Hey, folks! We’re here today to talk about the remastered version of an absolute classic game, FINAL FANTASY IV, developed and published by the legendary studio Square Enix. Having dived into this beautifully revived adventure, I couldn’t help but fall in love again with the timeless story it offers, now revamped with charming retro graphics. But before going any further, what are your initial thoughts, guys?

Well, echoing some of the user feedback on Steam, FINAL FANTASY IV truly is a classic from a different era. It’s not the largest game, but it’s the attention to detail, the sheer amount of hidden content and side quests that really gripped me. However, I would’ve liked to see some content like the Cave of Trials from the later editions of the game.

As someone focused on gameplay mechanics, Square Enix managed to retain the dynamic Active Time Battle system in a way that still creates a sense of urgency. Both the strategic depth and character customization here truly made the game captivating for me. However, the absence of the modernized UI in some segments, noted by a few users, could be a minor issue.

Agreed! And for speedrunners like me, it’s an interesting game. The refined ATB system demands a quick reaction, but also allows for different strategies. And the optional boost features for increasing experience points could really cut down my completion time, so it’s a big bonus.

Great points! Now, let’s talk about the story. PlayerProX, you mentioned the character-driven nature of FINAL FANTASY IV—how do you view its narratives?

Well, the plot enrichment, deeper character development and the introduction of the dynamic ATB system in the FF series started with FINAL FANTASY IV. Cecil’s evolution from a dark knight into a paladin offers immense character depth. Not to forget, the rest of the cast like Kain, Rydia, and Rosa, who have their individual arcs too.

And as we are delving into characters, I must say that Square Enix did a splendid job in tying the characters’ classes into their narrative. Fitting the story, Cecil being a Dark Knight turned Paladin or Rosa as a White Mage, it just adds another layer of immersion, doesn’t it?

Absolutely! Moving on to the remastered graphics—are you guys loving the visual upgrades as much as I do?

Kazuko Shibuya’s pixel designs, revitalized for this remaster, are indeed a treat to the eyes. It maintains the charm of the original look while enhancing the graphics with modern aesthetics, adding that extra dazzle for those fast-paced speedruns.

I agree, SpeedyGamer99! And the toggle between different fonts, allowing the selection of a pixel-based font, adds a retro touch to the game aligning with the original atmosphere.

And the audio? How are you guys vibing to the beautiful rearrangement of the original soundtrack by none other than Nobuo Uematsu?

The soundtrack shines and perfectly complements every turn of the game’s progress, reminding us why Uematsu is regarded as one of the industry’s best composers!

Exactly! Between battles and exploration, the audio truly uplifts the mood. Plus, that option to switch between the old and new soundtrack? Pure Nostalgia.

Discussing challenges, how have you found the difficulty level of the game?

As per reviews, Boss battles can be challenging but also very rewarding. The ATB system and intricate spellcasting mechanics offer a unique layer of complexity.

That said, the steep difficulty spike towards the end of the game, as pointed out by some users, does take away a few points from the balance perspective.

Let’s talk replay value. Would you dive into Cecil’s journey again?

Oh, absolutely! Even after you finish the game, there’s a wealth of content to explore. The variety of side quests, bestiary, illustration gallery, and the music player all boost its replayability.

Spot on! Let’s wrap up. How does this remaster compare with other titles in the genre, and what are you hoping for the future?

Square Enix has delivered another lovingly remastered experience with FINAL FANTASY IV, shining among modern RPGs while maintaining the classic flair. And in the future, I hope to see more character growth and possibly even greater difficulty tuning.

For me, the evolution of Meta gameplay systems for speedrunning purposes would be interesting in sequels or future remasters.

And of course, more side quests and content that aligns more closely with the updated version. But overall, FFIV still holds its charm and captivates us even after three decades.

Thanks, everyone! Here’s hoping Square Enix continues to surprise us with more fantastic releases in the future!

Add Final Fantasy IV to your Steam Library today!