Eyes on Final Fantasy Forums > Final Fantasy: Nerds in Paradise > Final Fantasy IV > GBA vs. DS version

[cetra1]

Originally Posted by Roogle ^

I felt that the Nintendo DS version of Final Fantasy IV was far more challenging than the Gameboy Advance version of Final Fantasy IV.

Of course it is. The counter attacks, A stronger Lugaborg, a CPU which can instantly K.O. you with the Attacker's Laser Beam, that all makes it more difficult.

[Rase]

I preferred the Ds version's difficulty increase and overall tweaks over the GBA end of the game stuff. Plus I was juts happy to see my favorite FF in 3D, albeit not fantastic 3D.

[sdm42393]

Originally Posted by Rase ^

albeit not fantastic 3D.

There wasn't even trees in the towns!!
Just 2d bushes!

[sir helix]

i love that they took party exchange from this one, its annoying trying to come up with a party and then realising your selection sucks

[Blue Harvest]

DS version > all others.

As well as the obvious bonus of 3D graphics and voice acting, the difficulty is a most welcome challenge. And I can not believe how useful Edward is now. The lead character's thoughts appearing in the menu screen is a cool addition also.

[,,,]

Tough call. I consider the GBA version to be the definitive version of the SNES game I played all through my childhood. The translation was the best I'd seen by far, the ability to choose your party toward the end was awesome, and the bonus content was a great addition.

While the GBA version is the definitive version of that SNES game, the DS game is almost like something new. The thought bubbles are great, the cutscenes and voice acting add a lot. Those modern touches can add more to a game than I ever thought they could. And they don't go overboard with it either, it still feels like I'm actually playing a game, rather than watching a movie that requires me to do work to keep the movie playing (I hate those "games").

But at the same time, I'm not sure if I like the translation as much as the GBA version. In the beginning I busted out laughing when Cecil was emoing about the darkness in his heart or whatever. I did it again when he got to the Rydia's village and let out that Darth Vader-esque "NOOOOOOOOOO." I don't think good translations are unintentionally supposed to make you laugh. Plus, the bonus content of the GBA version I assume will be gone (the ability to choose your own party and the bonus dungeons), and instead we get this whyt crap. I'd much prefer having more of the actual game (new dungeons) to having cutsie kiddie mini-games tacked on that just distract from the actual game. I can't fully judge the DS version yet because I'm only about half done and I'm not sure what benefit the game+ will add.

The difficulty of each game also works out to make the GBA feel definitive and the DS feel new. GBA was an easy version of the game, but since I was playing it for the billionth time and I just wanted to power through to see the new stuff, that was what I wanted. Just let me play through, I've already beaten this game a dozen times. When I did get to the new stuff, it did get more difficult.

DS, of course, is actually pretty challenging. For one thing, the frickin' eagles killed me in my first random encounter -.- (couldn't help remember the Power of Cheese thread and the joke about losing to eagles). Plus some enemies are different. Golbez has barrier change, Lugae has reversal gas, so you can't just play the same way you always played for every battle. I have no idea whether to expect certain enemies to be easy or hard anymore.

So, GBA=Final Fantasy IV as it should have been. DS= Final Fantasy IV as it would be today if made for the DS. Can't really choose which is better. Gun to my head, I guess I've have to say I'm enjoying DS more because I don't know what to expect like I did with the GBA.

[Blue Cup]

Being the old school fanatic I am, I can't help but chose the SNES/GBA versions. Probably the only thing I liked about the DS version was the chance to finally hear the characters speak, but other than that It didn't really strike me as anything special. Not that I didn't like it(which I did), it's just I prefer the classic 2D feel that I grew up with as opposed to 3D graphics.

[Wolfen]

After playing through FF4 to the point of becoming a paladin on the DS, I can't go back tyo the SNES. Sure the VA's suck, but that is sort of the charm, as well as the better graphics and increased difficulty.