Yeah the reports in Duodecim help a lot.
Laguna's scene with Squall is probably one of the best in the game. Then again, that's because it's Laguna.
Also, being able to see the story beforehand and seeing Zidane want to help Kuja; that was something that directly related to FF9 itself, particularly right after the final battle.
And the other thing Duodecim has going for it: Gilgamesh.