Final Fantasy IV

The epic story of love, betrayal, and redemption is reborn better than ever in glorious 3D.

Reviewing a new Final Fantasy game is tough. Final Fantasy 16 bears the weight of expectation, a burden that comes with the territory of its iconic name. Each loosely associated entry redefines what it means to be a Final Fantasy, and every fan has a checklist of what aspects of the series need to come together to make the perfect experience. So, can it live up to the titans that came before it while carving out a distinct identity of its own?

If you download Final Fantasy I expecting a lively, modern RPG, then you'll waste $8.99. This is a remake of a classic that deviates only in appearances, not in spirit. The upgraded visuals are attractive (though not as much as the refreshed Final Fantasy II) and the remixed music sounds great. But the touchscreen controls mixed with the slower pace of a classic RPG may turn off gamers that don’t appreciate the curve that takes us from Final Fantasy I to newer games, such as Zenonia.

As with last year's update of Final Fantasy III, this is a difficult and unforgiving game but, thanks to a deeper battle system and some better balancing, its enlivened by the challenge rather than ruined by it. It's not unusual to venture out from the safety of a town into a dark cavern only to run out of healing potions, your whole party wiped out 20 minutes later, with no option but to reload back at the town again. Released 17 years ago, the Japanese original was deemed so tough that Squaresoft created a bespoke 'Easy Type' version for the American release. No such concessions are made to ...

Big picture thoughts: Dawntrail kinda feels like the filler arc as we gear up for bigger and better adventures. It’s rare to get to enjoy a moment of peace, where things don’t feel so doom and gloom all the damn time, and that’s exactly what FFXIV needed after a decade of facing world-ending threats. It won’t land for everyone and that’s okay; there’s always next time.

The anticipated remake of a game we all love hits store shelves soon. Will the overhaul live up to the high expectations of both fanboys and first timers? Knowledge is a click away.