Inside FINAL FANTASY IX (Closed Captions)

View an exclusive and in-depth look at the beloved and timeless classic FINAL FANTASY® IX.
Inside FINAL FANTASY IX takes a look at some of the secrets and anecdotes from the development of the game, featuring interviews with, Shinji Hashimoto (Producer), Toshiyuki Itahana (Artist), Kazuhiko Aoki (Event Designer) & Nobuaki Komoto (Event Planner).
The first in an ongoing series of developer featurettes, “Inside FINAL FANTASY” takes viewers on a deep dive into the legacy of the series bringing together interviews with a variety of original creators, artists and developers.
FINAL FANTASY IX is available now on App Store®, Google Play™, STEAM®, Playstation®4 computer entertainment system, the Nintendo Switch™ system, the Xbox One family of devices, and Windows 10.
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[@brandonruschman3961]

To every person who has ever loved Final Fantasy IX, YOU ARE NOT ALONE!

[@SilverShion]

I see what you did there

[@miamivicemastermixer]

no shit

[@Varinz]

@D JL Don't forget 12.

[@zvezdavnutri]

I believe

[@SnakeDeBangu]

*YOU ARE NOT ALONE.mp3 fades in*

[@MaskedGuyCh]

Most beautiful RPG I have ever played. Final Fantasy IX is a masterpiece.

[@OFFICIALFUNUSBAND]

It was okay, the masterpiece still needs to be made....

[@txhdx8849]

I agree completely. A lot of people sleep on this one. It's my favorite in the series.

[@geraltvonriva9873]

Man this game will always be in my heart. One of the best, most beautiful and emotional games I ever played. ❤

[@chibzie]

While ff8 is my fav with ff6 being a close second - ff9 has a good third place and I love it dearly. I played it first time 2015 I think and replayed several times since. It's underrated.

[@tailgrowth]

2:32 "There aren't really any bad guys in Final Fantasy IX" The jump rope kids

[@Zelink108]

BS, just look at Brahne and Kuja, if that was the case then the developers did a really poor job at it. This video is extremely biased.

[@Vixielicious]

Brahne is evil but I wouldn't argue that Kuja is.

[@pandaeyez]

​@@Zelink108 Nope, not truly evil anyway. Upon her death, it's revealed that she regrets what she did and she realised she had been manipulated by Kuja. As for Kuja, he has an inferiority complex which drove him to be evil and then he began to be jealous of everyone else for having much longer lifespans.

[@TheZenytram]

still poorly made, they're not evil cuz they regret 30s before dying, what a dumb excuse

[@awinterblazettrpg]

Aint this the fuckin truth....

[@Andrea8851]

For me FF IX is not just a game, it is a piece of art, a collection of emotions and feelings that will always remain in my heart. Final fantasy IX is one of the most wonderful moment of my life that i never forget. Simply one of the best jrpg ever made and one of the greatest experiences of my life.

[@emylacsa6258]

Sammeeeee! 🥺🥺🥺🥺😭🥺😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭

[@dreamingway]

seeing how many people still appreciate and love this gem really warms my heart 💜

[@Lokim23]

I love this game so much, I bought it for PC and plan to stream, cause I've kept hyping myself back to do it again. Like to me its one of the most underrated FF games.

[@leuzm7052]

14:07 "If your' re making something like a novel, that theme might be important, but what I feel most important for a game is something different. When a player is close to finishign a game, I wanto them to feel that they still want to stay in that world, that they don't want it to end." Kazuhiko Aoki Well, Aoki-san, I think you nailed it. I'm almost 30 years old and every time I start FF IX it feels like the first time, even 20 years later! This is my personal favorite game ever, I played it sooo many times and it still gives me chills. What an absolute masterpiece. For every person who didn't play this game, just do it. You will never regret it. Thank you Square(soft), this game(s) will live forever in our hearts!

[@michaelsinger7063]

Yeah, no, I regret it.

[@lolindirlink]

Nice try Michel, not possible.

[@lucianlangtr]

I'm 27 and I just finished it for the first time. I loved it!

[@BerserkerArmor000]

I haven't played it yet. I didnt want to give it a chance. But I will now.

[@Rainelfy]

I'm surprised that the creators are not more proud of themselves or aware of the many many people who hail this game to be the most amazing masterpiece in the gaming world ever created. Also sad, that it never got the medial attention it really deserved. Since I was 10 years old, this game is always with me in my heart and has helped me overcome difficult life situations. It inspired me to write and publish a novel. I'm so greatful for this unique experience.

[@DiaaOnsa]

To the creators of FFIX in this video, thank you very much from the bottom of my heart, you created a timeless masterpiece that no matter how many great games I played after, they will never have the same impact as FFIX, I can't forget how much I cried during the ending because I was sad to leave that world & those beautiful characters that I loved and cared about in every moment of the game.

[@emylacsa6258]

Same here! You're not alone 🥺😭

[@Picaresca]

"The game was developed in Hawaii... blue skies and ocean, surfing..." Now I understand the chocobo beaches sidequest.

[@graccio]

14:14 Aoki he is right. The worst thing about ff9 is that it ends

[@ciscodeleon4156]

and beatrix not being a party member

[@graccio]

@@ciscodeleon4156 have you ever heard of MOD? :) kzbin.info/www/bejne/sHepdGqohL15jsk

[@EtienneTC]

Final fantasy IX is storybook perfection. I’ve played it so many times, and I’m always completely immersed. I love how they managed to create such an emotional landscape about life...truly fitting of the “melodies of life” theme. It really highlights the various realities that people deal with...questioning your motivations/duty, your beliefs about the meaning of your life...taking responsibility for your actions, and realizing that it’s important to prioritize what is right~because living honestly can liberate you...Cherishing important friendships, and supporting eachother through the difficult times. It’s dark and depressing in one moment, and the completely uplifting and lighthearted in the next. I think it’s the only game in the series to truly balance those themes with proper attention to all of the details. The gameplay has some minor technical shortcomings and balancing issues (being a bit too easy, weird loading times in battle, etc)....could’ve used some extra dungeons/challenges for a remaster...but otherwise it’s a nearly perfect game in my mind. It’s probably in my top 3 favorite games of all time, and I’m getting OLD! Thank you for making it! Truly changed my perspective on life, and I’m a better person for it.

[@lemnlime66]

I can totally relate to the fan who talked about suicide. The world can be a terrible place, but the thought of getting to enjoy masterpieces like the FF series again can keep a person going if all else fails. I had a terrible childhood after my parents' divorce and my fave hobbies definitely helped me survive it. I'm looking forward to more vids in this series!

[@Xagzan]

Oh my god, an official behind the scenes featurette on the best FF? _cries in Melodies of Life_

[@0FrannyP]

I'm really, really grateful to ff9. Helped me through some hard times back in school and I want more people to experience this game and its themes. It's soo completely accessible with the boosts they implemented in the newest version. I do want more fans to come and appreciate this game.

[@paulsmith9192]

@0FrannyP did u hear about the animated series?

[@berserkerbard]

I’m in tears after watching. That story at 14:45 really resonated as this game had a similar impact in my life. It was a lifeline that I cannot thank enough. So thank you from the bottom of my heart for creating the one thing that gave me hope after a tough childhood trauma, even after years of suffering it still brings peace to my soul.

[@paulsmith9192]

@Berserker Bard did u hear about the animated series?

[@tmcttf8087]

You didn't deserve to suffer through that, you know. It was never your fault. It was theirs.

[@iam16bits]

Final Fantasy IX is a game that changed my life and I will always be grateful for it. Thank you for making such a wonderful game.

[@paulsmith9192]

@iam16bits did u hear about the animated series?

[@GUNDAMURX73]

In my dearest memories, I hear you reaching out to me... FF9 is home to some of my most cherished memories, of my childhood friends and how we all played the game together, naming the characters after ourselves. From the bottom of my heart, to all involved in its creation... thank you so much!

[@drxgxn1742]

While playing this, I cried many times, I was very sad and felt lost. Before playing FFIX I had lost the passion to do the things I loved. I remember that this game left me with a very strong impression about what life and death is, it taught me to appreciate the people around me, it reminded me that I wasn't alone, just like Zidane. I just wish I could thank each of the people who worked on this. I love every character, and the influence that they had on me, they made me love being alive. I'm part of the new generation who played this, and this is my favorite game ever (and VI). Also I really want a Remake haha.

[@matthewwilson4059]

The single best and most impactful video game I have ever had the honour of playing. It's everything a game should be and more. Thanks for these fantastic interviews!

[@SupahPowers]

So glad this was released, IX is my favorite of the series and this was just a real treat to learn.

[@Nena1993]

Final Fantasy has been a part of me. I've been playing it every year for multiple times a year, since I was 6 years old. I mostly identified with Garnet's passion and fears and I strived to be someone who's trying my best to fight my fears and care for those around me just like her. I also was happy to be the same age as a character ( Eiko) around that time. And as it turned out in my later years, I identified to her as well. Someone who's energetic, extremely funny without even trying to crack a joke, loves to be around people and free spirited. She tried to live by a promise and felt guilty when she broke that promise, but she realized the world isn't going to wait for anyone. She had enormous inner strength and a very opiniated mind and the world needed some of that! Then I realized how whenever I'm not ok, I really act like Vivi. Lonely, Shy, scared but willing to fight, really fighting to find his meaning in life and finally to make a difference. Heck, he even survived Quan's claws! He's a real thinker. Slowly after that, I realized how my personalty actually fits in ALL of the characters. It's crazy, how different but also similar these character's are. After 20 years in all honestly, I found myself skipping many dialogues while I played it today. I missed the point of why I was playing the game every year. I thought that with my passion for it it was crazy to outgrow the story or the message behind it. And I was right. This video proved me right. but also reminded me why I was playing it. Not only the story is about how to accept, to move on, try, overcome, and be humble, but it's also all these fun things you can collect and play and deviate from the plan. I've been trying for years to complete Final Fantasy IX in 100% but always fail. Yes, if you include the Ultima Weapon II, I always fail. I refuse to finish the game in 12 hours, missing out on other secrets and items just for that. since 2010 I'll always be 99% complete but 9999 happy with what I've played and the journey I had with my friends ( characters). In the interview people had to talk about their favourite character. I just realized that I called my "family" Garnet, Vivi, Eiko, Steiner and Zidane. I really didn't like the others since they felt more depressing than the others. I used to leave them to at max Lvl 40. I guess I really need to show them more love, after all, sometimes I do understand them! I really hope I'll be able to continue playing this game, after I'm 30 - all the way to the end of my life. There's nothing I can say that can show how grateful I am for being alive to witness this game. And most of all to find it at such a yound age, so it can shape me to who I am today. THANK YOU SQUARESOFT - ENIX TEAM!!!! With Love, Lady. Ps. Final Fantasy ix will always be the first and favourite FF I've ever played. But, I'll be honest that FFX - VI and the Kingdom Hearts series, are also my favourites. I'm thankful I played those games! Everytime I replay these games I get goosebumps, and cry with the music, the story and the character struggles.

[@solaireofastora7835]

Played this game for the first time when I was 8 years old, I had never heard of final fantasy, but remember being mesmerized by the cover. It was challenging for me at first, it was the first game of its kind I had ever attempted, and im sad to say it took me years of starting over and over to eventually navigate my way through and finish it. Nearly every part of this game blasts me with nostalgia, one of the all time greats in my opinion.

[@satyasyasatyasya5746]

This was wonderful actually. *Thankyou* everyone who worked on this game! The story of that boy's note, and the man who decided that games are important after all, was super great to hear. THANKYOU!!!

[@Iskander67]

Memoria is one of the most beautiful piece of art I have ever seen... The music, the incredible backgrounds, and the philosophic topics about this part of this game, it's pure poetry. FFIX is more than a game, it's an artistic achievement. To each of the developpers of this game : THANK YOU. A game made with the heart and the soul.

[@MrMcorcini]

The game of my life, Square and Team, you have no idea the game is important to me, thank you so much for all ! i love you guys

[@paulsmith9192]

@Mt Corcini did you hear about the animated series?

[@ronaldotimberlake]

I will cheerish this game for the rest of my life. I must thank this game and these wonderful and dedicated professionals for what I am today. Thank you very much Mr. Sakaguchi

[@DanIel-fl1vc]

Above all else the backgrounds combined with the music is what makes this really nice. Like flipping through a well drawn comic book, each new page giving you a matching melody. The characters and story is rather anime-esque but the world is beautiful. Even though I personally haven't played it in years I can still imagine the city of Treno being as sleepless as it ever was. Too bad these games never quite managed to perform as well in the story department as they did in world creation. I wish to see a mature adult non anime version of this.

[@akiinmoonlight79]

Best Jrpg of all Time !

[@defalt3260]

Agree.

[@nostalgiaverse9892]

I love hearing the developers talk about this masterpiece. I hope we get tons of videos like these for other FFs down the line.

[@skapbadoa]

This was an incredibly wholesome video. >You're Not Alone plays for 1 second Oh no my emotions

[@ravenwolf]

It's nice to learn that Nobuaki Komoto was responsible for some of my favorite scenes in the game! You're Not Alone, Black Mage Village... Now I wanna know who wrote Pinnacle Rocks.

[@Gaby000999]

What a masterpiece. I remember being about ten or eleven years old when I played the game. To this day, the ending still makes cry. And yes, everytime I see those final credits I wish the game didn't end. I am so happy to be here watching this interview and see all the passion that was put into making this game. Thank you FFIX team for making a story that resonates with people.

[@Ultrue87]

Yes the best part is When Zidane go to Pandemonium and question his self, i even can feel the passion of this writer went make that scene, no joke is really make my heart shaking and make me want to cry, first time i play it

[@DodderingOldMan]

I would loooooooove to see a FFXVI heavily influenced by FFIX. Pretty please?

[@malik87breaker]

DodderingOldMan more like 1-6+9 since it's a throwback? :)

[@Paul-to1nb]

Please listen to this Square!!! The series needs another mainline game like FF9! The art style, unique setting, deep, meaningful story these are a must. Modern ATB/turn-based would be plus, but I'd even accept an Action RPG if it was like FF9 in every other way.

[@Luthfi.farhan]

YEAH BRING BACK OLDMAN ITO!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@dreamer6737]

That would be a dream come true :)

[@kingcv1]

Omg this right here is so true!! I would love if that idea came true

[@FMADIGITAL]

I remember when i was a child, my 2nd play was only for hear "your not alone" then i leave the console turn on with the song for 2 days, only for hear that amazing song

[@Zanji1234]

i'm still glad that in Germany Garnets "new Name" was not simply DOLCH (Dagger) but Lily since the Dagger was a "Liliendolch" -> Lily Dagger

[@gavsadventuresexplorations7098]

Final Fantasy IX was a game I played for countless hours as a child, the characters, their stories, the gameplay, the music and the cinematics everything was so magical about this game. Many years later I still listen to the Final Fantasy IX ost cd. When I buy an Xbox again this will be the first game I download.

[@zvezdavnutri]

With the highest respect. Thank you for these emotions and feelings. These memories indicate that I really was there. In a world created by such masters with love and skill. The deepest bow to you, gentlemen, the creators.

[@Charles-e4x]

Played IX for the first time nearly ten years ago. Right after I graduated High School practically. It seems like as I get older and constantly experience new things, the lessons and themes of this game become more and more relevant to my every day life.To this day, it still remains one of my most favorite games ever.

[@dagga19k]

Don't get me started on how much I love Final Fantasy IX, I think I could write a book about this gem, this perfection ! Simply the best game ever, and the one who had the biggest impact on me. I really love Itahana Toshiyuki 's style, he did a wonderful job with the character design of FF9, Lightning Returns (Lumina) and Mobius FF! That part about Garnet and Dagger being like two different persons reminds me of a drawing I made a while ago: www.deviantart.com/dagga19/art/Garnet-Dagger-Two-sides-of-a-Princess-702515363 Drawing FF9 characters and scenes is the best way I can thank Squaresoft for creating such a masterpiece. Arigatou gozaimasu !

[@SummonerDagger88]

Nice finding you on this video

[@Trick.Sparrow]

FF9 is absolutely a masterpiece, and I would not be the same person without it at all. I am grateful to everyone that worked on it, it's clearly full of so much love, and I know it will never be forgotten.

[@magicwandstudio3141]

Final Fantasy 9 is the reason why I became a concept artist and pursue a career to work on movie/video game company. My art style and story telling were inspired by FF9 a LOT. I always like stories that deals with life and death and show how life is so precious and we should live life to the fullest (kinda like Persona 3) and I think ff9 might have that influence on me. It is interesting about the letter from the fan who almost commit suicide until FF9 came out. Because back in the day, I also felt at lost with my life but then FF9 remind me to live life to the fullest just like all the characters inside that story (especially Vivi). Ever since then, I swore to myself to see live my life till the end no matter what.

[@CaptainJess10]

J'avais 9 ou 10 ans la première fois où j'ai joué à FFIX sur PS1. A l'époque, j'étais trop petit pour vraiment comprendre tous les enjeux et toutes les ficelles scénaristiques, j'avais pourtant adoré le jeu. C'est devenu mon Final Fantasy préféré une fois rejoué à adolescence. Ce jeu et ses personnages ont profondément influencé ma vie et ma perception de celle-ci. Chaque personnage m'a bousculé de question sur moi-même ou sur ma perception de ce qui m'entoure. La profondeur des personnages, les différents niveaux de lectures et la liberté d’interprétation proposés par le scénario sans jamais tomber dans le pompeux, les décors magnifiques, l'OST exceptionnelle, son univers si vivant et les interactions avec lui si nombreuses... Tout dans ce Final Fantasy respire la passion de faire et de partager. Le genre de jeu dont on repense encore une fois la console éteinte et le jeu terminé. J'ai 27 ans aujourd'hui et j'ai grandi avec FFIX. Je l'ai repris à l'occasion de sa sortie sur Switch, le plaisir est impérissable. Merci d'avoir mis autant de passion et de cœur dans cette oeuvre, ça l'a sans doute rendu éternelle ♥

[@BoundaryBreak]

Thank you very much for this. Aways down for new info on FF9

[@Paul-to1nb]

Thanks so much for posting this! It's beautiful to see that a person sent them a letter saying he was planning suicide until he played the game. We need more games like this in the world. Please FF16: this is exactly what will re-energize the series! It's wonderful to see Square recognize FF9's excellence. Here's hoping Final Fantasy can return to this style of game in the future. I'll take an Action RPG as long as it has the unique setting/art style and deep, meaningful story like FF9.

[@OniLink99999]

What a fantastic look into the design process of what could, in my opinion, be argued as the best game of all time. FFIX is not only one of my favourite games, but one that's had an incredible impact on me - both emotionally and in my work as a game dev. I truly feel that it's one of the most important games ever made, in terms of its themes and the way it develops a deep, personal connection with the player. Thank you SO much to all the developers for taking the time to appear in this video, and of course to everyone who ever worked on the game. I sincerely much appreciate the time and effort that this video must have taken to create, so thank you Square Enix for putting this together!

[@michaelsinger7063]

If you think this is a good game, "the best game of all time," and are a game dev, that says volumes about your capacity to recognize good and bad design elements.

[@tomsaejiw2940]

FF9 always makes me tear up, and always will.

[@Manzelot]

the videogame of mi life. Thx

[@DeBeOtaku]

I always said 7 was my favourite!! But i find myself singing the tunes of 9 more! Plus I've played it easy more too!! Maybe I'm lying to myself?!

[@TwistedxRainbow]

Thanks so much for this interview. Final Fantasy IX changed my life and is still my favourite game to this day.

[@paulsmith9192]

@DarkCaelestis did you hear about the animated series?

[@TwistedxRainbow]

@@paulsmith9192 Yes!! I'm so excited for that and the legend of mana one too

[@rotolotto]

My favourite Final Fantasy to this day, and one of my favourite RPGs. Whenever this equipment skill system crops up in another game, like Tales of Vesperia/Berseria, I am instantly satisfied and reminded of FFIX. Absolutely crucial game to my personal development

[@marucinos9714]

The best Final Fantasy game and my favorite game of all times. Final Fantasy IX is a piece of art. I love everything in this game. I back to this game every year from the first release. Thank you Square for this game!

[@raphdpl3934]

05:29...when a true masterpiece starts... Oh god, i can't even describe my passion and my feelings for FFIX and specifically for "The Place I'll Return to Someday". It's a true masterpiece, representing perfectly all the greatness of FFIX in it's essence. Beyond that, this song means so much to me. I can feel this song exactly like the first time, since when i saw that title screen, i never forgot and i never will. All the best feelings, with a nostalgic and epic wave, take part of me, i can't even describe...it's fantastic. I will never could be totally grateful to Uematsu-san for this. FFIX soundtrack is a jewel, the best of ever in history, i love every song, like: Freya's Theme, Dali's Village, Melodies of Life...but this song in particular, sends me to another place and time...feels exactly like home, in the way to an epic and unforgetable journey... Thanks Final Fantasy IX, thanks to this amazing team, you'll never know how important you were to a generation, who grew up with all these values and believing in a beautiful and fantastic world as the journey have you blessed us! THANK YOU ALL! 👏👏👏

[@raki6788]

A 16:37 j’en pleure 😭 c’est exactement ça! Je me reconnais tellement lorsqu’il raconte son histoire. Je me souviens encore au collège je jouais à FF IX avant d’aller en cours et après les cours. Ce jeu m’a enseigner tellement de bonne valeurs. Ça restera pour toujours l’un des meilleurs moments de ma vie. Le pari est réussi, après tant d’année ce jeu a marqué une génération entière et nous avons appris tellement de choses sur la vie grâce à ce jeu. Un grand merci à tout le staff qui ont bossé sur ce jeu et au magnifiques musiques de Uematsu. 👍

[@BusoKrenix]

I should play this again, new perspective after so many years.

[@LucasGondim4night]

im doing this and i recomend!

[@esthergrnwd4608]

This game has a very special place inside my heart. I went on that journey with them and I definitely was a better person after I played FF9. It just has this great combination of being a moral lesson while still making you laugh. I went from crying to laughing in seconds while playing this. Just an incredible experience. This game is the realest. There is no game quite like FF9. FF8 is my second favourite because the love story between Rinoa and Squall was well made.

[@TheVeyZ]

FFIX was my first and most favorite Final Fantasy. 😭❤ It has such a wonderful, whimsical charm. The characters, the world, the story and of course the music. It hard great humor but also knew when to take things serious. I LOVE this game. ❤❤ When I was a kid, I always wanted to watch FFIX as an anime series. ...I still kinda do.

[@kennyamr5]

FINAL FANTASY IX is a masterpiece. It is my personal #1 game of all time. It certainly deserves all the praise and even more.

[@E.Humperdinck]

The art and character design in IX is so unique and imaginative. Toshiyuki really did a perfect job. I suggest googling 'All concept art Final Fantasy IX" and looking at all the art. I just love the style he has. Also Uematsu was his most God-like on the IX soundtrack. I would say just as great as VII's OST.

[@BissjeTommy]

Wonderful video. i just finished FFIX again on Switch a couple of days ago. Still madly in love with this game

[@xrenzo1991]

It's quite amazing we played wonderful games like VII, VIII and IX in a spam of 3-4 years. Now we wait 5 -7 years for a new game. =(

[@Davetherion]

I have just finished FFIX and It has become one of my favorite games of all time. Thank you to all people that made this game possible!

[@gyehlove6420]

I can't count how many times I've played this game, definitely a masterpiece

[@TheKeyblademaster199]

I also had a bought of real depression when I had this game. Now maybe it's the general positive message that made me gravitate to it but the point was. You guys made it, put it in a game and I got to play it on my ps2. You put that there when I had nobody who really knew or could understand how I felt or could relate. FF9 felt like I did have grounds to stand on my own feet for, and really do take life by the horns again and accept it's punishment. I carn't do it justice in a youtube comment of all things but as you guys said: "I was worried games didn't matter". And as you saw, your work and your efforts truly did matter and make a difference, especially in my life :)

[@elearrandir4873]

That was really nice, but I've got one question: where the hell is Hiroyuki Ito?! He was FFIX's director and, unlike Sakaguchi, he's supposedly still at Square. You'd think they'd call him for a video like this.

[@nerowayne6887]

Agreed. The man seems to have gone AWOL from game development. It's sad because he's probably their best employee.

[@aun1426]

All we know is that his last directing duty was as the replacement for Yasumi Matsuno who left SquareEnix midway during the development of XII due to constant interruption and meddling from Square's higher ups. For example, it was the higher ups decision to add Vaan to the story simply because they think a younger character will resonate better with the crowd. Hence why Vaan and Penelo felt really off and didn't mix well with the other party members and to the entire narrative. They were never supposed to be there initially. Imagine Sora and how he being shoved in the story of Frozen, Tangled and PoTC in KH3. That's how awkward Vaan and Penelo were regarding their inclusion to the overarching story.

[@defalt3260]

Agree.

[@rinofang]

The highest point of the franchise, a true masterpiece

[@MrVonSchiller]

Everyone playing the PC version should download the Moguri Mod. Makes it look like a true HD remaster.

[@RobbyHuang]

9:45 maybe my favorite scene in a video game ever. Truly an inspired moment!

[@Fendera1]

Best FF period

[@Millesimia]

For. Me the ff9 is the best among all the series. My favorite One all over the series. Thank You for giving us such gift. Even now I am playing it !

[@SergiMedina]

An eternal masterpiece... I can definitely see _The Dark Crystal's_ soul in _Final Fantasy IX!_ Thank you very much for this content! No games like these are made anymore...

[@Perthorn]

this game really deserves to have a remake. Such a great game. Each character has its own awesome story.

[@chriscastielredy]

Final Fantasy IX was the very first FF I played when I was 15. I played for so many hours and was delightful with such charismatic and brave characters with an unique and beautiful soundtrack that is most dearing to my heart until the present day! I'll never forget all the hours and incredible story this game had brought me! Is certainly my favourite FF of all time and I still have my lovely memory card with that save from almost 15 years ago. And I have some notes I made while playing to help through places such as the part to lit the right candles in a mansion to get access to places. Such a clever and wonderful game!

[@Tioko]

OMG, I didn’t know FF IX was available on Switch! Now I have to get one.

[@Mansy88]

No words, absolutly amazing game. FFIX

[@zacchan2680]

I'm literally playing it right now.

[@comicszoneuniverse]

SQUARE... IF YOU MAKE A FINAL FANTASY IX REMAKE AS NICE LOOKING AS THE CINEMATIC OF THE ORIGINAL GAME: MY LIFE WILL BE COMPLETE AND I WILL DIE IN PEACE.

[@cooolpotato]

Love that point at 2:24 about how it was designed so that fans never got bored - That's always been something that was really clear to me. It's pacing is above any other game I can think of and is IMO it's biggest strength. Absolutely love this game and am thrilled to get some insight into it's development.

[@ShigKirby]

What a surprise this was. This truly captures what makes this game so special. It was kind of an overshadowed game when it initially released but has seen a strong following of passionate fans who love and care for it dearly, resonating with them and creating unforgettable feelings during their childhood. I think many people don't just have a nostalgic attachment to FFIX, I think many players have learned important lessons about life and how all the ups and downs throughout the journey shape their perspective on life. The world building, pacing, theming of living and how all the characters live life so earnestly in their own way equally without really having favourites or good/bad guys makes this a true gem of a game. The character designs and world really do have a special quality to them that are quirky, simple but also very charming so getting to hear more about that was cool. Lots of love and attention was put into making the game so engrossing and truly made the ending bittersweet because you didn't want to leave it behind. Learning about new details like the story of the middle school boy who was so inspired by the game when he was going through a rough time and how at the time the value of video games like FFIX had on players changed how the developers felt about how important their job could be was emotional to hear. Some of the thoughts on key scenes that left an impact on the developers and even what they feel about the title after all these years and what it feels like talking about the game with new players ready to experience this game for the first time was amazing. I hope more videos talking about other FF games will release like this because they were super interesting and informative for fans. I hope anyone who hasn't got the chance to play this game will consider it as I think it represents a great balance of the core values and soul that the FF series represents especially hearing all about the love put into it from the developers themselves.

[@MikaMausArt]

This is for me (and its creators) the best Final Fantasy ever created. A true masterpiece.

[@Rockernalleyb]

Ff9 is my favorite in the series. So neat that this video exists.

[@saedt]

FFIX is my favorite game, what a beautiful feeling to hear the words from the people that made it. It single-handedly made me draw more and imagine worlds in my head as a child. Thank you so much for this.

[@josh89148]

*Final Fantasy IX needs a remake as soon as possible, I would buy it without hesitation since this game was my childhood and it would be great to play it with the current graphics*

[@micahttt]

Agreed. But a remake with the characters actual height. No more chibi theme. Because I'm afraid that at this rate, younger fans will always known FFIX characters as being short.

[@TheVeyZ]

@@micahttt its unique artistic style was one of the many things that made the stand out and gave it charm. Maybe find a nice in-between style. Not too cartoony, but not too realistic either.

[@Maxim.Nazarenko]

I started it's 6 or 7 walkthrough in December 2018 and didn't had any more time to finish. First walkthrough was around 2000. What a masterpiece.

[@diegocampolo]

Thank you very much, Square! This is incredible for me! My favorite video game

[@bes5164]

beautiful :) what an amazing interview :) I have to buy FF9 on Switch after this, i just need :) I have the PS One version and also the PC version :) :) ! I love you! :)

[@gustinex]

I teared up watching this. Especially the part where a suicidal fan wrote to them saying the turned him around, and then the writer cried. It really resonates with the first and final messages in the video. The theme of Living! and that content > graphics. With limitations on graphics, creators get to push further with creating _imaginative_ content that players can enjoy, like how a simple toy box is to a kid eyes. I am very proud and happy to grow up with these amazing games and creators.

[@user-sb7br1tk1r]

This game touched my heart that I didn't want it to end. Playing this game as a loner kid back in the day, the characters did feel like they were my friends. They taught me about being brave and having fun. When the game ended, I had to say goodbye to my friends. It was heartbreaking.

[@lolindirlink]

A game usually takes up one disc and included a worldmap. FFIX is a masterpiece and they created 4 massive continents, filled with tons and tons of content. And they had to use 4 discs. And state of the art Cutscenes, backdrops & Soundtrack. I honestly feel it's the best game ever made. And it always makes me kinda sad when i remember there's only one gem of a game that takes place in this beautifully crafted world.

[@hidrasnfs3]

That's my favorite FF, i played it more than twelve times and always read the dialogue aloud.

[@raffosandrone7087]

Thank you for filling my life with this wonderful joy

[@Hnricky]

I wish this was a series about all the entries, thank you for making it accessible for other languages as well. 😼

[@yherok]

As classic Final Fantasy lover (FF5 specially), I can say that FFIX is the game representative of true FF spirit. My wish is the saga turna back in this design and "mistic" feeling.

[@maerlock1]

Oh, God! Thank you so much SE! This is my favourite Final Fantasy, I'm pleased to tears to watch it! Thank you!!!

[@brentmetcalfe1694]

Final Fantasy IX is a game that really helped shape my love of video games today. Thank you for the wonderful insight from those who put their heart into the game. I 'm super pumped to see what comes next in this video series.

[@JUL0NE1]

One of my favourite game of all time. Thank you square

[@cristianparedes6217]

i hope freya gets more recognized in the future

[@krisjohns1864]

The best FF game!!! Amazing memories, story, characters, side quests, world, everything!

[@VervainVanity]

Final Fantasy 9 is the most important game I have played and probably will play to this day. They're right about saying it's like a modern equivalent to nostalgic music (though music is still nostalgic haha). Games are an important medium of storytelling. Thanks for making this game.

[@cespuglia2008]

This was such an amazing surprise. FFIX is probably my all time fave videogame and i was so happy to hear all the stories from the team, it warmed my heart so much! I've played it when i was only 10 years old and i still remember the first time finishing it, i was crying so much during the credits, i'll cherish all the memories from this game in my heart forever.