Final Fantasy IX release date, character information

[03.10.00] » Do you want to know more?

   While the latest Jump! contains the first tantalizing screenshots and character artwork from Final Fantasy IX, it was unfortunately rather short on gameplay or story details. One new bit of information was a release date for the highly anticipated title; we already knew it was July, now we know it's July 19th. Diehard fans are no doubt already counting the days.

   A small bit of character information was also revealed. The hero Zitan (not Zotan) is a member of a thieves' guild and is 16 years old. Zitan has a "brightly hot" personality and is popular with girls. Vivi (perhaps Bibi, but definitely not Pipi) is a 9-year-old black mage; he is an extremely weak-willed child and prone to wandering about. The last of the three characters revealed, Steiner is a royal knight and 33 years old. He serves a princess and is exceedingly hardheaded.

   With only four short months until Final Fantasy IX's release, Square will no doubt begin the hype machine in full force immediately. Count on the GIA to stay on top of the coming information and media deluge.