Latest 'Fantasy' installment true to its name

Ever wonder what it would be like to have a tail?\n In Squaresoft's "Final Fantasy IX," you are plunged into a world of magic and make-believe reminiscent of earlier games in the series. You start off as Zidane Tribal, wandering actor and thief with a tail. After an unforgettable performance in the game's main city of Alexandria, you begin meeting a host of interesting and unique characters. Unlike the previous "Final Fantasy VIII," the characters you command go beyond the human. The black mage Vivi Ornitier and the rat-tailed Freya Crescent are just two characters who give the game a more fairy tale feel.\n As the game progresses, several familiar faces appear. Guardian forces of earlier games, called eidolons in "IX," appear to help you on your way. The downside to using the eidolons is only certain characters can equip them and their skills must be learned one at a time. This cuts down on the amount of fun you can have rotating between your eidolons and blowing your enemy to kingdom come.\n Many staples of the "Final Fantasy" series make their appearance in the game. The whimsical chocobos are back to help seek out hidden treasure. They also make handy little taxis when you have far distances to go on foot. The card game also returns. Called Tetra Master, you gain cards from fighting battles or talking with people on the street.\n This game within a game is highly addictive in and of itself.\n "Final Fantasy IX" is not straight, mind-numbing game play. Wrapped in between plot twists and battles is the question: "Who makes a person what they are?" As the characters struggle to seek the answer, you find yourself hoping they find what they are looking for yourself.\n Overall, this game, which didn't receive much attention when it hit the market, is definitely a sleeper hit. While "IX" is the last "Final Fantasy" slated for the PlayStation One, it is not one that should be overlooked.