'Final Fantasy IX' news: After 16 years, game is finally on PC

Square Enix

Fans can now add "Final Fantasy IX" to their PC game collection. Square Enix, the game developer and publisher, has finished porting the game from the original PlayStation.

The game was originally released back in 2000, and today, it can be downloaded via Steam.

Square Enix officialy announced "Final Fantasy IX" for the Windows PC last April 14, saying, "All Aboard the Hilda Garde! FFIX is OUT NOW on Steam! Get 20% off until April 20th."

On its Steam page, the developer listed the new features included in the ported game. These include seven game boosters that can allow a player to move forward faster, specially its "high-speed" and "no encounter mode." Additional features included in the game are Steam Achievements and Autosaves, and players will get to experience movies and character models with a better graphics quality.

The company added, "Whether you want to enjoy FFIX for the classic gameplay or use the in-game boosters to experience the heartfelt story again, the choice is yours!"

Square Enix also released a "Final Fantasy IX" version for iOS and Android mobile devices on Feb. 10.

The announcement also came in as a great surprise for the fans. No extra fanfare was arranged before the rebirth of the ninth game. In a way, it was already expected by fans since all other games in the series have been ported already to the PC.

The game does not need a modern gaming machine with powerful specs. It just requires at least an Intel Core 2 Duo 2.0 Ghz processor or equivalent, 2GB of RAM, GeForce 8600 GTS or Radeon HD 4650 or equivalent, and at least 7GB HDD space. However, an Intel Core i5 2.5 Ghz paired with a 4GB RAM will give a better gameplay experience, TechRadar reported.

"Final Fantasy IX" can be purchased and downloaded from Steam at a discounted price of US$16.79. Regular price is US$20, and will take effect on April 21.