Beautiful, funny, emotional and immersive - easily the best game in the series.
You begin the game on a continent swamped in mist, but eventually travel to the outer three continents, however the majority of the game is set on the first two continents. You get a real sense of exploration from the game, exploring towns inhabited by dwarfs and working your way around a castle which looks more like Escher's Relativity. The various cultures and locations across the world is truly fascinating, and later on in the game you are able to revisit almost all the areas to see what has changed due to the events in the story.
The graphics are not significantly improved over VIII, and at first the characters' childish, comical appearance may put you off, but the cutesy art of the game puts it at odds with the dark themes that the game ultimately reveals. However, the FMVs are truly spectacular and accompanied by Nobuo Uematsu's score (which he rightfully names "his best work") are gripping, exciting and emotional. In the battles you get a real sense of danger when you are put in front of a colossal dragon or a terrible leviathan, the creatures are beautifully detailed and a sheer pleasure to destroy.
You begin the game as a thief called Zidane who, with the Tantalus theatre troupe, are tasked with abducting the Princess of Alexandria, Garnet. This is an exciting, fast-paced opening which is a fantastic introduction to the game. From then on are multiple plot twists, often tear-jerking moments and funny scenes as you follow the crew along their adventures. The plot of the game rivals and surpasses that of Final Fantasy VI, which is an amazing feat in itself.
Unless you have played this game then you do not know the best that Playstation has to offer. This is my favourite game of all time and will surely be yours, if you are willing to abandon your social life in the meantime. A true RPG gem. 10/10.