One game, two screens, in 3D? Must be Final Fantasy IV!
Originally gracing the gaming world back in 1991 for the Super Nintendo, Final Fantasy IV has subsequently been re-released for the Playstation, Gameboy Advance and now finally the Nintendo DS. With so many remakes under its belt, this may beg the question, hasn’t this been done? Not like this it hasn’t!
Though the story and format of the game are definitely the same, it’s all the subsidiary changes that make this game an entirely new experience. Complete with 3D characters and settings, good use of the dual screens, mini-games, augments, and even voice acting, this game has certainly made the most of its reincarnation.
In the beginning...
The cast of FFIV looking heroically into the distance
From the very start of the game, you can tell this version is different if for no other reason than the graphics. The opening video is gorgeous and dramatic, making full use of its new platform’s capabilities. While the gameplay graphics themselves are generally not to that level, the visuals don’t disappoint.
The 3D renderings of classic old school characters, settings and everything else make the game a fun visual experience as well as an intriguing adventure. The new chibi looks of characters also makes them (and some of their enemies) endearingly adorable. Of course a lot of the settings end up getting reused in various places, but given the quality in which their done, it doesn’t detract from the experience.
Go! Fight! Win!
The bonus of having a second screen to play with is icing to the cake. Square Enix really made use of this opportunity by giving both screens prominent roles in the game. The top screen is generally where all of the action goes down, and the bottom one usually provides helpful supplements like maps, menus and battle stats.
The gameplay is pretty standard RPG fare, complete with random encounters, side-quests and the like, but what with the inclusions of Active Time Battle and Auto-Battle options, veteran players may be surprised by how much it has changed. A new, smoother translation makes for a clearer explanation of the storyline, and without an item cap to deal with, the infamous fat chocobo has a different way of helping the adventurers out. Even with these modifications, the game is a lot tougher than it used to be. It’s still doable of course, but suffice it to say that this incarnation is not for the faint of heart.
A large yellow bird seems to be blocking your path...
As well as adjusting some of the already present game features, Final Fantasy IV #4 also brings a few new tricks to the table. Augments, for instance, let you characters use certain skills of other characters you’ve had in your party, and a nice set of mini-games lets your stylus get in the game. Even better, your performance in the games reflects in the customization of one of Rydia’s summonable eidolons, Whyt, whom you can also use in one-on-one battles against other players’ personalized Whyts via wireless connection.
As for the audio, the revamped stuff is just about as impressive as the revamped visuals – in a word: lovely. The music is classic Final Fantasy, grand and befitting whatever the situation, and the accompanying voice actors make the cut-scenes more than just extra text to read. Of course there are times when the voice actors bring out the melodrama, but even then it’s more amusing than anything else.
...wear bikinis to work anymore!
Like most RPGs this game definitely takes some time to beat, and even longer if you intend to complete it in its entirety. Expect to invest somewhere in the range of 50 or 60 hours depending on how much you like to level up and go on side quests. Given the sheer length of the game, I doubt you’d want to play it twice in a row, but considering the incredible depth of story and the fact that it has been successfully re-released three times, it could definitely be played again.
One of the reasons this game has been so successful for so long is because of its cast. As is the nature of all Final Fantasy games, over the course of the adventure you meet and/or join a whole slew of interesting people including bards, ninjas, secret royalty, rambunctious twins and even a moogle with whose name and job change almost as often as your party! From Cecil the troubled dark knight, to Rosa his white mage love interest and everyone in between, you’ve got a whole lineup of folk you won’t ever forget.
One possible party arrangement.
Recommendation:
Whether you’ve played the original, or perhaps especially if you haven’t, this game is a great RPG for those with the time to invest.
Final Fantasy IV
System: Nintendo DS
Developer: Square Enix
Publisher: Square Enix
Find: Amazon - Gamefly - Goozex
All reviews are based on final retail code unless otherwise noted.
May 10th, 2009 at 8:22 pm
These remakes are great, although I’d personally prefer them on XBLA. Maybe in time, since Square seems to be taking a liking to downloadable games lately.
I also like Final Fantasy IV over the others since you get five characters at once. Battles can be longer, but there’s just more variety and strategy available.
May 11th, 2009 at 5:37 am
FF titles never seem to disappoint no matter what number is at the end or what platform they’re on. I guess I’m gonna have to start purchasing them all…
May 11th, 2009 at 3:15 pm
Voice acting in IV? Woah, that sounds really weird. It’s nice to see these games being re-made though. I remember playing the originals (clearly, I am an old fart), and it’s fun to see younger people getting to know the series beyond 10 and 7 since they now have access to the classics.
May 11th, 2009 at 4:36 pm
Did that caption about a “large yellow bird” remind anyone else of Snorlax?
This re-release sounds great! /sigh. DS, I will own you …
May 12th, 2009 at 12:29 pm
Dangit, I wish they’d just re-make 7. I loved this one, sure, but after playing it three times over I wanted something else. Echoes of Time is cute, but it’s not completely what I want. My little brother couldn’t figure much of this one out before he put it down and went back to pokemon.
May 12th, 2009 at 1:17 pm
The last (read: only) FF game I played was Final Fantasy Legend on Gameboy. It was probably before some of you were born. I’ve been meaning to play some of these remakes, but it just seems like too much of a time commitment, and I am a chronic suffer of gamer ADD.
Maybe… someday… when I have a 40 hour plane ride.