March 18th, 2000 - The latest issue of V-Jump magazine in Japan published the official 'romanised' names of the three characters previously announced and, as keeping in tradition, they're notably different to the ones we're currently used to. Zidane Triball is the official name for the previously named 'Zitan', VIVI Ornitier insists on having his first name spelt in capitals, and Steiner becomes Edward Steiner. A fourth, Garnet, was spotted in a screenshot, but as yet remains unofficial.

Final Fantasy IX will feature a total of eight main party members - far more than Final Fantasy VII and VIII and keeps more inline with earlier Final Fantasies (don't forget you can also have up to four party members in your team). The plot will not focus, however, on one main character; several characters will be the focus of the story.

	The Flying Theatre The huge flying palace-like building seen floating above a town in the picture to the left has been identified as a travelling theatre. The theatre moves from town to town putting on shows for the local populous - rather like a circus. Maybe we could see scenes like in Final Fantasy VI's Opera House..?
	Protecting Angel? The picture to the right appears to be a huge Alexander (summonable monster) with huge angelic wings towering terrifyingly over a large monument and town. It does, whatever it is, protect a castle where one of the crystals lie (crystals play a big role in Final Fantasy IX's story)...

Here's a quick re-cap on the characters so far announced:

Name: VIVI Ornitier Age: 9 Occupation: Black Mage Gender: Male A young one at only 9 years of age, our little black mage is a weak-willed child and 'prone to wondering about'. Looks cute, though. :)	Name: Zidane Triball Age: 16 Occupation: Lady Boy :) Gender: Male Looking kind of like a deformed Squall, Final Fantasy IX's hero Zidane is extremely popular with the ladies and has a 'brightly hot' personality.	Name: Edward Steiner Age: 33 Occupation: Royal Knight Gender: Male Not your typical over-weight middle aged guy, Edward is a hard working royal knight who is devoted to serving a princess. Sure needs to cheer up a bit. :)