Final Fantasy IX (2000)

Equipment teaches permanent abilities, giving a new weapon a more interesting role than simply raising damage. Around that system sits an expressive fairy-tale world whose humour makes its darker questions easier to approach. It stands alone, so there is no need to study eight earlier games. The PS1 original has slow battle transitions and regular encounters; later ports add speed and encounter options. Choose the original for its presentation, while allowing the adventure the time a substantial RPG requires.