For me, of the PS1 FFs (that is, VII, VIII, IX and Tactics) it's by far the weakest. It has the dullest story (terribly straightforward), the most annoying characters (save Vivi of course) and the less customizable battle system (come on, I thought we had moved on from the Thief character/Healer/Spellcaster/Tank/etc. gameplay). It's not a bad game by any means, but the gameplay and story is too old-school and neglects much of the improvements found on its predecessors.

It's not like it should be avoided at all costs, but I think you don't miss anything by skipping it

Whatever you do, ignore what zexen_lowe just said at all costs. What twesterm said, that's 100% spot on.

This is a great game and definitely worth purchasing. Hopefully you have played some of the earlier ones as it is a great throwback to come of the classics FF elements. I would probably say it is in the top 3 or 4 in the series.

I agree. I loved how 9 had class specific characters. Their abilities were tied to their character and fit with the story. I thik one of the reasons why other games' charcaters are less memorable is because any charcater could have any ability. They all became generic so there was no real correlation between their character (who they were, acted, felt, etc.) and hoe they plaed. I would love SE to do another throwback game like 9 where they incorporate many of the traditional elements of the game in a new story.

No it doesn't! There is a reason that Final Fantasy IX is the highest rated Final Fantasy ever.

Compared to others? the most boring, annoying, and slow FF. You'll hate the characters, I promise. Also, making an action takes... 1 minute 30 secs? grinding si terrible in this game. Story's very shabby too.

Its only saviors are the art style and music. The music is the best ever.

Get FF VIII instead.

You may not like, but it sure as hell isn't the slowest.

Which is slower?

Final Fantasy I, II, and III.

Final Fantasy V is even slower than that as well.

V?

Hardly IMO.

I II and III? perhaps... I played 1 & 2 and was never bothered with III on the DS...