Gamertell Quick Preview: Final Fantasy IV
by at December 26, 2007 7:05 pm
Sections: DS & DSi & DSi XL, Features, Genres, Handhelds, Previews, Role-Playing
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If you choose to view Final Fantasy IV for the Nintendo DS as just another port, then you’d be gravely mistaken. Rather than just altering a few things, adding some goodies and slapping the game on a new system, Square Enix has taken its time and remade one of the best games in the series. If a list would be made tomorrow of the best DS games released in Japan, FFIV would be in the top five. This is the best RPG available for the system, and I can’t wait for the announcement that it will be released in English.
It follows the classic story of dark knight Cecil, Cecil’s best friend Kain, Cecil’s girlfriend Rosa and the summoner Rydia. A conflicted Cecil and Kain are sent on a special mission after Cecil questions the king’s motives behind his last attack. When Cecil and Kain discover the horrible truth behind the mission, it sends him on a journey where he must realize who he really is, what is really important and what should be done.
The changes in this remake are more the superficial, though the visuals are what leave the deepest impressions. The game has been recreated using the same methods and style as Final Fantasy III. Everything takes place in a gorgeous 3D environment now. The character designs have all also been recreated to match more closely with Yoshitaka Amano’s vision. There are also occasional, FMV videos, which are the best I have seen on the system.
Other important changes involve the storyline and gameplay. The script has been expanded, and there is now voice acting for some of the major scenes between characters. There are also additional items and challenges, as to be expected of a Square Enix rerelease.
An interesting new addition is one which, at the moment, is known as the decant ability. When a formerly playable character is no long with the party, you can either speak with that character or that character’s NPC associate to receive one of his/her abilities. For example, early on Cecil receives Rosa’s auto-potion ability by talking to her when she is unable to join the party. You can then teach auto-potion to one of your current party members. If you choose to teach these abilities to a temporary party member, then when you speak to that party member later, you receive two or three abilities rather than just one.
The only area in which FFIV drags a bit is when you enter battles. The ATB gauge takes far too long to fill up, compared to previous incarnations of this game and to FFIII. Its a minor issue, but a nuisance nonetheless as it can make the random battles seem tedious. I would have also liked to have seen some stylus use in battles as well.
This is definitely a must-have game for any DS owner. It showcases all that this handheld system is capable of and is a wonderful retelling of a phenomenal, classic game.
Read [Wired] Site [Japanese version FFIV] Product Page [Play-Asia]
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