Platform(s): Switch, Xbox One, PS4, PC (Steam/Windows 10)
Release Date:
Switch, Xbox One, Windows 10: February 13th, 2019
PS4: September 19, 2017
PC: April 14, 2016
Genre: RPGPrice: $20.99 USD
Player(s): 1
Format: Digital
Publisher: Square Enix
Size: 4.97 GB
Can I start with this game as my first Final Fantasy?
Yes. Final Fantasy IX, like the other numbered FF titles (follow up sequels like X-2 notwithstanding) is a standalone story and world that requires no previous knowledge of the series.
Turn based and random encounters?
Yes to both, though this port features the ability to disable encounters entirely if you wish.
What's new with this port over the PS1 original?
The port features 7 game boosters and cheats which include things such as "high speed", "max damage" and "no encounter" modes to streamline progression for those that want to just experience the story. The game also includes high-definition movies and character models (2D elements scaled to HD, 3D elements rendered in HD) and achievements/trophies for the platforms that support them.
Does this use the same background images as the PS4/PC port?
It appears so. AI scaling is still limited to a PC mod.
Which font is the Switch/Xbox port using?
The newer font seen in the recent ports.
Play Anywhere?
Yes, the game supports Play Anywhere on Xbox One and Windows 10. Buying the game on one platform gets you it on the other and gives you the option to cross-save.
Xbox One X enhancements?
No.
Achievement list?
https://www.trueachievements.com/n36457/final-fantasy-ix-achievement-list-revealed
Does the music glitch (tracks starting from the beginning after every encounter) on PS4 occur on Switch and Xbox One ports?
*Update: The bug has been fixed on PS4 and will be fixed on the other platforms in the future.
Any other issues?
The Xbox Store listing states that "Names cannot be changed in the current version" so character names are static.
With those issues in mind is the port still worth playing?
I have thoroughly enjoyed playing this version (well, the PS4 release). This and the original PSX release both have their strengths and weaknesses. I wouldn't say this is a terrible port by any means, and the boosters can make it really enjoyable and helps combat the originals issues with it's combat engine.
Chance of a physical release?
There haven't been any hints of one on any platform.
Media
Reviews
Metacritic (PS4) - 85
Destructoid 9/10
https://www.destructoid.com/review-final-fantasy-ix-465118.phtml
This game feels like a home run after almost two decades. The look may be a bit dated, but the gameplay still holds up, and the story still resonates. Final Fantasy IX is certainly worth the time of a first-timer or a nostalgic fan like myself. It's always a pleasant surprise to see how well a complex RPG can hold up almost 20 years later and a joy to have one of my favorite games easily accessible on a modern console.
Dualshockers 9.5/10
https://www.dualshockers.com/final-fantasy-ix-ff-9-ps4-review/
Final Fantasy IX on PlayStation 4 has rekindled my imagination that for years I thought I had lost, giving me a reason to return to these characters and story that deserve to be experienced by any fan of the genre. Final Fantasy IX on PlayStation 4 is upgraded and re-rendered up to the best possible version for every fan of Final Fantasy, new and old.
Push Square 9/10
http://www.pushsquare.com/reviews/p...medium=email&utm_campaign=review-notification
Not all aspects of Final Fantasy IX hold up perfectly in 2017, but the PSone swansong is still a stone cold classic. Although you could argue that the PS4 port should do more to enhance the experience, the adventure's core strengths in world building and storytelling remain, and they're as flawless as ever. When all's said and done, masterpiece is still a word that we'd use to describe Final Fantasy IX.
Links
Steam
PS4
Switch
Xbox One/Windows 10
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