Final Fantasy IV Pixel Edition – Just as Good as the Original

Final Fantasy IV (II in the West) was released on the Super Famicom/Nintendo July 19, 1991. It followed the formula of magical elemental crystals but had more of a full-fledged story like Final Fantasy II.

What made this game mechanically different to the others was the introduction of an action bar, which allowed that character to act once it was filled instead of a ‘you go, I go’ ideal. Another thing they changed was the ability to learn new magic and techniques as you levelled up, as opposed to having to purchase them.

The story itself is deep, it follows Cecil a Dark Knight in service to Baron a Kingdom in which the King has been corrupted by the Protagonists brother a man by the name Golbez to capture the crystals. Cecil is also captain of the Red Wings a fleet of Airships.

After being disgraced Cecil travels the world trying the thwart Golbez, he becomes a paladin and gains the help of other characters with their own reasons for stopping Golbez. They include characters like Rydia, a Summoner whose village gets wiped out and mother dies in front of her. Or Tellah a Sage who sacrifices himself to use very powerful magic to destroy Golbez to no avail.

The only thing I found with the story apart from the crystals being the focus yet again. Is that characters die or sacrifice themselves to often, which destroys any effort to like that character, and after the fifth time it loses its charm. But despite that the story is a good one with other twists and turns that will keep you playing.

The Pixel edition lowers the difficulty gap somewhat, the graphics and music are improved, Rydia’s theme was always a favourite and is now even better. Despite the After Years becoming canon, Square Enix has decided to leave that out of the remake and it is better for it. I will recommend it to newcomers to the series if they wish to explore an older game, and with its availability, updated graphics and music this is a must play, although not the best game of the series maybe wait till it’s on sale on Steam.

Nevertheless, I give it 3 ½ Airships out of 5.