The DS remake of Final Fantasy IV turns 15 today in North America – can you believe it? If copious social media posts earlier this week about Nolan’s dark Knight you didn’t make me feel old, then maybe this will.
Regardless, it still stands today as one of the most impressive remakes we’ve seen. Granted, the DS’s visuals probably aren’t the most striking you’ll ever lay your eyes on, especially 15 years after its debut, but it was still a remarkably faithful adaptation that managed to retain everything that made the original so great, while adding a few new touches.
Take that opening scene, for example. For fans who played the original SNES title, seeing characters like Cecil, Rosa and Kain in a whole new light felt almost miraculous. Add to that extensive voice work, more mini-games and a new Augment System, and you’ve got a remake that most certainly gives the original a run for its money.
Of course, there are still those – including this writer – who may still prefer the original. Whether it’s nostalgia or simple appreciation for what many consider a cleaner version of Final Fantasy IV, there’s no denying that it’s still a powerful RPG to this day.
What do you prefer? Let us know by voting in the poll below, and be sure to leave a comment with some of your favorite Final Fantasy IV memories.
