Launched in 2007 for the Nintendo DS, Final Fantasy IV represents a 3D reimagining of the classic 1991 Super Famicom title. Diverging from the simpler Western version known as Final Fantasy II, this DS remake faithfully mirrors the original’s challenging gameplay. Developed by Matrix, the same studio behind the Final Fantasy III 3D remake for DS, this iteration of Final Fantasy IV remained a DS exclusive for several years before being ported to mobile devices and PC.
Critically acclaimed like its predecessor, Final Fantasy IV on DS is lauded for preserving the essence of the original while introducing significant enhancements. These include a more thorough translation, deeper character development, and new FMV cutscenes enriching the narrative. A novel feature in the DS remake is the New Game + mode, allowing players to restart with all experience and items from a completed save file.
Coinciding with the franchise’s 20th anniversary, Final Fantasy IV achieved impressive sales, moving nearly 700k units in Japan and about 500k in the West, totaling over 1.1 million copies. It also boasts a solid 85% review aggregate score.
Final Fantasy IV Premise
The DS 3D remake of Final Fantasy IV upholds the original game’s core gameplay and storyline. Players guide Cecil, the Dark Knight of Baron, as he grapples with the King’s aggressive pursuit of the world’s crystals. Alongside key figures like his best friend Kain, lover Rosa, and an unforgettable supporting cast, Cecil’s journey of loss, redemption, and triumph spans diverse locales, including underground realms and even the moon. This setup builds on the multi-map approach of Final Fantasy III.
The DS version introduces the “Augment System,” letting players assign unique character abilities to other party members. This system is critical for enhancing non-permanent members who, in turn, provide new abilities upon their departure.
In a series first, Final Fantasy IV allows control of up to five heroes simultaneously, each with distinct classes and predetermined abilities, diverging from the flexible magic and job systems of other entries.
Final Fantasy IV Main Characters
Final Fantasy IV’s rich narrative is supported by a memorable cast. Key characters include:
Cecil: The troubled main character and Dark Knight of Baron, seeking redemption.
Kain: Cecil’s best friend and skilled commander of the Dragoons, manipulated by the antagonist Golbez.
Rosa: Cecil’s lover and a talented White Mage, unable to soothe his tormented soul.
Cid: Baron’s chief engineer and airship designer, acting as a mentor to Cecil and Rosa.
Rydia: The last summoner, capable of calling powerful Eidolons, who matures rapidly after an encounter with Cecil.
Gol
bez: The primary antagonist, orchestrating the collection of the world’s crystals for a sinister purpose.
Games in the Final Fantasy Series
The release of Final Fantasy IV for the DS marked a celebratory milestone for the series’ 20-year legacy. Since its inception in 1987, Final Fantasy has stood as a pillar of the JRPG genre, with several entries being hailed as some of the greatest RPGs ever. The series encompasses over 50 titles, including main entries, remakes, and spin-offs. The mainline games in the Final Fantasy series are:
Final Fantasy (1987)
Final Fantasy II (1988)
Final Fantasy III (1990)
Final Fantasy IV (1991)
Final Fantasy V (1992)
Final Fantasy VI (1994)
Final Fantasy VII (1997)
Final Fantasy VIII (1999)
Final Fantasy IX (2000)
Final Fantasy X (2001)
Final Fantasy XI (2002)
Final Fantasy XII (2006)
Final Fantasy III (DS) (2006)
Final Fantasy IV (DS) (2007)
Final Fantasy XIII (2009)
Final Fantasy XIV (2013)
Final Fantasy XV (2016)
Final Fantasy VII Remake (2020)
Final Fantasy XVI (2023)
Final Fantasy IV Cheats and Secrets
While the DS version of Final Fantasy IV eliminates many of the glitches and exploits found in earlier versions (such as item duplication or experience glitches), it still contains unique DS-exclusive secrets and unlocks. Additionally, players can utilize a variety of Action Replay codes for enhanced gameplay experiences.
What’s Unlockable Costumes/Skins:
| Costume/Skin | Unlock Criteria |
|---|---|
| Dragoon | Score 9999 in Rosa’s Mini-Game |
| Goblin | Complete the Main Story twice |
| Ninja | Score 9999 in Edge’s Mini-Game |
| Paladin | Score 9999 in Cecil’s Mini-Game |
| Summoner/Black Mage | Score 9999 in Rydia’s Mini-Game |
| White Mage | Score 9999 in Rosa’s Mini-Game |
| Zeromus | Obtain 100% Completion on the Bestiary |
Pro Action Replay Codes:
| Effect | Code |
| Max Gil | A20DA09C 00000000
020D8468 05F5E0FF D2000000 00000000 |
| Infinite HP | 921271D4 00001104
021271DC E590C004 021271E0 E580C000 021271E8 E581C324 D2000000 00000000 |
| Infinite MP | 92122E62 0000C3A0
02122E64 E5940004 02123D70 E5950004 |
| Infinite Item Usage | 920EA6BA 0000E1A0
020EA6C8 E2400000 9207E3E0 000080F8 0207E3F0 00000000 D2000000 00000000 |
| Max Stats for All Party Members (Press L+R) | D4000130 06400300
420D62FA 100D00E0 00006363 00000000 420D62FC 100D00E0 00006363 00000000 420D62FE 200D01C0 00000063 00000000 |
| Save Anywhere | 220D04AD 00000000 |
| Disable Random Battles | 92118032 0000DC01
12118032 00002037 D2000000 00000000 |
| 250 Exp After Battle | 0206B9B8 E3A05F3F |
| 500 Exp After Battle | 0206B9B8 E3A05F7D |
| 1,000 Exp After Battle | 0206B9B8 E3A05FFA |
| 2,000 Exp After Battle | 0206B9B8 E3A05E7D |
| 4,000 Exp After Battle | 0206B9B8 E3A05EFA |
| 8,000 Exp After Battle | 0206B9B8 E3A05D7D |
| 16,000 Exp After Battle | 0206B9B8 E3A05DFA |
| 32,000 Exp After Battle | 0206B9B8 E3A05C7D |
| 50,000 Exp After Battle | 0206B9B8 E3A05CC3 |
| 100,000 Exp After Battle | 0206B9B8 E3A05906 |
| 200,000 Exp After Battle | 0206B9B8 E3A05A36 |
| 500,000 Exp After Battle | 0206B9B8 E3A05A7A |
| Max Level After Battle | 0206B9FC E5842000 |
| Item Modifier Code (replaces 1st inventory slot with item of your choosing using item codes below) Press L+R to place item in inventory | 94000130 FDFF0000
020D7A80 000pxxxx p = number of items xxxx = item code (below) |
Item Codes for Item Modifier Cheat
| Item | Code |
| Adamant Armor | 2023 |
| Artemis Arrow | 1BC8 |
| Artemis Bow | 1B5F |
| Cat Claws | 1906 |
| Crystal Gloves | 207E |
| Crystal Helm | 1FB7 |
| Crystal Ring | 2080 |
| Crystal Shield | 1F4C |
| Dark Blade | 1771 |
| Deathbringer | 1773 |
| Demon Armor | 2014 |
| Demon Gloves | 2074 |
| Demon Helm | 1FAF |
| Demon Shield | 1F43 |
| Dragon Shield | 1F4B |
| Dragon Whisker | 1C25 |
| Glass Mask | 1FB8 |
| Gold Apple | 13A2 |
| Hades Armor | 2012 |
| Holy Lance | 17DC |
| Masamune | 1A32 |
| Onion Armor | 2024 |
| Onion Helmet | 1FB9 |
| Onion Shield | 1F4D |
| Onion Sword | 1784 |
| Ragnarok | 1777 |
| Rainbow Pudding | 1447 |
| Ribbon | 1FB4 |
| Rod | 1A91 |
| Rune Staff | 1AFB |
| Soma Drop | 13A4 |
| Spear | 17D5 |
| Staff | 1AF5 |
| Stardust Rod | 1A98 |
| Tent | 139C |
Disclaimer: All images are copyright of their respective owners and are used by Hablamos De Gamers for informational purposes only.
The Review
Final Fantasy IV
PROS
- Engaging Storyline: "Final Fantasy IV" is renowned for its rich and engaging story, which was groundbreaking for its time, featuring complex characters and dramatic plot twists.
- Character Development: The game introduces a character-driven narrative, with each member of the cast having distinct backgrounds, motivations, and character arcs that contribute to the story.
- Active Time Battle System: It was one of the first games to introduce the Active Time Battle (ATB) system, adding a dynamic layer to combat by incorporating real-time elements.
- Memorable Music: The score, composed by Nobuo Uematsu, is considered one of the best video game soundtracks, with themes that have become iconic within the series.
- Innovative Gameplay Mechanics: "Final Fantasy IV" introduced gameplay elements that became staples in the series, such as summoning powerful creatures and a deep magic system.
CONS
- Dated Graphics: By today's standards, the graphics are dated, which might be off-putting to players used to modern visuals.
- Random Encounter Rate: Some players may find the random encounter rate high, leading to frequent interruptions during exploration and travel.
