight.  
 
I don't think it's actually considered the weakest in the series, that's just the minority on the internet vocally exaggerating. I personally don't consider it my favorite, but I do consider it one of the best in series.

FFIX is my favorite game of all times, thumbs up!

Final Fantasy VIII(That's 8) is my favorite, but that does not mean that Final Fantasy IX was a bad game. 
I really enjoy it a lot, only thing I don't like about it is Zidane most of the time. 

IX is my favorite in the series. It gets a weak response among many "hardcore" FF fans, but I've come to find that IX has a really strong fanbase as well; those who like it, love it!
 
Vivi is the champ!

Steal during the first fight on the theatre ship against baku. Mage Masher GET! You probably already knew that though.
 
I really liked FF IX. It was my first FF game, which I decided to try out on a whim. It totally got me into RPG's, and stories in games in general. I haven't played it in ages, but I was never too keen after you go to Terra. I preferred exploring the quaint little villages and loved the often whimsical atmosphere it had. The place was cool and obviously the story significance is huge, but at the time it got a bit too dark. I also hated how the world map got practically screwed on the 4th disc.

Love it, it's in my top 3 FF games for sure.Looking forward to the blog.

Final Fantasy IX is my favorite PS1 era FF, probably second only to FFVI as my all time favorite. God it has been a long time, damn you for making me want to hunt down a copy!

Why I consider Final Fantasy IX to be the weakest of the PSX Final Fantasy boils down to three major points.
 

3. The combat, battle system and character management wasn't fun.

It's my favorite FF, anybody who says otherwise can die.

Great write-up, SamStrife. I've said it before, but I'll say it again - it's awesome to know that I've inspired somebody to revisit a game they hold dear. The gaming industry is so concerned with moving forward to the next big thing that we as gamers often forget to look back. I'm really looking forward to reading this blog series of yours. As you know, IX is one of my favourite FFs, and it'll be really interesting to see your contemporary, objective take on it paired alongside your original nostalgic feelings from your first playthrough. Best of luck with your endeavour :)

Damn man. Dunny thing is that I was playing it a few weeks ago for the first time cuz I never played it. I got up to the part where you're in that place that has those ancient masks things. But looks like I won't be finishing it cuz the damn disc is too scratched. So I'm looking forward to your blogs to know what happens afterwards.:)

IX was the first FF game i played to completion.  I'd say it's in the top 5 of my favorite FF games.

Make sure you steal mage masher from the guy :D

I remember really enjoying IX, though for some reason I've never revisited it like I have the other entries in the series, despite having beat it so quickly.

The things in IX that I liked:
 

• Vivi
• Quina
• The Ozma Battle

• The stupid time requirement to obtain the ultimate weapon.
• The end boss that pretty much appears out of nowhere.  I mean at least with VII and VIII it was consistent who was the bad guy.  In IX, they jump all over the place
  
  SPOILER WARNING: Click here to reveal hidden content.

  (The Queen = Nope. Garland = Nope.  Kuja = Nope. Instead, it some stupid floating thing in the middle of nowhere that had absolutely no real build up to).

I actually just got done replaying this not too long ago.  I first played this when i was a kid, back when i had a PS1 that I had to tile sideways just to get it to work :P.  But since then I haven't played it, and it had such an impact on me when i was a kid with the story, setting, characters and the general feel I ranked it as my favorite FF game.  I even have cassette tapes i made of recording some of the soundtrack, which by the way coupled with the story/ending made me bawl my eyes out rofl.  Anyway, its a great game and I love the story and characters in it, I'm a fan of FFVIII too though I put FFIX before it.  Some hardcore  FF fans are just too picky -_-.  Look forward to reading the blog.

What a nice coincidence. I'm giving FF IX a shot also. I started last weekend, and have played for about 4 hours into the game. So far so good.

If this is good enough you might get me onto playing it. So, give it hell man.