Why Is Final Fantasy 9 So Long? A Deep Dive!

Why Is Final Fantasy 9 So Long? Final Fantasy IX’s length stems from its rich main storyline, which typically takes about 40 to 60 hours to complete.

Final Fantasy IX is one of the most beloved entries in the Final Fantasy franchise. With its charming characters, captivating storyline, and sprawling world, it’s easy to see why fans keep coming back to it. However, one question that often pops up is: Why is Final Fantasy 9 so long?

If you’ve spent a significant amount of time in its world, you might have noticed that its length can stretch well beyond what you might expect from a typical role-playing game.

Let’s dive into the reasons behind the game’s extensive playtime and how these elements contribute to an immersive experience.

1. What Is Final Fantasy IX?

Before exploring the reasons behind the game’s length, let’s briefly touch on what makes Final Fantasy IX so special.

Overview of the Game

Released in 2000 for the PlayStation, Final Fantasy IX is set in a fantasy world called Gaia, where technology and magic coexist.

You follow Zidane Tribal, a charming thief, as he embarks on a journey with Princess Garnet and other memorable characters. [Why Is Final Fantasy 9 So Long?]

With its old-school fantasy setting, it was a return to the roots of the series, offering players a mix of traditional medieval themes with fantasy-driven storytelling.

Main Characters and Plot

The characters in Final Fantasy IX play a big role in why the game is so long. Zidane, Garnet, Vivi, and the rest of the party go on a quest to stop a villainous force threatening the world.

Along the way, the game delves deeply into character relationships, their backstories, and the personal growth of each party member. This focus on character-driven storytelling contributes to the game’s expansive runtime.

2. Why Is Final Fantasy IX So Long?

Now, let’s dive into the reasons why this game might feel like an epic journey, clocking in anywhere from 40 to 100 hours, depending on how much you choose to explore.

Extensive Main Storyline

The main storyline of Final Fantasy IX is already quite long, and it’s broken into multiple chapters. Each chapter introduces new locations, characters, and events, all contributing to the story’s complexity.

The plot is rich in detail, filled with emotional beats that give you plenty to chew on, keeping you engaged for hours. [Why Is Final Fantasy 9 So Long?]

Completing just the main story can take 40 to 60 hours, with each chapter offering new twists and turns to keep things interesting.

Side Quests and Optional Content

Final Fantasy IX isn’t just about following the main narrative. It’s also filled with side quests and activities that can add a considerable amount of time to your playthrough.

Whether it’s hunting down the legendary creatures, solving puzzles, or getting involved in mini-games, these additional tasks can add another 20 to 40 hours to the game.

Some of these side quests can be complex, rewarding you with rare items or even unique endings, making it tempting to complete them all.

One of the most iconic features of the game is the Chocobo Hot and Cold game, which lets you hunt for hidden treasures in the form of Chocobo feathers.

You can easily lose yourself in these distractions, often spending hours just exploring the world for hidden secrets. [Why Is Final Fantasy 9 So Long?]

Exploration and World-Building

The vast world of Gaia is one of the key elements contributing to the game’s length. Unlike many other RPGs of its time, Final Fantasy IX offers a huge world to explore. From lush forests to intricate dungeons, you’ll spend a lot of time navigating and discovering new locations.

The game encourages exploration with secret passages, hidden items, and areas that reward your curiosity. [Why Is Final Fantasy 9 So Long?]

Not only do you need to explore towns and villages, but there are numerous side areas and caves that are easy to miss, making the experience longer than it first seems.

Character Development and Subplots

Character development is a hallmark of Final Fantasy IX. The game takes its time to build relationships between party members, allowing each character’s backstory to unfold gradually throughout the game.

The more time you spend with Zidane and his friends, the deeper you become invested in their personal journeys.

There are also a number of subplots that give the story even more emotional weight, and these are often intertwined with the game’s main plot.

As you progress, you’ll want to learn more about the characters, which often adds to the time it takes to finish the game. [Why Is Final Fantasy 9 So Long?]

Replayability and New Game Plus

Once you’ve completed the game, the desire to replay can make the game even longer. Final Fantasy IX offers New Game Plus features, where you can carry over certain elements from your first playthrough into subsequent runs.

This encourages you to experience the game again, this time with more knowledge and stronger abilities, and allows you to explore different paths or characters.

For completionists, replaying the game to unlock all secrets, finish all side quests, or max out character stats can take well over 100 hours.

3. The Extensive Main Storyline

The main storyline in Final Fantasy IX is one of the longest in the franchise, and it’s easy to see why. The detailed narrative unfolds over multiple acts, each one building upon the last.

As you play, you’ll encounter a mix of high-stakes battles, emotional moments, and character-driven drama that keeps you hooked. [Why Is Final Fantasy 9 So Long?]

Depth of the Main Plot

The core plot involves saving the world from an ancient evil, but it’s the personal stories of each character that give it depth. Zidane, Garnet, Vivi, and the rest of the group all have distinct backstories that unfold as you play.

Whether it’s Zidane grappling with his past or Vivi trying to understand the meaning of life, these character moments add emotional weight and significantly extend the playtime.

4. Side Quests and Optional Content

One of the great things about Final Fantasy IX is the sheer amount of optional content. Whether you’re searching for hidden treasures or chasing after the elusive Ultima Weapon, the game encourages you to stray off the beaten path. [Why Is Final Fantasy 9 So Long?]

Major Side Quests

Side quests like finding all the Rare Cards or collecting Tetra Master cards can easily add dozens of hours to your gameplay. Additionally, side characters like Quina and Freya have their own subplots that provide further context and rewards when completed.

Mini-Games and Extras

Mini-games, including the Chocobo Hot and Cold game, are another huge draw for players. While they don’t necessarily advance the plot, they add a layer of fun and give players a chance to get lost in the world of Gaia for hours on end.

5. Exploration and World-Building

Final Fantasy IX’s world-building is incredibly immersive. The game offers a vast array of environments, each with its own feel and design, from bustling towns to eerie ruins. Exploration is a key component of the game, and it rewards curiosity.

Whether it’s finding hidden rooms, discovering new locations, or unlocking secrets, the world is designed to keep you exploring and investing time in its mysteries. [Why Is Final Fantasy 9 So Long?]

6. Character Development and Subplots

The game’s emphasis on character development also lengthens its overall playtime. With each character having a distinct backstory and arc, you’re drawn into their individual journeys.

The plot doesn’t rush through character development, and as a result, the relationships between characters evolve over time, requiring a more extended playthrough.

7. Replayability and New Game Plus

For many players, Final Fantasy IX’s replayability is what keeps the game fresh. After finishing the game once, you can dive back into the world with a deeper understanding of the characters and events.

New Game Plus options allow you to revisit the game with stronger abilities and try different approaches. [Why Is Final Fantasy 9 So Long?]

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Final Verdict

Final Fantasy IX is a long game, but that’s part of its charm. From its main storyline to its side quests, world-building, and character development, everything is designed to keep you engaged for hours.

Whether you’re a completionist or just a fan of deep narratives, the game’s length is a testament to how much there is to explore and experience. The extra time spent in Gaia is a rewarding journey that keeps you coming back for more.

FAQs

How long does it take to finish Final Fantasy IX?

On average, it takes 40 to 60 hours to complete the main story, but optional content and side quests can extend this to over 100 hours.

What are the best side quests in Final Fantasy IX?

Some of the best side quests include Chocobo Hot and Cold, the hunt for the Ultima Weapon, and the Tetra Master card collection.

Does the game feel too long, or is it just the right amount of content?

The game’s length is well-balanced, with enough content to keep you engaged without feeling rushed. [Why Is Final Fantasy 9 So Long?]

How does Final Fantasy IX compare to other Final Fantasy games in terms of length?

Final Fantasy IX is one of the longer entries, offering a lot of content for players who love to explore and complete side quests.

Can I complete everything in Final Fantasy IX in under 100 hours?

While completing the main story can take less than 60 hours, finishing everything, including all side quests and mini-games, will likely take you over 100 hours.

Conclusion: Why Is Final Fantasy 9 So Long?

Final Fantasy IX’s length may initially seem daunting, but it’s an essential part of what makes it such a cherished RPG.

The game’s rich story, immersive world, character depth, and replayability provide a truly expansive experience, making every minute of your journey through Gaia worth it.

Whether you’re playing for the first time or revisiting it for the hundredth time, the length is part of what makes the adventure so special. [Why Is Final Fantasy 9 So Long?]