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pc - 2000 - square
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↓ written 14/01/2025 ↓
final fantasy ix likely needs no introduction; the series seems to be a gaming staple. however, if - like me - you started playing games later in life and were daunted by the sheer number of installments, it is a role-playing game with a unique combat system and some delightfully designed characters.
the initial set-up for the player characters is fantastic; each individual is established with their own gameplay segment as and when they are sprinkled into the opening act. nothing groundbreaking, but the lack of preamble does draw the player in; they want answers to the questions that abound from being dropped into the middle of these characters' lives and plans. why are we kidnapping the princess? who is this unaccompanied kid and why do they know black magic? what is going on with that hierarchy in the castle kitchen? these tantalisingly dangled threads had me invested within the first hour, with no prior knowledge of the world or lore.
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