That can be taken two ways.

Was it a derivative of older FF games? Then yes... but this is already true about a lot of the spinoffs (FFT aside, which is more like a Tactics Ogre game with an FF skin).

Did it follow the inspired philosophyof any of the older FF games? Not in the slightest.

When you look at every FF game, they were always looking for new ways to improve the RPG genre, break new ground. FF9 is the only Final Fantasy game that didn’t even take a swing at doing that. It lacks the unique and pioneering spirit that has characterized the mainline series for the last 30 years.

So back to its roots? If you mean being a derivative of the old content, then yes. If you mean going back to the original philosophy, then no.

Just beat the game. For the first time as well.
Future playthroughs and new RPGs that come along may alter my listing, but as of now, it's one of my top 5 favorite RPGs. I loved it!

Still my personal favorite FF game.

Finished it in 20 hours, I enjoyed it plenty, the characters were well done. It makes me top 100 games ever, but not top 50.Good for my first Final Fantasy, now I'm looking forward to 7 this month. 

I've finished 7 and 8 but not 9. Might go back to it does anyone know if it has the magic boost option?

Pretty impressive that this game is #1 on the eShop still. Squeenix is going to make major bank on these FF games, as there are a lot of people stuck in that Nintendo bubble and this is their first time playing these games.

What with all the FF hype recently, I actually purchased the Windows Edition of FFXV and started playing through that again. I originally got a platinum for this game on the OG PS4 when it first released, but it's been some time and the game has had a substantial amount of updates. Hoping those changes are noticeable.

I must say, however, that the game looks gorgeous on my PC. I have custom settings such that I'm getting 40 ~ 45 FPS in 4K for a balanced experience without sacrificing too much of the visuals.

Furthermore, after putting some thought into it. Zidane and Garnet is probably the greatest romance/love story I've ever seen in a video game

So I have a wierd relationship with FFIX.

I think it's level of charm and cohesive art direction is unmatched in the series. The characters are just filled with so much personality. Yet....it has one of the weaker plots in the series for me, and the combat isn't as good as others. Somewhere in the middle of the game the plot feels aimless and things are just happening to fill the void. Villain motivations are loose. Being forced to use outdated equipment in order to learn it's abilities was bordering on annoying. While combo trance effects like spellsword for Steiner and Vivi were cool...but forgettable.

It does hold one of the BEST cutscenes in the series tho. If you played it yet know the one...
I prefer the more serious drama styles like FFVII and FFX, but it's comical demeanor has strong appeal.

And Vivi..., :''(
Probably the most lovable, but tragic, video game character I have ever seen.

Weirdly even though I've owned every Sony home console I've never played a final fantasy game before. I've always wanted to but something else would always get in the way.