I'm thinking of returning to this game

[Gabe]

It's been a while, I got through a lot of it on the PSX, but ended up stopping due to save game issues. (Some b!tch overwrote my save file, to put it plainly.)

I was thinking of returning to it to finally appreciate the full game, but with some restored and enhanced glory. I'm not sure if I want to pick the PSP or DS version. The PSP version has After Years and some bonus stuff, but the DS version is fully 3D with some voice acted scenes. I'm not sure which I'd prefer. Sure, the 3D and voice acting is nice, but the PSP's screen resolution is larger and I have a thing for REALLY nice looking 2D graphics. Plus, my little brother kind of uses the DS more often now, and I need a new game for my PSP. For those who played both, or even one of these version, can someone tell me which is favourable?

I'm not sure which I'd like most. I'd usually love remakes of things, especially if full 3D cutscenes and voice acting is added, but the 2 screens feels disorienting, especially during a turn-based RPG, and if the 2D graphics of 'Complete Collection/Edition' (I forget) are truly beautiful (I love my nice 2D graphics), I might stick with that, plus, I experience the After Years and some additional bonus content...

EDIT: I also noticed there is use of FMVs in the PSP version. Can someone tell me if these are used in-game for cutscenes as well or only during intros/menu, maybe ending, etc?

 

[Lirael]

You barely notice the fact there are two screens in the D.S. version. The second screen is only used for the map, really.

Having played a little of the GBA version and most of the D.S. version, I would certainly recommend the D.S. version with 3D graphics. I personally got a greater sense for the characters.

The voice acting in the D.S. game is absolutely fantastic, too; apart from the fact Kain's VA doesn't suit him, I couldn't really find fault with it. The environments are well designed for the D.S. They still retain some old-school charm, but feel more fleshed out and vibrant.

 

[Shaissa]

I would say the Psp version, because you get the after years, and frankly the DS version 3D isn't all that great, It actually is an eye sore to me sometimes.

 

[Omegadruid]

Definately the PSP version. The game has the most beautiful 2D graphics I have ever seen. You can choose between the original and the new remade versions of the songs. They are both amazing versions of the soundtrack! Plus you have The After Years, while not the best thing out there, it is definately something worth checking out because it adds some more depth to characters such as Golbez. Also the DS version or so I have heard has a lot of "new" things in the gameplay which takes away the importance of the jobs because basically you can add all the unique abilities from each character to each other. While not an entirely bad thing it certainly takes some personality away from the game. Also the 3D graphics arent that great, honestly I prefer a good 2D rather than a clunky 3D version of graphics and thats where the DS stands, its clunky and the Voice acting of Kain is really a nuisance. Atleast to me as he is my favourite character(While his voice suits in the Dissidia and I love it in this game it doesnt because the characters have a chibi look...). On the PSP version you get and intro and ending FMV and that is all you need because in the end FF IV doesnt really need anything else.

My recommendation is the PSP version and perhaps in the future you could try the DS version and see for yourself which you prefer. The psp version would be a 9.5/10 version of the game while the DS would be an 8.5/10. Besides did you look at the PSP version's spell animations? They are absolutely awsome!!

 

[Gabe]

I might have a go with the PSP version if you said it has remade versions of the soundtrack... That sounds awesome. I feel like it would give me a more 'true' experience of the game by still delivering its 2D sprite style, but with enhanced visuals, and still offering the same original experience. Plus that interlude and after years looks good. I played some of the DS version and even though it had enhanced 3D graphics, it seemed kind of washed out due to the lack of detail in the 3D graphics, and the characters seemed more ridiculous than Final Fantasy VII's lego blocks. I wish they gave them Final Fantasy VIII-style models rather than these chibi children we always see in DS RPGs. It prevented me from taking it seriously.

But there's still room to convince me otherwise.

 

[NoAverageMitch]

I don't have the DS version, but I think the PSP version is excellent. I read that it's based on the Advance version of 4, so you get all the extra quests that are from that version. Plus, you get all of the After Years content. You'll definitely get your money's worth.

 

[Nocturne]

I have both and liked both. The DS version has an extra scene that wasnt in the original (that was apparently cut out and then put back in). The voice acting is good and the graphics are alright, especially for the DS. But I felt the difficulty was wonky. I literally know FFIV like the back of my hand. And when I fought some of the enemies in the game, I started fearing for my life. It really makes no sense why some of the difficulty was ramped up in places for no reason. Im all for a hard game, but it was kinda cheap.

The PSP version I like better. Not only is it a better deal overall in terms of gameplay hours, but the 2D sprites are pretty phenomenal. The After Years isnt as good as the original and I really didnt like the direction they went with it, but it was nice to see the characters grown up and such. But its overall the better package if you look at difficulty, nostalgia, and overall look of the game. Id say go for it.