ok the references and names from old games were GREAT for nostalgic value and to remind us why we all love the FF series and cant wait for more. The only problem i had with the game was the bosses. The only way to make this game difficult is to take on the challenges such as excalibur II or level 1 Ozma challenge. Otherwise you just get frog drop, thievery, and what not to just WIPE out all of the bosses that are supposed to be tough later on. In reality the bosses in IX were a JOKE! Yes you can do this with the challenges but good luck getting them A. powered up in under 12 hours. or B. living long enuf at level 1 to use them a bunch on a boss. (trust me both are tough)