Final Fantasy IV Advance (2005)

by Ji-yeong
written by Ji-yeong 5 minutes read

Summary

Final Fantasy IV Advance: A Timeless Classic Reborn

Originally released in 1991 for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System, Final Fantasy IV is widely considered to be one of the greatest JRPGs of all time. In 2005, the game was remade for the Game Boy Advance as Final Fantasy IV Advance, and it remains one of the best versions of the game to this day.

Story

Final Fantasy IV tells the story of Cecil Harvey, a dark knight who is struggling with his faith. After being ordered to commit a heinous act, Cecil begins to question his purpose in life. He soon meets up with a group of rebels who are fighting against the tyrannical Golbez, and together they set out on a journey to save the world.

The story of Final Fantasy IV is full of twists and turns, and it features a cast of memorable characters. The game’s themes of redemption, sacrifice, and the power of friendship are still relevant today.

Gameplay

Final Fantasy IV Advance is a turn-based JRPG. Players control a party of up to five characters, each with their own unique abilities. The game’s combat system is simple to learn but difficult to master, and it offers a great deal of strategic depth.

In addition to the main story, Final Fantasy IV Advance also features a number of side quests and optional dungeons. These side quests can be completed to earn new items and equipment, and they can also help to flesh out the game’s world and characters.

Graphics and Sound

The graphics in Final Fantasy IV Advance are a significant improvement over the original SNES version. The game’s character sprites are larger and more detailed, and the backgrounds are more colorful and vibrant. The game’s music is also excellent, and it features a number of memorable tracks.

Changes from the Original Version

Final Fantasy IV Advance makes a number of changes to the original SNES version. These changes include:

  • The addition of character portraits in text boxes
  • The ability to switch party members in and out of battle
  • Increased difficulty
  • New dungeons with new items and weapons
  • A new translation of the script that is more faithful to the original Japanese version
  • The inclusion of a Quicksave feature

Conclusion

Final Fantasy IV Advance is a fantastic remake of one of the greatest JRPGs of all time. With updated graphics, sound, and gameplay, it’s an essential experience for fans of the series. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Final Fantasy IV or you’re new to the series, Final Fantasy IV Advance is a game that you won’t want to miss.

Score: 9/10

Pros:

  • Engaging story
  • Memorable characters
  • Deep and strategic combat system
  • Beautiful graphics and music
  • Plenty of side quests and optional content

Cons:

  • Some of the difficulty spikes can be frustrating
  • The new translation is not always as good as the original

Review Score

8.5/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

Profile photo of Ji-yeong

Ji-yeong is a passionate gamer and whose love for video games blossomed during her childhood. Growing up in the midwest, without many friends, she spent countless hours exploring the enchanting worlds of classic JRPGs like Final Fantasy and Chrono Trigger, which sparked not only an enduring love for gaming but also a keen insight into its evolving landscape. Today, Ji-yeong channels her deep-seated passion and nostalgia into thoughtful, engaging reviews that resonate with both longtime gamers and newcomers alike. Her unique perspective, rooted in a rich history of gaming, offers readers a heartfelt journey through the pixels and stories that have shaped her love for this dynamic medium. Her favorite game series of all time is Harvest Moon.

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