Final Fantasy IX review
:: NOT YOUR PORT OF CALLPrice: $16.99
Version: 1.0.4
App Reviewed on: iPad Air 2
Graphics / Sound Rating:
User Interface Rating:
Gameplay Rating:
Replay Value Rating:
Overall Rating:
Just to clarify, this is not a review of Final Fantasy IX. Chances are, if you're a fan of the franchise, you've played it before and know exactly what to expect.
So why is 148Apps reviewing it, I hear you ask. Well, we're going to take a look at how well Square Enix has ported the game onto iOS, and whether or not its worth your time - and money - to check it out. Read on!
Looking good?
In terms of visuals, the iOS port of Final Fantasy IX is a mixed bag.
On the one hand, the character models have had some tweaking to improve their appearance on the HD screen of your iOS device. In fact, they all look quite lovely and have held up well despite the passing of time.
On the other hand though, the background visuals have had no tweaking whatsoever, and the contrast between that and the revamped character models is painful to say the least.
The backdrops are just incredibly blurry, and there are times when you have to really focus to make out what the background objects are. In fact, one time I stumbled into a tavern door by accident because it was completely unclear that there was anything there.
Control yourself
Unlike the visuals, the controls are pretty solid. You have two options and you can interchange between them at any point, without the need to duck into a menu to change it.
One of these is your classic virtual controls, with a joystick for moving the character, and an action button which you use to talk to characters or pick up items.
The other is an entirely touch-based control scheme which allows you to tap to perform all actions. It's not perfect though. It would have been preferable to tap and hold on the screen to move your character about instead of having to tap a number of times to keep it moving.
Oh, and the icons that you have to tap on when using this mode are a little too small.
In terms of battling it's absolutely fine. The menus are nice and chunky so you'll never accidentally miss-tap anything. Again, it's not the nicest looking set of menus in the world but it gets the job done.
The bottom line
So, should you play Final Fantasy IX on your iPad? Well, that entirely depends. If you have a real hankering to play it again, you may just be able to forgive the awful visuals and imperfect control scheme.
Everyone else should probably stay clear though, and just play the original PlayStation version instead. Ironically, the lower resolution visuals will actually appeal more than this because they won't be quite so inconsistent.