FF9

Final Fantasy IX (FF9) is a role-playing video game developed and published by Square for the PlayStation. It was released in 2000 as the ninth main installment in the Final Fantasy series. The game returns to a high fantasy setting with medieval kingdoms and magical technology on the world of Gaia.

Story and setting: The tale follows Zidane Tribal, a thief from the Tantalus theater troupe, who abducts Princess Garnet Til Alexandros XVII but soon joins forces with Garnet, her guardians, and a diverse group—Vivi Ornitier, Steiner, Freya, Quina, Eiko, and Amarant—to uncover a conspiracy led by the sorcerer Kuja. As the party travels Gaia, they confront questions of identity, purpose, and mortality while resisting a war driven by a magical energy called the Mist.

Gameplay: FF9 uses a traditional turn-based Active Time Battle system. Characters learn a broad set of abilities by equipping weapons and armor that grant skill access; battles emphasize strategy with magic, abilities, and summons. Eidolons (summons) appear as powerful beings that can be interacted with and summoned in combat. The game also includes optional content such as the card game Tetra Master and various side quests.

Development and reception: The score was composed by Nobuo Uematsu, and the game is noted for its character-driven story and nostalgic presentation. It was a commercial success on PlayStation and has been re-released on multiple platforms, including Windows, iOS and Android, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One.