bit-tech Shopping: Square Enix Final Fantasy IV

Rating: 10

Time with product: 1 Month

Strengths: Great classic game

Weaknesses: Hard

Summary: The classic SNES Final Fantasy IV is now reborn again on the Nintendo DS platform. It got better graphics and cut scenes but the battles are much harder. The remake is more balanced now after some tweaks to the boss battles and such, so it wasn't a mindless and straight port. It is a must have if you enjoy JRPG and Final Fantasy games.

Rating: 8

Time with product: 2 Weeks

Strengths: One of the best Final Fantasy games

Weaknesses: ... again. And harder

Summary: I rate Final Fantasy IV as the second best game in the series (behind VI) and on the DS Square-Enix has found a way to sell it again - this time with a 3D overhaul presenting the world in a way it has never been seen before. While it is more difficult than previous iterations (first on the SNES and then GBA), this is somewhat balanced by some changes to the gameplay. Well worth the pick-up, assuming you can stomach the $10 Square tax.

Rating: 10

Time with product: 1 Month

Strengths: Graphics and sound

Weaknesses: Difficult

Summary: Final Fantasy IV is a great remake of the original RPG classic. The new 3D graphics is much improved and nicely done. Cut scenes are cinematic and present the story in a more captivating fashion.The Level of gameplay difficulty is elevated comparing to the original classic. The pace of the game is relatively slower. These new tweaks make the game consistently harder for new comers who want to experience the classic. However, the game is still golden and worthy of a must buy.

Rating: 8

Time with product: 2 Months

Strengths: Excellent graphics and sound

Weaknesses: More difficult and slower than the original

Summary: Final Fantasy IV DS is a fantastic 3D remake of the classic SNES title. Old fans will enjoy the updated graphics and difficulty tweaks, while new fans will enjoy the fast-paced roller-coaster storyline. However, not all of the changes are for the best - the shift to 3D results in a slower game, and some of the bosses have been tweaked so as to be nearly impossible without requiring an FAQ. Otherwise, this is the gold standard for RPG remakes.

Rating: 10

Time with product:

Strengths: Amazing remake of the classic RPG

Weaknesses: May be a bit too hard for those new to the series

Summary: This is the second remake of the classic Super Nintendo role playing game Final Fantasy IV in just a few years. The last one, on the Game Boy Advance, is an excellent game but the new Nintendo DS version is the definitive experience. The most obvious change is the new 3D graphics done very much in the style of last year's excellent remake of Final Fantasy III. The character and boss models are particularly well done, though the dungeon environments are a bit plain in comparison. That is perfectly acceptable, though, as this isn't meant to be a graphics showcase game. The new 3D graphics just bring the classic game up to date enough to add a layer of modern polish to the gameplay. This is especially evident during the many fully-voiced animated cut scenes throughout the game. The core game is still the same, of course, as the story is one of the better in the Final Fantasy series. There is a host of new (though subtle for the most part) content. The major additions include the ability to summon a creature names Whyt who you can power up via touch screen driven minigames and multiplayer battles, an augment system where beneficial attributes for your characters can be found after meeting certain requirements, rewards for 100% exploration of dungeon screens, an auto-battle system, and the obligatory New Game + mode so often added as extra content to a remake. What it boils down to is that this is one of the best RPG games out there regardless of system and definitely a must-own for any DS RPG fan. The game is fairly difficult, though, so for those just starting out in the RPG genre may want to start with a few other games first - but definitely give this one a shot at some point!