IX is more "classic gameplay without the difficulty" than "noob friendly." It's still harder than anything VII or VIII throws at you. It's because IX doesn't feature as many obvious broken gameplay elements. VIII lets you abuse it by the end of disc 1. What's also an issue is whether you want "classic" settings versus "modern" era. VII certain fits enough pseudo sci-fi to interest any geek. That and a ******* Road Rash style minigame.
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"Should I slice off your tongue or break your countless bones? Either way, I get paid; you'll bleed to death and die alone." - Blood Money