The platonic ideal of Final Fantasy
FF9 is my first and my fav. I had no nostalgia to draw upon back then but still felt there was something rich in the characters, world and music. I have great memories of FF9. – Sandor Sanchez
Final Fantasy IX is a great place to start. The game features a broad pastiche of worldbuilding elements that preceded it, so you get a fun and natural introduction to the series as a whole.
It’s also just a great game in its own right. The linear set pieces are dynamic and interactive in the best ways (a playable theatrical performance in the midst of a playable kidnapping gone wrong, for example) and in the segments of free exploration, FF9’s world rewards curiosity in a lot of fun, unique ways.
Oh, and the plot rules. It’s rich and complex and playful in a gallows humor sort of way, since mortality is the theme that weighs heavy on FF9’s mind. – elwittlif
