Which Version of Final Fantasy IV Should You Play? - ALL Ports Reviewed & Compared

Addendum info (12.12.22) The PR versions had various bug fixes and stability improvements. If you still experience stutter, consult fan solutions in the description. The text was only marginally improved via a thinner drop shadow. As pointing out, Rydia could still chocobo summon on SNES. The rare items summons were actually removed. Back to PR: the balance of gameplay was made very slightly harder due to bug fixes & reduced EXP from enemies. Additionally, rarer drops will drop more frequently, flying enemies now hover, the screen flashes for critical hits, transitioning out of battles when fleeing is faster, and the mini map stays active when transitioning.

Another thing that was changed is since Namingway can't rename your character in the 3D remake anymore he has a whole sidestory that consists of him trying to find his purpose where he becomes a cartographer, musician, and an outdoorsman.

The PSP version is so good, especially seeing as you get IV, After Years, and Interlude all in one. It has my favourite graphics as well out of all versions.

Also in the 3D remake, enemies are FAR more likely to use their special abilities without being the only remaining enemy/enemy type. Some enemies also have abilities now (Helldivers can now use Stone Gaze to cause gradual petrification).

The PSP collection is the definitive version for me, the DS/STEAM 3D remake is definitely interesting and worth a look, but the PSP collection has all the great added content and none of the bugs that plagued older ports.

I don't remember the Chocobo summon being removed from the SNES USA version. It was child Rydia's only "Call" ability. The four rare-item summons were removed, though.

The 3D version is the hardest. The Pixel Remaster version is the easiest. When I first played a Final Fantasy game back in the summer of 1995, I played the original American version of Final Fantasy IV.

This series is so fascinating to watch, even as someone with limited interest in actually playing some of these older titles. It's just really neat to get a look at some of the technical history of the series.

I played the DS version first, and then later in my life the PSP version. I think the definitive way to experience the game is probably to play both of them. The DS version's take on the story is a lot more impactful, and the voice acting adds a lot more to the game than one would expect. Given, I'm a massive dork, but several of the voiced cutscenes made me cry. The PSP version is slightly weaker in its portrayal of the story, probably because of the translation reasons that were mentioned in this video, but I think it looks better. The 3D graphics on the DS version scream "technical limitations" while the PSP version looks more definitive as it goes with pixel art. Out of the two, I think I prefer the DS UI, though. I personally really hate the UI designs on the mobile ports of all of Square's games, since the rounded windows and text clash really badly against the pixel art style of the games. I've grown up with games like FFVI on GBA and Chrono Trigger on the DS, and those games have text and textboxes that fit with the design of the rest of the game. It might be a miniscule detail to most people, but I think it makes Square's mobile ports look like bootleg romhacks of the original games.

This has got to be your best version comparison video. Well done! I bet these are exhausting to make, but remember to be proud of these.

Regardless of which one is the best, the Nintendo DS version (and ports to iOS) is well worth playing. It does so many things differently from the other versions and expands the characterization by a lot. It's also much more difficult -- but mostly fair difficult, EXCEPT for the Tower of Zot and the first run through Bab-Il.

最近、日本版と海外版の FF4を集めていた所だったので 機種ごとに違い等が分かりやすく編集 されているのでとても参考になって 助かります！！！

I absolutely love these videos. I read up on version differences all the time and these video are a more fun way to do that. Keep up the good work!

Final Fantasy IV is my favorite game of all time. I've owned, played, and beat most versions multiple times. What versions I have never played (GBA/Wonderswan) I still was aware of most of their pros and cons. Somehow, you managed to unearth a few new tidbits that even I was unfamiliar with. Great video! (... But as someone already pointed out, Rydia *does* have her Chocobo summon in the SNES version 😉)

I played the DS version when it came out and kind of got a slap in the face at how much more difficult it could be in places.

Thanks for including After Years! I was waiting for it. :)

The DS version of this game will always be special to me for being my gateway to the Final Fantasy games

PSP version is still supreme for me. I feel like only FF3 got a true definitive (2D) version with the pixel remasters.

This is tough. I would love to buy and play the pixel remaster, but I love the challenge of the DS.

I would go with either psp's complete collection or DS version. Both have additional content and thats usually something I like in my RPGs as that usually provides a better challenge than normal