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Throughout the years, Final Fantasy has managed to become so iconic that the video game industry wouldn't be the same without its existence. Square Enix has certainly done a fine job in ensuring it has reached its legendary status, and the developer has achieved this by producing many top-quality games for the franchise.
With over 16 mainline title entries, all with something that makes them unique from one another, fans often wonder which one stands out the most. Some would say Final Fantasy 7, others may even go back as far as Final Fantasy 4. While those are great, there is a particular entry that has unique qualities which allow it to outshine them and everything else: Final Fantasy 9.
It is a game that, despite not being as popular as its more well-known siblings, is so finely crafted that it left a lasting mark on those who have played it, and has helped cement the franchise as something to expect big things from. But what is it about Final Fantasy 9 that, even without the massive recognition, allows it to be the standout that it is? For those wondering, there are a few important reasons.
1. It Has Well-Written and Interesting Characters
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While there are many memorable Final Fantasy characters, those from the ninth entry have the qualities to make them stand out from the rest. Aside from their designs, such as Vivi and his iconic Black Mage look and Zidane and his monkey-like features, fans have come to love them because of how charming their individual personalities can be, and how they manage to grow throughout the main plotline.
This even extends to some of the side characters, as they, too, have their moments to shine during important parts of the story. While not all of them are amazing, as is evident in Freya's and Amarant's underutilization, the ones that were properly crafted to carry the plot certainly do so in the best possible ways, making them a vital part of helping establish Final Fantasy 9 as an entry that shouldn't be ignored.
2. The Game’s Story Is Attention-Grabbing and Doesn’t Try Too Hard to Overwhelm
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All of the Final Fantasy games have a story to tell, some being better at it than others. Final Fantasy 9, when compared to the other entries, manages to convey its plot exceedingly well. While its story can feel like it takes forever to get through, it still manages to grab people's attention despite the length.
It does it through a combination of some of the most entertaining and iconic Final Fantasy characters and well-written plotlines that connect seamlessly. Moments in the narrative that are meant to feel important and impactful actually are, and the parties involved in them come together well enough to ensure that, allowing players to be invested in what they're witnessing. It also properly paces itself by having a healthy mix of big plot points and breaks in between them, making everything easier to digest.
3. It Has Some of the Best Boss Fights in the Franchise
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The ninth entry has some of Final Fantasy's toughest boss fights, but aside from them being difficult, they're also extremely engaging and memorable, and this is because of the way they're set up. Unlike the major battles of most other games in the franchise, nearly every one of those in Final Fantasy 9 plays a key role in progressing the narrative. Some are unpredictable as to when they can happen, but that actually plays into the game's favor, as it makes it more engaging than most other entries.
Even boss fights that play no huge relevance to the story are to be looked forward to, as they also offer a challenge that truly tests a player's skill and their knowledge of the game's combat mechanics. For those looking for tough fights that are properly ingrained throughout a well-written story, then it's best to consider playing Final Fantasy 9.
4. Its World Is Huge and Does a Good Job Showing That It Is
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If there is one thing that Square Enix did to make Final Fantasy 9 become one of the standout entries, it's the way the developer created the game's world. Nearly every area that the player visits has its own personality, from the bustling city of Lindblum to the comfortable and welcoming atmosphere of Dali.
There are also a lot of them to the point that they really make the game's adventure feel grander than it's initially perceived to be, which is a good thing for an RPG that's meant to be played for hours upon hours. So, for those looking to spend time on a game with a world that's interesting and feels alive, it's best to consider playing Final Fantasy 9.
After learning of FF9's legacy, fans of the franchise should at least consider experiencing the ninth entry at least once, as the game has way too much to offer to be ignored. It's a standout for many good reasons, and hopefully, it continues to gain the long-overdue recognition it rightfully deserves.