Is Final Fantasy IX Underrated?

[@madkaiser4887]

I’d say so for sure, and it deserves all the love and newfound appreciation (even scores as the highest rated mainline FF on MetaCritic). As this is the game that means a lot to me, and what made me appreciate the series as a whole. The magic of the series, felt truly present with this game! I love it so much and am anticipating the very long rumoured remake and possible cartoon series.

[@ErekLadd]

Magic is a great way to describe this game! It just has a really unique charm about it!

[@sixsixjd]

I can't believe I never played this game until recently. It's fantastic and if it is underrated it should get more love! Great topic 👌

[@ErekLadd]

Such a great title!!

[@alexandrert948]

That's what I realize, a lot of people don't know the game, but after playing it they fall in love, and to think that this game is 24 years old

[@Snow43214]

Great vid however I'm not sure if underrated is the right word as I think it's like the highest rated FF or up there I think underappreciated would be the way I see it Honestly I think my only gripe with 9 is Necron, I'd love a line here or there stating something akin to an entity sleeps within the crystal and Kuja should leave it well alone

[@ErekLadd]

Yes - under appreciated! That's the word I would've preferred to use but underrated is more clickable unfortunately.

[@thevangsta9892]

Didn't Kuja summon Necron or something because of his love for power and destruction and once Garland told him his life will end and he will be replaced!? I know the game should give Necron more of a background or a story or maybe even a run up to let us know he's coming but FF3 did this too with Cloud Of Darkness!! However Necron is suppose be death itself!! It's not suppose to have a story or a build up! Just characters fighting for their lives to get out of the Zero World(purgatory)

[@RPG4U]

You're right Final Fantasy 9 was totally underrated and hironobo did a great job making it, unlike final fantasy VII,VIII and X it was less darker and much better in terms of sticking with fundamental roots, how it was envisioned by hironobo. Fantasian also carries some of the elements of FFIX if anybody has played that game specially the areas, although can't say the same thing about story and modernity in terms of world it is established in.

[@ErekLadd]

Yeah there are some elements in Fantasian that have the spirit of FFIX and even Lost Odyssey (playing that one now for the first time). It's really interesting to see!

[@nishquikpops]

With how monumental 7 and even 10 were, I do think 9 is a bit underrated. But having played 9 I personally enjoyed it more than 7. Also I think the new PS2 had a bit to do with it too. Also have you tried the new Moguri version?? 👀

[@36inc]

I think 8 got the worst of it i remember people actiung like it was the worst one. then i played it and was like this game is right up there with X and tactics what were these illiterates smoking when they though any of the ps1 trio were bad XD

[@ErekLadd]

Not yet! I just saw you tagged me in a tweet so I need to investigate!

[@PetarBladeStrok]

Its story is 100% underrated. The only other I think is underrated even more is FFXIV, which I consider the best story in all of gaming. (Especially Shadowbringers & Endwalker) But that is because of the sheer time investment it requires.

[@ghosthost100]

Would love to see Studio Ghibli adapt FF9 into an animated film.

[@InterYamah]

It would be perfect

[@ErekLadd]

Now that's a cool idea!!!

[@kevin933]

Match made in heaven actually

[@ShockwaveFPSStudios]

I don’t think Studio Ghibli’s still around.

[@InterYamah]

@@ShockwaveFPSStudios they brought a movie out last year?

[@grahfkarate1799]

9 is underrated. Remember, they announced FF9, FF10 and FF11 ALL together. I think it was hard for people to get hyped for 9 when the ps2 was right around the corner.

[@fitzyakamcsyke]

Very true, 9 is one for us fans ♡

[@ErekLadd]

Totally forgot about that!!

[@JRPGinspired]

Wow! Didn't know that at all! I remember finding this game in a used video game shop in my hometown. Finding a game like this, as a kid, was something that stuck with me. I still have the copy and still play it - Now I love watching videos like Erek's and reading and learning from the comments! 🔥👍😊

[@brettshivers]

Ahh, that was such a magical time for the fans. I remember being so excited for the future of the series when they made that announcement. Little did I know at the time, that run of games essentially marked the end of the series as we knew it and the transition into the new Final Fantasy -- with 9 being the last traditional FF, 10 making some big changes (no world map, OST not exclusively by Nobuo, tedious puzzles), and 11 beginning the "FF can be anything we want" trend.

[@niawtblaze2161]

Listen 9 has to be the nostalgic game I've played growing up, and for those who says otherwise needs therapy lol. 9 was more magical and fantasy-ish than the new ones. Characters, races, adventure, story, magical, and gameplay this is what final fantasy should be.

[@fitzyakamcsyke]

Ive never really felt the connection to the characters in 8, but I am HELLA connected to 7,9 and 10.

[@Coreisus]

I know exactly what you mean. Something about their designs and writing makes them feel less iconic. Similar to 13's and 15's characters. Although 15's party had a lot of room to breathe so you feel that less with them than with 13 and 8.

[@feiitogaming]

Great video man! FF9 is underrated, I agree. While it is well received and beloved in the FF/JRPG Community, it does deserve more love overall. A remake would be perfect to achieve that. Hope all the rumors are true.

[@ErekLadd]

Yeah I’m really holding out for a remake!!!!

[@evacody1249]

No remaster not remake.

[@jekw23]

I thought it was considered one of the greats. Certainly from an aesthetic perspective it’s gorgeous. It was nostalgic 25 years ago so more so now.

[@simo4108]

FF9 is awfully underrated, a masterclass in fantasy, music, storytelling and character building. It's a game made from the heart and it shows, my favorite FF.

[@Gregoray88]

I think it was when it released. It was my favorite of the three on PS1. It now has been getting the respect it deserves.

[@primalgamer34]

I like to believe that Final Fantasy 9 is indeed underrated but isn't as underrated as Final Fantasy 12. That game is extremely underrated and needs to be studied upon on a future video :)) (if that's what you are interested in doing)

[@ErekLadd]

Good points! I did make a video on FFXII a few months ago, but I’m not the biggest fan of the game. That being said I know it’s more popular now than it was when it was first released. It did a lot of stuff really well but I couldn’t really truly get into the story sadly! Huge Balthier fan tho!

[@36inc]

that ones my favorite actually. its the first one i went after completion in. and all for our leading man.

[@novatarzone113]

Would say it is the best vanila game from the Psone period. But i love it because tipp their fidora to the older games. Look at garnets coat at the start for example it looks like the classic White mage desing from ff1 Or vivi which looks like the black mage from ff1

[@ErekLadd]

I love the references to the older games! Super cool.

[@MightyPinecone]

I think 9 is underrated by the general public, but is rated accurately amongst final fantasy fans. I would argue that 9 is the best final fantasy story wise. The battle system was too slow, but that’s about the only real major critique I have of it.

[@alexandrert948]

In my opinion, as a Brazilian, 9 really started to gain strength with the internet becoming easier, something like 5 to 10 years ago, people are playing this game more recently because until then they didn't know about it.

[@DBTGAMER]

In the PlayStation era of Final Fantasy games 7 & 9 are my favourites. Both games are great. I have played the many times. I am not a fan of 8. Junction system is complicated, too much busy work and too easy to miss things. You can't buy weapons or armour. Good video.

[@uppernimbus]

Wonderful video, Erek! I love the character designs in this game, and Steiner seems like such a classic dude just by looking at him, haha.

[@ErekLadd]

Whenever you decide to play this game - you will love it!!

[@alexandrert948]

And the most surprising thing about this game is that it has gained a very strong fan base, I even believe that currently it has an audience as strong as the 7

[@durdythurdy]

4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 10.2 & 16 are my faves. 10 being the champ and 9 at a close second

[@XionYetora]

FF9 is my favorite of the classic RPGs that I’ve played on the ps1. It is up there as my all time favorite as well because of the characters. You nailed it. Im so happy to hear your thoughts! Thanks for the video

[@ErekLadd]

Thanks for tuning in!!!!!

[@nightvision999]

UNDERrated? I can't navigate FF circles for 2 minutes without someone hitting me with the 'Have you heard of the philosophically groundbreaking masterpiece Final Fantasy 9?'

[@thevangsta9892]

Lmao I've played this game every year since it's release and all my friends and outsiders who I know that play FF I don't think I heard a single one of them say that!! I have had people tell me to shut up about it because it's my favorite game and sometimes i speak not Stop about it on an admittedly exaggerated level!!

[@alexandrert948]

Hahahahah

[@DanielRitchie-qo4mv]

If the turn-based combat was a bit faster, then it would have been overall easier to go through. The story and characters in general are amazing, and by far, the best group of all of FF to me. Now, I consider FF to be the best numbered FF, with the only FF over this one is Tactics.

[@Emelenyt]

This is the first FF game I played and remains my favourite game of all time. I remember my 6 year old mind being completely blown away right from the start! I don't think it's underrated as a Final Fantasy entry, but I do think it's underrated as a video game in general

[@thevangsta9892]

That's crazy this was also my first FF game and I was also 6 when I first got the game!!

[@Jameshorn87]

FF9’s quality of writing for the characters is the best in the series. It’s not perfect, but we don’t get this caliber anymore. I’d love to see a version of ff9 with the puzzle complexity of FFX’s combat system. That would be chefs kiss.

[@thevangsta9892]

Ehh while I like FF10 I'd rather FF9 not get that kind of battle system!! FF10 takes it back to turn base and there's even a radar on the upper right section of the television screen which indicates your next move which character goes next and when the field monsters go next!! This made FF10 feel extremely easy and repetitive to me personally especially when it came to the super bosses!! Assuming I didn't cheese them out with Yonimbos Zanmato attack all it requires is knowing the strategy then rinse and repeat for over 10+ minutes, it's like this for half of the Dark Aeons as well as Nemesis and Penance!! Preferably I would like to see FF9 adapt a battle system more like FF5s or Tactics otherwise I'm fine with the battle system itself!! Maybe they could fix trance and speed up the ATB at the very least!!!

[@grenadierplueschtier]

It's crazy in what short time span Square released FF7-10 and all those Games are masterpieces in their own right. I do not think FF9 is underrated. All the years FF8 was more underrated, simply cause those footsteps were too big after 7.

[@agahnim0196]

"Underrated"? No, everyone who played it loves it. "Unnoticed" or "Neglected"? Yes, most definitely. People won't consider it because of the whimsical visuals, as opposed as the grittiness of FFVII or VIII.... but when they eventually try it out, everyone falls in love.

[@wiseguy240Winston]

It is underrated except for the battle system. That was a huge step back by like 5 FF games

[@mismismism]

Personally I wouldn't call it underrated, like most of the time when I've seen the question which mainline FF games are fan favorites, 7, 10 and 9 are usually the top 3. It's a good game for sure, definitely a contender for one that could use a remake.

[@femtrooper]

FFIX is one of my fav FFs and while it is kinda underrated compared to the BIG ones like VII, X or even VI, it's so beloved by everyone that I feel it kinda isn't? haha, who knows LOL

[@captbuckyohare5585]

It is absolutely underrated and was somewhat dismissed as a "greatest hits" game on release, which didn't sell as well as VII or VIII, and was sort of seen a cutesy tribute to the series' earlier tropes and settings. Trouble is, I think, mechanically, it does everything IV - VII did while adding polish and refinement to all the great things VII established and, with the exception of the main villain, IX's characters might be the most compelling party as a whole out of any Final Fantasy game (and with Vivi smashing it as the heart and soul of the game). The aesthetic and art design is wonderful, the story is great, the music is kinda greatest hits but still fabulous, the progression system and ability system are accessible but still offer a huge amount of variety, with fantastic mini-games, a sense of open exploration and optional paths (it's a skill hiding the linearity in a linear game!) and to top it off, the modern remasters address the very valid combat speed and quality of life issues that annoyed people on release. It's an amazing game and probably my favourite FF game. Annual playthrough-worthy.

[@ErekLadd]

Great points here!! Totally agree with you. I need to get another play through in soon!

[@Kyur4deIch]

FF9 is easily my favorite. A perfect blend of everything.

[@hugbuzzard]

The answer is yes. It’s one of the best in the series, but got too late of a ps1 release.

[@ShockwaveFPSStudios]

I don’t see Final Fantasy IX as “Underrated”. Not counting the bajillion spin offs, If we’re only talking about the Main Numbered Entries… I’d say the most underrated Final Fantasy games, are the sequels to the numbered titles.

[@ShockwaveFPSStudios]

I don’t think Final Fantasy IX’s “Underrated”. It’s already a masterpiece. Aside from the bajillion spin offs, if we’re only talking about the the most underrated Final Fantasy game… then the most underrated Final Fantasy games, would have to go to the sequels to the main numbered entries.

[@uraninezak]

I don't think IX is underrated so much as it was overshadowed by being released so close to the end of the PSX lifecycle. It was released just before the PS2 and with the hype around FFX having full voice acting the hype for this next leap in presentation overshadowed IX. I wouldn't call it underrated because people who know it and have played it always praise it highly.

[@kerijizo]

This game maybe underated for some people,but if you ask which ff is the best..most of jrpg lover and ff lover will put ff9 in one of the top 5 for sure.

[@zerohx77]

YES. My favorite FF of all time.

[@tjtj7161]

I liked Kuja a lot, he seemed queer and when FF9 released there weren't many characters in video games I played that read that way. Also, villains are my favorite, so that helps.

[@acidwizard6528]

While not my favorite Final Fantasy, I believe FF9 is objectively the best mainline entry in the series. On an unrelated note, Final Fantasy 9 was the last game I bought on it's day 1 release date.

[@YellsAtTheCloud-ir4ci]

IX is widely considered one of if not the best in the series, so no it isn't underrated at all, now if you want to talk about a FF game that is criminally underrated, then you should make a video about World of Final Fantasy, I had more fun playing that game than most, mainline numbered FF games I've played, the story is very good with a surprising plot twist, the S.M.L stack combat system is really interesting and depending on the monsters you have in your stack can change how the battle is fought, this game does not get the positive attention it deserves.

[@giiotm8272]

Idk about “the best” that’s usually reserved for 7 or 10 for most people, but definately an underrated gem forsure.

[@YellsAtTheCloud-ir4ci]

@@giiotm8272 Not everyone considers it the best, but there is some that do, just about every comment I see on the game is positive, so I don't think it's underrated at all, it rightfully gets the praise it deserves.

[@thevangsta9892]

FF5 and Tactics are underrated!! Can't say the same for World Of Final Fantasy simply because I haven't played the game yet!!! But I believe you because FF is fun and I honestly think it should be up there with iconic game titles like Mario and Zelda!!

[@YellsAtTheCloud-ir4ci]

@@thevangsta9892 I haven't played FF5 yet, but I bought the pixel remaster collection, so I plan on doing so, but I get the feeling it's going to end up being one of my faves, because Bravely Default 2 which is my fave JRPG on the Switch so far, apparently has a lot in common with FF5.

[@padmeasmr]

I'm playing it for the 1234455 time and with the new Moguri mod is such an incredible experience!! Also the last few times I changed the language since I love learning, I'm italian and I played it also in german and now spanish. It's very interesting to see the changes in some sentences (some are totally different), names, the character's dialects (sometimes I have to do some research lol) and I must say it's great to learn informal speaking, lots of sayings etc.

[@KJ-4496]

I think it’s probably the only one that’s perfectly rated as a masterpiece but it’s only dubbed so by true FF fans. 7 is for the casuals, 9 is for the connoisseur and 6 is for gods strongest soldiers 😂

[@TRWM735]

So about half way through and ive heard you mention that FF8 was polarising. I mean was it really at the time? Im pretty sure alot of the press around it was positive, but the 'Polarising' discussion has come into play more recently?

[@ErekLadd]

Sure, the angle I'm looking at it is both from the release window and even now. VIII is definitely a loved game but a lot more panned in a way you either love it or hate it.

[@kyschoo3075]

One word : Yes !!!

[@GenerationPixel]

Ok, I'll watch after work, but I do like to give you a pre-watch opinion... Nope, if anything ever so slightly overrated. But just ever so slightly. I'll get back to you when I hear your arguments 😉

[@GenerationPixel]

Right, I'm back. You nailed the real problems, "charming" "whimsical" and let's face it a little bit twee. Final Fantasy had matured title on title along with the players. Going back was a bit, and I stress, a bit of a let down. That being said, it stands head and shoulders above FFVIII, and Vivi is the GOAT of side characters 🫡

[@ErekLadd]

@@GenerationPixel I agree! Much better than VIII and Vivi is so good.

[@malachi3251]

Since FF9 is the greatest FF game of all time (source: science), then the short answer is yes.

[@Jurmeytobgyevideos]

Yes

[@Stephan5916]

I'd say about 10 to 15 years ago, yes it was underrated but today no. To me, it's a great game and I can't wait for the Remake.

[@DarklordofBarovia]

Underrated? But good sir, I rate this final fantasy the HIGHEST of ratings! We have a special holiday here in the Netherlands (its not Christmas but it sort of is but it sort of isn't) which includes many gifts etc. The year is 2001, it's December, and one of the packages that was for me (we celebrated this with like 13 family members) was rather big and heavy. A proper box! Inside a PSone, with 2 controllers, a memory card, and 1 massive 4-CD case with a white cover and big letters - Final Fantasy IX. Also a massive stone club (or so I thought). On the back a short story about Queen Brahne, Garnet, Zidane, magic and fighting - with images of a tree, dragons etc! First thing I thought was: final fantasy 9? I've never played 1-8... But my cousin told me they were just separate games. We went home and the next morning I hooked it up to the tv- just had the one game, and so I sat down and a good 3 weeks later I finished it for the first time. Missing a good 50% of the game and dying non stop, not knowing how most of the abilities work, but completely mesmerised by the story and the immersive character details. I now do a full run at least once a year, starting on my birthday, in January . But since the new Moguri Mod just came out - I think I might just fire up my steam deck (favourite way of playing it now), see if I can get the new Moguri Mod to work on it, and say hello to my friend Vivi again. Best game ever made? Impossible. But underrated? Not for me. Not at all. There's not a single game that I love more than FFIX. Thank you for the fantastic video - subscribed straight away and looking forward to more of your work!

[@ErekLadd]

I love this story!!! Thanks so much for sharing!! And yes, you can play moguri mod on steam deck. That's my preferred way to play now and it's super easy to set up!!!

[@DarklordofBarovia]

@@ErekLadd brilliant! Have a day off work tomorrow so it's FFIX and some lovely wine!

[@Wesgarbarwil1420]

It is often lauded as one of the best in the series so it isn't underrated.

[@JRPGinspired]

One of my Favorites ❤🔥👍😊

[@purika8324]

I just tried playing this a few days ago on DuckStation and only lasted until 1/3 of disc 2 before quitting. Personally, I don't think it's underrated and here are my issues: I. Who is the main character? I already reached 1/3 of disc 2 and I'm still confused about who the main character is because the story can't seem to decide between Zidane and Garnett. a. If Zidane is the main character, I don't like it. In fact, his only reason for helping Garnett/Dagger is because she's a beautiful princess. b. If Garnett/Dagger is the main character, it's fine because she does have a "real" motivation that I can agree with. On top of that, she's actively pursuing it. However, the problem is that the story keeps trying to shove Zidane on my face whose only motivation in helping Garnett is because she's a beautiful princess. II. Most of the supporting characters are uninteresting As I already mentioned, I reached until 1/3 of disc 2 before quitting. Frankly speaking, putting aside Zidane and Garnett, when it comes to the supporting characters, most them were so uninteresting that I kept wishing there was an option where I could delete a supporting character from the story so that I would never be forced to see and use them ever again. With Vivi, I'm just annoyed by his weak and reactive personality who keeps being bossed around by others and moping like a teenage emo kid. With Steiner, I like him because he's an active character like Garnett and he also has a "real" motivation that I can agree with. However, his over-the-top reactions that no one takes seriously or only seem to get undermined can sometimes be irritating. With Quina, the way I see it, she or he is just an optional clown character. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe you can finish the story without even recruiting him/her? With Freya, she's honestly the coolest character. I just like her design, personality and background. In fact, if the story of FFIX was just about Freya, Garnett and Steiner and they are the only characters you can use, I wouldn't mind. The others can be deleted for all I care. xxxxxxxxxxx EDIT: I would also like to add another issue about Zidane's character. Zidane is a "pirate" hired to kidnap a princess. However, he also has a "heart of gold". Now, at the beginning when their ship crashed and Garnett got taken by a plant, I still could accept the idea of Zidane being adamant in saving Garnett. After all, they were hired to kidnap the princess, not to assassinate or deliver her corpse to their client. However, after that, for some reason, Zidane is being shown as a person who likes to help people which contradicts his identity as a pirate and kidnapper. Just think about it: "Zidane is willing to kidnap a princess from another kingdom which could spark a war between two kingdoms and cause countless deaths but he has a heart of gold where he's willing to help anyone who's in trouble (and mind you, he and his group weren't even aware that Garnett wanted to escape the kingdom to the point she was even willing to be kidnapped by them). Moreover, his main reason for helping Garnett is because she's a beautiful princess." If this character logic doesn't frustrate you, then bless your heart. Because it doesn't make any sense to me.

[@36inc]

you dont think thieves can care about people? may i remind you zidane is not really a pirate- his troupe are bards and actors who also do espionage missions to stay afloat. hes not even an original member but an implant after his pickpocket days. which is why hes the only one trying to get off the crashed tantulus to find dagger. also duo protagonists arent uncommon in final fantasy.theres and arguement to make that ffx and ff12 use dual protagonists to push the story. yuna and tidus, balthier and ashe and in 13 its lightening and her sister. they do this i think to give the found ffamily feeling to the less motivated cast. freya for instance is only focused on early and has very little to do after disc one. but a dragoon whose mourning her whole culture kinda locks in her motivation shes fighting for them. and the same could be said for vivi his motivation is locked in after you find the black mage town, and discover his lifespan and purpose as a blk magic doll. though ill give you amarant and qu having little to do theyre both entirely late game recruits that fill slots in combat which their biggest impact is felt qu is straight up broken at times. none of this of course is to invalidate your feelings on the game just saying that many of these gripes are design choices that make a whole lotta sense if you know all the details. that doesnt change how they feel and i doubt youre gonna chase ozma cause the side quests of 9 are heartbreakingly no where near the quality of its surrounding peers. 8 was a joy x is filled to the brim almost plays like two entirely different games between story and postgame but 9 has jump rope 1000 times achievement that you can miss.

[@thevangsta9892]

I'm sorry my guy but if you only made it to the pinnacle rocks which is around 1/3 of disc 2 then you haven't played enough of the game to make a legitimate argument on the story let alone the characters!! You can complain about it's gameplay but I can assure you FF9 is much more then it's battle system alone!! Your complaints as of right now tells me you're just like Steiner in the beginning of the game personality wise!! You can only see the world and people as the color of a Zebra black & white!! You don't see the game for it's many shades of gray!! Zidane yes he is a Thief but that doesn't automatically mean he's bad he just did bad things(don't we all) As for your complaint on who the main protagonist is my counter argument for that is FF6!! FF6 doesn't have a main protagonist you choose who your main protagonist is!! Many people will argue my statement by saying Terra which I can agree on but it's never been stated that Terra is in fact the main protagonist!! If you argue she's on the art cover of the game case as well as being in Dissidia then my counter argument for that is she's the FF6 representative which isn't necessarily protagonist!! You also roasted Vivi who is probably the most relatable character in any of the FF series and many people give him the title Goated character because of that reason!! I'm assuming you've never been bullied as a kid and you've always had a mind of your own!! That being said just because you can't relate to Vivi being bullied or having a mind of his own(your still in the beginning section of the game believe it or not) doesn't mean he's an automatic flawed character!! Anyways I respect your opinion on not having an interest in the game but I'd respect it even more if you actually beaten the game itself then criticized it for it's flaws!!!

[@alexandrert948]

You are boring

[@DutchDread]

It's the best game ever, so I don't underrate it, but people who don't share that opinion definitely do.

[@burnance]

Yes.

[@thevangsta9892]

FF9 was underrated for it's time upon release!! Otherwise I wouldn't say it's underrated today maybe overlooked!? FF5 is the one I'd say is underrated as far as the numbered titles go!! Otherwise Tactics is probably more underrated then FF5 idk that's an interesting toss up!! Both have a really good and Elite battle system!! FF5 was obviously more focused on it's gameplay not it's story but I think it got dismissed since we didn't get it on Snes in the US!!

[@HonestEmillHead]

The game is probably underrated by Square that focus to fucking much in FF7. I believe fan judge it fair enough.

[@Coreisus]

If anything its overrated. Was the first Final Fantasy to be super on rails the entire way through. Like a movie. Like X or 13

[@durdythurdy]

6:10 sooo true

[@VGPorage]

It was at least underated but I feel in recent years it has mostly gotten the recognition it desserves.

[@alexandrert948]

People started to discover this game with the advancement of the internet, today I believe it is as popular as 7

[@pogonisimo]

FFIX is my favorite final fantasy, that being said I think it is not underrated at all. It might not be the best final fantasy to a lot of people but it's still one of the best and a favorite to many. FFIX fans just want more people to recognized the greatness of the game. Can't wait for the rumored remake!

[@36inc]

i dont think anything CAN be underrated . under/over rated is a bias reveal. how you answer that kinda setup says everything about you not the game or media. but iff you want my opinion its the 3rd best ps1 final fantasy. and i think 8 and 7 pull me in more permanently. part of this is due to the call back to pre playstation entries, which i have no nostalgia for i started on playstation grew up on the fucker so 7 was always gonna feel like an origin point for my rpg history. its also more frustrating to complete than even the ps2 entries. its the only final fantasy on either of those systems where i didnt like every character. like im not a big Amarant or whatever that pipsqueeks name was fan. but highlight characters like vivi beatrix and dagger really carry me through it. and im definitely never gonna try to get so much done and just replay the story without much distraction or grinding i got my save with the super boss unlocked, so yeah prolly never doing those side quests again. XD but i also work on the logic that final fantasy is never bad, its low points just feel bad cause the top of the wave is stuff like X where its nearly a perfect jrpg experience. hard to compare them theyre all convincingly interesting and fun in their own way. and every final fantasy is someones favorite. thats special even my favorite media ,starwars , doesnt have big pockets of episode 9 fans. trust me that kinda thing is rare in these long standing media properties. theres always a black sheep and if 13 is the worst final fantasy gets? well then all of these games have something in them for final fantasy fans. they stayed focused even while evolving. now if they would only stop trying to get nfts involved in their business.

[@thevangsta9892]

I was gonna argue but instead I took my time on reading your comment!! Good points and good arguments however if we're talking characters I honestly found Cait Sith Red XIII and Vincent less interesting then Amarant!! Yuffie should've been a main character instead of a side character!! Feels like her plot is bigger and more recognized then Red XIII and Cait Sith!! That's just my opinion though!! FF13 never played it but from resources it's more of a mixed bag of opinions!! FF2 has been and probably always will be the black sheep of the series however it's not my least favorite!! My least favorite from the series is FF3!!

[@36inc]

@@thevangsta9892 yeah basically im just saying that every piece of art gets what it deserves. it just might take time for some games to get a following than others. i try to remember that most of the bad things kinda exist due to elements of capitalism and in most cases bad art is made alot more when you have to sell it. we should favor art thats an extension of someones self shared with others and less on how it performs in a market that never considered not everything benifits from having to be bought and sold.

[@maximetauran3415]

Underrated? People love FF9. Personnally I don't. I can't get past the cartoonish design, how slow combat is (on that note transe is a stupid concept) or some game design that I really don't like. Yet I can admit that it is a matter of taste. But everytime I hear about it, people praises FF9 so how is it underrated?

[@thevangsta9892]

It's not but I don't over rated either!! The one that's over rated is FF7 and honestly Limit Break isn't any better then trance!! Unless you can tell me how I can save my Limit Break while still using a regular attack without mastering the steal materia too mug please let me know and don't use a simple answer like use items or summons or magic i just wanna use a regular basic attack without using mug when my characters have Limit Break activated!! I can't even begin too tell you how many times I've wasted a Limit Break simply because my mind was on auto pilot and I was mashing away the x button!! It's definitely not like FF10s over drive where you can actually use a regular attack and still save the over drive!!

[@maximetauran3415]

@@thevangsta9892 Well you already said why limit break is better because you can save it for bosses using what you call a "simple answer", trance in FF9 is activated automatically without any input from the player. But alright i'll give you other reasons. You should use your limit outside of boss battle because it will allow you to unlock stronger ones. Then there are status effect that allow you to increase or decrease how fast your limit fills and you can inflict to yourself those status with simple objects.

[@renatop2610]

Looking back, FFIX was a beautiful swan song to the series as it moved to the next generation of consoles and more complex gameplay. I played it for the first time during the pandemic, which gave me a reason to keep my mind occupied during those tough months. Also…I refuse to say “Zeedayn” i prefer “Zeedan” as in the French footballer

[@Fanafranky]

Compared to how overrated 7 is, definitely. They're not that far apart 🤷‍♂️ And oh boy I just restarted it with Moguri 9.0 and the Echo S-9 voice acting mod and WOW 🤯

[@Kiremaki]

The answer is yes.

[@Narklas_unavailable]

well it is the best final fantasy, so how can it be underrated?

[@Barbequeque]

Considering even the series composer and the series Creator both say nine was their favorite... It blows my goddamn mind every time people don't give nine the credit they deserve.

[@thevangsta9892]

I feel like they nit pick at the slow ATB complain about trance and some(not all) have even complained about not getting the Excalibur 2!! My only issue with the game only involves side quest which can easily be ignored!! The only 2 side quests I hate in the game is Tetra Master and King Of Jump Rope!! Outside of that I love everything about this game including the slow ATB and the whack limit break system that is trance as well as the Excalibur 2 challenge!! This was my favorite game for a long time and it still is even today because of that Excalibur 2 challenge!! Until another Final Fantasy game or any video game in general can provide that similar type of challenge FF9 will remain on the top of my personal favorites in video games!!!

[@imnotlostimexploring777]

I found it boring and had to force myself to play it

[@thevangsta9892]

I could say the same for FF7 to be honest!!

[@simonwong5608]

It’s actually overrated. It’s a mid entry and definitely the worst of the ps1 era

[@danieltilleru3528]

9 is better than 8

[@stephhanley3167]

I am of the opinion that FF9 is singlehandedly the most overrated and over-hyped games in the entire Final Fantasy catalog, and a strong contender for the most overrated role playing video game ever made.

[@thevangsta9892]

I disagree!! FF7 takes that spot for me as the #1 most overrated and overhyped game in the entire Final Fantasy franchise!! There's hardly anything Fantasy about it outside of a talking cat and whatever hell red xiii is!! Chocobos and moogles(only in Gold Saucer unless there's a sidequest I didn't do that involved moogles otherwise I've only seen them in Gold Saucer) no castles no kingdoms the only thing that even comes somewhat close is the Temple Of The Ancients!! Of course me saying this doesn't automatically mean I'm saying FF9 isn't overrated but the way you worded it I'm just gonna have to disagree!!

[@stephhanley3167]

@@thevangsta9892 The entire franchise has always been science fantasy, with each entry varying how much of each element. I personally loathe FF7 for all of those maniacal mini games!

[@musubi-vidz]

FFIX is goated

[@theslugboiii5969]

GOAT FF game

[@tm9960]

Underrated? Most FF fans say 9 is the best in the series…

[@ZeSephian]

I don't think this is true. FFVII gets the most praise, with VI probably in second place.

[@thevangsta9892]

6, 7, and 9 are usually the top 3 in tip 10 lists or tier lists!! 9 being the one that jumps around the most!! 7 not as much but 6 the lowest I've seen it on a tier list was A tier otherwise most of the time I see it in S!! The lowest I've seen 6 in a top 10 or top 20 video was 8th place which I personally found to be quite low for FF6 but I can respect ones opinion!!

[@ogun6464]

Slightly overrated. FFIX is the best game in the series, the best in any grouping always leans to people overrating it. Not the MOST overrated, but slightly overrated

[@MikeWehr-h5r]

Overratted ask any ff fan their favorite game they make the hipster choice and say 9 . The system is bare bones and nothing compared to the sphere grid or materia and I HATE EXCALLABRE 2 . It was fairly rated until everyone grandma said it was the best ever

[@thevangsta9892]

Excalibur 2 isn't required it's optional!! That's partially the reason why it's my favorite!! It provides a challenge I can say I've done that not everyone can say they've done!! However I respect your opinion as long as you respect mine!!

[@thevangsta9892]

BTW I personally prefer AP to Sphere Grid and Materia!!

[@MikeWehr-h5r]

@@thevangsta9892 i like to 100 percent things so to me it is super annoying and not optional . i dont like the ap systems limits especially vs materia where if you grind super hard you kill everything . the story and music and charecters are all great some of the gameplay mechanics just arent as good . oh i hate trance too and how uncontrollable it is

[@thevangsta9892]

I also like to 100% games and this one was admittedly quite frustrating doing the E2PG challenge!! I did it once and probably won't do it again!! However who says you need to strict yourself by keeping your characters at level 1!? I prefer a similar yet different challenge an All items and Key items challenge!! The requirements are the same as E2PG only difference is with this challenge you can actually level up with all the scripted fights eliminating the poor RNG of Stop or add status effects with certain weapons certain characters have!!! I'll also admit the battle system really isn't all that and good point about trance but it's honestly not really needed and Limit Breaks on FF7 aren't any better especially when you're on auto pilot and just mashing away X to finish up the battle!! Idk how many times I've used a Limit Break because of that very reason!!

[@TheSirSpence]

I can answer your thumbnail question very easily..... No it is extremely overrated.

[@thevangsta9892]

Not as over rated as FF7!!

[@Down_Pat]

One of the dumbest final bosses in all of final fantasy and that says a lot considering 13+ had robot/face gods... Otherwise lovely game.

[@thevangsta9892]

I guess fighting for your life against death itself in the Zero world is a lame boss fight!! Otherwise I'd say Yu Yevon from FF10 the Spider looking creature not Jecht(Braskas final Aeon) is the worst final boss fight in all of Final Fantasy!! Even the music wasn't all that!!!

[@Ranechannel77]

To me its a little overrated, not as much as FFX is though, OMG FFX is extremely overrated, but yeah FFIX is a little overrated for many reasons the Trance moves suck compared to FFVII, and FFIXs limit breaks. Over half of the character designs look bad, the story is pretty sinplistic, and generic.

[@eddy5097]

OVERRATED!! Skies of Arcadia came out around the same time and was BETTER

[@davidgauselman4510]

FF9 is over rated.

[@thevangsta9892]

So is FF7!!