My final fantasy 9 journey

I played Final Fantasy IX for the first time in May 2020. I had known of its existence since I was a child but never gave it a chance. It was such a magical and beautiful experience and it ended up impacting me quite a lot. I may have given Zidane a lot of grief but he and the rest of the characters became very important to me. The music, the world, all of the things this game had to offer, encompass why I love video games as much as I do.
(also yes, I did figure out who was speaking at the end and the significance of it and it made me cry more)
twitch: / leighxp
twitter: / _leighxp

[@Ahluk1]

I love when people discover how great FF9 is. Truly an underappreciated masterpiece

[@onimenokyochristy4925]

that's for sure dude !!!

[@javanbailey6498]

Best pre ps2 final fantasy

[@DemonSlayer648]

No. People say it's under rated but the only under rated Final Fantasy was VIII. Every other one had decent recognition for the quality of the game. People literally hate on VIII.

[@onimenokyochristy4925]

@@DemonSlayer648 final fantasy 8 ,is a masterpiece dude !!!

[@billyjurant5183]

So true, I'm trying to convince a friend to play it I know they'll love it

[@MiguelDuran]

"Why is the music so good?" Because: Nobuo Uematsu

[@nyxipuff]

this game is such a blessing and your playthrough was a joy to watch, thank you ;-;

[@PierceArner]

The fact that you uploaded your FFXV video yesterday with you being EXTREMELY excited about naming Noctis' Chocobo Bobby Corwen yesterday made Leigh's reaction to meeting the Chocobo in this one way funnier. You are both wonderful humans, and thank you for sharing all your moments.

[@n4sph3re]

NYXI!

[@isthatyouman09]

I just came from your play through funny enough.

[@mshamblam]

"I've seen him around. He's just a black void with eyes." Little did she know that he has the most character in the entire game.

[@fajaradi1223]

Yeah ... Fu(k Zidane! Vivi story and character development is way better. Very thought provoking and trancendensing.

[@Rickzoor]

@@fajaradi1223 Thats an interesting take seeing as they have basicly the same backstory, they were both created the same way, just Kuja method wasnt on Garlands level.

[@callmeshaggy5166]

Vivi's character arc in this game was amazing, and makes the ending.

[@blakec8549]

Vivi was the real main character of this game. He embodies every theme of the story

[@onehopeofthedoomed]

The Farewells at the end, Vivi saying goodbye before he dies really does make everything so bittersweet. He did get everything he wanted in the end, even though he never saw Zidane again

[@limitless7742]

The story never gets old, no matter how many times you watch/play it. Thank you for sharing yours!

[@bakacdaz]

Because of it’s the story of Life As long as human born ,fall in love, has a family and die the message of this game will never get old.

[@ronaldrinsiyangbigay819]

This game gave me hope during my time of depression. Glad I saw someone enjoyed this game how much I do.

[@SirAuron777]

Same, playing this game for the first time helped me cope during a bad time. I still don’t feel 100% happy, but better than where I was years ago

[@_UPRC]

I love the change in attitude between the very beginning and that final "The End", really shows how much this game grows on you as you play through it. One of the best JRPGs of all time, absolutely no question about it.

[@callmeshaggy5166]

Also please kindly do not besmirch the grand name of Bobby Corwen, the legendary chocobo of Black Mage Village. Fun fact though, it's Bobby Corwen because the first two letters of each name spell Boco.

[@dan290786]

Boco, FFV!

[@yazansyouf8529]

This is my favorite game. I always come back and watch this video.

[@tomsaejiw2940]

Vivi's monologue always makes me cry like a baby.

[@Harkz0r]

This game is a timeless treasure, and I'm glad you enjoyed it. I always enjoy watching others' honest reactions because it's almost like a way to re-experience everything; I tend to get quite moved sometimes too. VII was my introduction to the series and I'll always have a soft spot for it, but this one is probably my overall favourite. I had to laugh at the start, because Zidane certainly does make an impression, but I love the entire cast so much. Even comic relief characters like Steiner actually have quite a robust character growth arc, and everything about the game is just so... charming. Thanks for sharing!

[@chainclaw07]

I would say that the "Not alone" scene is most definitely my favorite instance of power of Friendship ever and it's not even close

[@hafizmol1487]

Me: ooh someone played FFIX. Time to cry again xD

[@chriswinkler284]

No shit. Same here :')

[@deborahsiahaan9261]

Same here 😂😂😂

[@Kilwede1]

Yeeeup *sniffles*

[@mac.a.r0nny]

It's just a simple story about life and death and I love it for that matter. No convoluted story about killing Gods to becoming a Loui Vuitton model or whatever.

[@angelkennethtolentino8261]

"Becoming a Louis Vuitton model" LOL 😆

[@chieffridge5588]

Pretty sure they fought the god of death or fate at the end there

[@iankobe]

@@angelkennethtolentino8261 What reference is this haha, legit question

[@pimentx3253]

Yeah, until they shohorned in a God at the end of the game for you to fight.

[@AlexanderMartinez-kd7cz]

@@pimentx3253 that's not what necron is. TLDR kuja blew up the crystal with ultima and ended all existance, leaving only nothingness, the party and himself because they were in the crystal world. That is what necron is. In some languages like spanish he's actually called "eternal darkness". Then the party chooses to fight nothingness and through this they recreate the crystal (this is explained in the last dungeon. memories are shared among all beings in a 2 way street fashion, so people can create the crystal like the crystal creates the world) and that reverses kuja blowing up the universe. So necron isn't a god, it has no drive or personality. It's merely the void incarnated. Couldn't let it slide.

[@fenrirslayer06]

Imma just cry with you, don't mind me in the corner. I've beaten this game so many times and I still cry at the end.

[@dearthofdoohickeys4703]

Garnet and Zidane gets married: my skin is shrivelling up *immediately chooses to marry Quina and Vivi*

[@KlooKloo]

I... So happy

[@Polomance862]

@@KlooKloo M-Me too...

[@DillaryHuff]

Don't you mean DAGGER?!

[@metha9987]

Bobby Corwen is the best name that ever been named XD

[@358sotos]

Bo(bby) Co(rwen) is actually a reference to Boco, the chocobo from FFV.

[@chriskrause6280]

I love the bro voice she reads Zidane with. It’s great.

[@user-abysswalker777]

Play once, and never forget the story! Thank you! Thanks for final fantasy full my life.

[@ChiZillaaa]

Love how it seemed like you absolutely hated Zidane in the beginning and then cried your eyes out at the ending. LMAO. This game will do it to ya, and everyone character develops so incredibly well.

[@calebgoodman2076]

Vivi is my all time favorite FF character, if one of the most tragic. Fun Fact: He only *looks* 9. He is actually only *6 months!* He’s literally a baby!

[@briantran5240]

I never realized how f***boyish Zidane was until you started voicing him hahahh.

[@ponyboy9765]

Anyone else get teary eyed when the black waltz kills all the black mages on the cargo ship? That’s always been one of my favorite scenes.

[@tarnishedofnorenown387]

That's me when I was 10!

[@Jyukenmaster95]

This game does such a good job at subverting the player's feelings & making them ask "Did i get the bad ending?" And the fact that you canonically never win against Beatrix was such a great touch Thanks for this playthrough breakdown. I've never heard of your channel & hadn't thought about this game in almost a decade, but I needed an excuse to get my feels on :)

[@fenrirslayer06]

Necron's boss then is amazing, I love it. So much love for FF9, my first Final Fantasy and the best.

[@Polomance862]

Necron has an amazing theme. But its such a shame he really had no build up. He appears so suddenly and haphazardly. There's no depictions or illusion, he simply is summoned by Kuja's fear of death and realization of his mortality's end. It really should've just been Kuja with transitional phases. Or have Memoria allude to Necron's existence and Kuja's actions were to summon Necron to destroy everything just so he didn't die alone. Spend time to build Necron as an enemy so he's not such a jarring and last-minute boss.

[@358sotos]

Definitely my favourite game of all time and it's always a pleasure to see other people reacting to it.

[@jones6471]

Vivi lives forever in our hearts

[@christianpoceiromeis6040]

My favourite final fantasy game, this story is amazing!!!

[@kingofbudokai]

"Did Zidane just go super saiyan?" I mean.....yeah kinda. Also, on the note of "canon" names, technically her name is Sarah. You can actually find that out if you do a bit of exploration in Madain Sari.

[@Nirwanda001]

@Nobody Sarah was the name the princes of ff1 had. No idea about France. Maybe some crazy localization thing, like how in Spain Zidane is called Yitan or something like that.

[@WD_Gaster66]

@@Nirwanda001 Yitan isn't a wild localization thing, it's the original Japanese name (Jitan)

[@nezkeys79]

Final Fantasy. The ability to make you cry easily no matter what game you play. Masters of storytelling. I'm glad I was alive to experience them all

[@snomwithaknife4478]

I played Final Fantasy 9 when i was very young and it started my love for the series. It wasnt my first game ever, but it did help me grow to love exploring the various worlds people have put their hearts into creating. It is first in a long list of many games that are dear to my heart, and it will always be my favorite game of all time. Im so very glad to see more people giving it a try even though its a game from a discarded generation depending upon who you ask. Im glad you loved the game, Rest in Peace Vivi

[@electricbluetiramisu3713]

“AM I FIGHTING A SHIP?!” You took TWO MAGES to OEILVERT?!?!?!

[@leonelbanegas4417]

Lol I was thinking the same!!!!

[@cgdavidson]

Absolute madlad

[@maofan1578]

I did that on my first play through lol right when I got there I was like holy shit kuja said I can't use magic here why did I do this

[@sofaris576]

I did the same thing. Mainly just becuse I would not leave Vivi behind and I would not want to go without a healer. But it was not that bad Vivi and Garnet where put on Item duty. It was not that dificulty. Although partially becuse I dont have this Elixir hording problem. Those helped a lot.

[@eastbluedrew1664]

Lmfao Yoooooooo I'm crying we all made that mistake

[@bradreed4414]

Most accurate review I ever saw of this game : “10/10 amazing game. Gave me depression.”

[@TheFuzzyCrack]

I'm glad I can see people actually appreciate the true final fantasy. I just hope you got the ending about Vivi. It took me besting it twice to realize it and it messed me up

[@lucio989]

The emotion at the end was palpable. And thank you for recognizing the music. You slaughtered this.

[@PhoenixL0vee]

12:00 LeighXP: Oh no. I already know how this ends. It ends with Zidane kissing her and I’m gonna vomit. Me: Gurl this ain’t a Disney movie!

[@lXFeniXl]

I cry everytimee because of Vivi's death and his last words u.u

[@zerowolf137]

My favorite ff,I miss ff games like this one.

[@justinmcguffee7760]

The plot twists and music in this game are amazing and how badass is the final boss? Freya is my favorite character ever. FF9 is probably my overall favorite title. Great playthrough, cheers!

[@Khelleyne]

I've watch all of your playthrough yesterday and god did I relived every feeling you got along the way. FFVII remake was amazing and FFIX too....such a blessing each time I replay a Final Fantasy.

[@bottlesandcats]

This is probably my favorite game of all time. I’ve played it through 3 times and it never gets old. ❤️❤️❤️

[@RiotPhyrexian]

The saddest part about this game is how Vivi expires thinking Zidane died.

[@PierceArner]

Those vocal at 31:12 still INSTANTLY wreck me even though it's been years since I've played this game.

[@BaschBarrage]

The ending narrator was Vivi.. he's dead. RIP T.T

[@dynegm]

and they said Aerith was the saddes death in FF history :(

[@chieffridge5588]

@@dynegm honestly i didnt really feel aeriths death but thats probably because by the time i played FF7 for myself i already knew everything that would happen

[@Polomance862]

@@dynegm Aerith's death is sad as there wasn't anything quite like it in that era of gaming. Perma-deaths on your main cast characters is so rare, and Final Fantasy 7 had it happen so suddenly. And there wasn't a replacement for her character such as in games like Legend of Dragoon. Which killed one character and replaced him, as well as replaced one character for another. Vivi's death is such a subtle cue that it took a replay of the ending for most people to realize that Vivi is the only one who never truly makes it to the end. He spends the entire journey coming to understand life, existence and death. Only to die at the end and not reunite with the cast. Only his replicated children make their appearance in his stead.

[@erinandalligators]

I'll have you know Bobby Corwen is a perfectly adorable name. I mean, neither the black mages and especially the genomes have a very strong understanding of etiquitte or the expectations of forming bonds or relationships being literally just disposable tools of war up until this point. Given that I think the fact they managed to name it at all (all the black mages only have numbers and only Garland's elite 3 genomes have names) is adorable. Plus BObby COrwen = BO CO = Boko. But yeah I really love this game - the themes, the characters, the music, the world, it's just so special to me.

[@Mezielz]

This game was so precious to me as a kid. This brings back so many memories. Watching you react to the ending made me so emotional, lol.

[@Kleigen]

27:33 It's called The Dark Messenger :)

[@thomasbrown4626]

This is my favorite FF game by a large margin and one of my favorite games of all time, so it always makes me happy to see people discover and fall in love with this game. Your reactions, especially at the end perfectly sum up what makes this game so great. I still tear and get choked up at this games ending and that's many years and playthroughs later. If you haven't played it I would personally suggest Lunar Silver Star Story Complete for the PS1 or its remaster for the PSP/Vita Lunar Silver Star Harmony. It is another heavily character driven JRPG that has absolutely wonderful characters and a good and really touching story.

[@AnomalousCat]

It’s on iOS now too. It’s called Lunar Silver Star Story Touch

[@Brian-fj5gz]

Love yur reactions to ffviiCC and this one. Makes me relive the first time i played the game. I wish i can forget and play these games for the first time again.

[@paulmyers2101]

That ending is still so so heavy when you realise it’s Vivi essentially saying his goodbye. If you ever get the chance, try parasite Eve. It’s the same gang that made final fantasy 8 and resident evil 2, teaming up. Nice work on your videos miss!

[@Aryanisme]

For REAL ??? So Vivi died ?

[@Rikent]

@@Aryanisme he is in a better place now :(

[@perrydunetz882]

@@Aryanisme yes most black mages have a 1 year lifespan, vivi pushed himself a bit to live longer, dying upon seeing zidane again

[@aa-qx1cg]

@@perrydunetz882 He never saw Zidane again. That's why he wrote the note, just in case Zidane ever came back. Zidane had been gone for years at that point, look how long Garnet's hair is.

[@perrydunetz882]

@@aa-qx1cg zidane hadn’t been gone for years he’d been gone for a little under a year, and we physically see him watch zidane return, it’s the last thing he sees

[@amane6397]

I absolutely love these. The editing is on point and your reactions are so genuine and natural, it's so enjoyable! I'm binging on all the "journey" videos of the games I've played

[@icallJinx]

FF9 music is the best of all FF music out there imo. Brings back so much feelings! Thanks for mentioning them along the way

[@jaimeduendeozzzkr]

You had m cryin tonight watching your reaction to CrisisCore, im so happy i found your channel. This is a great game too

[@LAxemann]

Watching this inspired me to give the soundtrack a listen again - At the very beginning, when the Prima Vista crashes into the forest (shot down by Brahne), the music is a mixture of the Final Fantasy Main Theme played in minor, which then transits into a slow version of Kuja's theme. Amazing musical foreshadowing. :)

[@carll4048]

It’s more like Yuna pulled a Garnet ;) Other than that I loved watching this, so damn nostalgic of my favorite FF game.

[@EternianX]

This ending gets me crying every time without fail. Watching you play this was just so wholesome. T-T

[@WattoSurf]

I think probably it's still my favorite... also the first one I completed so...

[@itsregal]

I love ff9. Zidane changing from an insufferable fuckboy to a decent person over the length of the story is SO AMAZING. also vivi is best boy we love him forever

[@gregorys.murphy5138]

That you're not alone theme hits everyone

[@sekainodreamers6273]

I have loved getting to see you get emotional to this game that is very dear to me. Thank you for this video, that was heart warming :)

[@joannakolber1288]

Played this game so many times since I was a kid, but you make me jealous that I can't experience it for the first time as an adult. My absolute favourite of all time!

[@leesun2014]

ty so much for doing this, I've played FF IX like 20 years ago this give chill to my spine I love this game.

[@alejandrovillacorta607]

see your reraction, it makes me remember the first time i played it, this game is and will always be for me the best game i have ever played, thank you for remembering a stage so beautiful in my life.

[@Carpet_Carp]

I cannot believe that you dislike Quina. Their way of life is the best way of life.

[@The_Moe_Szyslak_Exp_feat_Homer]

Yes. You have come far along way of gourmand. I give you this: *recieved thumbs up*

[@ChewyPineapple]

I love how the game punishes players who didn't train Quina when the story gets to the Four Shrines bit 😄

[@sofaris576]

@@ChewyPineapple And it rewarded me fore not having that elixir hording problem. Quina died in like the second turn so I knew it would be pointless to revive him/her/it so I just kept attacking and everytime Zidanes HP got low I used an Elixir. You get a lot of those. In that no magic place they where also useful.

[@kuponk9903]

This is my favorite Final Fantasy game. FF9 is such a masterpiece, the story, the characters, the OST, all things in this game are fuckin insane. And the end make me cry everytime. Final Fantasy 9 is underated.

[@infinimetrical]

Final Fantasy 9 was the gift that was given to me for my 9th birthday. I have a copy with the Blockbuster Video security stickers on it. I've played this game a lot, absolutely beautiful game.

[@guillaumelandicheff4431]

Just discovered your channel because that really is my favorite game and I am sooo disappointed I am late to see you play it... Glad to see it was able to have some impact on you, as it did for so many people

[@AnomalousCat]

This is one of my favorite games of all time. It was cool to see someone else play. Did you notice Kuja saves everyone at the end by using his power to give everyone enough time to leave? I also barely noticed that Garnet’s hair was long again when you pointed it out. Zidane was gone for a long time. Great game great video.

[@matthewrabelhofer5763]

I laughed everytime you shook your head after reading a line from Zidane out loud. These edits were great - thanks for sharing once again!

[@rozastra]

Ive never played ff9 and only know about Zidane through Dissidia, but watching you voice him like that was so amusing i couldnt stop laughing/watching 😂 also loved your crisis core/ff7 journey vids! They were fun to watch :)

[@kaylaroo710]

You're video popped up in my suggestions and I gave it a watch and seeing your reactions to various scenes was entertaining. Final Fantasy IX is my favorite FF game, it was the first one I played as a child and it has a special place in my heart. I always love seeing new people play FF9 and enjoy the story and characters. Needless to say you've got a new subscriber:)

[@cgdavidson]

Your Zidane voice is honestly GREAT

[@mariozaal]

I played this game 4 times from beginning to end.this game and ffx are the 2 games i can play every year and still enjoying them.

[@ajayagrawal1090]

Please play final fantasy IV as well, I would love to see you mimicking their emotions. You are so good at it❤️

[@markworsfold5335]

brilliant, i played this game back in the day on ps1. still have it too, must blow the dust off and have a revisit. im now a grown grown man and watching that brought back memories and a tear to my eye once again lol

[@nicolaskaito4769]

So nice you get to play this game. It is my personal favorite Final Fantasy game and it is just perfect from start to finish...

[@josepadron335]

10:09 half expected to hear "WE WILL, WE WILL, ROCK YOU" there

[@izlude9283]

23:14 - 23:45 My reaction to the whole Final Fantasy IX game. And still my favorite and top JRPG of all time.

[@Arthur_url]

Still my favorite JRPG of all time, truly a masterpiece to this day

[@98kazer]

this game holds a special place in my heart cuz it's my very first FF game

[@SevenDragonss]

That ending gets me everytime, also the music really hits another level doesn't it?

[@TheMixedPlateFrequency]

I was a tad bit sad to find out Vivi passed.

[@gregorys.murphy5138]

That scene hits everybody you're not alone

[@djgusto5878]

Your only the 2nd of playthroughs is seen that actually does the voice acting I LOVE IT!!!

[@ThatZidaneGuy]

Awesome journey you had in this game! It's my all-time favorite! You doing the voices added to the experience as well. Subbed for sure! Keep it up!

[@Thelasthunter18]

I'm absolutely in love with the story line and the music at the very end.😢

[@Fifus92]

17:35 well because this is still the best FF soundtrack :D

[@calmwalks6770]

Going back to replay this game now for the tears again. Bravo on the sword fight mini game in the beginning , that was impressive that you got 100/100 that took me forever to get back then. This was awesome and emotional to watch !

[@PassportPowell]

haha was waiting for the "You're not alone".. right int he feels :)

[@jakem3634]

The ending gets me like that every time too. Such an underrated game. Definitely my favourite.

[@infinimetrical]

Definitely gets a subscription from me. I enjoy her sense of humor.

[@blueseeker93]

This game has a special place in my heart.. seeing any1 playing and enjoying it makes me happy

[@romanestrada374]

Seeing you cry in the ending makes me satisfied. Love this game.

[@omegagilgamesh]

In Japanese, it's a lot easier to know who's talking when there's only text due to speech patterns being a lot more recognizable (such as Japanese having something like 17 first person pronouns, while English has only 3: me, myself, and I), so the ending narration hits a lot harder when you find out that it's actually Vivi talking and saying goodbye to everyone, as his time was/has run out. BTW, in FFVII it's not obvious in the English translation, but that phantom talking to Cloud during those blackout scenes was Zack. In the remake it seems it wasn't, which might be due to him (apparently) having survived in the remake.

[@MisterTwit]

I loved this game back when it was new, but I didn't get that emotionally invested. I just thought it was fun. But somehow watching someone else play it and get into it 20 years later gets to me now. Thanks for sharing

[@LovelessDogg1]

I love FF9 so much. It’s so underrated. And that ending is so 💜💜💜

[@Arrancar488]

I love your reactions to things in this game! I wish I had found you when you were playing it

[@johnyguitar8859]

Love to see someone enjoying this awesome game

[@pgbrown12084]

I didn't realize that Vivi had died at the end of the game until almost a decade later when a friend told me. I was heartbroken! I had to play the game again and broke down crying when I understood the context of the words being said!

[@jillvalentine7672]

Awwww same i even need to consult a walkthru just to confirm this