Final Fantasy IV DS

Story:

Dark Knight Cecil Harvey, captain of the airship fleet of the Kingdom of Baron, is uncharacteristically ordered by the King of Baron to raid the pacifistic village of Mysidia for the Water Crystal. Cecil successfully takes the Crystal, but questions the morality of his orders. The King strips Cecil’s command as punishment and sends him and his best friend Kain, leader of the Dragoons of Baron, to the village of Mist with a mysterious package. This starts a chain of events that will force Cecil to seek redemption and struggle to save the entire world from a mysterious yet familiar enemy…

Gameplay:

Most of the bare bones of Final Fantasy IV remain intact in this Nintendo DS remake. The game is a standard JRPG which was best known for introducing the Active Time Battle system and for helping to popularize dramatic storylines with fleshed-out characters instead of the previously used customizable but relatively faceless do-gooders. New facets of the remake include 3D graphics, remastered music, a script retranslated for accuracy, the Augment system, mini-game training for a new Eidolon, alterations to the Namingway and Fat Chocobo characters, New Game+ with a pair of extra bosses and the option to use the Stylus.

The Augment System is the most significant change to the gameplay. Characters that leave the party will now leave behind Augments, which can be equipped to other characters in order to retain the special abilities of the departed. Some Augments also offer powers that are familiar to Final Fantasy fans but never made an appearance in the original version of the game. This adds a degree of customization to the heretofore static characters.

The game also introduces Whyt, a new Eidolon or summon monster that has a customizable face, drawn with the Stylus, and statistics that can be boosted by playing mini-games.

With the additions of voice acting and no limitation on the number of items that can be held, Namingway and Fat Chocobo have each been modified. Namingway is now involved in a side quest and frequently changes his own name and occupation, leaving behind something useful for you in the process such as the ability to map dungeons with the touch screen. Fat Chocobo now accesses various options, such as a Video Player, Music Player and Bestiary.

Final Fantasy IV DS

Cons:

- The Augment System: Making the game a bit more modern with customization is not a bad thing, but Final Fantasy IV Advance offered the usage of the near full roster of characters themselves towards the end of the game, as well as a new dungeon to trek through for proper end-game equipment for the new characters while the DS version only offers their abilities. This is a step backwards, though it will not matter much to those who have never played it before. Also, Augments can only be used once and must be used in order to acquire stronger powers from departing characters. Multiple playthroughs are required to offer a full selection of Augments.

- New Game+: Much like the first point, New Game+ and two new bosses in themselves are not a bad addition to a game, but Final Fantasy IV Advance offered a fifty floor dungeon with new monsters, equipment and tougher boss battles. It again feels like a step backwards but this will not be noticeable to new players.

Pros:

- Presentation: The graphical overhaul is impressive, the music is familiar, the script reads better while still keeping a certain infamous line intact, and the voice acting adds to the drama of the story. Cid’s voice is a highlight.

- Difficulty: This is the most difficult version of Final Fantasy IV to date. The increase in toughness is a welcome addition, especially for those who could beat the other versions in their sleep.

Summary:

The new coat of paint and increased difficulty are great additions to this remake of a classic game. Unfortunately, the game takes a step backwards in the extras department, as the buggy Final Fantasy IV Advance offered more new content. Final Fantasy IV DS is a good portable RPG and a great pick-up for those who have never experienced the original, but it falls short of being the definitive version.

Grade: C+

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