Final Fantasy IV: The Complete Collection

At the mere mention of the name Final Fantasy IV, I was all over the opportunity to review this game. This is one of my favorite Final Fantasy of all time and easily one of the greatest RPGs ever made. It has memorable characters, awesome music and a story that is truly exceptional. You would be crazy not to pick up the Final Fantasy IV: The Complete Collection for PSP. Doesn't matter if you've played it a few times or a hundred, this is a RPG for the ages.

Overall, Final Fantasy IV: The Complete Collection is a solid package, especially with an MSRP of $29.99. Even though it isn't the definitive version of the game, it is a solid way into the franchise and the best way to experience The After Years.

Nothing new, but what's here it's top notch, from the Active Time Battle System to the gloomy story of Cecil. Don't miss it if you're a JRPG fanatic.

Final Fantasy IV is still one of the best game in the series. The expansions and visual improvements turn this edition into the ultimate edition of this gorgeous game – at least for those who take a gameplay experience over the visuals.

FFIV on PSP is a delicious remake with tons of options. Too bad the character design is meh.

While there are issues, the nostalgic feel that exudes from this collection is nothing to find fault with, as it perfectly serves its intended purpose of being a retro collection. If paying for Final Fantasy IV again isn't enough and the fan service-filled After Years holds no appeal, then pass on this. If you loved Final Fantasy IV back in the 90s and are looking to relive that experience along with some new content, then Final Fantasy IV: The Complete Collection might just be a good fit for you.

FFIV is still the same ol' game, as classic and playable as ever, but SE expecting you to pay for it once again (along with the joke that is Interlude and the hit-or-miss After Years) is outright greedy.

A wonder game. Updated sprites an interlude and and new content. This iteration is the kind of reboot this generation of FFs need. They did it with I and II and I am glad they did it to IV. Now we just need a PC version.

The best way to play FF4. The 3d remakes and Pixel Remasters don't include all of the content like interlude. Even though it would be nice to have the ease of life changes like autobattle/autoattack. Also, the game design is definitely old, not as fresh as something like Bravely Default.

The complete version of the game. It contains the main Final Fantasy 4 game, a newly created “Interlude” scenario that connects it with “The After Years”. Final Fantasy 4 itself is underrecognized and outshined by Final Fantasy 5 and 6 on the SNES. While at least FF 6 is the better game I still say it is worth playing and deserves its place in the better games of the franchise. It was back then the first Final Fantasy on the SNES and showed clear improvements for graphics and soundtrack. It has the turn based Active Time Battle system which was common and is unique that the party consist of up to 5 characters (other games FF games have only 4 or 3). The story starts when the kingdom of Baron attacks the city state of Mysidia to steal their elemental crystal (The elemental crystals are a theme of the older FF games). Cecil captain of the attacking elite unit ask his king afterwards about his reasons for this seemingly needlessly bloodshed. He is demoted and together with his friend Kain send on a mission to deliver a ring to the Village of the Mist. This is the start of the adventure and the ambitions of his king will not be the only nor the biggest problem they will face. The game has a good story for franchise standards and great characters that won me over. The Interlude continues with a new story after the conclusion of the main game and is a set up for the “After Years”. I don't give a set up because of spoilers. The “After Years” concludes the story and is set years after the “Interlude” so you see how the world and characters have grown. I avoid a set up too because of spoilers. It gives however a satisfying conclusion for me. To be fair many complain that both additions have a similar story and are not that unique. I cant deny that it is a valid point and must warn you that it has not much impact or remarkable points. The more I think about it the more I agree and it is basically a rinse and repeat. The characters are like I said great and won me over. Be it Cecil’s and Kain’s struggles, Rydias story, the magic twins, a spoony bard or all the others. I was invested in them and it was enjoyable. Even after all the years I remember many scenes and that it created emotions. This is more valid for the main game. Bonus for the humor and that you see how their stories continue in the later parts. Gameplay wise it has the Active Time Battle system, random encounters and a huge world to explore. Each character has a job that sets up his / her abilities. This cant be changed manually. Each job has unique abilities like a White Mage is of cause a good healer but weak fighter and a Dragoon a good fighter with a jump attack but not one that can heal (except items) or deal magic damage. You have to adapt to this and use the strengths of your characters. Also some battles require good strategy or an overpowered party. Of cause there is a lot to explore and some hidden stuff as required per RPG standards. Presentation wise they improved the graphics and it looks really good. They left the style intact and after a horrible adaptation of new graphics for a FF6 port I give credits here. The soundtrack is always good for a Final Fantasy game and I never complained. This is a staple of the series and even FF13 which was pretty mediocre could not break this streak. Overall I think the “Interlude” and “After Years” weaken the overall rating. It is not bad by any standard but also not amazing or to write home about. I give a 7/10 as the main game is still pretty good and an insider tip in the franchise.

Wayyy overly oppressively dark story [you start out coming back from a village full of innocent people you just slaughtered, and children sacrifice themselves later], and it seems to hold on gameplay wise until the grind wall comes. Really disappointing

Was having so much fun up to the Interlude, what is that garbage? Reminds me of that horrible addon to the PSP Final Fantasy II. Just another frustrating Square Enix filler. I really don't like Square after these silly handheld games. I give it a 0 just for that ridiculous part.