GAIA

Getting the main idea of Final Fantasy IX:

Final Fantasy IX takes place in a world known as Gaia. It is divided into four main nations. Zidane Tribal, of the Kingdom of Linblum, was ordered to kidnap Princess Garnet from Alexandria. Ironically, she is trying to escape and actually requests Zidane and Tantalus to abduct her. The town of Alexandria is terrorizing it's neighboring kingdoms with their army of black mages, and Garnet notices Queen Brahne (her mother) is beyond negotiations. Brahne craves power beyond all else, and Zidane and his companions must stop her before she completes her mission.

In Final Fantasy IX, the battle system allows four members in a party (unlike previous Final Fantasy's.) You can place them in the front row or back row depending on which you'd prefer. Front row deals more damage and receives more damage, and vise versa. It's similar to the Final Fantasy's that came before (specifically V and VIII).