Final Fantasy IX is a fantasy role-playing video game developed and published by Square for the PlayStation console. Released in 2000, it is the ninth title in the main Final Fantasy series and the last to debut on the original PlayStation.
Final Fantasy IX is a 2000 role-playing video game developed and published by Square for the PlayStation video game console. It is the ninth game in the main Final Fantasy series and the last to debut on the original PlayStation.
The game takes place in a medieval fantasy world and follows Zidane Tribal, a thief who joins a band to kidnap the princess Garnet. However, when the princess reveals her wish to escape her mother's escalating war, Zidane vows to protect her. The plot shifts when the player discovers that the queen is extracting Eidolons from the princess. This sets Zidane and his friends against Queen Brahne alongside Kuja, the queen's mysterious weapons dealer.
Final Fantasy IX returns to the fantasy roots of earlier Final Fantasy games, in contrast to the more sci-fi motifs of Final Fantasy VII and Final Fantasy VIII. The art style and character designs were inspired by medieval art and theater. The soundtrack blends upbeat melodies and motifs with more somber pieces.
Upon release, Final Fantasy IX received critical acclaim, especially for its return to classic style. It is often ranked among the best games in the series and cited as a landmark title for Japanese role-playing games. The game has shipped over 5.30 million copies worldwide as of March 31, 2003.