Final Fantasy IV (Nintendo DS)

FINAL FANTASY IV is a remake of a classic role-playing game released in 1991. The original was adored by fans of the genre for its mature, thought provoking narrative and flawed, believable characters; rarities in a gaming landscape that, at the time, was filled with simplistic stories that featured one-dimensional heroes and villains. These beloved qualities remain intact in the new version, and are enhanced by some of the most beautiful graphics to yet grace the DS, including 3-D models and a few brief but stunning computer animated movies. What's more, Square Enix has made subtle improvements to the character growth and battle systems, and added a few new mini-games that make heavy use of the touch screen. Also new is multi-card wireless play, which allows two players to pit trained magical beasts called eidolons against one another.

The most refreshing thing about Final Fantasy IV is that it makes no bones about being a traditional Japanese role-playing game. Most modern games in the genre try to differentiate themselves by offering new-fangled (and often needlessly complex) means of growing characters and managing combat, but this classic RPG harkens back to a simpler time, when all players had to do in battle was choose an attack or an item, and character administration involved little more than watching stats increase with experience. To be sure, the remake does have a few modern contrivances -- such as "augments" which can bestow powerful attacks and the ability to automatically use healing potions -- but the majority of the game is devoutly old-school, and proud of it.

Despite its simplicity, Final Fantasy IV is far from easy. Enemies are challenging enough that even seasoned players will find themselves replaying many boss battles. And, thanks to the wide variety of magic spells, physical strikes, and summoned creatures, there is enough strategy here to keep us from mindlessly tapping the attack from one battle to the next. However, players aren't likely to remember the game's battles so much as they will its tragic and often heart wrenching story, which sees a knight unwittingly commit terrible atrocities, then spend the rest of the game trying to atone for his crimes. Final Fantasy IV represented the pinnacle of video game storytelling when it was originally released, and its narrative has stood the test of time.

Available on: Nintendo DS
Not available online
Genre: Role Playing
Developer: Square Enix
Released on: July 22, 2008
Price: 39.99
ESRB Rating: E10+ for Alcohol Reference, Fantasy Violence, Mild Language, Suggestive Themes