Ranking The Final Fantasy Games: #6-4

6. Final Fantasy IV

“You spoony bard!”

The first title in the series outside the Famicom era, Final Fantasy IV showed early what a 16 bit SNES console could do to improve the quality of RPG gaming. To start off the game introduced Active Time Battle, a staple gameplay mechanic that exists in the majority of the series. The player gave the characters actions to perform as the enemy’s action gauge fills up in real time, meaning lollygagging in menu selection results in more damage or debilitating status ailments to your characters.

Additionally, the game introduced five playable character parties and much-improved graphics due to the SNES’ “Mode 7”. Spells and special attacks enhanced the visuals to a point not seen in many games, at the time. Characters were unique in their classes and could not be changed, something new to the series.

Most importantly, this game was one of the first in the series to go for depth behind the characters. Instead of a game consisting of Fighter A saving the planet from Enemy B, it showed a story of redemption and consequence. Actions made by the cast were weighed heavily upon the other characters. Plot twists were justly used as more than just a cheap trick.

Finally, the game was challenging enough to be rewarding, something that can’t be said for every Final Fantasy game. The only strike I have against it is that it is pretty linear in its story progression. Regardless, Final Fantasy IV is where I recommend any newcomer to the series to start from. And with more ports than any other Final Fantasy game (to my knowledge), it couldn’t be easier to jump right in.