I'm a bit rusty when it comes to Final Fantasy IX. The last time I played the game was back when it was originally released in 2000. But thanks to the wonders of YouTube, most of the memories came flooding back. I'm sure there a few details missing.

I must admit that I am not a fan of the figures released by Square Enix Products. I have always felt their molds were never a good representation of the characters. Being given the chance to review the Final Fantasy IX Play Arts Action Figures was something I couldn't pass up. "At last, a public forum for me to display my disdain for their line of figures," I thought to myself.

Read on to learn if Square Enix has finally put me in my place or if my disappointment still holds true to this day.

(Note: I've been struggling with a cold all week as I tried to write this up so I apologize if it's not up to par, folks.)

Taking the figures out of the shipping box, I was surprised to see how large they were. I've seen the Kingdom Hearts figures but they look frail compared to the bulky stature of these three. Each figure ranges from about 6 inches to 6.5 inches tall so, as I was saying, nicely sized.

Being a series of figures, each box follows the same format. Each character is represented in the center with their available accessories with a picture of Alexandria in a dusk setting composing the rest of the front. On the back, each available character is shown standing on stone steps in the same dusk setting. Being printed with an uncoated finish, the box felt cheap for a Square Enix product. Hooray for cost cutting measures!

Not off to a good start there, Square Enix. Let's get to the meat of this review.

ZIDANE TRIBAL - MSRP: $29.99

As I pulled out each figure from their box, I was greeted with a Firaga from Square Enix and finally an Ultima. The level of detail put into their clothes was astonishing. Not only the detail but also an interesting texture to each one giving their clothes a greater level of depth.

Each figure also features a level of posability with joints in their head, shoulders, arms, elbows, hips, knees and ankles. Vivi will be the only exception which I will discuss later in the review. Two sets of hands are also included with one set be designated for holding their weapons. The hands use simple pegs to easily pop in and out.

Square Enix was not messing around this time. They knew who they were going against and sent a party they knew who could beat me. I won't let them defeat me! I will look for the slightest of flaws and bring these heroes to their doom!

In studying the original art, this is actually an improvement over the 3D rendering that existed back in 2000. I am thankful for that update, Square Enix. Unfortunately Zidane's hair suffers here. When seeing the rest of the detail that was placed into the clothes, I have to ask myself how they went wrong with the hair. It looks like a clump of plastic melted over his head. Minus 100 hit points!

Zidane's face, however, looks excellent. The painted eyes are sharp and the mold of the mouth with drawn on smirk are perfect. This matches the Zidane I remember. Argh! I've taken damage! Wretched heroes!

You can see the detail I mentioned above perfectly in Zidane's vest. The leather straps are amazing with the trim and cross laces being painted with a darker tone giving them that three dimensional look. The buckles have a very worn appearance due to the texture they placed on these figures.

You can get a better look at the texture on Zidane's cuff. I'm impressed that Square went as far as showing the stitched thread on the clothes. Again, the work put into the clothes blow me away as you can see in the gloves and ruffled cuff trim. The detail on the scabbard gives me the impression that it is made from some kind of husk. This one bothers me as I'm not sure what it is suppose to be made of.

The boots are nothing to write home about and they look like tennis shoes to me. You can see the pivot point in his ankle.

Zidane includes two weapons of choice: The gun-blade looking Orihalcum and scimitar-like Mage Masher. The duel tone paint on the blade of the Mage Masher is gorgeous looking. You could say it's a tri-tone with the blade edges being colored in silver. Did I mention the amazing detail?

The grip on the Orihalcum shares the same texturing as the clothes. When you look at the mechanical portion of the weapon, you would swear they actually pieced it together rather than just being a single mold.

It would seem I have underestimated this band of heroes. I will not be deterred. I will pick off the other two and come back for you Zidane!

VIVI ORNITIER - MSRP: $29.99

Curse your adorableness Vivi! Every aspect of Vivi's character is captured flawlessly. Even without an expression of any kind, the black mage's face shows the innocent nature of Vivi. Unfortunately, due to Vivi's rotund body, the poseability of his legs are very limited but I can forgive that. Argh! The cuteness is too much!

As like Zidane, the texture and stitches are here. Look closely at the fingers on the gloves and you can see stitches there, too. I have to give it to Square Enix. With the price they are asking, I am simply flabbergasted by the attention to detail that went into something as little as that.

You can see the limited joints in Vivi's legs here. That explains his awesome waddling action!

The etchings and grain patterns of Vivi's Mage Staff give the impression it came from a real tree. Square Enix did take a few liberties from the original artwork. I'm finding myself not minding the minor updates to this nearly 10 year old party.

Huff... huff... they are certainly powerful. There is always a weak part of the party, though. The healer! Without their precious princess, they are nothing! She will be their downfall!

GARNET TIL ALEXANDROS - MSRP: $29.99

Mwa ha ha ha... Princess and your bland outfit. I never liked it then and do not like it now. If Square Enix was aiming for sex appeal, they have failed. Your jugs and tight tights are no match for my hate. Yes. Look at how dishearten you are. You know why.

Working with Garnet was a nightmare. Unlike the other characters, Garnet is close to impossible to stand on her own without the included base. This is mainly due to her tiny feet. Even if you find the right center of balance, a mere draft will cause her to topple. It was a test of patience trying to capture these photos. The closer I came to finishing the shoot, the more f-bombs that came out of my mouth.

Again, I have a problem with the hair. With Garnet having dark colored hair, it's not as bad as Zidane's but it's enough to irk me. The face looks lovely and a good job on the paint again. I have to question why Square Enix chose to go with a sad princess, though. Vivi is cute, Zidane looks ready to go. Garnet brings the mood down.

Perhaps Square Enix should have gone with interchangeable faces like some figures have. Mmm... short hair Garnet with a sweet smile would be hot. Wait. What is this nonsense of siding with my enemy! I refuse to join!

I didn't realize Garnet included a necklace until I flipped her over from adjusting the joints. It was stuck behind her hair which you may find yourself running into often from playing with her. The chains are made from real metal. The gem is not real. Sorry, folks.

The pinched ruffles in Garnet's blouse are a nice touch in giving that 19th century authenticity. I like how it rolls over her body and not cling to ever curve of her breasts like you would find with most anime figures. I can't help from noticing that Garnet is actually well endowed. Not sure if it's because of the art style or if Garnet was planned to be heavy on the top.

Take a look at the fingers on her gloves where the seams come together. Those are some grimy gloves. I really should hit up the thesaurus for positive words on these figures. I probably should have just written this review as a single word of compliment. Even if I find Garnet's outfit to be uninspiring, those gloves are something.

Garnet's annoying, little feet. More awesome seam work here on the boots. More attention to detail available with the lip on the back of her boots.

Garnet's weapon of choice is the introductory Rod. The Rod has a wood grain pattern just like Vivi's weapon but with the rings further apart. I like the gashes on the lower base of the Rod showing the imperfections of the tree it came from. 

Blast! It appears Garnet was able to come to the aid of her allies! ... and give me this funny feeling... 

CONCLUSION

Square Enix sent a formidable party to challenge my bias opinion of their products. As much as it hurts my pride, I must admit defeat. Zidane, Vivi, and even Garnet all put up a good fight. Square Enix Products, I commend you for putting me in my place. The Final Fantasy IX Play Arts Action Figures are worth adding to your shelves. I hope this line is successful so we can see the rest of the cast or Trance versions of these three. Mmm... Trance Garnet... I'm actually surprised there is no Kuja figure, though. I know that would sell like hotcakes. 

If you are interested in giving Square Enix even more of your support, head on over to the Square Enix Online Shop to pick these three up.

And now for a little fun:

What exactly did Zidane ask that offended Garnet? Oh, perhaps because he was asking for this: