Now featuring full 3D graphics, fully-voiced dramatic cutscenes, and added content, Final Fantasy IV for DS is a must-play for those looking to jump into the best-selling RPG franchise in the world.
In the game four elemental Crystals, each possessing awesome power, lie scattered throughout the realm. However, men are quick to covet things which offer strength, and easily corrupted by the might which they possess. Seduced by the promised power of the Crystals, the kingdom of Baron begins employing unprovoked force to seize them from peaceful nations. The dark knight Cecil – Lord Captain of Baron’s elite force, the Red Wings – is ordered by his king to obtain the Crystals, but soon begins to question the monarch’s motives. Stricken with grief at his own actions, yet burdened by his loyalty to his country and his personal sense of honor, Cecil at last decides to turn from the path of darkness and destruction. Enraged, the king accuses him of disloyalty, strips Cecil of his command, and sends him off to slay a mysterious beast that lurks in the nearby Valley of Mist. Cecil embarks on a fateful journey that will bring trials, betrayals, friendship, loss and self-discovery. Can Cecil open his eyes and become the man of honor that he must be?
Dive into the first RPG to incorporate the innovative Active Time Battle system, now further enhanced and refined for the Nintendo DS. Train and customize Whytkin by playing a variety of mini-games and challenge another player to head-to-head battle via local wireless connection.
Has this 17-year-old RPG’s facelift been for the good? Find out in this Final Fantasy IV video review.
To quote the video review: “Launching alongside the Super NES way back in 1991, Final Fantasy IV (known to Americans as Final Fantasy II) introduced players to a new era of RPGs with memorable characters, an emotional plot, and a rousing score. But 17 years have passed, and twirling, stamp-sized sprites don’t have quite the impact they once did, but Square-Enix has modernized this classic tale to make it a worthwhile journey for newcomers and fans alike.
When it was originally released, Final Fantasy IV was a landmark entry in the series that set a high bar for other 16-bit RPGs to follow. Reborn, the DS version remains surprisingly faithful while bringing the game into the modern era. The few additional mechanics are somewhat disposable, but the core gameplay remains engaging so many years later.”
Story — 9.2
Design — 8.8
Gameplay — 9.1
Presentation — 9.2
Overall — 9.2