![]() ![]() In 2023, though, it’s only practical to play the DS style of the game on Steam or Mobile. But despite the narrative flaws and reliance on callbacks, The After Years is a part of the Final Fantasy IV lore and should not be relegated to the same dustbin as Dirge of Cerberus. These two wrinkles add a level of depth to the proceedings without over-complicating or weighing down the exciting and frequent combat.įor such a divisive game, it’s odd to see so many iterations and advocate for another remake or port. While some attacks are learned through the story, others are found with trial and error. The more interesting mechanic is the Band system, essentially team or partner attacks similar to Chrono Trigger. ![]() When a full moon occurs, physical attacks are weakened and Black Magic is strengthened, adding a bit of strategy and timing to the game. As the phase of the moon changes, it can strengthen or weaken types of abilities. This iteration of Final Fantasy IV’s Active Time Battle system boasts some interesting tweaks, including moon phases and band attacks. Square Enix could easily use Final Fantasy IV Pixel Remaster’s soundtrack, but would need to update tracks created specifically for the sequel by Junya Nakano. I find the PSP version to look too similar to something created with RPGMaker. ![]() Character sprites and portraits are well drawn, and the graphical assets are re-used, but with an added visual touch. If a Pixel Remaster of this game were to come about, it wouldn’t require much effort given the updated visuals presented in the Wii version which are a middle ground between the original graphics and the remastered versions. Thankfully, the presentation and gameplay pick up the slack. The gang’s all here, but to what end? Do the diminishing narrative returns squander the entire experience? It reminds me of the slow burn horror of watching your favorite TV series or movie announced for a reboot or sequel. While the last chapter is somewhat redemptive, it requires a lot of slogging through dungeons – repeatedly – to get to. It simply feels too much like a retread of story beats and locations from the original game. Yes, it is great to see our favorite characters - especially with some of them all grown up, but the narrative is a tough sell. While the arc of the narrative hits some emotional beats quite well, all too often the sequence of events and some character reveals feel more like fanfiction than a continuation of one of the strongest stories produced by the franchise. Frankly speaking, the story is easily the weakest aspect of the game. Each individual chapter contributes to the larger narrative, and sees the cast of both titles converging towards the end to take on the alien force causing the disturbance on the planet. The title was initially released in episodic installments in Japan, with players checking in on the original cast, seeing how they have grown and matured over the years. ![]() Heralded by the reappearance of the second moon, Ceodore takes on a quest to find his father. While he is away on his journey, a mysterious force descends upon Baron and other locations throughout the game world. During the first chapter, Ceodore embarks on a quest to prove his worth to become a member of the Red Wings, the kingdom’s aerial fleet. Set seventeen years after the original game, the story centers around Ceodore, the teenaged son of Cecil, the King of Baron and protagonist from the original game. In total, the game has essentially three versions with distinct visual styles: Wii (2009), then PSP (2011) and Steam/Mobile (2015). This version featured a visual style similar to the DS remake of Final Fantasy IV released nearly a decade prior. The After Years would be remade again a few years later, this time for mobile and PC via Steam in 2015. The title was remade for the PlayStation Portable in 2011, bundled with Final Fantasy IV and another new title to serve as a bridge between the games, the aptly named Final Fantasy IV: Interlude. The direct sequel to Final Fantasy IV, this mobile-title-turned-Wiiware-release was ahead of its time in terms of the presentation, storytelling, and gameplay systems that should be readily available to gamers on modern consoles.ĭesigned as an episodic mobile title, Final Fantasy IV: The After Years was first released in Japan in 2008 before being ported to the Wii in North America in 2009. Throughout the discussion of content missing from these titles, I’m reminded of an entire game that was seemingly left behind: Final Fantasy IV: The After Years. ![]()
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