Final Fantasy IX

Final Fantasy IX is the ninth main installment in the FF series. The title is a return to the series's roots, with gameplay features and references to the past games featuring throughout, as well as a medieval fantasy setting and cartoonish art style as a break from the sci-fi slant style of Final Fantasy VII and Final Fantasy VIII. You play Zidane Tribal, a thief with the Tantalus theater troupe, who takes part in the kidnapping of Princess Garnet of Alexandria. The story spreads across the continents of the world of Gaia. The party has up to four members chosen from eight characters, and each character has a fixed role. Battles are turn based and use the Active Time Battle system. Characters learn new abilities by equipping weapons and armor that teach them, and once an ability is mastered it stays with the character. Entering Trance mode in a battle gives a character extra powers. Optional activities include Tetra Master, a card game, and Chocobo Hot and Cold, a treasure hunting minigame. Between towns and dungeons you cross the world map on foot, by chocobo and by airship.