Editing Final Fantasy IX

{{Short description|2000 video game}}
{{Featured article}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=May 2021}}
{{Infobox video game
| title = Final Fantasy IX
| image = Ffixbox.jpg{{!}}border
| caption = North American box art
| developer = [[Square (video game company)|Square]]
| publisher = {{vgrelease|JP|Square|NA|[[Square (video game company)#Square Electronic Arts|Square Electronic Arts]]|EU|Square Europe|WW|[[Square Enix]]{{efn|Published Android, iOS, Windows, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox One versions.}}}}
| director = [[Hiroyuki Ito]]
| producer = {{ubl|[[Hironobu Sakaguchi]]|[[Shinji Hashimoto]]}}
| designer = {{ubl|[[Kazuhiko Aoki (video game designer)|Kazuhiko Aoki]]|Yasushi Kurosawa}}
| programmer = Hiroshi Kawai
| artist = {{ubl|Hideo Minaba|[[Shūkō Murase]]|Toshiyuki Itahana}}
| writer = Hironobu Sakaguchi
| composer = [[Nobuo Uematsu]]
| series = ''[[Final Fantasy]]''
| engine = 
| platforms = {{ubl|[[PlayStation (console)|PlayStation]]|[[Android (operating system)|Android]]|[[iOS]]|[[Windows]]|[[PlayStation 4]]|
[[Nintendo Switch]]|[[Xbox One]]}}
| released = {{collapsible list|title={{nobold|July 7, 2000}}|{{ubl|'''PlayStation'''{{vgrelease|JP|July 7, 2000|NA|November 14, 2000|EU|February 16, 2001}}|'''Android''', '''iOS'''{{vgrelease|WW|February 10, 2016}}|'''Windows'''{{vgrelease|WW|April 14, 2016}}|'''PlayStation 4'''{{vgrelease|WW|September 19, 2017}}|'''Switch''', '''Xbox One'''{{vgrelease|WW|February 13, 2019}}}}}}
| genre = [[Role-playing video game|Role-playing]]
| modes = [[Single-player]], [[multiplayer]]
}}

{{Nihongo foot|'''''Final Fantasy IX'''''|ファイナルファンタジーIX|Fainaru Fantajī Nain|lead=yes|group=lower-alpha}} is a 2000 [[role-playing video game]] developed and published by [[Square (video game company)|Square]] for the [[PlayStation (console)|PlayStation]] video game console. It is the ninth game in the main ''[[Final Fantasy]]'' series. The plot focuses on a war between nations in a medieval fantasy world called Gaia. Players follow a thief named [[Zidane Tribal]] who kidnaps princess [[Garnet Til Alexandros XVII]] as part of a ploy by the neighboring nation of Lindblum. He joins Garnet and a growing cast of characters on a quest to take down her mother, [[Queen Brahne]] of Alexandria, who started the war.

Game development occurred in parallel with ''[[Final Fantasy VIII]]''. Envisioned by developers as a retrospective for the series, it departed from the futuristic settings of ''[[Final Fantasy VI]]'', ''[[Final Fantasy VII|VII]]'', and ''[[Final Fantasy VIII|VIII]]'' by returning to the medieval style of the earlier games. Consequently, it draws heavy influence from the original ''[[Final Fantasy (game)|Final Fantasy]]'' and features allusions to the rest of the series. The game introduced new features to the series despite this approach, such as "Active Time Event" cutscenes, "Mognet", and skill systems. ''Final Fantasy IX'' was the last game in the main series whose [[Music of Final Fantasy IX|music]] was composed solely by [[Nobuo Uematsu]].

''Final Fantasy IX'' was released to critical acclaim and commercial success, selling 8.9 million copies by March 2025. It was re-released in 2010 as a PS1 Classic on the [[PlayStation Store]]—this version was compatible with [[PlayStation 3]] and [[PlayStation Portable]]; [[PlayStation Vita]] support arrived in 2012. In 2016 Square Enix released an enhanced [[Porting|port]] featuring minor gameplay and graphical enhancements, which would be released on several platforms. An animated series adaptation by Square Enix and [[Cyber Group Studios]] was announced in 2021. However the series was scrapped due to the closure of Cyber Group Studios in 2025.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://kidscreen.com/2025/04/28/a-paris-court-orders-cyber-group-studios-to-liquidate/ | title=A Paris court orders Cyber Group Studios to liquidate }}</ref>

==Gameplay==
{{See also|Gameplay of Final Fantasy}}
[[File:Ff9 screenshot fieldicon1.png|thumb|left|The field icon indicates an object is inspectable, such as this ticket booth.]]

In ''Final Fantasy IX'', the player navigates a character through the game world, exploring areas and interacting with [[non-player character]]s. Most of the game occurs on "field screens" consisting of [[Pre-rendering|pre-rendered backgrounds]] representing towns and dungeons.<ref name="gameguide">{{Cite book |title=Final Fantasy IX instruction manual |publisher=Square Co. |year=2000 |editor-last=Square Enix staff |page=29 |id=SLUS-01251}}</ref> To aid exploration on the field screen, ''Final Fantasy IX'' introduces the "field icon", an exclamation mark appearing over the lead character's head, indicating a point of interest.<ref name="gameguide" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Square Nation |title=Information & Reviews |url=http://www.squarenation.com/ffix/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061212043620/http://www.squarenation.com/ffix/ |archive-date=December 12, 2006 |access-date=August 19, 2006 |publisher=Square Nation}}</ref> Players speak with [[Moogle]]s to [[saved game|record their progress]], recover their energy, and purchase items.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cuellar, Jose |date=February 7, 2001 |title=Magic of 'Final Fantasy IX' creates best in series |url=http://www.nd.edu/~observer/02072001/Scene/2.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090716012812/http://www.nd.edu/~observer/02072001/Scene/2.html |archive-date=July 16, 2009 |access-date=August 19, 2006 |publisher=The Observer (Notre Dame)}}</ref> An extensive [[side-quest|optional quest]] involves sending and receiving letters from Moogles and other non-playable characters via Mognet, an in-game postal service.<ref name="gameguide" />

Players journey between field screen locations on the [[overworld|world map]], a three-dimensional representation of ''Final Fantasy IX''{{'}}s world presented from a [[top-down perspective]].<ref name="gameguide" /> Players can freely navigate around the world map unless restricted by obstacles such as bodies of water or mountain ranges. To traverse these impediments, players can ride [[chocobo]]s, sail on a boat, or pilot [[Gameplay of Final Fantasy#Airships and transport|airships]]. Like previous ''Final Fantasy'' games, players enter battles caused by [[random encounter]]s with enemies while traveling across the world map or hostile field screens.<ref name="gameguide" /><ref name="RevIGN" /> ''Final Fantasy IX'' offers a new approach to town exploration with Active Time Events (ATE). These allow the player to view events unfolding at different locations, providing character development, unique items, and prompts for story-altering decisions. ATEs are occasionally used to simultaneously control two teams when the party divides to solve puzzles and navigate mazes.<ref name="gameguide" />

===Combat and character progression===
[[File:Ff9 screenshot bossbattle.png|thumb|right|In this early [[boss (video games)|boss]] battle, Steiner attacks the enemy while Zidane awaits the player's menu input.]]

When the player encounters an enemy, the map changes to a battle screen. The player issues commands to characters from an on-screen menu on the battle screen, including physically attacking, using items from the inventory, and unique character-specific abilities that define their role in battle.<ref name="gameguide" /><ref name="RevGS" /> For example, the thief Zidane can steal items, Eiko and Garnet can summon "eidolons" to aid the party, and Vivi can use [[Final Fantasy gameplay#Magic|black magic]] to damage the opposition.<ref name="gameguide" /> The speed and order in which the characters and enemies [[turn-based|take their turn]] varies according to their [[agility]], an implementation of the [[Active Time Battle]] system first featured in ''[[Final Fantasy IV]]''.<ref name="RevIGN" /> Character-specific commands change when the character goes into "[[limit break|Trance]] mode", which is activated for a short duration when the character sustains a specified amount of damage similar to the Limit Breaks in ''[[Final Fantasy VII]]''. Trance mode amplifies the character's strength and allows the player to select more powerful attack commands.<ref name="RevGS" /> For example, Vivi's "Black Magic" command changes into "Double Black", allowing him to cast two magic spells at once.<ref name="gameguide" /> Winning battles awards money, items, "[[experience point]]s", and "ability points".<ref name="gameguide" />

Experience points determine a character's combat attributes like agility, strength, and magical power. Accumulating sufficient experience points results in a "level up", which permanently increases combat attributes. Equipment worn by a character may also amplify their attributes. Certain weapons and armor also bestow special abilities, which the character may use when equipped. When the character earns enough ability points, it becomes usable without the item equipped.<ref name="gameguide" /> There are two types of abilities: action and support. Action abilities require [[magic point]]s to use and include magical spells and special moves used in battle. Support abilities provide functions that are automatically enabled in battle, such as increasing power against certain types of enemies. The maximum number of effects characters can equip at once is determined by each character's Magic Stones.<ref name="gameguide" /><ref name="RevGS" />

==Plot==
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===Setting and characters===
{{Main|Characters of Final Fantasy IX}}
''Final Fantasy IX'' takes place primarily in a world named Gaia. Most of Gaia's population lives on the Mist Continent, named after the thick Mist that blankets the lowlands. Large mountain ranges act as natural borders that separate its four nations: Alexandria, Lindblum, Burmecia, and Cleyra. Alexandria is a warmongering monarchy that controls the eastern half of the continent. One of its cities is Treno, a cultural nexus under perpetual starlight that is home to many aristocrats and paupers alike. The technologically advanced Lindblum, a hub of airship travel, is nestled on a plateau to the southwest. Both countries feature a mix of humans, humanoids, and [[Anthropomorphism|anthropomorphic]] animals. Burmecia, a kingdom showered by endless rain, is in the northwest. Cleyra, a neighboring settlement that seceded from Burmecia due to its appreciation for war, is situated in a giant tree in the desert, protected by a sandstorm. Both are inhabited by anthropomorphic rats with a fondness for dance and spear fighting.

Players eventually explore the Outer, Lost, and Forgotten Continents as well. Civilizations on the Outer Continent include Conde Petie, home of the dwarves; Black Mage Village, a secret settlement of sentient magician drones; and Madain Sari, once home to a near-extinct race of horned humanoid [[Recurring elements in the Final Fantasy series#Summoning|summoners]] who conjure powerful magical beings called eidolons. Also on the Outer Continent is the Iifa Tree, which disperses the Mist to other continents through its roots. This Mist stimulates the fighting instinct in humanoids and contributes to Gaia's bloody history. The Lost and Forgotten continents are littered mostly with ancient ruins. Scattered throughout the marshes of Gaia are the Qu: large, frog-eating, and seemingly [[Androgyny|androgynous]] humanoids<ref name="mainsite">{{Cite web |title=Final Fantasy IX |url=http://na.square-enix.com/games/FFIX-gamesite/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070204065620/http://na.square-enix.com/games/FFIX-gamesite/ |archive-date=February 4, 2007 |access-date=June 9, 2007 |publisher=North American Square Enix}}</ref> who are considered great [[gourmand]]s. Late in the game, players briefly travel to the parallel world of Terra and the dream realm of Memoria.

The main playable characters are: [[Zidane Tribal]], a member of a group of bandits called Tantalus who are masquerading as a theater troupe; [[Garnet (Final Fantasy)|Garnet Til Alexandros XVII]] (alias Dagger), the Princess of Alexandria who runs away with Zidane; [[Vivi Ornitier]], a young, timid, and kind black mage with an unknown origin; [[Adelbert Steiner]], a brash Alexandrian knight captain and loyal servant of Princess Garnet; [[Freya Crescent]], a Burmecian dragoon searching for her lost love; [[Quina (Final Fantasy)|Quina Quen]], a Qu whose master wants them to travel the world so that they will learn about cuisine; [[Eiko Carol]], a young girl living in Madain Sari who is one of the last summoners; and [[Amarant Coral]], a bounty hunter hired to return Garnet to Alexandria.<ref name="mainsite" /> Other important characters include Cid Fabool, the charismatic Regent of Lindblum; [[Queen Brahne|Brahne]], Garnet's adoptive mother and the power-hungry Queen of Alexandria; [[Beatrix (Final Fantasy)|Beatrix]], the general of Alexandria's all-female army; Garland, an elderly Terran male tasked with saving his world; and antagonist Kuja, an arms dealer and pawn of Garland who questions his own existence.

===Story===
In Alexandria, Zidane and Tantalus kidnap Princess Garnet by order of Cid. Garnet does not resist, for she was already planning to flee and warn Cid of Queen Brahne's increasingly erratic behavior.<ref group="q">'''Garnet''': I am actually&nbsp;... Princess Garnet til Alexandros, heir to the throne of Alexandria. I have a favour I wish to ask of you&nbsp;... I wish to be kidnapped&nbsp;...right away.</ref> Vivi and Steiner join the party during the escape. En route to Lindblum, the group discovers that Brahne is manufacturing soulless black mage soldiers that look similar to Vivi. In Lindblum, Cid confirms that he hired the group to protect Garnet from Brahne's newfound aggression. After learning that Alexandria has invaded Burmecia with the black mages, Zidane and Vivi join Freya to investigate. Garnet and Steiner secretly return to Alexandria to reason with Brahne.<ref group="q">'''Dagger''': I have to help Mother&nbsp;... I don't want to see anything happen to her&nbsp;... / '''Steiner''': Very well. Princess, I will follow you wherever you choose.</ref>

Zidane's team finds that the Alexandrian forces, headed by Beatrix, conquered Burmecia with help from Kuja and the refugees have fled to Cleyra. Brahne imprisons Garnet, extracts her eidolons,<ref group="q">'''Queen Brahne''': Zorn, Thorn! Prepare to extract the eidolons from Garnet.</ref> and uses the eidolon, Odin to destroy Cleyra while Zidane's group defends the city. The party escapes on Brahne's airship, rendezvous with Steiner, and rescues Garnet. Meanwhile, Brahne cripples Lindblum with another eidolon, Atomos.<ref group="q">'''Minister Artania''': Yes, Princess. The castle was spared. Regent Cid is alive.</ref> Cid explains that Kuja supplies Brahne with black mages and the knowledge to use eidolons. The party befriends Quina and tracks Kuja to the Outer Continent.<ref group="q">'''Regent Cid''': I believe Kuja is the only one supplying <gwok> Brahne with weapons.</ref><ref group="q">'''Minister Artania''': That he came from the north suggests he's from the Outer Continent.</ref> Brahne hires bounty hunters Lani and Amarant to capture Garnet. On the Outer Continent, the party defeats Lani and meets Eiko, a summoner who lives with a group of moogles in the village of Madain Sari. Eiko leads Zidane and the others to the Iifa Tree. Inside, they learn that Kuja uses Mist to create the black mages and that Vivi was a prototype.<ref group="q">'''Zidane''': What kind of weapons did Kuja make? / '''Soulcage''': Kuja called them black mages, dark spawn of the Mist.</ref> The party defeats the monster that generates the Mist within the Tree, which clears it from the Mist Continent. While waiting for Kuja's reprisal at Madain Sari, Lani and Amarant attempt to kidnap Eiko but Zidane and the moogles foil them. Amarant then challenges Zidane to a duel and loses. He joins the party and Garnet learns of her heritage as a summoner who was adopted by Brahne as a child. At the Tree, Brahne attempts to kill Kuja with an eidolon so she can rule unopposed, but he takes control of it and destroys her and her army.<ref group="q">'''Queen Brahne''': Kuja! So you finally decided to show your girly face here! You're all that stands between me and total domination!</ref><ref group="q">'''Kuja''': Excellent, Bahamut! Power, mobility&nbsp;... You truly are the best! You even hurt me&nbsp;... a little. And you, Brahne&nbsp;... Your tragic role in this drama now comes to an end!</ref>

After Garnet's coronation, Kuja attacks Alexandria Castle.<ref group="q">'''Kuja''': What an auspicious day for Alexandria. Dagger's accession to the throne has brought hope and peace to this kingdom. The people are overjoyed; they believe a wonderful future is ahead of them&nbsp;... But the celebration isn't over yet. It's time to really light things up! Your former master is here, Bahamut. Play a requiem for her and all of Alexandria!</ref> Garnet and Eiko summon an extremely powerful eidolon in defense; Kuja attempts to steal the eidolon as a means to kill his master, Garland, but the latter arrives and destroys it.<ref group="q">'''Garland''': You have gone too far, Kuja. I granted you the freedom to do as you wish in Gaia for one purpose alone. Now that you have lost sight of your mission, I will no longer tolerate your actions.</ref><ref group="q">'''Kuja''': I need an eidolon more powerful than Alexander! An eidolon with the power to bury Garland! His powers are so incredible; I cannot even come close. I must destroy him before Terra's plan is activated, or my soul will no longer be my own!</ref> The party chases Kuja through a portal to Terra, where the antagonists' goals become clear. The Terrans created Garland to merge their dying world with Gaia; Garland, in turn, created self-aware, soulless vessels called Genomes.<ref group="q">'''Garland''': I constructed the Genomes to be vessels for the souls of the people of Terra when they awaken.</ref> For millennia, Garland has been using the Iifa Tree to replace deceased Gaian souls with the hibernating Terran souls, turning the former into Mist in the process; this will allow the Terrans to be reborn into the Genomes after the planetary merge.<ref group="q">'''Garland''': the Iifa Tree blocks the flow of Gaia's souls, while it lets those of Terra flow freely.</ref><ref group="q">'''Garland''': The role of the Iifa Tree is that of Soul Divider. The Mist you see comprises the stagnant souls of Gaia&nbsp;...</ref> Kuja and Zidane are Genomes created to accelerate this process by bringing war and chaos to Gaia.<ref group="q">'''Zidane''': So&nbsp;... Kuja is just an angel of death who sends souls to the Tree of Iifa. / '''Garland''': Yes, my angel of death. But only until you came of age.</ref> Kuja had betrayed Garland to avoid becoming occupied by a Terran soul. Kuja defeats Garland, who reveals before dying that the former has a limited lifespan anyhow: Garland designed Zidane to be his replacement.<ref group="q">'''Garland''': There's a limit to your life&nbsp;... You'll be dead soon&nbsp;... Even as I die, you'll have died without ever leaving your mark on the world&nbsp;...</ref> Enraged, Kuja destroys Terra and escapes to the Iifa Tree.

At the Iifa Tree, the party enters Memoria and reaches the origin of the universe: the Crystal World. They defeat Kuja, preventing him from destroying the original crystal of life and thus the universe.<ref group="q">'''Kuja''': It's the original crystal&nbsp;... This is where it all began&nbsp;... The birthplace of all things&nbsp;... Once I destroy it, everything will be gone. Gaia, Terra, the universe, everything&nbsp;...</ref> After defeating Necron, a force of death,<ref group="q">'''Necron''': I exist for one purpose&nbsp;... To return everything back to the zero world, where there is no life and no crystal to give life.</ref> the Tree collapses; the party flees, while Zidane stays behind to rescue Kuja.<ref group="q">'''Zidane''':&nbsp;... Kuja's still alive. I can't just leave him.</ref> One year later, the game reveals the cast's fate: Tantalus arrives in Alexandria to put on a show; Vivi has implicitly died as Black Mages only live for a year, but he has left behind several identical "sons," as well as grown to understand the meaning of life; Freya and Fratley are rebuilding Burmecia; Cid has adopted Eiko; Quina works in the castle's kitchen; Amarant and Lani are travelling together; and Garnet presides as queen of Alexandria, with Steiner and Beatrix as her guards. In the climax of Tantalus's performance, the lead actor reveals himself as Zidane in disguise and reunites with Queen Garnet.<ref group="q">'''Robed performer''': I beseech thee, wondrous moonlight, grant me my only wish! ''[removes robe, revealing himself as - ]'' '''Zidane''': Bring my beloved Dagger to me!</ref>

==Development==
Early planning for ''Final Fantasy IX'' began in July 1998 before Square had finished development on ''[[Final Fantasy VIII]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sakaguchi, Hironobu |date=November 22, 2010 |title=From the old back up file |url=http://www.mistwalkercorp.com/en/column/pg187.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120330061928/http://www.mistwalkercorp.com/en/column/pg187.html |archive-date=March 30, 2012 |access-date=April 14, 2013 |publisher=Mistwalker}}</ref><ref name="IGNInterview1" /> The game was developed in Hawaii as a compromise to developers living in the United States.<ref name="IGNInterview1" /> As the series' last game on the PlayStation, Sakaguchi envisioned a "reflection" on the older games of the series. Leading up to its release, Sakaguchi called ''Final Fantasy IX'' his favorite ''Final Fantasy'' game as "it's closest to [his] ideal view of what ''Final Fantasy'' should be".<ref name="IGNInterview2">{{Cite web |last=IGN Staff |date=April 5, 2000 |title=Interview with Hironobu Sakaguchi |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2000/04/06/interview-with-hironobu-sakaguchi |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130331044811/http://www.ign.com/articles/2000/04/06/interview-with-hironobu-sakaguchi |archive-date=March 31, 2013 |access-date=June 16, 2007 |website=IGN}}</ref> This shift was also a response to demands from fans and other developers.<ref name="IGNInterview1" /> Additionally, the team wanted to create a coherent story with deep character development; this led to the creation of Active Time Events which showcase the character's individual exploration away from the protagonist.<ref name="IGNInterview1" /> Sakaguchi wrote the [[Screenwriting#Video game writing|scenario]] for the game, with further contributions from [[Kazuhiko Aoki (video game designer)|Kazuhiko Aoki]] and Nobuaki Komoto.<ref name="writer">{{Cite web |date=November 28, 2009 |title=Interview: FFCC The Crystal Bearers |url=http://www.ffworld.com/?page=article&id=35 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101216021833/http://ffworld.com/?page=article&id=35 |archive-date=December 16, 2010 |access-date=January 25, 2011 |publisher=Final Fantasy World |language=fr |quote='''Toshiyuki Itahana:''' Je ne suis pas sûr, car le scénario a été écrit par Hironobu Sakaguchi / I am not sure because the scenario was written by Hironobu Sakaguchi}}</ref><ref name="IXmakingof">{{cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FdsqEurMd2I| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211117/FdsqEurMd2I|archive-date=2021-11-17| url-status=live|author=[[Square Enix]]|date=2019-03-21|title=Inside Final Fantasy IX|medium=Video|website=[[YouTube]]}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

[[File:Ff9 screenshot fmvcharacters.png|thumb|Vivi, Zidane, Garnet, and Steiner in a [[full-motion video]] sequence]]
In the game's conceptual stage, the developers made it clear that the title would not necessarily be ''Final Fantasy IX'', as its break from the realism of ''[[Final Fantasy VII|VII]]'' and ''VIII'' may have alienated audiences. This idea led fans to speculate that it would be a "[[gaiden]]" (side story) to the main series.<ref name="GIA">{{Cite web |last=NGO Staff |date=May 24, 1999 |title=New Final Fantasy revealed |url=http://archive.thegia.com/news/n990524a.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303212104/http://archive.thegia.com/news/n990524a.html |archive-date=March 3, 2016 |access-date=June 16, 2007 |publisher=Gaming Intelligence Agency}}</ref> By late 1999, however, Square had confirmed that the game would indeed be titled ''Final Fantasy IX'', and by early 2000, they had almost finished the game. The developers made several adjustments to the game, such as changing the ending seven times.<ref name="IGNInterview1" /> Director [[Hiroyuki Ito]] had designed the battle system.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Studio BentStuff |title=Final Fantasy IX Ultimania |publisher=[[Square Enix]] |pages=578–582 |language=ja}}</ref>

The game's developers sought to make the game's environment more "fantasy-oriented" than its PlayStation predecessors by reintroducing a medieval setting.<ref name="RevIGN" /> In the game world, steam technology is just beginning to become widely available. The population relies on [[hydropower]] or [[wind power]] for energy sources but sometimes harness Mist or steam to drive more advanced engines. [[Norse mythology|Norse]] and Northern European mythology also inspired the game's setting. According to Ito, "[the development team is] attracted to European history and mythology because of its depth and its drama".<ref name="IGNInterview1">{{Cite web |date=September 20, 2000 |title=The Final Fantasy IX Team Spills All |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2000/09/21/the-final-fantasy-ix-team-spills-all |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121215050854/http://www.ign.com/articles/2000/09/21/the-final-fantasy-ix-team-spills-all |archive-date=December 15, 2012 |access-date=June 16, 2007 |website=IGN}}</ref> The game's art director was Hideo Minaba,<ref name="IGNInterview1" /> while the characters were designed by [[Shūkō Murase]] and Toshiyuki Itahana.<ref name="IXstaffFam">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.famitsu.com/news/202007/14202111.html|script-title=ja:『FF9』20周年を祝うのに理由がいるかい？ 坂口博信氏を始めとするクリエイター陣や、ファンの記憶を集めた28ページ特集【先出し週刊ファミ通】|language=ja|magazine=[[Famitsu]]|date=2020-07-14|access-date=2023-06-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200716022901/https://www.famitsu.com/news/202007/14202111.html|archive-date=2020-07-16|url-status=live}}</ref> Recurring artist [[Yoshitaka Amano]] created promotional concept art of the characters and world, and designed the logo.<ref>{{cite book|title=The Sky: The Art of Final Fantasy|publisher=[[Dark Horse Comics]]|isbn=978-1-6165-5160-5|volume=3|date=June 28, 2013}}</ref><ref name="GSamanoIX">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/qanda-final-fantasy-concept-artist-yoshitaka-amano/1100-2662315/ |title=Q&A: Final Fantasy Concept Artist Yoshitaka Amano |website=[[GameSpot]] |date=2000-12-07 |access-date=2014-02-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160328151138/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/qanda-final-fantasy-concept-artist-yoshitaka-amano/1100-2662315/|archive-date=2016-03-28|url-status=live}}</ref> The main ''Final Fantasy IX'' website says the development of the game's world serves as a culmination of the series by blending the "successful elements of the past, such as a return to the fantasy roots", with newer elements.<ref name="mainsite" /> To accomplish this and satisfy fans who had become used to the realistic designs of ''Final Fantasy VIII'', the designers stressed creating characters with whom the player could easily relate.<ref name="IGNInterview1" /> The characters had "comic-like looks" as a result.<ref name="IGNInterview1" /> In addition, ''[[The Dark Crystal]]'' was used as inspiration for the design of the world and characters.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The making of FINAL FANTASY IX {{!}} Square Enix Blog |url=https://square-enix-games.com/en_GB/news/making-final-fantasy-ix |access-date=2023-10-21 |website=square-enix-games.com |language=en |archive-date=October 19, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211019145841/https://square-enix-games.com/en_GB/news/making-final-fantasy-ix |url-status=live }}</ref> Ito suggested that the protagonist Zidane should be flirtatious towards women.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Coxon |first=Sachi |date=March 24, 2000 |title=Interview with Square: Part 3 |url=http://www.rpgamer.com/news/Q1-2000/032400b.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130403230030/http://www.rpgamer.com/news/Q1-2000/032400b.html |archive-date=April 3, 2013 |access-date=April 14, 2013 |publisher=RPGamer}}</ref>

===Music===
{{Main|Music of Final Fantasy IX}}
Regular series composer [[Nobuo Uematsu]] wrote the music of ''Final Fantasy IX''. In early discussions about the game, Ito asked him to compose themes for the eight main characters along with "an exciting battle track, a gloomy, danger-evoking piece, and around ten other tracks". Uematsu spent a year composing and producing "around 160" pieces, with 140 appearing in the game.<ref name="fami-interview">{{Cite web |title=Nobuo Uematsu Interview by Weekly Famitsu |url=http://www.nobuouematsu.com/nobrpg.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120920025801/http://www.nobuouematsu.com/nobrpg.html |archive-date=September 20, 2012 |access-date=June 17, 2007 |publisher=[[Famitsu]]}}</ref><ref name="ign-interview">{{Cite web |last=Zdyrko, Dave |date=September 21, 2000 |title=The Final Fantasy IX Team Spills All |url=http://psx.ign.com/news/25276.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20001203212500/http://psx.ign.com/news/25276.html |archive-date=December 3, 2000 |access-date=June 17, 2007 |url-status=dead |website=IGN}}</ref> During writing sessions, Square gave him a travel break in Europe for inspiration, where he spent time admiring ancient architecture in places like Germany. Uematsu cited [[medieval music]] as a significant influence on the score of ''IX''. He aimed for a "simple" and "warm" atmosphere and incorporated uncommon instruments like the [[kazoo]] and [[dulcimer]]. Unlike the stark realism of its predecessors, the high fantasy undertones of ''IX'' allowed for a broader spectrum of musical styles and moods. Uematsu composed with a piano and used two contrasting methods: "I create music that fits the events in the game, but sometimes, the [developers] will adjust a game event to fit the music I've already written".<ref name="ign-interview" />

Uematsu incorporated several motifs from older ''Final Fantasy'' games into the score, such as the original battle music intro, a reworked ''Volcano Theme'' from ''[[Final Fantasy (video game)|Final Fantasy]]'' and the Pandemonium theme in ''[[Final Fantasy II]]''.<ref name="fami-interview" /><ref name="ign-interview" /> Tantalus' band plays "Rufus' Welcoming Ceremony" from ''[[Final Fantasy VII]]'' near the beginning of the game. Uematsu has stated on several occasions that ''Final Fantasy IX'' is his favorite score.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Taylor, Stu |title="Smile, Please!": Neo Interviews Final Fantasy Composer, Nobuo Uematsu |url=http://www.neomag.co.uk/article.asp?IntID=14 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080216201125/http://www.neomag.co.uk/article.asp?IntID=14 |archive-date=February 16, 2008 |access-date=June 17, 2007 |website=[[Neo (magazine)|Neo]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Fahey, Rob |date=February 2, 2005 |title=Focus On: Final Fantasy composer Nobuo Uematsu |url=http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/focus-on-final-fantasy-composer-nobuo-uematsu |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120829145306/http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/focus-on-final-fantasy-composer-nobuo-uematsu |archive-date=August 29, 2012 |access-date=June 18, 2007 |publisher=[[GamesIndustry.biz]]}}</ref> "Melodies of Life" is the theme song of ''IX'' and shares its main melody with pieces frequently used in the game itself, such as the [[overworld]] theme and a lullaby that Garnet sings.<ref name="ign">{{Cite web |last=Smith, David |year=2007 |title=Final Fantasy IX 'Melodies of Life' Single |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2000/08/15/final-fantasy-ix-melodies-of-life-single |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130206021656/http://www.ign.com/articles/2000/08/15/final-fantasy-ix-melodies-of-life-single |archive-date=February 6, 2013 |access-date=April 28, 2007 |website=[[IGN]]}}</ref> [[Emiko Shiratori]] performed this piece in both the Japanese and English versions with arrangement by [[Shirō Hamaguchi]].<ref name="ign" />

==Release==
''Final Fantasy IX''{{'}}s release was delayed to avoid a simultaneous release with then-rival [[Enix]]'s ''[[Dragon Quest VII]]''.<ref name="Delay">{{Cite web |last=Ike Sato |first=Yukiyoshi |date=November 29, 1999 |title=Dragon Quest VII Delays Final Fantasy IX |url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/dragon-quest-vii-delays-final-fantasy-ix/1100-2447050/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160526043539/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/dragon-quest-vii-delays-final-fantasy-ix/1100-2447050/ |archive-date=May 26, 2016 |access-date=September 17, 2015 |website=[[GameSpot]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]]}}</ref> On October 7, 2000, a demo day for the North American version of ''IX'' was held at the [[Metreon]] in San Francisco, California.<ref name="DemoDay">{{Cite web |last=IGN Staff |date=October 2, 2000 |title=Square EA Holds FFIX Demo Day |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2000/10/03/square-ea-holds-ffix-demo-day |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121017191144/http://www.ign.com/articles/2000/10/03/square-ea-holds-ffix-demo-day |archive-date=October 17, 2012 |access-date=June 15, 2007 |website=IGN}}</ref> The first American release of the game was also at the Metreon; limited-edition merchandise was included with the game and fans [[cosplay]]ed as ''Final Fantasy'' characters in celebration of the release.<ref name="FirstAmerican">{{Cite web |last=IGN Staff |date=November 13, 2000 |title=Final Fantasy IX Goes on Sale Early |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2000/11/14/final-fantasy-ix-goes-on-sale-early |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121017191202/http://www.ign.com/articles/2000/11/14/final-fantasy-ix-goes-on-sale-early |archive-date=October 17, 2012 |access-date=June 15, 2007 |website=IGN}}</ref> In Canada, a production error left copies of ''Final Fantasy IX'' without an English version of the instruction manual, prompting Square to ship copies of the English manual to Canadian stores several days later.<ref name="CanadianManual">{{Cite web |last=IGN Staff |date=November 20, 2000 |title=Canadian Customers Get FFIX in French |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2000/11/21/canadian-customers-get-ffix-in-french |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121017191315/http://www.ign.com/articles/2000/11/21/canadian-customers-get-ffix-in-french |archive-date=October 17, 2012 |access-date=June 15, 2007 |website=IGN}}</ref> Square heavily promoted the game both before and after its release. Starting on March 6, 2000, the game's characters appeared in a line of [[Computer-generated imagery|computer-generated]] [[Coca-Cola]] commercials. Figurines of several characters were also used as prizes in Coca-Cola's marketing campaign.<ref name="Coke">{{Cite web |last=IGN Staff |date=March 31, 2000 |title=TGS: Final Fantasy IX Characters Do Coke |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2000/04/01/tgs-final-fantasy-ix-characters-do-coke |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121017191352/http://www.ign.com/articles/2000/04/01/tgs-final-fantasy-ix-characters-do-coke |archive-date=October 17, 2012 |access-date=June 15, 2007 |website=IGN}}</ref> That same year, ''[[IGN]]'' awarded ''Final Fantasy'' dolls and figurines for prizes in several of their contests.<ref name="ViviDoll">{{Cite web |last=IGN Staff |date=November 27, 2000 |title=Win Vivi from FFIX! |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2000/11/28/win-vivi-from-ffix |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121017191444/http://www.ign.com/articles/2000/11/28/win-vivi-from-ffix |archive-date=October 17, 2012 |access-date=June 15, 2007 |website=IGN}}</ref>

''Final Fantasy IX'' was released on Sony's Greatest Hits on June 30, 2003.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.giantbomb.com/final-fantasy-ix/3030-8825/releases/ | title=Final Fantasy IX International Releases | access-date=January 15, 2023 | archive-date=July 6, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220706203248/https://www.giantbomb.com/final-fantasy-ix/3030-8825/releases/ | url-status=live }}</ref>

''Final Fantasy IX'' was also the benchmark of Square's interactive [[PlayOnline]] service. PlayOnline was initially developed to interface with ''Final Fantasy X'' but became a strategy site for ''IX'' when those plans fell through. Square designed the website to complement BradyGames' and Piggyback Interactive's official [[strategy guide]]s for the game, where players who bought the print guide had access to "keywords" that they could search for on PlayOnline's site for extra tips and information. This design caused anger among buyers of the guide who felt cheated by the expensive print version's omissions. The blunder made ''GameSpy'''s "Top 5 Dumbest Moments in Gaming" list, and Square dropped the idea for ''Final Fantasy X'', which was under development at the time.<ref name=dumb>{{Cite web |date=June 14, 2003 |title=The 25 Dumbest Moments in Gaming – Readers' Top 5 |url=http://archive.gamespy.com/articles/june03/dumbestmoments/readers/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040704072809/http://archive.gamespy.com/articles/june03/dumbestmoments/readers/ |archive-date=July 4, 2004 |publisher=[[GameSpy]]}}</ref>

Square Enix re-released the game as part of the ''Final Fantasy 25th Anniversary Ultimate Box'' Japanese package in December 2012.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jonathan Toyad |date=August 31, 2012 |title=Final Fantasy 25th anniversary Ultimate Box collection announced |url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/final-fantasy-25th-anniversary-ultimate-box-collection-announced/1100-6394062/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151109155141/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/final-fantasy-25th-anniversary-ultimate-box-collection-announced/1100-6394062/ |archive-date=November 9, 2015 |access-date=July 19, 2013 |website=[[GameSpot]] UK}}</ref> A remastered version was released for [[Android (operating system)|Android]] and [[iOS]] in February 2016.<ref name="iOS/Android">{{Cite web |last=Souppouris |first=Aaron |title='Final Fantasy IX' is now on iOS and Android |url=https://www.engadget.com/2016/02/10/final-fantasy-ix-mobile-release/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160315171719/http://www.engadget.com/2016/02/10/final-fantasy-ix-mobile-release/ |archive-date=March 15, 2016 |access-date=March 16, 2016 |work=Engadget|date=February 10, 2016 }}</ref> The remaster features HD movies and character models, an auto-save feature, seven different game boosters (cheats), including high speed and no encounter modes, and achievements. A port for [[Windows]] was released on April 14 the same year. In September 2017, the Windows port was released on [[PlayStation 4]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ashcraft |first=Brian |title=Final Fantasy IX Is Out Now For PlayStation 4 |url=https://kotaku.com/final-fantasy-ix-is-headed-to-playstation-4-1818535442 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170919182519/https://kotaku.com/final-fantasy-ix-is-headed-to-playstation-4-1818535442 |archive-date=September 19, 2017 |access-date=September 19, 2017 |website=Kotaku|date=September 19, 2017}}</ref> It was also released on the [[Nintendo Switch]], Xbox One, and [[Windows 10]] in North America on February 13, 2019, and in other regions a day later.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Final Fantasy IX Available on Nintendo Switch, Xbox One and Windows 10 Today! |url=https://na.finalfantasy.com/news/1008 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190214174231/https://na.finalfantasy.com/news/1008 |archive-date=February 14, 2019 |access-date=February 13, 2019 |website=Final Fantasy Portal Site}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Final Fantasy IX Available on Nintendo Switch, Xbox One and Windows 10 Today! UK |url=https://www.nintendo.co.uk/Games/Nintendo-Switch-download-software/FINAL-FANTASY-IX-1438973.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210505184434/https://www.nintendo.co.uk/Games/Nintendo-Switch-download-software/FINAL-FANTASY-IX-1438973.html |archive-date=May 5, 2021 |access-date=February 14, 2019}}</ref>

==Reception==
{{Video game reviews
| GR = PS: 93%<ref name="gamerankings">{{Cite web |title=Final Fantasy IX for PlayStation |url=https://www.gamerankings.com/ps/197338-final-fantasy-ix/index.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110730191211/http://www.gamerankings.com/ps/197338-final-fantasy-ix/index.html |archive-date=July 30, 2011 |access-date=July 9, 2010 |website=[[GameRankings]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]]}}</ref>
| MC = PS: 94/100<ref name="MC_PS">{{Cite web |title=Final Fantasy IX for PlayStation Reviews |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/final-fantasy-ix/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111028043133/http://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation/final-fantasy-ix |archive-date=October 28, 2011 |access-date=April 28, 2007 |publisher=[[Metacritic]]}}</ref><br />iOS: 88/100<ref>{{Cite web |title=Final Fantasy IX for iPhone/iPad Reviews |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/final-fantasy-ix/critic-reviews/?platform=ios-iphoneipad |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180807162402/http://www.metacritic.com/game/ios/final-fantasy-ix |archive-date=August 7, 2018 |access-date=August 4, 2018 |publisher=[[Metacritic]]}}</ref><br />PC: 84/100<ref>{{Cite web |title=Final Fantasy IX for PC Reviews |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/final-fantasy-ix/critic-reviews/?platform=pc |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180719194450/http://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/final-fantasy-ix |archive-date=July 19, 2018 |access-date=August 4, 2018 |publisher=[[Metacritic]]}}</ref><br />PS4: 85/100<ref>{{Cite web |title=Final Fantasy IX for PlayStation 4 Reviews |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/final-fantasy-ix/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-4 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180721124936/http://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-4/final-fantasy-ix |archive-date=July 21, 2018 |access-date=August 4, 2018 |publisher=[[Metacritic]]}}</ref><br />NS: 76/100<ref>{{Cite web |title=Final Fantasy IX for Switch Reviews |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/final-fantasy-ix/critic-reviews/?platform=nintendo-switch |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190410113556/https://www.metacritic.com/game/switch/final-fantasy-ix |archive-date=April 10, 2019 |access-date=April 18, 2019 |publisher=[[Metacritic]]}}</ref>
| Fam = 38/40<ref>プレイステーション – ファイナルファンタジーIX. Weekly Famitsu. No. 915 Pt. 2. p. 16. June 30, 2006.</ref><ref name="Fami">{{Cite web |title=Final Fantasy – Famitsu Scores Archive |url=http://fs.finalfantasytr.com/search.asp?query=final+fantasy |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080714074152/http://fs.finalfantasytr.com/search.asp?query=final+fantasy |archive-date=July 14, 2008 |access-date=July 16, 2008 |publisher=Famitsu Scores Archive}}</ref>
| GI = 9.75/10<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=McNamara, Andy |title=Final Fantasy IX review |url=http://www.gameinformer.com/Games/Review/200212/R03.0620.1355.35250.htm |magazine=[[Game Informer]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080314223038/http://www.gameinformer.com/Games/Review/200212/R03.0620.1355.35250.htm |archive-date=March 14, 2008 |url-status=dead |access-date=March 23, 2008}}</ref>
| GamePro = {{Rating|5|5}}<ref name="RevGP" />
| GSpot = 8.5/10<ref name="RevGS" />
| Hyper = 95%<ref name="Hyper90">{{cite magazine |title=R.I.P. PlayStation: The best of 1995-2001 |magazine=[[Hyper (magazine)|Hyper]] |date=28 February 2001 |issue=90 (April 2001) |pages=44–51 |url=https://archive.org/details/hyper-090/page/44/mode/2up}}</ref>
| IGN = 9.2/10<ref name="RevIGN" />
| NGen = {{rating|5|5}}<ref name="NG" />
| rev1 = ''[[TouchArcade]]''
| rev1Score = iOS: {{rating|5|5}}<ref>{{Cite web |last=Musgrave |first=Shaun |date=February 15, 2016 |title='Final Fantasy 9' Review – Celebrating The Series in Style |url=https://toucharcade.com/2016/02/15/final-fantasy-9-review/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190528094544/https://toucharcade.com/2016/02/15/final-fantasy-9-review/ |archive-date=May 28, 2019 |access-date=August 4, 2018 |website=[[TouchArcade]]}}</ref>
| award1Pub = [[4th Annual Interactive Achievement Awards]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=4th Annual Interactive Achievement Awards: Winners |url=http://www.interactive.org/awards/2001_4th_awards.asp |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101023023549/http://www.interactive.org/awards/2001_4th_awards.asp |archive-date=October 23, 2010 |access-date=March 11, 2006 |publisher=interactive.org}}</ref>
| award1 =
{{ulist|[[D.I.C.E. Award for Role-Playing Game of the Year|Console RPG of the Year]]
| [[D.I.C.E. Award for Outstanding Achievement in Art Direction|Outstanding Achievement in Art Direction]]
| [[D.I.C.E. Award for Outstanding Achievement in Animation|Outstanding Achievement in Animation]]}}
| award2Pub = 6th Annual [[Satellite Awards|Golden Satellite Awards]]<ref>{{Cite web |last=Witham, Joseph |date=January 23, 2002 |title=Final Fantasy IX wins Golden Satellite Award |url=http://rpgamer.com/news/Q1-2002/012302c.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061106174209/http://www.rpgamer.com/news/Q1-2002/012302c.html |archive-date=November 6, 2006 |access-date=August 27, 2006 |publisher=RPGamer}}</ref>
| award2 =
{{ulist|Best Interactive Product/Video Game}}
}}

''Final Fantasy IX'' sold over 2.65 million copies in Japan by the end of 2000, making it the second-highest selling game of the year in the region.<ref name="EBsales">{{Cite book |url=http://geimin.net/da/db/2000_ne_fa/index.php |title=Famitsū Gēmu Hakusho 2001 |publisher=[[Enterbrain]] |year=2001 |location=Tokyo |language=ja |script-title=ja:ファミ通ゲーム白書2001 |trans-title=Famitsu Game Whitebook 2001 |chapter=2000年ゲームソフト年間売上TOP100 |trans-chapter=2000 Game Software Annual Sales Top 300 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150627095816/http://geimin.net/da/db/2000_ne_fa/index.php |archive-date=June 27, 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref> Although it was a top-seller in Japan<ref>[[Dengeki PlayStation]] sales chart, October 2000, published in [[Official UK PlayStation Magazine]] issue 63.</ref> and America,<ref>{{Cite web |last=IGN Staff |date=December 19, 2000 |title=Final Fantasy IX Is Number One |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2000/12/20/final-fantasy-ix-is-number-one |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121017191718/http://www.ign.com/articles/2000/12/20/final-fantasy-ix-is-number-one |archive-date=October 17, 2012 |access-date=March 7, 2006 |website=IGN}}</ref> ''Final Fantasy IX'' did not sell as many copies as ''VII'' or ''VIII'' in either Japan or the United States.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Japan Platinum Game Chart |url=http://www.the-magicbox.com/Chart-JPPlatinum.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121017061224/http://the-magicbox.com/Chart-JPPlatinum.shtml |archive-date=October 17, 2012 |access-date=March 7, 2006 |publisher=the-magicbox.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=US Platinum Videogame Chart |url=http://www.the-magicbox.com/Chart-USPlatinum.shtml |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070421003854/http://www.the-magicbox.com/Chart-USPlatinum.shtml |archive-date=April 21, 2007 |access-date=March 7, 2006 |publisher=the-magicbox.com}}</ref> In 2001, the game received a "Gold" certification from the Verband der Unterhaltungssoftware Deutschland (VUD),<ref name="deutschgold">{{Cite web |date=August 2001 |title=VUD-Sales-Awards August 2001 |url=http://www.vud.de:80/presse/august2001.php3 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20021231013457/http://www.vud.de/presse/august2001.php3 |archive-date=December 31, 2002 |access-date=July 29, 2018 |publisher=Verband der Unterhaltungssoftware Deutschland}}</ref> for sales of at least 100,000 units across Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.<ref name="GameProGold">{{Cite magazine |last=Horn, Andre |date=January 14, 2004 |title=VUD-Gold-Awards 2003 |url=https://www.gamepro.de/artikel/vud-gold-awards-2003,1290773.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180718145345/https://www.gamepro.de/artikel/vud-gold-awards-2003,1290773.html |archive-date=July 18, 2018 |magazine=GamePro}}</ref> The original PlayStation version sold over 5.5 million copies by March 2016.<ref>{{Cite web |date=February 9, 2004 |title=Titles of game software with worldwide shipments exceeding 1 million copies |url=http://www.jp.square-enix.com/ir/e/explanatory/download/0404-200402090000-01.pdf#page=27 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131109063558/http://www.jp.square-enix.com/ir/e/explanatory/download/0404-200402090000-01.pdf |archive-date=November 9, 2013 |access-date=February 23, 2021 |publisher=[[Square Enix]] |page=27}}</ref><ref>[https://venturebeat.com/2016/03/06/the-challenges-of-porting-final-fantasy-ix-to-android-and-ios/ The challenges of porting Final Fantasy IX to Android and iOS] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191205131844/https://venturebeat.com/2016/03/06/the-challenges-of-porting-final-fantasy-ix-to-android-and-ios/ |date=December 5, 2019}} VentureBeat (March 6, 2016)</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Final Fantasy IX |url=https://apps.apple.com/us/app/final-fantasy/id1041260001 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190402162531/https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/final-fantasy/id1041260001?mt=8 |archive-date=April 2, 2019 |access-date=April 23, 2019 |website=App Store}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Carpenter |first=Nicole |date=February 9, 2016 |title=Final Fantasy 9 Available Now on iOS and Android |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2016/02/09/final-fantasy-9-available-now-on-ios-and-android |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190402182441/https://www.ign.com/articles/2016/02/09/final-fantasy-9-available-now-on-ios-and-android |archive-date=April 2, 2019 |access-date=April 23, 2019 |website=Ign.com}}</ref> Across all releases, the game was announced to have sold 8.9 million copies by March 2025.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000793.000002864.html | title=メガネブランド「Zoff」×名作RPG『ファイナルファンタジーIX』コラボレーション決定。7月上旬よりWEB予約開始予定 | date=March 31, 2025 }}</ref>

''Final Fantasy IX'' received universal acclaim both in Japan and abroad. It achieved a 94/100 on the review aggregator [[Metacritic]] making it their highest-scoring ''Final Fantasy'' game.<ref name="MC_PS" /> The game was voted the 24th-best game of all time by readers of the Japanese magazine ''[[Famitsu]]''.<ref name="Famitsu">{{Cite web |last=Campbell, Colin |date=March 3, 2006 |title=Japan Votes on All Time Top 100 |url=http://www.edge-online.com/features/japan-votes-all-time-top-100/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150216184125/http://www.edge-online.com/features/japan-votes-all-time-top-100/ |archive-date=February 16, 2015 |access-date=August 26, 2006 |publisher=Next Generation}}</ref> Francesca Reyes of ''[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]]'' called it "an imaginative return to the roots of the ''Final Fantasy'' series that hits the RPG mark dead-on".<ref name="NG">{{Cite magazine |last=Reyes |first=Francesca |date=December 2000 |title=Finals |magazine=[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]] |publisher=[[Future US|Imagine Media]] |volume=3 |issue=12 |page=120}}</ref>

Critics generally praised the title's gameplay and combat system. ''GameSpot'' approved of the simple learning curve and that the ability system is not as complex as in ''VII'' or ''VIII''.<ref name="RevGS">{{Cite web |last=Vestal, Andrew |date=July 19, 2000 |title=Final Fantasy IX Review |url=http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/final-fantasy-ix-review/1900-2605459/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151118184702/http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/final-fantasy-ix-review/1900-2605459/ |archive-date=November 18, 2015 |access-date=June 13, 2007 |website=[[GameSpot]]}}</ref> Each character possesses unique abilities, which prevents one character from overpowering the others. ''GameSpot'' describes the battle system as having a tactical nature and notes that the expanded party allows for more interaction between players and between enemies.<ref name="RevGS" /> Nevertheless, ''[[IGN]]'' disliked the lengthy combat pace and the repeated battles, describing it as "aggravating".<ref name="RevIGN">{{Cite web |last=Smith, David |year=2000 |title=Final Fantasy IX Review |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2000/11/23/final-fantasy-ix |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023015554/http://www.ign.com/articles/2000/11/23/final-fantasy-ix |archive-date=October 23, 2012 |access-date=June 13, 2007 |website=IGN}}</ref> ''RPGFan'' felt the Trance system was ineffective because the meter buildup is slow and unpredictable, with characters Trancing just before the enemy dies.<ref name="RevRPGF">{{Cite web |last=Sensei Phoenix |year=2000 |title=Final Fantasy IX Review |url=https://www.rpgfan.com/review/final-fantasy-ix/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071011115840/http://rpgfan.com/reviews/finalfantasy9/Final_Fantasy_9-2.html |archive-date=October 11, 2007 |access-date=June 16, 2007 |publisher=RPGFan}}</ref>

The characters and graphics also received positive reviews. Although ''IGN'' felt that the characters were similar to those in other ''Final Fantasy'' games, the characters were still engaging and sympathetic.<ref name="RevIGN" /> ''GameSpot'' found the characters amusing and full of humor.<ref name="RevGS" /> ''IGN'' also noted that even the Active Time Event system helps expand the player's understanding of the characters' personalities as they grapple with many ideas and emotions.<ref name="RevIGN" /> ''RPGFan'' enjoyed the detailed animation and design of the semi-deformed graphical style. They also praised the pre-rendered backgrounds, noting the careful attention given to the artwork, movement in animations, and character interactivity. They commended the cutscenes for being emotionally compelling and highlighted the seamless transition between cutscenes and in-game graphics.<ref name="RevRPGF" /> The music also received praise, with ''[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]]'' listing it the best soundtrack on their list of top five original soundtracks,<ref>{{cite magazine |title=An Introduction to Game Soundtracks: EGMs Current Top 5 Soundtracks |magazine=[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]] |date=5 December 2000 |issue=138 (January 2001) |page=60 |url=https://archive.org/details/ElectronicGamingMonthly_201902/Electronic%20Gaming%20Monthly%20Issue%20138%20%28January%202001%29/page/n59}}</ref> while ''GamePro'' praised the audio for evoking "emotions throughout the story, from battles to heartbreak to comedy".<ref name="RevGP">{{Cite magazine |last=Uncledust |date=November 15, 2000 |title=Review: Final Fantasy IX |url=http://www.gamepro.com/article/reviews/7357/final-fantasy-ix/ |magazine=[[GamePro]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081215084526/http://www.gamepro.com/article/reviews/7357/final-fantasy-ix/ |archive-date=December 15, 2008 |access-date=January 6, 2008}}</ref>

Critics acknowledged that Square primarily built the storyline upon elements found in previous ''Final Fantasy'' installments, such as evil empires and enigmatic villains.<ref name="RevRPGF" /> The main villain, although considered by ''GameSpot'' to be the least threatening in the series,<ref name="RevGS" /> was seen by ''IGN'' as an impeccable combination of "[[Kefka Palazzo|Kefka]]'s cackling villainy" and "plenty of the [[bishōnen|bishonenosity]] that made [[Sephiroth (Final Fantasy)|Sephiroth]] such a hit with the ladies".<ref name="RevIGN" /> ''RPGFan'' felt that the music was "uninspired and dull" compared to previous ''Final Fantasy'' titles and criticized composer Uematsu for reusing some tracks from past iterations of the series.<ref name="RevRPGF" /> Still, reviewers have concluded that this and many other elements are part of the overall effort to create a nostalgic game for fans of the older ''Final Fantasy'' games.<ref name="RevIGN" /><ref name="RevGS" /><ref name="RevRPGF" />

The strategy guide also received criticism; it urged buyers to log onto an online site to gain the information instead of providing it within the actual guide. The book's given links are no longer accessible on the [[PlayOnline]] website. The minigame "Tetra Master" was seen by ''GameSpot'' as inferior and confusing compared to ''Final Fantasy VIII''{{'}}s minigame "Triple Triad" as the rules are vaguely explained and offered few rewards despite its expansive nature.<ref name="RevGS" />

During the [[4th Annual Interactive Achievement Awards]], the [[Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences]] honored ''Final Fantasy IX'' with the "[[D.I.C.E. Award for Role-Playing Game of the Year|Console Role-Playing]]", "[[D.I.C.E. Award for Outstanding Achievement in Art Direction|Art Direction]]" and "[[D.I.C.E. Award for Outstanding Achievement in Animation|Animation]]" awards, as well as received nominations for "[[D.I.C.E. Award for Game of the Year|Game of the Year]]", "Console Game of the Year", "[[D.I.C.E. Award for Outstanding Achievement in Original Music Composition|Original Musical Composition]]", and "[[D.I.C.E. Award for Outstanding Achievement in Story|Character or Story Development]]".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.interactive.org/games/video_game_details.asp?idAward=2001&idGame=576 |title=D.I.C.E. Awards By Video Game Details Final Fantasy IX |publisher=[[Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences]] |access-date=24 July 2023 |archive-date=July 24, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230724170539/https://www.interactive.org/games/video_game_details.asp?idAward=2001&idGame=576 |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Legacy===
''Final Fantasy IX'' was voted the 4th best ''Final Fantasy'' game in a poll by Japan's national broadcasting organization NHK.<ref name=nhk>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pushsquare.com/news/2020/03/japan_says_final_fantasy_x_is_the_best_game_in_the_series|publisher=Push Square|access-date=May 22, 2021|date=May 4, 2020|last=Ramsey|first=Robert|title=Japan Says Final Fantasy X Is the Best Game in the Series|archive-date=May 22, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210522202322/https://www.pushsquare.com/news/2020/03/japan_says_final_fantasy_x_is_the_best_game_in_the_series|url-status=live}}</ref> ''IGN'' named it the 14th best game on the original PlayStation, calling it an "incredible" way to close out the ''Final Fantasy'' series's first nine games and complimented its reverence for those titles.<ref name=IGNreverence>{{Cite web|publisher=IGN|access-date=May 22, 2021|date=June 22, 2020|title=The Best PlayStation Games Of All Time|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/best-ps1-games-playstation|archive-date=May 22, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210522202324/https://www.ign.com/articles/best-ps1-games-playstation|url-status=live}}</ref> ''Rock Paper Shotgun'' named the title their 4th best ''Final Fantasy'' game available on [[PC game|PC]], praising the cast and its eclectic group of heroes.<ref name=rock>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/best-final-fantasy-games-pc|journal=[[Rock Paper Shotgun]]|access-date=May 22, 2021|date=March 2, 2018|title=The Best of Final Fantasy|author=Hivemind|archive-date=May 22, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210522204208/https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/best-final-fantasy-games-pc|url-status=live}}</ref> Though overshadowed during its initial release by other ''Final Fantasy'' titles, the game has been recognized for its mature themes, including mortality and handling death and is considered a JRPG masterpiece.<ref name=handling>{{Cite web|url=https://venturebeat.com/2020/11/13/the-retrobeat-20-years-of-final-fantasy-ix-the-best-final-fantasy/|publisher=Venturebeat|access-date=May 22, 2021|title=The RetroBeat: 20 years of Final Fantasy IX, the best Final Fantasy|first=Mike|last=Minotti|date=November 13, 2020|archive-date=May 22, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210522013131/https://venturebeat.com/2020/11/13/the-retrobeat-20-years-of-final-fantasy-ix-the-best-final-fantasy/|url-status=live}}</ref> The music has also been called one of Uematsu's greatest scores.<ref name=Tracks>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/final-fantasy-ix-is-20-years-old-today-and-its-soundtrack-is-still-absolutely-bangin|journal=[[Rock Paper Shotgun]]|title=Final Fantasy IX is 20 years old today and its soundtrack is still absolutely bangin'|first=Katharine|last=Castle|access-date=May 22, 2021|date=July 7, 2020|archive-date=May 22, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210522204655/https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/final-fantasy-ix-is-20-years-old-today-and-its-soundtrack-is-still-absolutely-bangin|url-status=live}}</ref> The game has inspired a number of [[Video game modding|mods]] such as ''[[Moguri Mod]]'', which is an unofficial remaster project developed by fans which saw its initial release in 2018.<ref name=":1">{{Cite news|last=Fenlon|first=Wes|date=2020-07-07|title=For Final Fantasy 9's 20th anniversary, play it with the beautiful Moguri AI upscale mod|language=en|work=PC Gamer|url=https://www.pcgamer.com/for-final-fantasy-9s-20th-anniversary-play-it-with-the-beautiful-moguri-ai-upscale-mod/|access-date=2021-12-09|archive-date=December 9, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211209103718/https://www.pcgamer.com/for-final-fantasy-9s-20th-anniversary-play-it-with-the-beautiful-moguri-ai-upscale-mod/|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2015, [[OverClocked ReMix]] released a four-disc collection called "Worlds Apart" with 120 songs to celebrate the 15th anniversary of the game's release.<ref name=OCR>{{Cite web|url=https://www.usgamer.net/articles/oc-remix-gives-final-fantasy-ixs-soundtrack-a-masterful-rearrangement|publisher=US Gamer|access-date=May 22, 2021|title=OC Remix Gives Final Fantasy IX's Soundtrack a Masterful Rearrangement|first=Bob|last=Mackey|date=September 10, 2015|archive-date=May 22, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210522205248/https://www.usgamer.net/articles/oc-remix-gives-final-fantasy-ixs-soundtrack-a-masterful-rearrangement|url-status=dead}}</ref> In June 2021, [[Cyber Group Studios]] and Square Enix announced plans to develop an animated television series based on ''Final Fantasy IX''.<ref>{{Cite web|url = https://www.animationmagazine.net/tv/cyber-group-to-create-first-final-fantasy-ix-animated-series/|title = Cyber Group to Create First 'Final Fantasy IX' Animated Series|date = June 21, 2021|access-date = June 21, 2021|archive-date = June 21, 2021|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210621183105/https://www.animationmagazine.net/tv/cyber-group-to-create-first-final-fantasy-ix-animated-series/|url-status = live}}</ref>

==Notes==
{{Notelist}}

'''Story notes'''
<references group="q"/>

==References==
{{Reflist}}

== Further reading ==
* {{Cite book | title=Final Fantasy Ultimania Archive | publisher=[[Dark Horse Comics]] | year=2018 | isbn=978-15-0670-662-7 | volume=2 | publication-place=Milwaukie}}

==External links==
{{Wikiquote|Final Fantasy IX|''Final Fantasy IX''}}
{{Commons category|Final Fantasy IX|''Final Fantasy IX''}}
* {{Official website|https://finalfantasy-ix.square-enix-games.com/en-us/home/}}
* {{moby game|id=/final-fantasy-ix}}
* {{IMDb title|tt0249510}}

{{Portal bar|Video games|Japan|2000s|}}
{{Final Fantasy series|FF=FFIX}}
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