Remaining Fantasy IV is the sport that put Sq.’s collection on a brand new path, one which prioritised dramatic, character-driven tales — one thing that might outline the franchise going ahead. It tells the twisting story of Cecil, a talented knight who begins to query his nation’s militaristic ambitions. Even 32 years after its preliminary launch, the sport’s plot is deeply participating, and is held collectively by a terrific forged of personalities, every with their very own understanding of a world that is on the point of all-out struggle.
Occasion members come and go because the narrative progresses, and the pacing is sort of excellent all through. This was actually the primary time that Remaining Fantasy tried to meld gameplay methods with storytelling, as quite a few plot factors truly affect the way in which characters conduct themselves in battle, opening up new skills and the like. As such, the entire journey has an impressively cohesive really feel, from the story route, to the turn-based motion, to the method of levelling up your ragtag band of heroes.
And also you most likely might want to stage up. Remaining Fantasy IV might be brutal RPG, with weaker characters continuously kicking the bucket if a monster a lot as sneezes at them — however the problem curve does even out as soon as you have bought a number of mainstay celebration members. Fortunately, should you’re not up for the potential grind, the Pixel Remaster’s exp and cash boosters alleviate numerous the strain.
Fight additionally takes a notable step ahead on this instalment with the introduction of the now iconic Energetic Time Battle (ATB) system. Character actions are primarily ruled by a timer, including a welcome layer of technique to issuing instructions, and the timing of such. What’s extra, particular person celebration members include their very own distinctive traits and skills, making for an impressively wealthy turn-based expertise.
Remaining Fantasy IV was a big minimize above what had come earlier than, and it is nonetheless a implausible RPG at this time.