Originally posted on Classic Game Room.
The original three Final Fantasy titles on NES and Famicom are all fantastic games, taking their places as some of the top RPGs on the platforms. But as with many other 8-Bit RPGs, they face a problem: When looked at today, their story, characters, and other narrative elements are simply too primitive. And when it comes down to it, the titles can be viewed as grind-fests from start to finish. They simply just haven’t aged well. Thankfully, time has been much more forgiving on the 16-bit era. Many 16-bit RPGs still hold up today, like Final Fantasy IV. And thanks to Square-Enix’s 2008 remake, the title is even more accessible for those unfamiliar with it.
Final Fantasy IV follows the tale of Cecil, a Dark Knight and the Captain of an airforce unit called the Red Wings under the Kingdom of Baron. After the King of Baron gives him questionable orders, Cecil starts doubting the king. When the king shows his true colors, Cecil sets out against him, unaware of the greater evil he will eventually have to face. It is a bit cliched, but considering the original release, it is hard to expect it not to be. And while there is nothing really new here in terms of today, it still steps out further than many modern RPGs. Topped with a new translation, the title’s story doesn’t feel like it has aged a day, while still feeling like a classic.
Final Fantasy IV on the DS retains many of the features and mechanics of the original. The classic Active Time Battle system that the original introduced is fully intact here. Battles take place in real time, while players give commands to attack, use abilities, cast spells, and summon magical creatures. With up to five members in a party at once, the battles can become difficult to manage, which might explain why we haven’t seen parties larger than four later in the series outside of the MMORPG releases.
The most obvious addition to the DS version is the complete facelift it was given. The entire game is fully rendered in 3D, making full use of the DS’s capabilities with only some rare slowdown. Animations during the cutscenes are incredibly smooth, and when layered with exceptional voice work, can make for a cinematic experience that rivals home console RPGs… even if it is a bit more blocky and blurry. It is hard to deny that the production values for Final Fantasy IV are staggering.
Outside the presentation, the title adds a handful of improvements and additions. Players can obtain “Augments” which lets permanent party members learn certain abilities from temporary members, allowing for some customization outside character equipment. A new summon was added named Whyt, who not only can be used in battle, but also a handful of other game modes. You can draw his face in, level up him up by playing touch-screen mini-games similar to what you would find in Super Mario 64 DS, and battle your friends’ Whyts via multi-cart local wireless. Although, his presence seems to just be an excuse to use some of the DS’s features.
Clocking in at around twenty five to thirty hours, Final Fantasy IV pretty much hits the standard length for RPGs of its time. But the timer is deceiving, due to the game’s brutal difficulty. Square-Enix did not hold back for this release. Final Fantasy IV will kick your ass over and over again, unless you already know the ins and outs of the game. Many of the boss fights seem impossibly hard, but can be downed with the right strategy, resulting in a great sense of satisfaction after your repeated struggles. You’ll be seeing the title screen often, so be sure to save frequently. Those looking to extend their time in Final Fantasy IV can take on “New Game +”, which features new optional bosses, abilities, and a bonus dungeon.
All in all, Final Fantasy IV on the DS is a fantastic title and stands out in the sea of RPGs on the platform, if only for its high production values and the fact that it is a classic. Those who have never touched Final Fantasy IV will find an excellent adventure here with plenty of content and challenge to enjoy. Even if you have already bested the original, the fresh new perspective makes the adventure worth taking all over again.
