Final Fantasy IV

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Final Fantasy IV
Japanese Super Famicom cover art; the North American version displayed a "II" instead of "IV".
Developer(s)Square
TOSE (PS, GBA)
Sting (WSC)
Matrix Software (DS)
Publisher(s)Super NES

PlayStation
Game Boy Advance

Nintendo DS
Square Enix
Designer(s)Hironobu Sakaguchi
Takashi Tokita
Artist(s)Yoshitaka Amano
Writer(s)Takashi Tokita
Composer(s)Nobuo Uematsu
SeriesFinal Fantasy
Platform(s)Super Nintendo Entertainment System, PlayStation, WonderSwan Color, Game Boy Advance, Nintendo DS, Virtual Console
Release
July 19, 1991
  • Super NES
    PlayStation
    WonderSwan Color
    Game Boy Advance
    Nintendo DS
    Virtual Console
    Mobile Phone
Genre(s)Console role-playing game
Mode(s)Single-player, multiplayer

Final Fantasy IV (ファイナルファンタジーIV, Fainaru Fantajī Fō) is a console role-playing game developed and published by Square (now Square Enix) in 1991 as a part of the Final Fantasy series. The game was originally released for the Super Famicom in Japan, but has been ported with minor changes to the Super Nintendo Entertainment System as well as by TOSE to the Sony PlayStation, Bandai's WonderSwan Color, and Nintendo's Game Boy Advance. A remake of the game for the Nintendo DS was released in 2007 and 2008. The game was re-titled "Final Fantasy II" during its initial release outside of Japan due to it being the second of the series released there, but later localizations used the original title.

The player takes the role of Cecil, a Dark Knight from the Kingdom of Baron, on his journey to save the world from the evil Golbez. Struggling to prevent Golbez from acquiring powerful Crystals, Cecil learns of his heritage and travels through three realms to battle Golbez's minions. His lover, best friend, and other warriors join him for the adventure.

Final Fantasy IV introduced innovations that became staples of the Final Fantasy series and role-playing games in general. Its "Active Time Battle" system was used in six subsequent Final Fantasy games. With its character-driven plot, use of new technologies (such as Mode 7) and critically acclaimed score by Nobuo Uematsu, Final Fantasy IV is regarded as a landmark of the series and of the role-playing genre.

Gameplay

A battle scene from the Super Nintendo version of the game: the party engages a Blue Dragon on the Moon

In Final Fantasy IV, the player controls a large cast of characters and completes quests to advance the story. Characters move and interact with people and enemies on a field map, which may represent a variety of settings, such as towers, caves, and forests. Travel between areas occurs on a world map. The player can use towns to replenish strength, buy equipment, and discover clues about their next destination.[1] Conversely, the player fights monsters at random intervals on the world map and in dungeons. In battle, the player has the option to fight, use magic or an item, retreat, change character positions, parry, or pause. Certain characters have special options.[1]

Player characters and monsters have hit points (HP), with the characters' HP captioned below the main battle screen. Attacks reduce remaining HP until none are left, at which point the character faints or the monster dies. If all characters are defeated, the game must be restored from a saved game file.[1] The player can restore the characters' hit points by having them sleep in an inn or use items in the party's inventory, such as a Potion which is known as a tonic. Equipment (such as swords and armor) bought in towns or found in dungeons can be used to increase damage inflicted on monsters or minimize received damage.[1] The player can choose whether characters appear on the front line of a battle or in reserve. A character's placement impacts distribution of damage received and inflicted.[1] The game's story is linear—the player can usually advance the game through only one path, although limited side quests are available.[2]

Final Fantasy IV introduced Square's Active Time Battle (ATB) system designed by Hiroyuki Ito, who was one of the battle designers with Kazuhiko Aoki and Akihiko Matsui, which differed from the turn-based designs of previous RPGs.[3] The ATB system centers on the player inputting orders for the characters in real time during battles.[4] An important precedent, ATB was used in many subsequent Square games.

This game would also introduce the ability to control up to 5 characters in your party for the first time in the series.

Each character always is balanced through certain strengths and weaknesses; for instance, a strong magic user may have low defense, while a physical fighter may have low agility. Like other Final Fantasy games, characters gain new, more powerful abilities with battle experience. Magic is classified as either "White" for healing and support; "Black" for offense; or "Summon" (or "call") for summoning monsters to attack or carry out specialized applications.[1] A fourth type—"Ninjutsu"—consists of support and offensive magic and is available to only one character. Magic users, who account for eight of twelve playable characters, gain magic spells at preprogrammed experience levels or fixed story events. The developers have balanced point gains, items, and rewards to eliminate long sessions of gaining levels.[5] Due to the Super Nintendo's greater processing power, Final Fantasy IV contains graphics improved over past Final Fantasy titles and concurrent Super Nintendo games.[6] The game employs the Super Nintendo's Mode 7 technology to give enhanced magic spell visuals and to make airship travel more dramatic by scaling and tilting the ground for a bird's eye view.

The game also has a direct sequel, developed for WiiWare and titled Final Fantasy IV: The After Years. It was released via the Wii Shop Channel on June 1, 2009.

Plot

Setting

Most of Final Fantasy IV takes place on Earth, also known as the Blue Planet,[7] which consists of a surface world (or Overworld) and an underground world (or Underworld). The Overworld consists of territories populated by different character classes from the series. The Underworld is primarily inhabited by the Dwarven and is covered in rock and magma. A red, artificial moon orbits the planet, upon which two races, the Lunarians and the Hummingway, live. A second, natural moon orbits as well, though it is never visited in the game. Travel among the three realms is accomplished through airships.

Besides the humans and Dwarven, there are two other important races in Final Fantasy IV: The Hummingway are a race from the Moon, rabbit-like in appearance and wearing blue and yellow clothing with turbans on their heads; however, some appear in pink and white. Most of them only speak in humming noises. One notable Hummingway is named Namingway, whose attire is red and who appears in most towns offering to change the names of the characters who talk to him. In Final Fantasy IX, the player can find the Namingway card in Kuja's castle or win it from Mario in the card arena; this card allows players to rename their characters.

The Lunarians are a race of human-like wizards who came from a world destroyed which became the asteroid belt, and are identified by a moon-shape crest on their foreheads. They created the second moon that revolves around the world the story takes place on, resting until a time they believe their kind can co-exist with humans. The only known full-blood Lunarians are Fusoya, the guardian of the Lunarians; Zemus, a restless Lunarian who plans on destroying life on Earth so his kind, alone, can inhabit the planet; and Kluya, who is believed to be the first Lunarian to interact with humans. In fact, Kluya fell in love with a human, and had at least two sons with her: Theodor, whom Zemus corrupted and renamed Golbez; and the younger brother raised by the King of Baron as Cecil.

Characters

File:FFIVkain.jpg
Development sketch by Yoshitaka Amano of the character Kain

Final Fantasy IV offers twelve playable characters, each with a unique character class. The hero, Cecil Harvey, is a Dark Knight of Baron who serves the king alongside his childhood friend Kain Highwind. Kain was once asked to become a Dark Knight, but instead followed his father's example and became Commander of the Dragoons. Rosa Farrell is the heroine and Cecil's girlfriend; she became a white mage and archer to protect Cecil as her mother protected her father. Cecil is Lord Captain of the "Red Wings", an elite air force unit constructed by his friend, the engineer Cid Pollendina, Baron's airship engineer.

During his quest, Cecil is joined by others. Rydia, a young Summoner from the village of Mist, joins shortly after Kain disappears, and Cecil gains her trust by saving her life. Tellah is a legendary sage of Mysidia; his daughter Anna died protecting her love, prince Edward Chris von Muir of Damcyan, who poses as a bard. Yang Fang Leiden is the well-mannered head of the Monks of Fabul. Palom and Porom are twin apprentices from the magical village of Mysidia who accompany Cecil in his quest to become a Paladin atop Mt. Ordeals. Edward "Edge" Geraldine is the rowdy Ninja prince of Eblan who has a crush on Rydia. Lastly, FuSoYa is the guardian of the Lunarians during their long sleep.

Cecil and Golbez are the respective hero and villain representing Final Fantasy IV in Dissidia: Final Fantasy. Cecil is voiced by Shizuma Hodoshima in the Japanese version and by Yuri Lowenthal in the English version; Golbez is voiced by Takeshi Kaga in the Japanese version and by Peter Beckman in the English version.

Zeromus, the final boss of the game, is referenced in Ivalice-set titles Final Fantasy XII and Final Fantasy Tactics A2: Grimoire of the Rift as a summonable entity (known as an "Esper" in the former and a "Scion" in the latter) of the same name.

Story

Final Fantasy IV begins as the monarch of Baron sends his Red Wings to attack the mage city of Mysidia. Cecil, Captain of the Red Wings, questions the king's motives, and is stripped of his rank and sent with Kain to deliver a ring to the Village of Mist.[8] After defeating the Eidolon, Kain and Cecil watch in horror as monsters known as Bombs weak havoc upon Mysidia. They encounter a young girl, Rydia, apparently the only survivor.[9] Rydia causes an earthquake, separating herself and Cecil from Kain. Cecil awakens and takes the wounded Rydia to nearby Kaipo, where Baron soldiers come for Rydia. Cecil defends her and gains her friendship.[10]

Later, Cecil must embark on a quest to retrieve a "Sand ruby" to heal his love Rosa from Desert Fever. On the way, they meet the elderly mage Tellah, who is going to Damcyan to retrieve his eloping daughter from her 'spoony bard' lover.[11] Anna is killed when the Red Wings bomb the castle. Edward, Anna's lover and the prince of Damcyan, explains that the Red Wings' new commander, Golbez, did this to steal the Fire Crystal for Baron.[12] prompting Tellah to leave the party to seek vengeance on Golbez for Anna's death.[13] Cecil, Edward, and Rydia succeed in retrieving the Sand ruby, returning to heal Rosa. From there, the party decides to go to Fabul to protect the Wind Crystal.

While crossing Mt. Hobs they encounter Yang, the head of the Fabul Monks. Yang requests Cecil's help in defending Fabul after they inform him of Golbez's plot.[14] The Red Wings attack Fabul, and Kain reappears as one of Golbez's servants. He challenges and defeats Cecil in a duel.[15] When Rosa intervenes, Golbez kidnaps her as Kain takes the Wind Crystal. Yang charters a ship to take them to Baron to retrieve an airship from Cid, but the ship is attacked by Leviathan, separating the party.

Cecil awakes in a contemptuous Mysidia. There, the Mysidian elder sympathizes with Cecil and tells him that to defeat Golbez, he must climb Mt. Ordeals and become a Paladin.[16] The elder sends twin wizards Palom and Porom to assist and spy on Cecil,[17] and on the mountain they encounter Tellah, who is searching for the forbidden spell Meteor to defeat Golbez.[18] Golbez attempts to stop the party by sending one of his four henchmen, the Archfiend of Earth, Scarmiglione. They defeat the Archfiend, and Cecil completes the Paladin trial, while Tellah learns the secret of Meteor. Upon reaching Baron, they discover that Cid has been arrested, and Yang has been brainwashed into service of Baron. After saving Yang, the party confronts the King of Baron, only to discover another of Golbez's minions, the Archfiend of Water, Cagnazzo, took over to do Golbez's bidding.[19] After defeating Cagnazzo, Cid arrives and starts to take them to one of his airships, but Palom and Porom are forced to sacrifice themselves to save the party from Cagnazzo's dying effort to crush them in the hall.[20]

On the Enterprise (Cid's airship), Kain demands Cecil retrieve the final Crystal in exchange for Rosa's life.[21] Upon arriving in Troia, they find a weakened Edward, and learn that the Crystal was stolen by the Dark Elf. After the crystal is retrieved, Kain leads the party to the Tower of Zot, where Rosa is imprisoned. At the tower's summit, Golbez takes the Crystal and attempts to flee. Tellah sacrifices himself to stop Golbez with meteor, but only weakens him, although it does end Golbez's mind control of Kain.[22] Kain helps Cecil rescue Rosa and, after defeating the Archfiend of Wind, Barbariccia, Rosa teleports the party out of the collapsing tower to Baron.

In Baron, Kain reveals that Golbez must also obtain four subterranean "Dark Crystals" to achieve his goal of reaching the moon. [23] The party travels to the underworld, encounter the Dwarves who are currently fighting the Red Wings. They lose the airship, and Cid leaves to repair it. They then must stop Golbez from stealing the Dwarves' crystal, and are rejoined by an adult Rydia in the fight. They then go to the Tower of Babil to get the crystals back from Golbez, only to learn that they are in the above-ground portion of the tower. In the end, they flee the underworld in the newly repaired Enterprise, and Cid sacrifices himself to reseal the passage to underworld.[24]

In the upper half of the Tower of Babil, they meet Edge, the ninja prince of Eblan, joins the party, seeking revenge against the Archfiend of Fire, Rubicante. They defeat Rubicante after Edge is forced to kill his parents, who have been turned into monsters by Dr. Lugae.[25] When they reach the Crystal Room, the party falls through a trap door, but find an airship to escape the tower. Edge dubs it the "Falcon", and the heroes go to retrieve the eighth Crystal before Golbez. Upon retrieving it, Golbez reveals he still has control over Kain, and takes the eighth Crystal.[26] Back in the underworld, Giott tells Cecil of the Lunar Whale, a "ship of light" designed to take travelers to and from the moon. They are rejoined by a surprise guest—Cid. He informs them the Falcon now has a drill so they can return to the upper world; and in Mysidia, the elders raise the Lunar Whale for the party.[27]

On the moon, the party meets the sage Fusoya, who explains that Cecil's father was a Lunarian.[28] Fusoya also explains that a Lunarian named Zemus plans to destroy life on the Blue Planet to facilitate Lunarian inhabitation, using Golbez to summon the Giant of Babil, a colossal robot.[29] Meanwhile on Earth, the forces of the two worlds attack the Giant, led by Cecil's allies. After the party destroys its CPU, Golbez and Kain confront them, only to have Fusoya breaks Zemus' control over Golbez, in turn releasing Kain. Cecil learns here that Golbez is his older brother.[30] Golbez and Fusoya head to the core of the moon to defeat Zemus, and Cecil's party follows after reuniting with Kain. In the moon's core, the party witnesses Golbez and Fusoya kill Zemus, but quickly fall to his resurrected form, the spirit Zeromus.[31] Ultimately, Cecil and his allies defeat Zeromus in physical form.[32] Following the conflict, Fusoya and Golbez opt to enter a Lunarian hibernation.[33] In an epilogue, one year after the Lunarians' moon leaves the solar system, we see Kain atop Mt. Ordeals while everyone else reunites to celebrate Cecil and Rosa's wedding and their coronation as Baron's new king and queen.

Development

After completing Final Fantasy III in 1990, Square planned to develop two Final Fantasy games—one for the Nintendo Famicom and the other for the forthcoming Super Famicom, to be known as Final Fantasy IV and Final Fantasy V respectively.[34] Due to financial and scheduling constraints, Square dropped plans for the Famicom game and continued development of the Super Famicom version, retitled Final Fantasy IV. A mock-up screenshot of the cancelled title was produced for a Japanese magazine, but little other information exists about it.[34]

Music

Main article: Music of Final Fantasy IV

The score of Final Fantasy IV was written by longtime series composer Nobuo Uematsu. Uematsu has noted that the process of composing was excruciating, involving trial and error and requiring the sound staff to spend several nights in sleeping bags at Square Co. headquarters. His notes were humorously signed as being written at 1:30 AM "in the office, naturally."[35] The score was well received; reviewers have praised the quality of the composition despite the limited medium.[2][3][36] The track "Theme of Love" has even been taught to Japanese school children as part of the music curriculum.[37] Uematsu continues to perform certain pieces in his Final Fantasy concert series.[38]

Three albums of music from Final Fantasy IV have been released in Japan. The first album, Final Fantasy IV: Original Sound Version, was released on June 14, 1991 and contains 44 tracks from the game. The second album was Final Fantasy IV: Celtic Moon, released on October 24, 1991, contains a selection of tracks from the game, arranged and performed by Celtic musician Máire Breatnach. Lastly, Final Fantasy IV Piano Collections, an arrangement of tracks for solo piano performed by Toshiyuki Mori, was released on April 21, 1992 and began the Piano Collections trend for each successive Final Fantasy game. Several tracks have appeared on Final Fantasy compilation albums produced by Square, including The Black Mages and Final Fantasy: Pray. Independent but officially licensed releases of Final Fantasy IV music have been orchestrated by such groups as Project Majestic Mix, which focused on arranging video game music.[39] Selections also appear on Japanese remix albums, called dojin music, and on English remixing websites such as OverClocked ReMix.[40]

Versions and re-releases

Final Fantasy IV has been re-released on several platforms. To date, an easy version of Final Fantasy IV has been released for the Super Famicom, and the game was ported to the PlayStation (in 1997). A graphically enhanced remake was released on the WonderSwan Color (in 2002), and the Game Boy Advance (in 2005). The game was also completely remade with 3D graphics for the Nintendo DS (in 2008).

Final Fantasy II (North America)

Because the previous two installments of the Final Fantasy series had not been localized and released in North America at the time, Final Fantasy IV was distributed as Final Fantasy II to maintain naming continuity. Later remakes of the game have been released in North America under the original title. While the game retains the storyline, graphics, and sound of the original, developers significantly reduced the difficulty for beginning gamers. Certain items were less expensive or rare, and several battle commands were removed—including Tellah's Recall (allowing him to use a random magic spell), Edward's Medicine (which used Potions from the player's inventory to heal the entire party), and Cecil's DarkWave (an attack which targeted all enemies but sacrificed a portion of his health). Several enemies and bosses were reduced in strength and assigned special weaknesses. Entrances to secret passages on field maps were outlined in blue, whereas they were invisible in the original Japanese version. The random encounter rate was reduced, although overall enemy health became increased. The translation was changed in accordance with Nintendo of America's censorship policies (at the time before the formation of the ESRB and its rating system), and certain errors were introduced during localization.[41]

Certain character descriptions and elements of backstory have been cut due to space limitations. For instance, Kain's background and relationship with his father and the motivations for Zemus's plans to colonize Earth are not in the game.[42] The logo for the U.S. version features the same font and sword-letter-T emblem used in the Game Boy Final Fantasy Legend series rather than an image of Kain, which was used for the Final Fantasy IV title logo (and was used for its later releases as well). Other changes include the removal of overt Judeo-Christian religious references and certain potentially objectionable graphics. The magic spell Holy has been renamed White. All references to prayer are eliminated; the Tower of Prayers in Mysidia is renamed the Tower of Wishes, though the White Mage in the tower still calls it "Tower of Prayers," and Rosa's Pray command is absent. Direct references to death are omitted, although several characters clearly die over the course of the game. In the section of the game relating to the rescue of Rosa from the Tower of Zott, the giant scythe about to slice her in half was replaced by a giant metal ball. Additionally, anything considered too risqué has been censored, such as bikinis on town dancers (replaced by leotards). The Programmers' Room special feature (in which the player can find a pornography magazine) has been removed.[43] New promotional character art was made for published previews.[44] The runes that served as save points were changed into "Save Circles", which is the letter S in a circle with a fancy border.

In addition to the content edits, one major gameplay function was altered: The multiplayer option, which operated similarly to the same option in Final Fantasy VI, was removed from the configuration menu (yet the player can still control all aspects of gameplay with both controllers), as was the ability to edit controller settings.[45][46]

These edits prompted the creation of an English language fan translation of the original script, produced by J2e Translations.[47] The fan translation uses the original version of the game and not the easier official English release.

Final Fantasy IV Easytype

A modified version of the game was released for the Super Famicom in Japan under the name Final Fantasy IV Easytype. Built from the untranslated template of the US version[citation needed], the Easytype has been modified to be even easier than its North American counterpart. Because the Easytype was released before Final Fantasy II, fans and critics continue to erroneously claim that the US version was made from this version.[48]

In the Easytype, the attack powers of weapons have been enhanced, while the protective abilities of certain accessories and armor are amplified (such as the Ribbon, which protects against all magic). The developers have removed the instant killing technique of an enemy called The Tricker. The final boss, Zeromus, has been redesigned as a sword-wielding, skull-crowned scorpion, and a new battle pattern has been created for the beast.[49]

PlayStation

Main articles: Final Fantasy Chronicles and Final Fantasy Anthology

A PlayStation re-release debuted in Japan on March 21, 1997. Ported by TOSE and published by Square Co., it was designed and directed by Kazuhiko Aoki, supervised by Fumiaki Fukaya, and produced by Akihiro Imai.[50] This version is identical to the original game, although minor tweaks introduced in the Easytype are present. The most notable changes in the PlayStation release are the inclusion of full motion video opening & ending sequences, the ability to move quickly in dungeons and towns by holding the Cancel button, and the option of performing a "memo" save anywhere on the world map.[50]

On March 11, 1999, this version was released a second time in Japan as part of the Final Fantasy Collection package, which also included the PlayStation versions of Final Fantasy V and Final Fantasy VI.[51] Fifty-thousand limited edition copies of the collection were also released and included a Final Fantasy-themed alarm clock.[52]

This version was later released with Chrono Trigger in North America as part of Final Fantasy Chronicles in 2001 and with Final Fantasy V in Europe and Australia as part of Final Fantasy Anthology in 2002. The English localizations feature a new translation, which addresses discrepancies between the original by Takashi Tokita and Final Fantasy II, although certain lines from the previous localization by Kaoru Moriyama - such as "You spoony bard!" - were kept, as they had become fan favorites.[53] The developers have also fixed certain bugs present in the Japanese version, including slow-down issues with music.

WonderSwan Color

A remake for the WonderSwan Color was released in Japan on March 28, 2002. Character sprites and backgrounds have been graphically enhanced through heightened details and color shading.[54] These enhancements have since carried over to the Game Boy Advance port.[48]

Game Boy Advance

Final Fantasy IV was ported a second time by TOSE and released as Final Fantasy IV Advance (ファイナルファンタジーIVアドバンス, Fainaru Fantajī Fō Adobansu). It was released in North America by Nintendo of America on December 12, 2005; in Japan by Square Enix on December 15, 2005; in Australia on February 23, 2006; and in Europe on June 2, 2006. The ESRB rated it E-10 (Everyone 10 and older) and the CERO designated it for all ages. In Japan, a special version was available which included a limited edition Game Boy Micro with a themed face plate featuring artwork of Cecil and Kain.[55]

The developers made several changes for this release. The enhanced graphics from the WonderSwan Color port have been even further improved, and minor changes have been made to the music. Earlier versions of the port suffered from a number of bugs and technical issues; however, these were fixed for the European release. The localization team revised the English translation, improving the flow of the story, and certain plot details absent from the original have been restored.[48] Other additions to this version include the inclusion of abilities that were removed from the original North American release in the attempt to keep the game free of religious aspects, such as the white mage Rosa's pray ability and the spell "White" now being referred to as "Holy". The game has also changed the names of spells so that instead of numerical level notations, they are referred to the leveling system which was introduced to America and Europe in Final Fantasy VIII (but nevertheless present since the original Final Fantasy in Japan); as a result, spells such as "Bolt2" and "Bolt3" are now referred to as "Thundara" and "Thundaga".[56] The player can change characters among Edward, Yang, Porom, Palom, and Cid after defeating the Giant of Babel, although Cecil must be in the party at all times. Two new dungeons have been added: a new cave at Mt. Ordeals featuring powerful armor and stronger weapons for five additional characters, and the Lunar Ruins, accessible only at the end of the game.[48] New trials exist for each character at this location, reachable only after a particular character has defeated the final boss; for example, Cid's trial involves ferrying people around in an airship, and Rydia's trial involves fighting her own summons. The Lunar Ruins feature some of the best items in the game and another version of Zeromus to fight. This is his alternate scorpion form from the Easytype version, dubbed Zeromus EG. Also available for battle are a superboss named Brachioraidos and lunar versions of the summons, comparable to the dark aeons in Final Fantasy X.[57]

Up to three game saves are possible. In addition, a "quick save" function is available in which the player can save the game anywhere (except in battle or dialogue), but the saved data is lost if he/she continues from that save point. Completing the game unlocks a music player.

Nintendo DS

Main article: Final Fantasy IV (Nintendo DS)

Final Fantasy IV (ファイナルファンタジーIV) is an enhanced 3D remake of the original Final Fantasy IV. The remake adds a number of features not present in the original, such as voice acting, minigames, and some changes to the basic gameplay. It was released for the Nintendo DS as part of the campaign for Final Fantasy series 20th anniversary. The game was developed by Matrix Software, the same team responsible for the Final Fantasy III remake, and was supervised by members of the original development team: Takashi Tokita served as executive producer and director, Tomoya Asano as producer and Hiroyuki Itō as battle designer. Animator Yoshinori Kanada storyboarded the new cut scenes.[58]

The game was released in Japan on December 20, 2007, in the US on July 22, 2008,[59] and was released in Europe on September 5, 2008.

Mobile Phone

An enhanced port released in Japan on October 5, 2009, for iMode compatible phones. It retains features introduced in the Wonderswan Color and Gameboy Advance ports, while incorporating an exclusive "extra dungeon" available after completing the game, and improved character graphics on par with those found in Final Fantasy IV: The After Years.

Reception

In Japan, nearly 1.5 million copies of Final Fantasy IV's Super Famicom version were sold.[60] As of 2006, nearly 3 million copies of the game (including original and PlayStation re-releases) have been sold around the world.[61][62]

Major reviewers have called Final Fantasy IV one of the greatest video games of all time, noting that it pioneered many now common console role-playing game features, including "the whole concept of dramatic storytelling in an RPG."[63][64] Reviewers have praised the game for its graphics, gameplay and score.[48][63] Reviewers have noted that Final Fantasy IV was one of the first role-playing games to feature a complex, involving plot.[3][5][36] Nintendo Power proclaimed it set a "new standard of excellence" for role-playing games.[44] It would later place ninth and twenty-eighth in the "100 Greatest Nintendo Games" lists of issues 100 and 200, respectively.[65][66] In addition, the magazine GamePro rated it a perfect 5 out of 5 score in its March 1992 issue.[67] In 2005 IGN ranked it as twenty-sixth on its list of greatest games of all time; it is the highest rated Final Fantasy title on the list, but in 2007, the game was ranked #55, behind Final Fantasy VI and Final Fantasy Tactics.[68][69] Famitsu released a reader poll in 2006 ranking it as the sixth best game ever made.[70] However, the game's original release was heavily criticized for the poor quality of its English-language translation.[36][48]

Final Fantasy Collection sold over 400,000 copies in 1999, making it the 31st best selling release of that year in Japan.[71] Weekly Famitsu gave it a 54 out of 60 points, scored by a panel of six reviewers.[52] The Game Boy Advance version, Final Fantasy IV Advance, was met with praise from reviewers,[72] although a few noted the game's graphics do not hold up well to current games, especially when compared to Final Fantasy VI.[48][73] Reviewers noted that some fans may still nitpick certain errors in the new translation.[63]

Merchandise

A two-volume novelization of Final Fantasy IV was released in Japan on Christmas of 2008.[74]

Sequel

Main article: Final Fantasy IV: The After Years

Final Fantasy IV: The After Years, also known in Japan as Final Fantasy IV the After: Tsuki no Kikan (ファイナルファンタジーIV ジ・アフター -月の帰還-) is the sequel to Final Fantasy IV, set seventeen years after the events detailed in the original. The first two chapters of the game were released in Japan in February 2008 for NTT DoCoMo FOMA 903i series phones, with a release for au WIN BREW series phones slated for Spring 2008. The game revolves around Ceodore, the son of Cecil and Rosa, and many of the original cast members will return, with some being featured in more prominent roles than before, among other new characters.[75][76] After the mobile release, it was hinted that The After would be released outside of Japan.[77] On March 25, 2009, an announcement was made by Satoru Iwata during Nintendo's GDC 2009 Keynote speech that the U.S. will see the Final Fantasy IV sequel released later this year on the Wii's WiiWare service.[78]. Final Fantasy IV: The After Years first two chapters ("Main Story" which compiles Prologue, Ceodore's and Kain's Tales from original Japanese game and "Rydia's Tale") were released on June 1, 2009 in North America and June 5, 2009 on PAL territories. The additional chapters will be released on the following months.

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f Square Co., ed. (1991). Final Fantasy II instruction manual. Square Co. p. 74. SFS-F4-USA-1.
  2. ^ a b "Review of Final Fantasy IV". AllRPG. 2003-06-14. Archived from the original on 2007-07-06. Retrieved 2006-09-12.
  3. ^ a b c =Johnson, Robert (2003-04-28). "Final Fantasy IV Review". GamesAreFun. Retrieved 2006-09-10.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: extra punctuation (link)
  4. ^ Final Fantasy Advance instruction manual. Square Enix. 2005. p. 22. AGB-BZ4E-USA.
  5. ^ a b Alley, Jake (2001-10-29). "Birth of the plot-driven RPG". RPGamer. Retrieved 2006-09-10.
  6. ^ Palley, Steve (2004). "Sail to the Moon: Final Fantasy II". GameSpot. Retrieved 2006-03-07.
  7. ^ Fusoya: Long ago, the world that lay between the Red Planet and the Great Behemoth stood at the verge of destruction, both terrible and complete. The last survivors of that devastation boarded a ship and escaped to the Blue Planet. / Cecil: Blue Planet? / Fusoya: The one that you call home. But your planet was still in the midst of its evolution, you see. And so those travelers created a second moon for the planet, and there they settled into a long and quiet slumber. Square Enix (2008-07-22). Final Fantasy IV DS (Nintendo DS). Square Enix.
  8. ^ King of Baron: This is most unfortunate, but I can place no trust on one who offers none in return. I hereby relieve you of command of the Red Wings. / Cecil: My liege! / King: You will go now to the Valley of Mist instead. There is a task I would have you do. A phantom creature haunts the borders of that land-the Eidolon of Mist. You will slay it and deliver this ring to the village that lies beyond — they will know its meaning. Be gone by first light in the morning! Square Enix (2008-07-22). Final Fantasy IV DS (Nintendo DS). Square Enix.
  9. ^ Rydia: Mother, you can't die! Just because your dragon did... Square Enix (2008-07-22). Final Fantasy IV DS (Nintendo DS). Square Enix.
  10. ^ Officer of Baron: Our orders come directly from His Majesty's own mouth. Surrender the girl, and he will pardon all you've done. The inhabitants of Mist represent a threat to us all. They must not be allowed to live! Square Enix (2008-07-22). Final Fantasy IV DS (Nintendo DS). Square Enix.
  11. ^ Tellah: My daughter Anna was tricked by a silver-tongued bard. He's taken her to Damcyan Castle. I fear I've little time. I sense something sinister. Square Enix (2008-07-22). Final Fantasy IV DS (Nintendo DS). Square Enix.
  12. ^ Edward: The Red Wings laid siege to us, led by a man named Golbez. Square Enix (2008-07-22). Final Fantasy IV DS (Nintendo DS). Square Enix.
  13. ^ Tellah: Tears do not bring back the dead, boy! Anna's death must be avenged. I'll find this Golbez! Square Enix (2008-07-22). Final Fantasy IV DS (Nintendo DS). Square Enix.
  14. ^ Yang? I am grateful for the offer, but there is no reason for you to be dragged any further into this. / Cecil: Our stake in this conflict is no less than yours. / Yang: I see. Than I will most humbly accept whatever help you are willing to provide. Square Enix (2008-07-22). Final Fantasy IV DS (Nintendo DS). Square Enix.
  15. ^ Kain: It's been some time, Cecil. / Cecil: Kain! You're alive! / Kain: I am. / Cecil: You'll fight, then? / Kain: Of course. That's the very reason I've come. But, Cecil...The one I'll fight is you! / Cecil: Kain!? / Kain: A duel, Cecil! / Cecil: What do you mean? / Kain: Draw your blade! Square Enix (2008-07-22). Final Fantasy IV DS (Nintendo DS). Square Enix.
  16. ^ Elder: First you must ascend the mountain and trade your dark sword for one of light. Should the hallowed light deem you worthy, you will be made a paladin--a warrior of virtue. But know it will be no easy trail. Many are the man who have scaled the mountain, but not one has returned. Will you try where all others have failed? / Cecil: I will! Square Enix (2008-07-22). Final Fantasy IV DS (Nintendo DS). Square Enix.
  17. ^ Elder: Forgive me. It pained me to do so, but I sent these two along to keep watch on you--to ensure your intentions were pure. It seems there was no need. Palom, Porom---you've done a fine job / Palom: Well, now you know./ Porom: I'm terribly sorry I couldn't tell you.Square Enix (2008-07-22). Final Fantasy IV DS (Nintendo DS). Square Enix.
  18. ^ Cecil: Weren't you planning to go after Golbez?. /Tellah: Yes, but my magic is no match for a man of his strength. I've been searching for the legendary magic of Meteor. It has been long sealed aswat, and I know not where. But I feel a powerful aura radiating from this place. I believe the spell I seek may well rest within this mountain. Square Enix (2008-07-22). Final Fantasy IV DS (Nintendo DS). Square Enix.
  19. ^ Cecil: What have you done with the king!? / "King of Baron": Would you like to go and see him, that king of yours? You best not mistake me for another Scarmiglione. How one as weak as he came to be crowned an archfiend is something I will never know. Mw ha ha! / Cecil: Then you're one of them! / "King of Baron": Behold! I am the Drowned King, Cagnazzo--archfiend of water and sworn servant of Golbez! Square Enix (2008-07-22). Final Fantasy IV DS (Nintendo DS). Square Enix.
  20. ^ Palom: We won't let you all die like this! / Porom: Tellah, look after Cecil for us! / Palom: Together! Now! / Porom: Right! / Porom & Palom: BREAK! Square Enix (2008-07-22). Final Fantasy IV DS (Nintendo DS). Square Enix.
  21. ^ Cecil: Where's Rosa? She's safe, I trust. / Kain: Heh. Worried about her, are you? If you wish to see Rosa alive, fetch me the Earth Crystal from the land of Troia.Square Enix (2008-07-22). Final Fantasy IV DS (Nintendo DS). Square Enix.
  22. ^ Golbez: So, the old man's interference servered my hold over you. No matter. Your purpose is served. Do not think this affront will be forgiven. / Cecil: Why...why now stay your hand?/Golbez: You're--You..But--how?...? We will finish this another time. Square Enix (2008-07-22). Final Fantasy IV DS (Nintendo DS). Square Enix.
  23. ^ Cecil: Kain, we've lost the Earth Crystal. Golbez holds all them now. / Kain: No. he holds four. / Rosa: You mean to say there are more? / Cid: Come to think it, I've heard tales of others! You speak of the Dark Crystals? / Kain: I do. / Kain: There is more. He said when all of the Crystals were gathered, the way to the moon would be opened. Square Enix (2008-07-22). Final Fantasy IV DS (Nintendo DS). Square Enix.
  24. ^ Cid: Once you breach surface, I'll seal off that hold for good--with this! / Rosa: No! Not you too! / Cid: I was hoping I'd get to see your kids someday, but, well--someone's got to keep Yang company! You get yourselves back to Baron. Talk to my boys there! / Rydia: But Cid! You'll die! / Cid: And so young, too! Square Enix (2008-07-22). Final Fantasy IV DS (Nintendo DS). Square Enix.
  25. ^ Edge: Rubicante! For this...for this you will pay! / Rubicante: It was Lugae who made chimerae of your parents. I share no hand in his perversities. They shame me, as they grieve you. / Edge: Don't speak of shame! / Rubicante: I respect men like you. Men with...courage. But you are a slave to your emotions, and so will never know true strength. Such is the curse of Men. / Edge: You think our rage--a weakness? Then let me show you how wrong you are! Square Enix (2008-07-22). Final Fantasy IV DS (Nintendo DS). Square Enix.
  26. ^ Golbez: Kain...Return to me, my pawn...Deliver to me the Crystal... / Cecil: Golbez! / Cecil: Kain! / Rosa: Don't listen! Resist him! / Kain: It's alright. I...I'm back in control of myself. / Edge: You filthy double-crosser! / Rosa: Kain. What are you doing!? /Golbez: You underestimate the strength of my abilities. I had but slackened your friend's leash, waiting for the proper moment to pull it taut. With this final Crystal, the Tower of Babil will be made complete. Come, Kain. / Cecil: Kain! Don't listen to him! Kain! / Kain: The Crystals are all assembled. We can open the way to the moon at last! Square Enix (2008-07-22). Final Fantasy IV DS (Nintendo DS). Square Enix.
  27. ^ Elder: She is risen! The promised Ship of Light... The Lunar Whale! Square Enix (2008-07-22). Final Fantasy IV DS (Nintendo DS). Square Enix.
  28. ^ 'Cecil: And the Lunar Whale, where did it come from? / Fusoya: Ah, the ship...My younger brother KluYa built that vessel long ago, and flew it to the Blue Planet. He took with him several of our secrets, such as the ones employed in your Devil's Road and in airships--a gift to your people. Kluya was fascinated by your planet and wished to know more about it. And while he was there, he fell in love with a woman of your planet. Square Enix (2008-07-22). Final Fantasy IV DS (Nintendo DS). Square Enix.
  29. ^ Fusoya: He thought it fit that we should simply raze all existing life on the Blue Planet and claim it as our own. / Rydia: That's horrible... / Fusoya: Yes. And so I used my powers to force him into hibernation with the others. But as he slept, his will grew stronger and took on a consciousness all its own. It reached out to men with tainted hearts on your planet, twisting them into beings yet darker still. And through them, he began to gather the Crystals. / Cecil: So he was manipulating Golbez! / Edge: Does this guy have a name? / Fusoya: His name is Zemus. The Crystals function as a source of energy you see. I fear he has gathered them in order to activate the interdimenional elevator within the Tower of Babil. With it, he will be able to transport the Giant of Babil to your planet and use it to extinguish all life there.Square Enix (2008-07-22). Final Fantasy IV DS (Nintendo DS). Square Enix.
  30. ^ Golbez: My father... His name was Kluya. / Rosa: That you're Cecil's own... / Edge: Brother!? Square Enix (2008-07-22). Final Fantasy IV DS (Nintendo DS). Square Enix.
  31. ^ Zeromus: I am the wellspring of darkness, fed by Zemus's unbridled hate. I am He who is called Zeromus... I am He who know naught but hate! Square Enix (2008-07-22). Final Fantasy IV DS (Nintendo DS). Square Enix.
  32. ^ Zeromus: I will never die...as long as there is darkness in the hearts of men! Square Enix (2008-07-22). Final Fantasy IV DS (Nintendo DS). Square Enix.
  33. ^ Golbez: I cannot return. Not after I have done. And I would very much like to meet my father's people. At least one time. Square Enix (2008-07-22). Final Fantasy IV DS (Nintendo DS). Square Enix.
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