Final Fantasy IV (Nintendo DS, 2008)

For those of you who do not know, Final Fantasy IV was originally released in the US on the Super Nintendo as Final Fantasy II. While that translation was alright, there were elements of difficulty, death, and mild adult themes that were censored out of the original translation. The DS version takes the original Japanese Final Fantasy IV, updates the graphics, sound, and presentation for the DS, adds a few features, but still manages to preserve the feel of the original game.

Veterans of the US Super Nintendo release are due for a new challange, as are those who played the J2ETranslations SNES Rom, or the Playstation/Gameboy Advance/Wonderswan versions.

There are a few things missing from the GBA version, the extra dungeons and ability to change your party at any time. While some say that it removes a freedom aspect, the game was designed for a specific party for a specific situation. This way is more true to the original.

New to the game is the augment system, where abilities (such as auto-potion, cover, etc) are able to be learned by the characters. Also new is a New Game+ feature, which allows you to play the game up to three times on one save in order to gain the highest equipment, fight the hidden bosses, and generally create the ultimate party.

**Scores**

Gameplay 8/10 -- While this classic gets new life on the Nintendo DS, some of the fighting system and magic mechanics feel dated, but the game is an overall fun experience.

Graphics 9/10 -- With very very few exceptions the recreation was as faithful as possible to the original in style, while managing to bring everything into a 3d environment.

Music 9/10 -- I have a few major gripes with tracks I've known and loved for 10+years being altered, but generally it is nothing major, and most of it is please. Honestly it's just the new measures at the start of the town theme that annoy me.

Challenge 9/10 -- Players of the US version are soon going to realize just how easy the original game was. Gone are cure-all items, easy levels, and simple boss fight patterns. Prepare to see old enemies with new moves, to manage your gear and inventory, and make sure you have everything you need to keep your party alive.

Re-playability - Very High but I'm not a fair source for that, the original is one of my favorite games. New Game+ will allow those RPG completionists to get as much as possible, but some things take ages.

Overall: 9/10 - Highly Recommend purchasing this game. Expect 20-30 hours for a basic playthrough, and you can spend hundreds of hours if you want a perfect game save or _everything_.

This game was a walk through memory lane, and then some. I played the original back when it was FF2 for the SNES, and picked this up on a whim to see if it was as good as I remembered. Sure enough, it was! The DS graphics give this game a great look, and the music scores are a delight. The voice overs are fun, and add a nice element when they are used, but don't occur with the frequency that I would have liked. The other newer features (I think the augments are new) that weren't in the original are fun, but not in and of themselves worth buying the game over. If you like RPGs, however, and want to experience a real quality classic then this is a must-play.

Downsides:

I already knew the storyline from playing it back in '91 (or was it '92...), so the plot twists weren't total shockers for me. The nostalgia made it worth it though.

I've played the Game Boy Advanced version, and as fun as it is, the 2-D format was hard to get used too. Before that I played the DS version of FFIII so I was spoiled by the "ps1 like" graphics. But playing this, you get an amazing intro, great graphics, different stylized gameplay, and DIALOGUE!!!!!!!! You get a more personal attachment to the characters and you can give a voice, and learn how to pronounce the sometimes confusing names and towns. All in all, if you love the FF series and you're an RPG nerd, I say give it a shot, because theyre all over ebay and its a good pass time.

This game is a classic, one of my all time favorites from back in the day.

Now this is even better! With voice acting and update images. I hope they do this for all the games!!

IF you loved Final Fantasy II for the SNES or liked the re-do in Final Fantasy Chronicles of Final Fantasy IV you have to get this game. I love this game because it took a legendary classic and improved the graphics of it and added awesome CG cut scenes to only enhance a great story. A must buy for any Final Fantasy fans! It's almost like playing an entire new game!