Rumination Analysis on Final Fantasy IV

[@teddyharvester]

Ah, those were the times... years ago in a shared apartment listening to Lore before calling himself Lore in a cubicle (probably) late at night dropping some of the best video game story analysis before that kind of thing really took off. The memory of your ruminations got me back into FF after having bounced off of several attempts at the series. Thank you for existing, sir.

[@stevenvegh7964]

Everyone needs a time machine to experience this game between the age of 7-10 years old. It’s the perfect RPG for that age, it has everything without being too convoluted.

[@LessThan-wr1nr]

I find myself coming back to this, especially the explanation of the depth of the cecil/rydia/myst/kaipo sequence. My favorite FF and favorite Lorerunner video

[@frozenaorta]

Final Fantasy IV (or FF2, if you were a young American like me back then) really never gets the credit its due. People constantly shower praise upon Chrono Trigger, FFVI, FFVII, Secret of Mana, Breath of Fire 2, DQ 3, 4, 7 and 8... Rightfully so in most cases. But this game was revolutionary. It took RPGs from here, to------------------------------------------------------------------------------------> here. The advances of this game are insane. It made the genre what it is, and 10-year old me is so thankful he picked it up back then.

[@bbpaulss]

I played it for the first time probably in 2018 and was still amazed at how much story there is for such an old game especially all the story advancements after the first moon visit. Like they were doing this shit in 1991?! Damn! Plus an amazing rewarding well put together ending which was VERY rare at the time

[@frozenaorta]

@@bbpaulss So around the time I posted this comment. Ha. It's great to hear that the younger generation can still appreciate some of the leaps and bounds forward that certain games were making back then. The SNES was truly jam packed with revolutionary titles.

[@outofworkgamer4113]

Cecil is an absolutely incredible character.

[@s0urp0wer5]

"The more you think about it, the more there is to think about." Those are my favorite creative works hands down.

[@crazygamerkitty232]

I agree with pretty much everything you said. I can still vividly remember being twelve years old and receiving this game for Christmas some twenty years ago. What I will add to what you've said is that, to me, what made Final Fantasy IV special (since you discussed theme a lot) is that it wasn't what the characters fought or whether they might die that was the heart of the game. It was what they were fighting for. So many games get caught up in the who and what and when and where... They forget 'why', and 'why' is absolutely crucial. If you think about it, "Why?" could even be argued to be the catalyst of what made Cecil make the decisions that he did. Anyway, I enjoyed listening to your thoughts. Now I need to go and play the DS version--I had no idea that much was added to it. Bye!

[@MoonlapseOpethian]

+Crazy Gamer Kitty Absolutely.

[@7thangelad586]

I would sit down with you, share a tankard of your choice of beverage, and discuss FFIV indefinitely.

[@MoonlapseOpethian]

About the game being something that reminds you that life is great, and worth living, I honestly had that same thought. When FuSoYa asked us what we would do, right before Cecil said that they would return home, I said out loud "Live." His answer, and everything that everyone did right afterward, all the way up to the end, was exactly how I imagined we would continue. That was basically it. I had this sensation within me that simply reminded me that everything was worth it. A few other forms of media have done this as well, such as Neon Genesis Evangelion (To each his own) but you get the point. Life truly is worth putting up with, despite the dark, because there will always be light to counter it. There will always be that someone, or something that makes it all worth it. This game was well worth it. This video was well worth it as well. Time to play FFVI.

[@ClanFenixX]

Ive listened this video probably at least 20 times xD amazing analysis of one of my favorite videogames of all time ( the reason why i keep coming back to this and practically every other ff rumintation its because it helps me to relax , fight my anxiety issues and panic attacks, so thank you arch, for everything you have done)

[@Shinntoku]

So glad to see this so high on your list. I love FFIV. It's my favourite of the FF games.

[@DrWiley-fm3ik]

Thanks for keeping these up. I know you think these videos suck but I used to listen to these back in high school and it's nice going back to them. Plus they're actually not bad lol

[@johncasiello3537]

Great ruminations on an amazing game! I have a hard time deciding which of the two, FFIV or FFVI, is the better game. Overall, I would probably agree with you that FFVI is the better game from a purely objective standpoint, but FFIV resonates with me for personal reasons, so I rank them about equal on my personal list of favorites.

[@TIDbitRETRO]

Even though I will forever champion FF6 as the best Final Fantasy, FF4 will always be my favorite Final Fantasy.

[@thehunter24]

Finally got my copy for the DS. Only played about 4 hours worth, but I'm actually quite impressed at the characters and how they're each quite screwed up. It's nice to play as Cecil who actually has flaws as well as his strengths compared to Tidus who just made me want to pull out my teeth with a pair of pliers.

[@matthewrileymcleanwilkinson]

One of your best reviews. Watched it years ago. Damn we're getting old. Cecil is THE Paladin. That desert analysis with Rydia is very well put.

[@MoonlapseOpethian]

Upon mentioning the Zero playlist, I was basically praying that the Lunar Core/Giant's theme would be on it, because I found that track to be one of the most stellar, if not the most among an already fantastic playlist of songs from the game. My appreciation for your channel just went up abit. haha (Sorry for the large influx of comments. I'm feeling very much like how you were in the video right now)

[@josephrincon1802]

Every time you say you could keep going... I fucking wish you would. Thank you SO MUCH for sharing these videos I deeply appreciate them. -Joey R Charlotte NC

[@BattZ7997]

I've watched the majority of your reviews, but had avoided commenting until now. Best of your reviews I've seen so far here. LOVE your stuff. I usually watch these with another browser page open so I can hit wikipedia for research. A little disappointed that VII is going to be no higher than 3rd on your list, but to each his own. Can't wait for that one. Keep up the awesome work.

[@7thangelad586]

I love this game. I’m stricken more by the story as an adult than I was as a child. The range from overwhelming grief to bitter jealousy and undeserved mercy.

[@vernontk]

I just finished this game, and this video was a nice way to unpack.

[@CyanideSublime]

"You Spoony Bard!"

[@Lorerunner]

FFIV is playable on the SNES, anything that can play the PS1 (so yes the PS2), GBA, DS, and PSP. I'd recommend any version except the SNES one, personal favorite of course being the DS as I said but I understand not everyone has such availability.

[@garrythomason9826]

It's strange and cool going back and seeing these early episodes 😄

[@PolaireOfAstora]

Indeed it is my favourite FF.

[@AkaiAzul]

“FF4 was the only one with a real ending.” Do you mean an epilogue, where every loose end is tied up (mostly) and basically satisfied most players curiosity? Edit: Was I the only one who found Ultimecia in FF8 the hardest final boss in the series the first time you fight them? FF8 was the 5th-ish FF i played, but it still took me multiple times to win. Maybe it’s because the bosses leading up to her did not need “mastery” of the game’s mechanics, but she needs it desperately?

[@n0o01]

This video may have the greatest run-on sentence I've ever heard in my life.

[@alcoyot]

At the beginning when he said the game is bad I got so mad I clicked off. Then I figure maybe he’s joking so I went back and so glad I did. If you love this game this much, you are the same kind of person as me, we can be friends. People like this are hard to come by

[@RebelOfDaNew]

You thought he was going to "rumination analysis" rant for over an hour? 😂

[@towermoss]

It's rather sad that unless you experienced this game when it was released, you'll never truly understand just how remarkable the game was at the time. i feel that way about FF1, and yeah I guess it's nostalgia and whatever, but seriously when these early FF games were released each was truly profound. FF1 and FF4 really stand out for how amazing they were for the time. FF6 was of course amazing, and there was CT and SOM too (the mid-90s are the golden age of gaming for me), but by then amazing was becoming commonplace for companies like Squaresoft.

[@Dotoku14]

Wonderful review as always!

[@jamesjudo5]

Thanks again, I'm really enjoying these reviews

[@siphionjgames30]

This is definitely on my top five. I can never decide where to put 4 and 9 as my 3rd favourite. I have very fond memories of getting the anthology in uk. I was prepared for 2d this time from FF6! This game just blew me away and I played it a bunch I beg my friends to play this game start to end but they just won't listen that and 6! Which is a crime to gaming to not even play lets be honest haha love your reviews as always.

[@JennyKellyProductions]

Love your reviews, Archengeia. Absolutely great insight on everything. I completely agree with your views.

[@Lorerunner]

I am of course a bit prejudiced in the matter as VI is my favorite by far... but considering your statement about not wanting to grind for overly long (a fact which I do not blame you for I might add) ironically both VI and VII are about equal in terms of lack of grind required. Both games can be played through without having to pause at any point to level just to continue the story. That being said if you have the availability of picking up VI Advance I'd recommend that one.

[@oliverhart9238]

This has probably already been said but they've also ported I believe the DS version to iOS. Apple has I-VI on the App Store and IV is definitely worth getting on a phone in my opinion. Also awesome video man.

[@AFistfulofDynamite]

Arch, what other songs (both FF and non-FF) are in your "zero" playlist? I'm always looking for something new to listen to and I love the ones you mention in this video.

[@Setzer777]

FFIV was also the first time I interacted with an online community about a game. I was part of an online service back in the 90's called Prodigy and they had a video games bb(forum) where you could discuss games with other people. Good times.

[@AlecG]

Great video. I love content like this

[@amaris27]

FF4 still has in my opinion, one of the best endings sequences of any RPG I have ever played. This entire games narrative still functions as my yardstick to measure all other RPGs by.

[@TockTockTock]

Great review, by the way. While FF4 is not my cup of tea, I can admire the passion and thought that you put into this review. You don't need fancy cutscenes, pictures, or videos to make a wonderful review. You just sit down in front of a camera and talk.

[@jamesgrey13]

"Within The Giant" is the best song from this FF!

[@ibrokemykeyboard]

Arch all of your FF reviews make me want to go and replay them all ASAP! I can't wait until I'm old and in a retirement home with enough time to actually get through them again. :P

[@darkanimecommandersoto9992]

The only thing I didn't like about becoming a paladin was restarting from level 1, but I guess that could be symbolic of him throwing away his past life and starting anew.

[@7thangelad586]

Almost thirty years later I’m replaying the true original SNES version. I marvel at the chasm between the 11 year old child and the adult who now tries to interpret the story. I’m stricken with horror by imagining myself in the place of the beloved characters. Would I be able to stand firm in the face of ultimate evil? Such a great game and brilliant discussion.

[@tiebrute4688]

Oh man xD you seriously got me in the beginning there, I was thinking to myself "FF4 is my favorite next to tactics, no way Arch hates it that much!" Well played sir.

[@xsamplexample]

So awesome. Great review.

[@InTheMindOfDavid]

How Cecile gets duped into destroying that village was so under handed. It really shed light in the kind of person the Baron had become. Like, he gives the task of killing monster that has been attacking the village and on top of that gives Cecile a signet ring to give to the Elder of the village as proof that you are who you say you. Just so there’s no miscommunication. Fair seems pretty status quo. What could possibly go wrong? Maybe someone pissed in the baron’s cornflakes that morning and get hurt lashed out. Things will be all good once once Cecile returns. ...oh how wrong we were... not only does kill the creature that was “attacking” the village but the signet ring summons flame demons and completely wipes the village off the face of the earth. The villager didn’t even know what hit them. They had absolutely 0(zero) chance to even attempt to get to safety. That part was hella messed up.

[@GoldStandardPunk66]

That is a incredibly convoluted analogy my fried :D.

[@TheEclipsist]

he has the same phone as me, and whenever it rings, it makes me panic and think that my phone is ringing

[@Nobious2]

Thanks for rattling on about this game. It really brings back memories. It was one of the best games, and in my opinion, every Final Fantasy game after 8 is terrible. It's like playing/watching Power Rangers or something.

[@SaviorTheAwesome]

I'm finally going to get into Final Fantasy. Starting with either this one, or six. Heard good things about them both.

[@TockTockTock]

I would suggest Final Fantasy VI. I found IV to be predictable, linear, and a bit too black and white. I enjoyed it, but it was a somewhat forgettable experience. VI, on the other hand, is just amazing. I couldn't do it any justice by talking about it on a short KZbin comment.

[@pillarsofsnow7940]

Nice bit with Rydia's introduction

[@MoonlapseOpethian]

Just wanna say that the DS remake (Via Steam, since I don't own a DS) is the version I am playing. Haven't played any other version and was praying that this wouldn't ruin my experience (Needless to say, the opposite occurred) and I'm glad to see that you can root for it 100%

[@UncleDwalin]

It's strange because I've never been a fan of FF at all. It's just not my cup of tea but I'm having an awesome time watching you review them xD

[@kainhighwind1320]

The next hour i want to say best review i have ever heard of the game i love ff4 in its entirety and even went out of my way to buy multiple versions of it including the after years( which btw i really want you to review that soon) overall i love the game and actually put it higher than even 6 on my tier list of the ff series. Overall great review and i can't wait for an after years review

[@quicksilvertongue3248]

I know only the original SNES version of the game; this is a great review that really elevates the story of FF4, and the big reason why I regard FF4 so much more lowly than the others, it's the fact that almost none of these deeper subtleties are actually there on screen in the SNES game. It's possible to see the implications, but it doesn't fully come through, mostly due to the age and clunkiness and technological limitations , and the fact they may just not have thought this deeply into it. From having watched Lore play the later version of FF5, the supposedly improved dialogue there struck me as cosmetic and unnecessary; 5, like 6, was already great on its own, imo, but the original 4 is not. Maybe the DS port would lift it up to a comparable level for me, I don't know.

[@devilmingy]

Great review

[@WillyML4]

I'd be right there with you, crying on the street of broken dreams that SquarEnix paved. =P

[@AlexBermann]

I tend to differ on the difficulty: the difficulty of the tower of Zot in the DS remake was such a difficulty spike that it made me quit the game. For me, flamehounds ruined that game with triple scorch - and sometimes, they use that before the party is able to move. That means that even running away and using tactics is useless. So basically, surviving the Tower of Zot is just gambling. That is a rather different kind of difficulty than challenging bosses. A hard battle, like the one against the final boss of Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor isn't frustrating since you can control when to engage that enemy and you have much room for strategy. If some random encounter ambushes you and fries your whole team before you can do everything, this is just horrible game design. However, since I do respect the way you express your opinion of the Final Fantasy series, I will give Final Fantasy IV a new chance.

[@MrDaveJustice]

Archengeia have you played FFIV: The After Years, if so what do you think of it?

[@possumverde]

Love your reviews. There is one thing to mention about the GBA remake...there are quite a few game mechanic bugs in it such as certain "long range" weapons have the back row penalty applied to them (really weakens Edward). Also, from what I remember, there are certain effects from equipment that don't get applied properly in combat and a few other minor problems so people might be better off with the PS remake which more or less fixed these.

[@zornsthorne]

Just to let you know, tellah would the be the first to die in an rpg that american and european people would have played. Several characters died in the genuine ff2 and some characters may have died in the first phantasy star game for the sega master system (I am not too sure) Btw sorry for nit picking just thought id say.

[@padawanmage71]

To be honest, I've never played any of the FF series. I've heard of them (hard not to) but at the time found the story too 'out there' for me. That was years ago (around the VI era) but I have to admit, I do enjoy listening to your deconstruction of the series in general. I wonder if there're any other game series out there that have as much of your passion in them as this one does?

[@kathleenmms]

I'm so playing this now. It sounds like it may conquer my love for FFX and FFVIII. Is this playable on the ps2? I don't have my ps1 anymore. :/

[@brynensosa7108]

Great review! I watched this and the one for FF7 (two games I adore). In fact, you inspired me to rummage through Amazon.com and get those games again. I'd love to hear some of your own original music. Video games are indeed awesome, but Music is my livelihood. I'm very inspired by video game and film scores in a Jazz/Rock/Metal setting. Cheers, Bud!

[@Setzer777]

FFIV will always hold a special place in my heart. While I thought VI was the best game in the series, I spent more time playing IV. I was in my senior year of H.S. when IV came out and back then I had alot of free time to game. I think I played through IV more than 20 times, leveled all my characters to 99, grinded for all the random call(summon) spells and the pink tail. I knew that game in and out more than any game I ever played.

[@Trollami]

Arch, have you listened to Final Fantasy IV: Echoes of Betrayal, Light of Redemption by Ocremix. Great cd.

[@Lorerunner]

I don't think they look silly but they are still in keeping the superdeformed style. KZbin "Final Fantasy IV DS: New Trailer" and it'll show some CGI and some in game cutscenes so you can tell for yourself.

[@wonderfullgamernmb1]

I know this is off topic, really of topic :), but did you watch Dark Knight Rises? Just wanted your opinion on it. Thanks.

[@Lorerunner]

I have played all the versions of FFVI and while I personally prefer the GBA version, the simple fact is getting ahold of a copy thereof is not as easy as it once was. Given that there are no particular differences between the original SNES nor the Playstation version aside from some not-particularly-good CGI and some load time issues that, to my understanding, have been fixed on the Store version. So bottom line: If you can get the GBA version definitely do that

[@VlogsWLawson]

Yes! Finally someone else who got utterly destroyed by Golbez! That fight had me stuck for at least a week and the only boss I actually rage-quit the game over.

[@Shinntoku]

I have to ask Arch, have you by chance listened to the OCRemix FFIV album? It's called "Echoes of Betrayal, Light of Redemption", and it's fantastic. I highly recommend it, the artist behind it did some -wonderful- things with the soundtrack. There's even a Phantom of the Opera inspired bonus track called "Phantom of the Zeromus"

[@Hazmatic89]

I'm curious if you've played all the version of FFVI. I'm trying to find out which would be better to get. My options are FFVI Advance or the PSOne Classic in the Playstation Store. I hear so many great things about it and how it's regarded as the best retro FF game, if not THE best FF game of all time. I'm just wonder which one would be better if there is any difference. Any help would be greatly appreciated, and even if you can't I will thank you for taking the time to read my comment. ~V

[@thrash512]

What did you do that you were able to sit down for 2 hour videos on the clock lmao

[@Jiromata]

Wow i have to play ff4 T__T what a great review. Sure i am gonna be replaying a few ff's as you continue on. Great job and thank you and take care.

[@MoonlapseOpethian]

*Phew* Just beat Zeromus (DS, Hard Mode) after my fourth or fifth try. I can finally watch the last twenty minutes of this now. Thoughts on the game will come another time. As I'm sure you understand, I'm currently processing everything.

[@Lorerunner]

Yes I have, as well as the Interlude thing that came with the PSP. I didn't mention them because, frankly, FFIV was a complete game by itself that SHOULD not have had a sequel in my opinion. The story was alright, good enough for a play through, but the gameplay was poorly done, poorly balanced, and frankly irritating. In my opinion.

[@ZombieSocks96]

Is that why, you say the DS version is the best to own? I'm wondering cause I have FFIV:Advance, but with the type of person I am, I want the complete story. So I have been going back and forth on if I should get the DS or PSP version. Obviously the PSP version is the only one with Interlude, but if its that bad, I may just say forget it.

[@mikaelrivacov5705]

I think the best version so far is the PSP version. Amazing game n music over all.

[@IHeart16Bit]

Umm.... a little I guess? I would recommend the PSP version either way, the spritework is amazing.

[@docnanomusic]

I know I'm late to the party, but this was an awesome rumination. I think FFIV's soundtrack might have been Nobuo Uematsu's high point, technical limitations notwithstanding. If you're interested, please check out my orchestral arrangement of the Battle Theme: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gJ3WkGVprp2WkJo

[@RaineyDaysStudio]

I’d love to debate/discuss why you think this! FF8/9 felt like his best work IMO.

[@burningreaper100]

I remember the Rubicant fight being very difficult as well. He was made all the more difficult by Glare.

[@justPLEASE_579]

Whatever you do, leave the USA SNES version alone. They removed Shell Protect ... for some reason. Those really help for the final boss lol

[@TheChatterbox1991]

Are you still doing a Dawnguard Review?

[@Lillu700]

Does the DS remake have.... well "silly" (Big heads ands stuff like that) looking 3d models like say FFIII remake? if so I might just have to go with the PSP one

[@MultiDavetube]

Can you make a video where you do actually talk about all the plot points and what they really mean when you think about them? That would be awesome! Seriously!

[@FFgamesftw]

Wasn't Joseph in Final Fantasy II the first player character to die in the series?

[@NikMetalEx]

You have that "Lead Singer from Goldfinger" look now :)

[@RazorAndHyper]

Superb game review man, I think FF4 is a lot better than 5 and 6 believe it or not BUT I do think 6 is also better than 5.

[@SirChristopherMcFarlane]

It seems FF4 is the most popular 2D FF there in Japan.

[@RazorAndHyper]

Quite, I wonder why though

[@shurue8628]

Unfortunately, because I'm in the process of playing through the whole series, I blazed through FF4 way too fast. I feel like it's the type of game that gains more meaning the more you play it. That being said, I do feel that the story would have been stronger if more of Cecil's backstory demonstrated in the beginning of the game (without spoiling his origins obviously) It would also have been nice if Golbez's finale allowed him to live instead of him running away from being alive after having being controlled for most of it. The fact that he never got a chance to live actively makes me angry and the fact that Cecil could have said "Look dude, you did nothing wrong. Zemus screwed you over just like he did Kain, and just like he almost did to me. You have nothing to apologize for, in fact you are his most damaged victim. Let me help you learn how to live on your own." and that he didn't bugs the crap out of me. Admittedly I don't know anything about the after years or any other story outside the initial game so if this story is resolved there I am unaware of it. Another thing that I think could have been done better is, instead of having so many fakeout kills, just have Tellah's. This way it has emphasis and meaning, as opposed to being put on a list that seems to function as a revolving door. Minwu's, Joseph's, and Ricard's deaths were all infinitely more impacting than Tellah's, who I forgot about until the end where I saw him in a situation that made me question whether or not hea had actually died. I know he did now but still, the emotional impact just wasn't there. One thing that I noticed repeatedly in my cheat heavy pseudo-speedrun is that Cecil's story arc feels like the prototype for Zidane's over in FF9. I do think that Cecil would have been a more relatable character if we were more aware of his inner demons before he became a paladin that transformation would have had more of a punch to it, kind of like a certain scene in Final Fantasy 9. (If you've played the game you know what I'm talking about.) It would have also been nice if we got to see more of Kain's personality instead of just occasionally jealous, repeatedly being possessed, and being an emotional shut-in. Basically I really liked what I saw from him in the beginning of the game as the loyal friend who could be counted on in any situation. We know that's who he is and I would have liked to have seen that side of him in the later part of the game. I guess what I'm saying is that it would have been nice to see an actual redemption story in this game instead of seeing someone who was always good being deceived into committing horribly evil acts and eventually coming to his senses. I don't mean to sound overly negative about this game. In fact I feel like I'll be learning more and more about it over the years and appreciating it more and more as I go. Many of the flaws that I've talked about above aren't actually things done wrong so much as things that I know are happening in the background and are just missing from the actual game. It's because of this that things like The After Years works as a concept. Again I haven't experienced it so I can't attest to its quality but it is definitely a justified concept. In regards to the gameplay, I love the fact that the entire party is in battle instead of choosing just three or four characters. I understand why this isn't a regular feature in games but I'd love it if it was from both a gameplay perspective and a plot perspective. For instance, (SPOILER ALERT) when gearing up for the end-game, Cecil tells Rosa and Rydia to stay behind. In basically any other Final Fantasy that wouldn't be much of a problem seeing as these two characters aren't in the party all that often they wouldn't be that high leveled and as a result them being left behind wouldn't impact the player. Instead, because of the fact that all of the characters in the party are constantly battling, Rydia and Rosa are just as capable, if not more so, than the rest of the party. In my playthrough for example, Rosa was my main healer and Rydia was my tank. Because of this, when Cecil told them to stay behind, I cared. A lot. My reaction was something along the lines of "Cecil, you moron! I need those guys!". You can imagine my relief when I got to the point where it was discovered they stayed on the ship in hiding before rejoining the party for the end-game. (SPOILER END) That level of gameplay-story integration is likely to be one of my strongest memories of the game, and it was only possible because of the mechanic that put all the characters in combat at once. While on the subject of the end-game, I've gotta mention this really quick. This is the first of the FFs where I had more trouble with a regular boss fight than the final boss. While Zeromus is by no means an easy fight, the only one that actually brought be close to death was the fight against the four fiends. Now granted, that's because you are down a man in your party AND facing off against FOUR boss level characters but still, it was a by far the most brutal fight I experienced in the game and there were multiple times when I thought I couldn't have won. Bottom line, I feel like I am growing to love this game even as I'm thinking about it now but for the moment I will say that I at least respect it and will continue to look into it's surrounding works. So far it is the only game that I have played in my marathon that rivals FF2. While I prefer FF2's story, the characters in FF4 show more potential and the gameplay is leaps and bounds ahead of it. And the lack of troll rooms is nice too. :) The setting is more fleshed out in FF4 but I also feel like if Final Fantasy 2's setting were more fleshed out I would have preferred it. One thing that I can say FF4 has over FF2 is that it feels like a world that the player could live in alongside the characters whereas FF2 felt like you are experiencing a moment in time with the characters. Remembering what I said about the final boss, FFs 2 and 4 are the only ones that don't feel like they require the best gear in the game to beat the final boss. They help a great deal, but are not necessary, whereas in FF3 the gear was definitely needed to win that last fight and FF1 needed even more than that. Heck, even at max level with most of the best gear in the game I still lost to Garland twice. It wasn't until I figured out that status spells worked on him that I even had a chance of winning that one. FFs 2 and 4 make that leveling and gear something worth doing because it gives you that edge over your opponents that you shouldn't be able to have, rewarding the time and effort that would go into achieving such things, whereas FFs 1 and 3 require them if you even want to have a chance at winning. As I begin preparing for my playthrough of FFV, I hope that it at the very least manages to rival the two even numbered FFs as they seem to have come out deadlocked in a tie of such epic proportions it would put one of your viewer opinion polls to shame.

[@tobiaswalker7562]

Forgive me Arch, but the of Ff4 in my humble opinion if I had to sum it up would be innocence Agree or Disagree?

[@pillarsofsnow7940]

Got it on chronicles....awesome

[@yzakjoule8188]

Aerith's death made me cry :(

[@ivanmussa]

It's very easy to play the early FFs on PC nowadays :)

[@godalmighty1188]

I don't play FF. I played about 5 minutes of FF3 at a friend's house and absolutely hated it. Random encounters is an absolute dealbreaker for me. Monotonous gameplay. Walk 3 squares. smash B button to battle. Walk 2 squares. smash B button more. Walk one tile another random battle... throw the console out the window. FFF

[@LakrimaProject]

Well 1st true party members deaths was in FF2, You know that? Tellah i liked that old guy a lot, still his death is not so impactable as Aeris mostly because .... he was old :D. It is smth sad i death of young person, and a girl and a girl last of her kind. With her died all her rase. And You said that FF4 got best difficulty setting? It is know to be one of hardest, and some enemies are way OP, maybe u played USA version do u? Coz original FF4 (like this one in FF Chronicles ) is very hard. And 1st time u got optional bosses was in fact I would say FF1 with Warmech and Iron Giant. If u consider optional boss as boss u choose to fight so it would be FF2 with Belzebub, Astaroth etc. as optional bosses guarding best equpment. You didnt need to fight them at all. I love FF4 , I got so mutch fun with it

[@bichaneca]

omg the hair xD can't stop laughing

[@sup1602]

You got me there, for a second I thought you mean't that ff4 was crappy. XD

[@SirChristopherMcFarlane]

Lillu700 I don't understand why 3D big-headed models are silly, but the all the more big-headed 2D sprites FF has always used it are not.

[@VegaGoose]

your not missing anything After Years took this world and raped it with an iron stick some one wrote dlc on