Quote Originally Posted by Hinky the Pickle
I'm sorry but I have to disagree with that quote. You act like IX didn't innovate the series at all. It had:

- The Ability Equipping System
- Trance (similar to Limit Break, sure, but executed differently)
- Spells being learned from equipment
- Friendly monsters
- Chocographs
- Synthesising

The list goes on. Saying that Final Fantasy IX didn't evolve from its predecessors is like saying cheese tastes like pie.
First of all, I never said that FFIX didn't innovate anything to the series. Of course it had some innovative material; if it didn't it would be the exact same game. I'm saying it didn't much evolve from FFVIII. This was done purposely though so FFIX could return to its roots; a tribute to the older generation. Remember FFIX was originally going to be called Final Fantasy Gaiden, but they switched it to an actual numerical sequel because it was created so massive.

Your conclusion didn't support your introduction by the way. In your introduction you were talking about innovative material, and the conclusion gave a bad simile to evolution... So it made no sense. Sure Friendly Monsters, and Chocographs are innovative, so are the graphics, the world, the characters, and so on... But they aren’t evolutions; they're optional mini-games which have no real affect on the mandatory sections of the game.

I'm sorry you were offended by my post, and I was by no means putting FFIX down, it's one of my favourite Final Fantasies. I was just stating the truth in my opinion.