The devs should've made the same thing that the ones of the modern ports of FFVII and VIII did: being able to adjust the game speed on the go with a single button press. Instead, you have to pause and then adjust the speed. The difference is negligible but it adds up eventually.

On another note, the first half of IX is still my personal favorite: it's humorous, corny but beautiful, tragic and epic. The combat mechanics work perfectly and the fantasy world envisioned for this occasion is just so endearing. And then... it kinda drags out, but it's still good.

Vivi is best fictional character, tho. And the ending is still the sweetest thing I've ever seen in video games.

Legendary Final Fantasy.