Final Fantasy IX: A Quarter-Century of Defining RPG Excellence

In the vast realm of gaming, prolonged series are a rarity, influenced by numerous variables. Franchises that endure must continuously innovate to captivate contemporary audiences while preserving their foundational essence. The enduring Final Fantasy saga, spanning over four decades, thrives not only on its foundational installments but also on its consistent refusal to conform to predictable patterns. This year, as it commemorates its 25th milestone, Final Fantasy IX truly solidified the series' distinctive character. It demonstrated that a Final Fantasy title is crafted through a dedication to compelling storytelling and the audacity to present a fresh and authentic vision.

Final Fantasy IX embarks with a sense of familiarity, echoing classic fantasy narratives. The tale begins amidst the festivities in the kingdom of Alexandria. Here, Princess Garnet, seeking to escape her royal confines, crosses paths with Zidane, a rogue dispatched to abduct her under the guise of a theatrical troupe member. Meanwhile, Steiner, a dutiful knight, is determined to safeguard the princess, ironically against her own wishes. Unaware of these unfolding events, a young boy named Vivi, distinguished by his pointed hat, flees from guards after being caught at the castle's performances without a ticket. The destinies of these diverse characters intertwine on the grand stage, where Queen Brahne and her esteemed guests await the play's commencement. The ensuing chaos seamlessly integrates with the festival, creating the illusion of a staged spectacle.

The opening sequence of Final Fantasy IX, characterized by its playful absurdity, hints at the lighthearted tone that will, to some degree, permeate the entire game. Yet, the odyssey of these unforgettable characters gradually unfurls into a complex narrative. This intricate plot encompasses political machinations, the militarization of nations, ancient civilizations concealed in plain sight, and a climactic confrontation with the very embodiment of eternal darkness. As players progress through the game's multiple discs, it becomes evident how the story escalates in grandeur with each passing act.

The Final Fantasy franchise was already renowned for its epic narratives, often culminating in confrontations that determined the fate of the world, featuring a cast of charismatic figures (though perhaps not universally beloved, as some might argue about Squall). However, the two preceding installments, Final Fantasy VII and VIII, had diverged significantly from the traditional medieval-inspired fantasy that originally defined the series, opting instead for science fiction themes. This departure suggested that such a shift represented progress, implying that sci-fi settings or realistic character models inherently led to more serious and dramatic storytelling. Consequently, Final Fantasy IX's decision to embrace a more whimsical art style and a classic fantasy setting led many players to initially perceive it as a simplistic, almost childlike game.

The immense success of Final Fantasy VII could have easily prompted subsequent games in the series to replicate its core concepts, themes, or aesthetic. However, within Final Fantasy Ultimania Archive Volume 2, Toshiyuki Itahana, who contributed to character and minigame design for Final Fantasy IX, recounts an anecdote. He recalls that event designer Kazuhiko Aoki, celebrated for assembling the remarkable team behind Chrono Trigger, once told his own team that "there is an inherent magic in Final Fantasy that persists until the very end."

Would Square have been able to capture this profound essence by merely adhering to the established formula of Final Fantasy VII? In truth, such an approach would have contradicted the very principles underpinning these remarkable games. Hironobu Sakaguchi, the visionary creator of the Final Fantasy series, articulated in an interview with Eurogamer that, in his view, the creation of a game for the series demands not only the integration of "cutting-edge technology" and "a robust narrative as its foundation," but also an intrinsic "desire to challenge existing norms."

Final Fantasy IX stands as a landmark in the series' history, unequivocally establishing that the core of a Final Fantasy game lies in its exceptional narrative. It asserts that its creators possess the remarkable ability to craft unforgettable experiences, irrespective of their chosen stylistic or thematic approach. Much like master artists who refine their craft by venturing beyond their comfort zones, Square's decision to return to the series' foundational elements with Final Fantasy IX demonstrated a profound self-awareness and a clear artistic direction. This confident vision paved the way for the myriad innovative concepts and rich worlds that would subsequently captivate players in future installments.