FINAL FANTASY IX 20th Anniversary Special Interview Vol 2 now available, character designer Toshiyki Ihtana provides insight

Square Enix has provided another volume of their special Final Fantasy IX , in which character designer Toshiyuki Ihtana shed some light on the development process:

Interviewer: FFIX is often known as a title that’s about “returning to roots” of FF series games. Are there any scenes from the game that ring true to that theme in your mind?

Itahana: The parts of FFIX that feel like a return to the roots of FINAL FANTASY...
I think the scene when the airship docks into the castle backed by the evening sky of the opening scene might be a quintessential portrait of FF.

Each main character of Final Fantasy IX carries their own background story into the battles they face. Do you have a favorite? Please tell us why as well.

I’m quite fond of Vivi, but I have to say that Zidane might be my favorite. Strong yet with a kind compassion for others—he’s a true hero in my mind. The fact that he’s a joker who doesn’t conduct himself like such a hero makes him all that much more wonderful of a character.

Click here to read the full interview!