Version Differences?

TheMixedHerb

TheMixedHerb

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Okay, i've only ever played the PS version of FFIV (which I never finished) and I was just wondering what the version differences were between the four versions.
(SNES, PS, GBA, DS, I... don't think there are any more. :hmmm:)

I was just wondering but i'm assuming the DS version will have more stuff in it, won't it? I did hear something about a new game + mode on the DS or something. Apart from that I have no idea, so what are the differences between consoles, if any? There must be some.
 
You're right, there is a New Game + feature on the DS version, though I haven't finished playing through yet so I'm not sure what it's like :hmmm: There are also "Augments" which certain characters can learn to unlock new skills, and Rydia has a new summon called "Whyt," though I haven't used it yet so I'm not sure of its function. One other thing is that the English translation of the dialogue is more clear, and they have embellished it quite a lot when it comes to the NPCs. And of course, there is some new voice acting in certain scenes ^^ TBH though the only other version I've played is SNES, and I actually prefer that one despite its age. While the 3D graphics of the DS version are cool, and the environments are absolutely gorgeous, the characters do look somewhat geometrical and more cartoonish than the SNES version :hmmm: The voice actors used for the characters are not particularly great either (especially Cecil, he sounds too young when compared with how I've always pictured him), though it is cool to have voice acting in it, and I suppose it depends on personal preference; there's nothing wrong with the way they actually deliver the lines. The biggest thing though (and it doesn't really affect the actual game play, again it's personal preference) is that all the music in the DS version has been extremely stripped down and redone in ways that take out a lot of their epicness :sad3: I don't know if it's just that they changed the instruments or took out a bunch of strings etc, but the SNES score is much, much better. All this in mind though, the DS version is still definitely worth playing. (It also has a nice intro movie with the type of graphics I'm hoping it will eventually be remade with, comparable to FFXII/XIII :8F:)

Edit: Here's what I meant by the scores sounding different, if it's just me I don't want to sell it short, but I dunno, the DS one just sounds kind of limp in comparison :hmmm:

SNES:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0UW9yiwMphU

DS:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fW3AneIepnU
 
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I have to agree on the music. The SNES version does sound much better. I also listened to the Boss theme to compare (my favorite music in the game).

I only played up to Mt. Ordeals on the PS version but there are differences between that one and the SNES version as well. :hmmm:

The dialogue translation and spell names come to mind especially. Also some of the boss and monster names. For example, Paledim was called White Dragon in the PS version.

Yang's class was Karate. :lew:

Also Cid had a skill called Peep. :mokken:
 
Gamingway said:
You're right, there is a New Game + feature on the DS version, though I haven't finished playing through yet so I'm not sure what it's like :hmmm: There are also "Augments" which certain characters can learn to unlock new skills, and Rydia has a new summon called "Whyt," though I haven't used it yet so I'm not sure of its function. One other thing is that the English translation of the dialogue is more clear, and they have embellished it quite a lot when it comes to the NPCs. And of course, there is some new voice acting in certain scenes ^^ TBH though the only other version I've played is SNES, and I actually prefer that one despite its age. While the 3D graphics of the DS version are cool, and the environments are absolutely gorgeous, the characters do look somewhat geometrical and more cartoonish than the SNES version :hmmm: The voice actors used for the characters are not particularly great either (especially Cecil, he sounds too young when compared with how I've always pictured him), though it is cool to have voice acting in it, and I suppose it depends on personal preference; there's nothing wrong with the way they actually deliver the lines. The biggest thing though (and it doesn't really affect the actual game play, again it's personal preference) is that all the music in the DS version has been extremely stripped down and redone in ways that take out a lot of their epicness :sad3: I don't know if it's just that they changed the instruments or took out a bunch of strings etc, but the SNES score is much, much better. All this in mind though, the DS version is still definitely worth playing. (It also has a nice intro movie with the type of graphics I'm hoping it will eventually be remade with, comparable to FFXII/XIII :8F:)

Edit: Here's what I meant by the scores sounding different, if it's just me I don't want to sell it short, but I dunno, the DS one just sounds kind of limp in comparison :hmmm:

SNES:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0UW9yiwMphU

DS:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fW3AneIepnU
Click to expand...


^I think that she summed up the DS version pretty well. A few other notes about the DS version is that some people found it to be harder than the original versions. Me personally it wasn't really that much harder but there are a few boss changes here and there that you may want to watch out for so. I can't speak on behalf of the SNES and GBA versions since I've only played the PS1 and DS versions. If you do decide to get the DS version though I would recommend finishing the PS1 version first so you can enjoy the remake of it more.
 
I've only played SNES and DS versions, and they summed up the DS versions pretty well. I think the only boss I have found harder in DS compared to SNES is that of the stupid octopus.... and I'm not going to say why cuz that would be spoiling.

Also, there a couple of abilities that characters now have that they didn't have before.

One thing though. Apparently, Gameboy has a side-dungeon that lets you fight the summons Rydia starts off with when you meet her as an adult. I'm not entirely sure how it works or anything, but I know it's there.
 
Beavis said:
Yang's class was Karate. :lew:

Also Cid had a skill called Peep. :mokken:
Click to expand...
Peep. :8F:
I wonder if that was just a weird translation or intentional. XD

Vircon said:
^I think that she summed up the DS version pretty well. A few other notes about the DS version is that some people found it to be harder than the original versions. Me personally it wasn't really that much harder but there are a few boss changes here and there that you may want to watch out for so. I can't speak on behalf of the SNES and GBA versions since I've only played the PS1 and DS versions. If you do decide to get the DS version though I would recommend finishing the PS1 version first so you can enjoy the remake of it more.
Click to expand...

I played the PS1 version up to the moon / Bahamut and I REALLY started to struggle there, and I hadn't exactly found it easy up to that point either. I've heard that the DS version is actually easier, so hearing that it's harder now is a bit of a confusing factor. Although New Game + does sound tempting, and that augment stuff also sounds like a nice addition.

I don't even have a DS yet, I was just wondering because I do plan on getting one at some point, and if I do finish a version it'll probably be that one.

Now, another question. I know there's differences, but which ones did you guys prefer, and why?
 
Since you made it that far you may as well finish the PS1 version.

As far as the difficulty, again it varies with person. The only way to find out is to try it for yourself and see how it is for you.

Finally, for your new question, it is hard for me to choose. You can't go wrong with either one. The DS version has a lot more extras but just something about the PS1 version that really clicks more with me. Maybe it is the fact that it is 2D, or maybe it is just nostalgia I don't know.
 
Not sure if the DS had this too, but the GBA one had 'Lunar Ruins' after you beat Zeromus, where there were sidequests relating to all the playable characters; they were actually interesting and actually related to the story. You get strong weapons like Lightbringer and get to fight two of the hardest bosses of the game; Brachioraidos (or something) and Zeromus EG. Also you fight the lunar summons, the FFIV equivalent of the dark aeons of FFX.

I liked this GBA version the best; the original graphics and sound, the extra featues and the fact that you can dash (so so frustrating in the original).
 
Vircon said:
Since you made it that far you may as well finish the PS1 version.
Click to expand...

I can't sadly, I lost the save / game. (I used other methods back then to play it)

VinnieJones said:
Not sure if the DS had this too, but the GBA one had 'Lunar Ruins' after you beat Zeromus, where there were sidequests relating to all the playable characters; they were actually interesting and actually related to the story. You get strong weapons like Lightbringer and get to fight two of the hardest bosses of the game; Brachioraidos (or something) and Zeromus EG. Also you fight the lunar summons, the FFIV equivalent of the dark aeons of FFX.

I liked this GBA version the best; the original graphics and sound, the extra featues and the fact that you can dash (so so frustrating in the original).
Click to expand...

That sounds rather fun, actually. I do wonder if the DS has it, I don't see why it wouldn't... but you never know. :hmmm:
When I get a DS I plan on getting it anyway, but I just don't know if it's worth it to try it on another console before then.
I don't see why they'd take stuff out in a later release anyway.
 
Wow that sucks. Well in that case it is your choice then if you want to upgrade or not then.

And no those features that VinnieJones mentioned are GBA exclusive. I haven't come across anything like that in the DS version.
 
Ah right, not sure why they removed it :hmmm:. Are you able to put Yang, Edward, and Palom/Porom back into your party in the latter parts of the game (or after you complete the game)? In the GBA one you could, and they all had their own sidequest in the Lunar Ruins.

I fully recommend the GBA version if you can get it for cheap (it is quite rare though and are slightly pricey on ebay). But like I said, you get the original feeling of the game plus some welcome extras. This is also the same with FFV and VI, btw, they also have nice extras.
 
I've only played the PS1 and DS versions, but even though I haven't played it personally, I think the GBA version is probably your best bet. You get some improvements on the original game (running, improved translation, your choice of dudes at the end, etc.) while retaining the same basic experience.

The DS version is alright, but it's MUCH harder than the original game. Given that IV is one of the harder FFs anyway, this is not exactly welcome. The original starts to get really hard somewhere around the moon, or that dungeon with the doors that eat you. With the DS version, I started having trouble with the Calcobrenas :/. The music doesn't sound as good, and the 3D graphics just don't have the charm of the little midget sprites. Voice acting and extended scenes are cool, but... I prefer my retro experience, overall.

On the other hand, if you've gotten that far on the PS1 version, maybe you should just carry on?
 
I can't, I mentioned that earlier. :lew:

I think i'll go and see what I can do about the GBA version though, it seems to be the most popular choice, which I find odd considering the console itself wasn't the most popular of any of those. So I think i'll try it then. :hmmm:
When I get round to getting it, that is.

I'll probably end up getting the DS version anyways, but playing the GBA version beforehand (and after playing most of the PS1 version) should give me an idea of what to expect.
 
Woops, wasn't paying enough attention. *facepalm*

The original English release on the SNES was made a bit easier and has a very iffy translation of which "you spoony bard" was perhaps the best example, which is why I imagine people didn't recommend it.
 
I highly recommend the SNES version. :andry:

I didn't mind the somewhat poor translation. I found it amusing actually. The SNES version is rare and likely to be expensive though. I would love to get the DS and GBA versions. Then my FFIV collection will be complete. :dave:
 
I've played the SNES version up to approximately Mt Ordeals, and I can tell you I definitely found the DS version harder, even near the early parts of the game (especially the bosses). I'm up to the Tower of Babil now, and even some regular enemies are giving me a hard time - and it's not like I haven't been levelling, either.
I sure hope that optional content is not GBA exclusive, because it sounds really cool, and would be a dumb move on Square's part. I specifically didn't buy the GBA version because I found out there was a DS version coming out. >.>
 
ok dont know what hapend to my oraganl post but here is a new one first you can not dash inste movemen in the ds setting to run...second it is easer than the other verson exept at the beging aginst the otomothe and thats all
 
Let me see....PsX,SNES,PC,GBA....beat them all.
Aside from difficulty nothing really going on.
But the GBA Version has a few more things to do.
 
The DS version is different than the PS1 version in a few ways.

*Spoilers!*

Like others have said it is harder, there are aguments and a few abilities are different. i.e. Pray heals HP and MP.

Other differences include: White Magic is more powerful and Black Magic is weaker. Summons are nearly useless in the DS version. Rydia is kind of a waste of space, but she fairs better in the usefulness department than Kain who is really bad and Edge who isn't all the great. Bows are only equipable by Rosa now, which is a huge hit to Kid Rydia and Edward who are absolutely terrible.

Tellah is actually useful, though in the DS version he's pretty much just a healer. Yang is alright, but Palom and Porom are worse.

Rosa's HP took a hit and is now how it should be(as a white mage) but it was awesome seeing her with almost the same HP as Edge.

Hmm... Enemies are slower. If you hadn't noticed, in the PS1 version they are SUPER fast. In the DS version their speed is reduced but their damage is SUPER BUFFED. Like, when you get FuSoYa he dies from almost every attack.

The mages on the moon are way stonger, which is a pity because they were so hilariously horrid in the PS1 version.

Hmm... Oh! Cecil is the only character who really has gotten better. He still hits for an insane amount of damage, he learns more spells and he can actually support with his healing.

I never played it, my twin brother did. This is pretty much his review of it. xD

Rydia is my favourite character, so it hurts to see her take such a massive hit to her usefulness. Dx
 
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