Can it really be better then FFVII and VIII? - Video Games - http://maxpages.com/superguy911/Final_Fantasy

Square has released new screens and artwork from Final Fantasy IX for the PlayStation. Slated for a July 19 release in Japan, this latest Final Fantasy title features artwork from Yoshitaka Amano, who is well known for his work on the earlier Final Fantasy titles (parts I through VI).

As seen in these shots, Final Fantasy IX returns to the more medieval settings of the earlier installments in the FF series.
Final Fantasy IX marks the return of Yoshitaka Amano as principle character designer for a Final Fantasy game since FFVI, and it shows. Looking more like a sword and sorcery style game than a science-fiction opera is the first thing you'll notice. The second is the promotion of older FF characters to significant roles (the Dark Wizard being one), although a new character with either a tail or a long pony-tail (can't be sure which it was) seemed to be in the lead role. The character graphics rely less on the super-realism favored by FFVIII and look like a compromise between FFVII's and Chrono Cross's. Spell effects look great and appear to be slightly improved from those in FFVIII, but on the whole, it appears as though FFVIII truly maxed out the PlayStation's capabilities, because there is no quantitative leap in quality. The difference is in the design, and it looks great.

Any of you who were disgruntled by the recent Final Fantasy trend of style over substance may find FF IX's combination of old-school styling and technology a refreshing cure. While the FF X and XI won't arrive until 2001, FF IX for PlayStation looks like it could be a triumphant return to form. More on this as we get it.

CHARACTER INFORMATION!!!!!!
There are only 3 characters at the time but we will fill you in as more info comes in!

Zitan - The hero of the game. Zitan is 16 and a member of a Theives Guild. He is a crafty and swift teen, and comes fully equipped with a cheetah's tail.

VIVI Orniter - This is still not a confirmed name, but since the character is male then this makes much more sense that the earlier reports of "Pipi". Vivi is a 9-year old, absent-minded, and weak-willed Black Mage. He is also quite adept at getting himself lost, and this will probably factor into the plot at some point during the game.

Steiner - A 33-year old knight who is very loyal to the crown. His assignment is to protect the princess of the kingdom.

Get ready to forget all those character names again. The latest issue of Japan's V-Jump magazine contains the official romanized names of the three currently-announced FF IX characters: Zidane Triball (first name previously translated as "Zotan" and "Zitan"), VIVI Ornitier (who, in a NORG-like streak, insists on having his or her first name written in all caps), and Edward Steiner. (Thanks to Nick Rox for the scoop.)

The game will feature a total of eight "main" party members -- which means that other part-time characters, along the lines of FF VIII's Laguna, Kiros, and Ward, could still be included. Three of them, of course, are Zidane, VIVI, and Edward; the name of a fourth, Garnet, has appeared in screenshots, but that character has not been officially announced. Apparently, the story will not focus on one central character; like FF VI, several lead roles will drive the plot.

The identity of the massive flying building seen in the trailer and early screenshots has also been revealed -- it's actually a traveling theater that floats from town to town, putting on performances for the townsfolk.

And what of the equally impressive angelic creature seen towering over buildings? It protects a castle in which one of the coveted Crystals lie. Game Informer terms the creature a dragon, though in the screens seen thus far, it bears more of a resemblance to the summoned monster Alexander.

Finally, RPGamer has reported that FF IX is said to take a standard forty hours to complete, a figure which will no doubt be inflated to over 100 by the time the English advertisements are printed up.

An unfortunate Black Mage

The Flying Theater

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