Final Fantasy IX

Overall: B
Violence: C+
Sexual Content: B-
Language: B-
Drugs/Alcohol: A-

Platform reviewed: Sony Playstation
Publisher: SquareSoft
ESRB rating: T

Final Fantasy from Squaresoft, is considered the role-playing game (RPG) for the PlayStation, although it originated on the older Super Nintendo system. Now in its ninth edition, Final Fantasy has a reputation for pushing the technological limits of the medium and developing interesting plot lines. While there are some character tie-ins, each installment is an independent product with its own story. As this latest version comes on four discs (providing an estimated eighty hours of playing time), I shouldn't need to explain why we could not possibly examine every aspect of this video game.

Although we only traveled part way through the first disc, we saw enough to get a feel for where this quest was headed. The impressive opening "movie" (or cut scene as video-gamers call it) featuring cartoon-like people and creatures in a medieval setting, introduces a boy named Zidane Tribal and his black-faced and yellow-eyed companion Vivi Ornitier, who is a "mage" (someone possessing magical powers). Such abilities will be an invaluable asset for the upcoming battles. Other essentials include a beautiful Princess named Garnet, some comic relief provided by Adelbert Steiner--a softhearted yet dim-witted royal knight, an evil queen, and Kuja, an even more troublesome sorcerer. (You can rename these characters if you wish.)

The most splendid art I've seen for the PlayStation makes up the backdrop on which these characters interact. Specified paths must be followed through the incredible scenery, with only the occasional fork in the road. Should you make a "wrong" choice when one is presented, the route is designed to eventually lead back to the same position so you can try again. For someone like myself (who finds RPG's a little tedious) this approach was far less frustrating than figuring out what the programmer was thinking when he designed the game.

But even on the right path your leisurely stroll through the forest is constantly interrupted. Finding your team suddenly catapulted into a battle area, your characters must face a number of strange foes. I saw stuff that looked like a man-eating poinsettia, an octopus thing, and a giant-sized warthog. Utilizing a variety of physical skills such as swords, knives and other weapons, along with whatever magical powers you may possess, you hope to decrease the "hit points" of your enemy to zero before it does that to you.

These random battles have been the subject of much criticism in past Final Fantasy games. Although not graphically violent (no blood and the assailant simply disappears after being defeated), from my observation the frequency of these conflicts distracts from the story line, and serves no purpose other than providing your characters with practice so they can battle some more.

Parents may also be concerned by the frequent use of mild profanities and expletives during the game. While none of these are spoken audibly, they are contained in the pages and pages of text appearing in captioning balloons (much like a comic book) that must be read along the way. While their inclusion is unnecessary to the story, perhaps (as is the case with many movies) Squaresoft sensed a T-rating would improve game sales.

One other note of caution is a pre-pubescent female character named Eiko Carol. I didn't get far enough along in game to meet her, but her picture appears in the instruction manual with the caption "I don't wanna be alone anymore...." The game's website announces that she intends to make Zidane her boyfriend. Either she is wearing a skin-colored bodysuit under her open jacket, or she is an exhibitionist.

While this game may offer more play for your dollar than most of its peers, and stunning graphics with a somewhat interesting story, I suspect much of the effort you invest will be doing the usual--for the ninth time.

Rod Gustafson

©2000 One Voice Communications. All Rights Reserved

As always, if you discover anything in Final Fantasy IX that you feel parents would want to know about, please drop us at note at parents@gradingthemovies.com and we will share the information with others.