Final Fantasy 4is one of the best and most important games in the franchise, marking the second attempt by the series to embark on a story-driven adventure to accompany its solid gameplay loop. The way familiar elements of the series are integrated into the narrative is executed brilliantly. Players become invested in the high-stakes plot and the story beats that have become iconic.
Thequality of this game is off the charts, and most people would want to figure out the best way possible to experience this masterpiece. Square Enix certainly hasn’t made it easy for players to get into a definitive version of the game per se, with every release having its caveats. Still, there are various ways that players can experience the magic ofFinal Fantasy 4, even if some are more flawed than others.
6Final Fantasy 4 (Port)
PlayStation
The PlayStation ports of the SNESFinal Fantasygames are probably the first way that many players got to experience these amazing games. So, it’s a shame that these versions are riddled with so many issues. Enjoying the game becomes downright impossible.
Even the inclusion of FMVs couldn’t save the PlayStation version ofFinal Fantasy 4from being an absolute nightmare to deal with. The loading times were the worst, andthe many random encounters were grating. Only dedicated players who genuinely enjoyed the story could sit through this absolute mess of a port.
5Final Fantasy 4 Advance
Game Boy Advance
For what it’s worth, the Game Boy ports of belovedFinal Fantasygames did a great job of translating the complex gameplay of these JRPGs to portable hardware. Fans loved the idea of playing these games on the go, a luxury that most people couldn’t think of back then. However, these ports had to come with some compromises so thatFinal Fantasy 4could work on such a small device.
The biggest drawback of this port is the sound. The simplified sound chip of the GBA is nowhere near as rich and complex as the one on the SNES. As a result, the brilliant OST ofFinal Fantasy 4is compressed to a ridiculous extent. Thankfully, this is made up for with great additional content that fans would love to uncover.
4Final Fantasy 4
SNES
JRPG players in the West were lucky enjoy the release ofFinal Fantasy 4, even if it was released under the name ofFinal Fantasy 2to maintain continuity. The game offered a massive, engaging adventure that fans loved.Cecil’s journey of redemptionto become a righteous Paladin was captivating from start to end.
The innovation inFinal Fantasy 4was clear for all to see, and the amazing narrative was one of the game’s biggest highlights. While it may not have exploded in popularity overseas, it didn’t take long for new fans to appreciate whatFinal Fantasy 4brought to the table, labeling it one of the series' highlights.
3Final Fantasy 4 3D
Nintendo DS, Mobile, PC
The 3D remakes ofFinal Fantasy 3and4were great endeavors that allowed players to experience these titles with a fresh coat of paint. Not everyone liked the art style. However, the production value of these releases, coupled withsome tough-as-nails combat, established these games as worthy titles for fans ofFinal Fantasy.
Players must utilize the best equipment, attacks, and spells to come out victorious. This makes the player’s victories even more memorable, which is quite welcome, given how the most common complaint about theFinal Fantasygames is that they don’t pose much of a challenge.
2Final Fantasy 4 Pixel Remaster
Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PC, Mobile
Theannouncement of the Pixel Remasterswas a nice surprise that gave players another excuse to replay some of their favoriteFinal Fantas. The fourth game is no exception here. Players loving how this remaster the classic versions with better visuals, effects, artwork, and everything in between.
While some people lament the loss of the additional content present in theAdvancereleases, it’s a small price to pay for what is otherwise a brilliant game. The redone score is one of the biggest positives, breathing new life into a soundtrack that is ethereal and evocative.
1Final Fantasy 4: The Complete Collection
PlayStation Portable
Many people still stand by the 2D PSP remake ofFinal Fantasy 4as the best way to experience this masterpiece, and there’s credence to this statement. The 3D remake was great as well, but changes to the gameplay and a chibi-esque art style were two points that fans had to compromise on.
Meanwhile, there are few to no drawbacks in the PSP release ofFinal Fantasy 4. The clean art, charming gameplay, and bonus content from theAdvanceversions are all here. This package also includesInterludeandThe After Years, which continue the story ofFinal Fantasy 4for fans who want to seehow the heroes developedafter the game’s ending.
