Maybe VI is a greater boundary pushing piece of art, and VII has those hugely iconic moments that stand out in the memory, but for me, IX is the most consistently enjoyable game in the series so far.
I'd also say this is the most 'fantasy' of all the Final Fantasy games, it has a fairy-tale adventuring quality to it, with a vibrancy to the presentation and an endearing tone and cast of characters.
Speaking of characters, it was refreshing to have a main protagonist who was immediately likeable, lively and charismatic, rather than Squall and Cloud who are both moody sullen teenagers. Zidane is crucial in establishing the tone of this game early, as well as Vivi and Steiner, who I would rank first and second on my list of character FF characters overall.
I'd also say this is the most 'fantasy' of all the Final Fantasy games, it has a fairy-tale adventuring quality to it, with a vibrancy to the presentation and an endearing tone and cast of characters.
Speaking of characters, it was refreshing to have a main protagonist who was immediately likeable, lively and charismatic, rather than Squall and Cloud who are both moody sullen teenagers. Zidane is crucial in establishing the tone of this game early, as well as Vivi and Steiner, who I would rank first and second on my list of character FF characters overall.