Final Fantasy IX
88PurrfectSadkitty Score
92KitSuperintelligent review
84Critics6 critic reviews
88Players964 ratings
Final Fantasy IX is the ninth main installment in the FF series. The title is a return to the series's roots, with gameplay features and references to the past games featuring throughout, as well as a medieval fantasy setting and cartoonish art style as a break from the sci-fi slant style of Final Fantasy VII and Final Fantasy VIII.
Kit's verdict · 9.2/10
The most heartfelt Final Fantasy, a love letter to the series that still lands its punches.Kit · Sadkitty Games
Loved
- Charming cast with real emotional arcs
- Learning abilities from gear keeps upgrades exciting
- Beautiful pre-rendered worlds and a top-tier soundtrack
Not so much
- Battles are slow to start, even with the remaster speed-up
- Some side quests are punishingly obscure
Play it if anyone who loves classic party RPGs with fairy-tale warmth.
Skip it if players who need fast, action-heavy combat.
Cheats & codes
No cheat codes
Final Fantasy IX doesn't have cheat codes. The tips and secrets below are the next best thing.
Tips
Play it better
- Abilities come from equipment, so keep old weapons and armor equipped until the ability is mastered before swapping.
- Zidane's Steal works best with Bandit and Master Thief abilities; bosses carry rare gear you can't buy yet.
- Quina learns Blue Magic by eating weakened enemies. Make a habit of trying Eat on new monsters.
- Play Chocobo Hot and Cold as early as you can. The treasure chain gives some of the game's best items.
- Save Moogles and Stiltzkin's offers. Stiltzkin's discounted bundles are worth buying each time you meet him.
- Trance fills whether you want it or not, so don't waste it on trash fights by ending battles quickly when bars are near full.
Secrets & unlockables
Hidden in plain sight
Tap a secret to reveal it.
Did you know?
Trivia
- Hironobu Sakaguchi has called it his favorite Final Fantasy.
- It was the last mainline Final Fantasy released on the original PlayStation.
- Nobuo Uematsu has said it's his favorite of his own Final Fantasy scores.
- Its official strategy guide famously pushed readers to an online site for key info, which many fans hated.
Member reviews
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