After spending countless hours mastering tough RPGs, returning to Final Fantasy IV feels like seeing an old friend who’s grown. First released in 1991 on the Super Famicom, it changed RPG storytelling with its Active Time Battle system and tight plot. Square Enix’s 2021 2D remaster adds fresh visuals and sound. I dove in to see how this classic holds up for today’s strategy fans.
Overall Impressions
Final Fantasy IV’s pixel-art remaster delivers a focused story of redemption and adventure from start to finish. Dramatic scenes—escaping Baron Castle, flying the airship, and facing Zeromus—keep the pace clear and engaging. Its linear path means you never feel lost, making each play session satisfying. The updated SNES-style sprites and sharper textures mix classic charm with modern polish. Longtime fans and newcomers alike will enjoy this clean, driven experience.
Comparison to Genre Peers
Compared to indie 2D RPGs like Octopath Traveler, Final Fantasy IV feels more guided. It may seem rigid, but its emotional story and direct character focus still outshine many modern games.
Gameplay Mechanics
The Active Time Battle (ATB) system shines with its smooth pacing and accessible mechanics, letting you swap party members mid-fight for extra tactical depth. Each hero’s job-locked role—Cecil as Paladin, Rosa as White Mage and Yang as Monk—encourages mastering individual strengths, while summons like Bahamut and Leviathan deliver memorable spectacle. Timing Bahamut’s “Mega Flare” to clear Golbez’s minions becomes a standout moment, blending strategy and showmanship into every boss encounter.
However, the need for repetitive grinds can slow momentum as you farm gil and experience to upgrade equipment and spells. Once your party hits level 30, backtracking for resources feels more like a chore than a challenge. Additionally, the remake’s streamlined menus trade detail for simplicity, leaving hardcore players wishing for deeper status screens and more transparent stat-growth insights.
Story and Characters
Final Fantasy IV’s narrative remains its crowning achievement. I became deeply invested in Cecil’s transformation—from conflicted Dark Knight to stalwart Paladin. Edge’s rogue personality, Rydia’s coming-of-age arc, and the stoic strength of Kain provide emotional counterpoints throughout. World-building is precise: the airship’s shimmering trails across the overworld map, the mystic forests, and the undersea ruins each feel distinct. I found myself pausing at key dialogue moments to reflect on character motivations—proof that the story still resonates.
Visuals and Graphics
Square Enix’s remaster employs HD-2D-inspired pixel art that shines on modern screens. Character sprites carry more shading and fluid animations than the original SNES release, yet retain the retro aesthetic. Backgrounds are richly detailed—Baron Castle’s stone walls bear visible cracks, and the red sky of the Red Wings’ airbase feels ominous. The visual upgrades enhance atmosphere without losing that nostalgic pixel charm.
Sound and Music
Nobuo Uematsu’s soundtrack stands tall decades later. Iconic themes like the “Battle Theme,” “Theme of Love,” and “The Airship” arrive fully orchestrated, bringing new vigor to cherished melodies. Sound effects—from sword clashes to summon roars—feel weighty. Though there’s no full voice acting, short voiced cues (for summons and major story beats) add emotional punch where it matters most.
Difficulty and Replayability
Final Fantasy IV strikes a moderate difficulty. Early bosses can be punishing if you ignore elemental weaknesses; I still recall my first defeat at the hands of Scarmiglione’s spore attacks. Once you learn character roles and exploit ATB tactics, the challenge fades slightly. Still, hidden side content—such as the optional Underworld Cave and superboss encounters—lures you back. I’ve already embarked on a second run to unlock all spells, equipment upgrades, and secret endings.
Player Feedback Tie-In
Persistence in gathering armors, spells, and summons makes late-game battles intensely satisfying for players who enjoy both challenge and reward. While some criticize the graphics for not matching modern high-resolution 3D models, the HD pixel art strikes a tasteful balance between nostalgic charm and visual clarity. The linear story structure, paired with job-locked characters, limits build diversity but encourages mastering each hero’s unique skill set—turning specialization into strategic fun.
Trivia and Fun Facts
Final Fantasy IV pioneered the Active Time Battle system in 1991 thanks to Hiroyuki Ito, setting a new benchmark for RPG gameplay. It sold nearly two million copies in Japan upon its SNES debut, making it one of the platform’s fastest-selling titles. Directed by Hironobu Sakaguchi with character art by Yoshitaka Amano, the original game’s vision was later shepherded by series veteran Takashi Tokita in the 2021 remaster. To celebrate its 30th anniversary, Square Enix released a special edition that included an art book and orchestral concert recordings.
Final Thoughts
Final Fantasy IV’s 2D remaster successfully blends enduring storytelling with refreshed visuals and sound. Though its combat can feel repetitive and its linearity may chafe open-world fans, its deep character arcs, memorable boss fights, and iconic score make it a must-play for RPG enthusiasts. Both newcomers and nostalgic veterans.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
