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Final Fantasy 9 is one of the most acclaimed entries in the Final Fantasy series due to its incredible characters and the immersive world they inhabit. It returns to the staples of its predecessors, encapsulating iconic fantasy elements.
This atmosphere is created by the characters you meet and party members you interact with throughout the game – each has a unique personality and an engaging backstory developed throughout your adventure. For a game that has a brilliant visual style, it’s surprising that this game touches on some adult themes. The writing for this game is brilliant, and it’s impactful to watch the characters grow and share their wisdom as they overcome their inner battles.
ten “To hell with the looks. It’s what’s inside that counts.”
Tribal Zidane
For a protagonist who usually relies on humor, Zidane has some insightful moments. For example, when trying to cheer Vivi up after commenting on her short stature, Zidane mentions her power as a dark mage, saying it’s more important than her outward appearance.
This sentiment may not be new, but it’s great to see it mentioned in a Final Fantasy game. It’s touching to see the relationship between these two characters grow, and this quote is the perfect example of Zidane going out of his way to cheer up his friends. It’s a message that every player can take to heart.
9 “To be forgotten is worse than death.”
Freya Crescent
These words appear on a title card and are attributed to the Burmese dragon – Freya Crescent. Freya is a character marked by deep loss, losing her home and many of her people, and losing the love of her life, Sir Fratley.
Fratley and Freya reunite in the game, only to find he has amnesia and has forgotten about her. Rightly so, she is devastated by it as her worst fears come true and she is forgotten by her loved one, a near-death fate for her. The game doesn’t offer an easy solution to this problem – Fratley never recovers his memory, but they can overcome this and get closer. It demonstrates that the worst-case scenario isn’t the end for you – it’s just the death of that chapter of your life.
8 “He’s a chocobo, not a monster. His name is Bobby Corwen.”
Black Mage #33
The Black Mages have one of the most tragic histories in gaming, created by Queen Brahne as weapons with a limited lifespan. The innocent Dark Mages who populate the Dark Mages Village struggle to understand their own mortality, which leads to heartbreaking scenes.
Although not all is gloomy – two dark mages from the village find an egg and raise it, watching over the newly hatched chocobo – Bobby Corwen. This quote is powerful because it demonstrates that they are capable of joy and are not just stupid puppets. It shows that they can find purpose in life despite their short lifespan, which allows them to leave something behind after they are gone.
7 “No clouds, no gusts will bother us!”
Zidane Tribal, as Marcus from I want to be your canary
Final Fantasy is a series known for its Easter Eggs, the most notable being the reference to Star Wars pilots Biggs and Wedge. The series likes to reference previous games, but none are more on the nose than this quote from the play at the end of the game that names the protagonists of the previous two installments.
This quote might be a little too obvious in its execution, but it’s fun to see two iconic characters referenced in this way. It’s funny to imagine that the characters have any idea who these two people are, let alone know them because they’re mentioned in a famous play.
6 “You don’t need a reason to help people.”
Tribal Zidane
The quote that sums up Zidane as a character mentions his virtue and willingness to help others without asking questions. Throughout the game, it’s a quality he demonstrates as he helps every member of the group, intentionally or not, by showing genuine care to his teammates.
Zidane’s character and this quote is something anyone can learn and use in their own lives – teaching you the importance of helping others and being kind. This quote shows you that games can teach you important lessons that have a positive impact on you.
5 “I’m so glad”.
Quina Quen
As part of a section of the game where Dagger and Zidane must get married to gain access to the Iifa tree, Quina and Vivi also have the option to get married.
Although this wedding is a sham – the stark difference between this odd couple makes for a humorous situation, culminating in Quina’s exclamation of joy after their nuptials. This quote is funny, but it’s also endearing to see a character like Quina express his happiness. It’s certainly not a heavenly match, but it’s still an emotional moment.
4 “Bring me my beloved dagger.”
Tribal Zidane
Dagger and Zidane’s relationship is one of the strongest in the series, as you can see it evolve from acquaintances to love throughout the game’s story, leading to a touching goodbye after Zidane stayed for help Kuja.
Due to her actions, Dagger and Zidane are separated indefinitely, where she must continue her duties as newly appointed queen, unsure if Zidane is dead. It’s only at the end of the game that they reunite, as Zidane says this quote while performing in a play, revealing his identity. This quote sticks with you because it demonstrates Zidane’s love for Dagger. Also, after hearing it, Dagger has the strength to shake off the restrictions placed on him as queen, leaving his pendant behind to embrace Zidane.
3 “We will never forget you. We will remember you each time we stand at your grave. And we will not let the fear of death, which each of us knows, keep us from living our lives.”
Black Mage #288
The death motif is very present in this game, especially when it comes to Vivi and the Black Mages, who are doomed to live shortened lives due to their creation.
This shortened lifespan is something every conscious dark mage has to deal with, and it’s exemplified by this quote that deals with remembrance. What makes this quote so poignant is its candid description of death and its assurance that, even after you die, you will be remembered through each of the lifetimes you have touched on earth.
2 Dagger: “One day I will be queen, but I will always be myself.”
Garnet Til Alexandros XVII
Dagger is one of the game’s strongest characters, overcoming the restraints imposed by his adoptive mother, Queen Brahne, to help save the world and take her rightful place as queen, ushering in a time of peace.
For someone so young, she’s able to stay true to herself in the face of adversity, as this quote shows. Despite her duties, she will never let her position define her as a person and will always act in accordance with her own morality – an important lesson for anyone with leadership responsibilities.
1 “You taught me that life doesn’t last forever. That’s why we need to help each other and live life to the fullest.”
Vivi Ornitier
As a dark mage, Vivi struggles with existentialism and his own mortality throughout the game, carrying the burden that he will die one day before his friends.
The endgame offers no fairy tale solution to this problem. Instead, it ends with Vivi’s children living without him and a monologue that strongly implies that Vivi is dead. Taken from that monologue, this quote suggests that he came to terms with his own mortality. This answers the question posed by Vivi – “How do you prove we exist? Maybe we don’t.” – telling yourself that the proof of your existence lies in the memories you create with the people around you and that even death cannot erase.
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