Final Fantasy IV Complete Collection is a instant classic just like its original versions from the SNES and PSX eras.
Genre: RPG
Developer: Squareenix
System: PSP
Total Score: 91-94-88/100
Value Score: 9.1-9.4-8.8/10
• Story: 10-10-10/10
o Final Fantasy IV Complete Collection's story is divided into three different games, Remake of the Final Fantasy IV which was released on the SNES, GBA and NDS, FFIV Prologue which takes place between the original and its sequel and FFIV After Years which is the sequel to the first game. Final Fantasy IV's storyline is amazing as it was on the previous versions, not much has changed from the GBA version, FFIV Prologue isnt that gameplay heavy but made for storyline purposes which just show how the recovery of the world post FFIV went and the events leading up to After Years. FFIV After Years' Storyline takes place about 20 years or so after the events of the original game. The storyline is divided into separate sections starring a certain character or two and requires you to progress through their own views of the events that took place in the overall storyline. After Years explains some of the plot holes that were made in the first game and sheds light on the secret of the crystals.
• Characters: 9.5-10-9/10
o Final Fantasy IV consisted of many memorable characters all from the Famous "You Spoony Bard" Tellah, the Paladin/Dark Knight Cecil, his best friend and rival Kain, amongst others. FFIV had the essence of a true final fantasy game with its cast of original characters which eventually inspired future characters in future games. FFIV After years consists of the same characters but adds new characters to the mix, however the new characters seem a bit more shallow and empty compared to the original characters from the first game and are less memorable.
• GamePlay: 8.5-10-7/10
o Final Fantasy IV's gameplay has improved in this version, the gameplay in battle is alot smoother than in previous versions, you have the ability to dash, the ability to do "Auto Battle" which speeds up the clock in battle which makes grinding easier, the game retains the GBA weapons, new items, bosses and dungeons, however does not have the New Game+ or Augments which were introduced in the NDS version. Despite all that, the animation being smoother and the frame rate being far more stable makes this version superior. FFIV After Years' gameplay system is similar to FFIV's however it includes the usage of a new system called "Bands" which allow you to do team attacks similar to Chrono Trigger's Dual and Triple Techs. The game is divided into 7-8 chapters starring different characters and going through different areas during different times of the overall storyline. FFIV After Years is far more challenging and puts the hard type version of FFIV to shame as the boss battles require you to use better strategies as the boss battles have been improved and made difficult. You are also recommended to save states/game files in different slots so you can use the item data to transfer to the final chapter.
• Graphics: 10-10-10/10
o Squareenix has made Final Fantasy Complete Collection the absolute best version for Nostalgic fans of the FFIV Mega verse. Fans who were disappointed with FFIV DS's graphical style will no longer need to be disappointed as Squareenix decided to remake FFIV and its sequel After Years in the form of the Anniversary Editions of I & II. High Resolution graphics on a LED screen makes the game look visually stunning for a 2D game. The design is full of nostalgia moments and tidbits which will make you forget about the NDS version's clunky graphics.
• Sound: 10-10-10/10
o Final Fantasy IV Complete Collection consists of the sound effects which were taken from the NDS version but remixed in high quality to imitate the PSP's sound card. Some of the sound effects such as Magic Spell effects were taken from the Anniversary Editions of FFI and FII which had crisp and clean effects with no tarnished parts.
• Music: 10-10-10/10
o Final Fantasy IV Complete Collection consists of both track versions of the old SNES version of FFIV which was repeated with the GBA and PS1 versions but also contains the NDS Remixed version. Players can choose to play either version, along with that, After Years' Soundtrack has been remastered to match the uniqueness of the collection.
• Length: 9-9-9/10
o Final Fantasy IV Complete Collection's length overall depends on the 3 games which are included within one UMD/file. FFIV consists of the full storyline which will clock you no more than 25 hours, along with that it consists of new dungeons which were introduced in the GBA version which can add another 5 hours to the overall game clock. FFIV Prologue exclusive to this version will include at least a hour worth of storytelling while After Years with its 7-8 chapters will clock you about 30 hours.
• Replay Value: 6-5-7/10
o Final Fantasy IV Complete Collection's replay value is as shallow as recent RPGs, however much better than the previous versions of the games and the installations in the series. The game consists of a bestiary and a gallery showcasing all the monsters fought so far in all 3 games, along with that, FFIV After Years allows players the chance to play over a certain storyline which they can than choose over to grant them a advantage over the last part of the game, if that isnt enough, each storyline also includes a challenge dungeon which enables players to go through a extra dungeon and fight optional bosses. However one feature which was introduced in the NDS version is lacking , which is a New Game+.
• Player Value: 8-10-6/10
o Final Fantasy IV Complete Collection is amazing enhanced collection pack made by Squareenix. It contains a fully fledged High resolution remake of Final Fantasy IV, a Prologue story which is exclusive to the PSP version and a Remake of the Wii VC's FFIV After Years. No matter how much it costs, this game is worth it as it will be a great purchase for old FF Fans and lovers of the Final Fantasy IV Fandom.