I definitely got further into 9 than 8, but don’t know that I ever met the entire cast. The only name I remember for sure is Vivi. Is the main guy Zidane, maybe?

I remember being so excited for 9, thinking it would take me back to 3, which was my rpg touchstone. I tried to really sell myself on it, but ultimately lost interest. I’d love to go back and try it again at some point and see how I feel.