Final Fantasy IX An Honest Opinion Why I Don't Like It
Introduction
Final Fantasy IX (FFIX) is a game that often appears on “best of” lists, celebrated for its charming characters, vibrant world, and a return to the series’ more traditional roots. Yet, despite its widespread acclaim, I find myself among those who don't quite share the enthusiasm. This isn't to say it's a bad game, but rather that its particular blend of elements simply didn't resonate with me. In this article, I will be sharing an honest opinion, diving deep into the aspects of FFIX that left me feeling underwhelmed, and hopefully, offer a perspective that acknowledges the game’s strengths while explaining why it didn’t click for everyone. It’s crucial to remember that taste is subjective, and what I perceive as flaws may be seen as strengths by others. This is my personal take on why Final Fantasy IX, despite its popularity, didn't become one of my favorites in the legendary franchise.
My Initial Expectations and Disappointments
When approaching a Final Fantasy title, especially one as highly regarded as FFIX, expectations are naturally high. Having enjoyed previous entries in the series, particularly those with a darker and more mature tone, I anticipated a similar experience. However, FFIX immediately presented a stark contrast with its whimsical art style and more lighthearted narrative. While a change of pace isn’t inherently negative, it did set the stage for some initial disappointments. The game's vibrant and cartoonish graphics, while technically impressive for the time, didn't quite appeal to my personal preferences. I missed the grittier realism of Final Fantasy VII and the more grounded aesthetic of Final Fantasy VIII. This visual shift, while intentional and part of FFIX’s charm for many, was the first hurdle I encountered in connecting with the game.
Moreover, the narrative, while intriguing in its overarching themes, often felt bogged down by a slower pace and a more predictable structure than I had come to expect from the series. The characters, while endearing, initially struck me as somewhat archetypal, lacking the depth and complexity I had appreciated in previous Final Fantasy protagonists and their companions. It took a considerable amount of time for their individual stories and motivations to fully unfold, and even then, some of them failed to leave a lasting impression on me. This isn’t to say that FFIX lacks a compelling story or well-developed characters, but rather that my initial expectations, shaped by earlier Final Fantasy experiences, weren't entirely met, leading to a sense of disappointment that lingered throughout my playthrough.
The Art Style and World Design: A Matter of Taste
One of the most immediately noticeable aspects of Final Fantasy IX is its distinct art style and world design. The game deliberately harkens back to the series' roots, embracing a more whimsical and fairytale-like aesthetic compared to the futuristic and industrial settings of Final Fantasy VII and VIII. While this was a welcome change for many fans, for me, it was a significant detractor. The exaggerated character designs and vibrant color palettes, while technically well-executed, felt somewhat childish and lacking in the visual depth I had come to expect from the series. I found the world of Gaia to be less immersive than the intricately detailed environments of Midgar or Balamb Garden. This is not to say that Gaia is poorly designed; it's simply that its particular style didn't resonate with my personal preferences.
The environments, while beautiful in their own right, often felt less grounded and more fantastical, which diminished my sense of connection to the world. I missed the gritty realism and the sense of tangible history that permeated earlier Final Fantasy titles. The towns and cities, while charming, sometimes felt overly quaint and lacking in the bustling energy of more modern settings. The overall effect was a world that felt less lived-in and more like a stage set for a children's play. While I appreciate the artistic intention behind this design choice, it ultimately hindered my enjoyment of the game. The art style, while undoubtedly unique and nostalgic for many, simply didn't align with my personal taste, making it difficult for me to fully immerse myself in the world of Final Fantasy IX.
The Combat System: A Step Backwards?
The Final Fantasy IX combat system, while familiar to fans of the older games, felt like a step backwards in some ways. The return to a more traditional turn-based system, while appreciated by some, lacked the strategic depth and customization options that I had grown accustomed to in Final Fantasy VII and VIII. The Active Time Battle (ATB) system, while present, felt less dynamic and impactful compared to its implementation in earlier titles. The battles often felt slow-paced and repetitive, lacking the sense of urgency and excitement that I craved. One of the biggest issues I had with the combat was the slow battle speed. Even with the in-game speed boosts available in later versions, the battles felt like a slog, especially during random encounters. This made grinding for experience and levels feel more tedious than challenging.
Furthermore, the limited character customization options were a disappointment. The equipment-based ability system, while interesting in theory, often felt restrictive. Characters learned abilities from the equipment they wore, which meant that swapping out gear could lead to losing access to crucial skills. This encouraged a more cautious and less experimental approach to character building, which I found frustrating. I missed the Materia system of Final Fantasy VII and the Junction system of Final Fantasy VIII, both of which offered a greater degree of flexibility and customization. While I appreciate the attempt to streamline the combat system and make it more accessible, I felt that it ultimately sacrificed depth and strategic complexity. The slower pace, coupled with the limited customization options, made the combat in Final Fantasy IX feel less engaging and enjoyable compared to its predecessors.
Character Development: Archetypes and Missed Opportunities
Final Fantasy IX's characters are often praised for their charm and relatability, but for me, they fell somewhat short of the high bar set by previous Final Fantasy installments. While the main cast is certainly likeable, they often felt like archetypes rather than fully realized individuals. Zidane, the charming rogue, Vivi, the timid mage, and Garnet, the princess struggling with her identity – these are familiar tropes that, while not inherently bad, didn't feel as fresh or innovative as the characters in Final Fantasy VII or VIII. I found myself struggling to connect with some of the characters on a deeper level. Their motivations and backstories, while interesting, often felt underdeveloped, leaving me with a sense that their potential was not fully realized. This was particularly true for some of the supporting characters, who felt more like plot devices than fully fleshed-out members of the party.
Another aspect of the character development that disappointed me was the pacing of their arcs. Some characters experienced significant growth and change throughout the story, while others remained relatively static. This inconsistency made it difficult to feel invested in the entire cast. I also felt that some of the emotional moments and character interactions were somewhat forced or melodramatic, lacking the subtlety and nuance that I appreciated in earlier Final Fantasy games. This isn’t to say that the characters are poorly written, but rather that they didn’t resonate with me as deeply as the protagonists and antagonists of other Final Fantasy titles. The archetypal nature of some characters, combined with the uneven pacing of their development, made it challenging for me to fully connect with the cast of Final Fantasy IX.
The Story and Pacing: A Slow Burn That Didn't Ignite
Final Fantasy IX's story is a tale of self-discovery, identity, and the meaning of life, set against a backdrop of political intrigue and impending doom. While the themes are certainly ambitious and thought-provoking, the pacing and execution of the narrative left me feeling underwhelmed. The game starts slowly, with a lengthy introductory act that focuses on establishing the world and characters. While this is necessary to set the stage, I found the initial hours to be somewhat tedious and lacking in urgency. The main plot points, while intriguing, often felt drawn out and meandering, with long stretches of gameplay between significant story developments. This slow burn, while appreciated by some, didn't quite ignite my interest in the way that the more tightly paced narratives of Final Fantasy VII and VIII had.
Furthermore, the story sometimes felt tonally inconsistent, shifting abruptly between lighthearted humor and darker, more serious themes. While this contrast can be effective, in Final Fantasy IX, it often felt jarring and disjointed. I also found some of the plot twists and revelations to be somewhat predictable, lacking the surprise and emotional impact that I had come to expect from the series. The ending, while thematically resonant, felt rushed and anticlimactic, leaving many questions unanswered and character arcs unresolved. This isn’t to say that Final Fantasy IX’s story is bad; it simply didn’t resonate with me as strongly as the narratives of other Final Fantasy titles. The slow pacing, tonal inconsistencies, and somewhat predictable plot points made it difficult for me to fully invest in the game’s overarching story.
Nostalgia vs. Modern Expectations
It’s important to acknowledge that nostalgia plays a significant role in how we perceive older games. For many fans, Final Fantasy IX holds a special place in their hearts because it evokes fond memories of a particular time in their lives. However, for those who came to the game later, without the benefit of nostalgia, it can be more challenging to overlook its flaws and appreciate its strengths. I approached Final Fantasy IX as a newcomer, without any preconceived notions or sentimental attachments. This allowed me to evaluate the game on its own merits, but it also meant that I was less likely to be forgiving of its shortcomings.
Modern gaming expectations have also changed significantly since Final Fantasy IX's original release. We now expect games to be more polished, more streamlined, and more accessible. Games that were considered groundbreaking at the time may feel dated and clunky by today’s standards. This is not to say that older games are inherently inferior, but rather that they need to be evaluated in the context of their time. I found myself struggling with some of Final Fantasy IX's more old-fashioned design choices, such as the slow battle speed, the frequent random encounters, and the lack of clear direction in some areas. These elements, while perhaps forgivable in 2000, felt less palatable in the modern gaming landscape. While I appreciate the historical significance of Final Fantasy IX and its contributions to the series, I couldn’t help but compare it to more modern games in terms of its gameplay mechanics and overall presentation. The lack of nostalgia, combined with the evolution of gaming expectations, made it more difficult for me to fully enjoy Final Fantasy IX.
Conclusion: A Good Game, But Not for Me
In conclusion, Final Fantasy IX is undoubtedly a well-crafted game with many admirable qualities. Its charming characters, vibrant world, and nostalgic callbacks to the series' roots have earned it a devoted following. However, for me, it simply didn't click. The art style, combat system, character development, and story pacing all contributed to a sense of disconnect that I couldn't overcome. While I can appreciate the game's strengths on an intellectual level, I didn't experience the emotional connection that I had hoped for. It’s important to reiterate that taste is subjective, and what I perceive as flaws may be seen as strengths by others. Final Fantasy IX is a beloved game for a reason, and many players have found it to be a deeply rewarding experience.
My personal experience, however, was one of disappointment. I went into the game with high expectations, shaped by my love for other Final Fantasy titles, but I ultimately found myself underwhelmed. This isn’t to say that Final Fantasy IX is a bad game; it’s simply not a game that resonated with me. I respect its legacy and appreciate its contributions to the series, but it will not be joining my list of favorite Final Fantasy games. I hope this honest opinion provides a different perspective on Final Fantasy IX and helps others understand why it might not appeal to everyone, despite its widespread acclaim. Ultimately, the beauty of video games is in their diversity, and there’s a Final Fantasy out there for everyone – even if FFIX isn’t mine.
