Hmm...I don't think FFIX is the best, but from what I've played, it's pretty good. I'm about in the middle of the second disc right now.
The characters are good...them+the story are the best things about this game. They're what keeps me playing. Zidane is definitley different from the last couple of heros, which is sort of like a ncie breath of fresh air. He isn't annoying, and I'm finding myself being able to sympathize woith him easily. Steiner, though, is my favorite charaxcter. I love the relationship that him and Garnet have.
But, I have to say...the gameplay in this, more specifically, the battle system...I can't stand it. It grates on my nerves. It might just be me, but the transition to battle is really slow, which bothers me. I like having four people, though---it's different. But the ability-learning system=blegh. It's boring. i liked junctioning, and materia, because i was constantly changing it around, and playing with it. Meh.
The music is pretty good, but there's only one or two stand-out tracks. for me at least. Kuja's Theme in particular is excellent. Everything else is good, but there isn't anything that really captures my attention.
Once I finish this, I might have a different opinion though. We'll see.