History VideoGame / FinalFantasyIV

''Final Fantasy IV'', the fourth entry in the [[RunningGag face-meltingly popular]] ''Franchise/FinalFantasy'' game series and the first [[UsefulNotes/The16bitEraOfConsoleVideoGames 16-bit]] game in the series, released in 1991 for the Platform/SuperNintendoEntertainmentSystem.

Received a sequel initially released for cellphones called ''[[VideoGame/FinalFantasyIVTheAfterYears The After Years]]'' (also available on Platform/WiiWare, Platform/PlayStationPortable and received a 3D remake for PC and iOS/Android), which stars the old cast and some of their children teaming up again to prevent the same catastrophe from happening again. It, along with ''Final Fantasy IV'' itself, was released on the PSP in March 2011 in Japan and April everywhere else. Also includes a midquel called ''Interlude'' to further connect the plots. Both games use new graphics and is the largest 2D graphical change to the original other than the cellphone version. This version is heavily based on the UsefulNotes/GameBoyAdvance version, and the only thing taken from the Platform/NintendoDS version is the translation of terms (e.g. Carnellian Signet rather than "Bomb Ring").

* SpoiledByTheManual: The SNES version of the game had this in the equipment section of the manual, as it listed a few sample pieces of equipment as well as the class of who could use it. Thus, it was pretty obvious that the various [[DiscOneFinalDungeon Disc One Final Dungeons]] were not the end, because a "ninja" or a "Lunarian" hadn't appeared yet. For that matter, the twist that there's an intelligent race from the moon is spoiled by the fact that "Lunarian" was the name of a class listed in the manual (though that plot point is minor compared to the one about [[TomatoInTheMirror just who is descended from it]]).

* UpdatedRerelease: It's been released on the SNES (with two different versions in Japan), UsefulNotes/PlayStation, [[UsefulNotes/WonderSwan WonderSwan Color]], Game Boy Advance, Nintendo DS, mobile phones, the Wii Virtual Console, and PSP in the form of the ''Complete Collection'', with ''The After Years'' and an ''Interlude'' midquel chapter bridging the two parts together. All with upgraded aesthetics.

* VideoGameRemake: After receiving a enhanced [[UsefulNotes/WonderSwan WonderSwan Color]] port which was further polished for the Game Boy Advance, the game was fully remade from the ground up [[VideoGame3DLeap in full 3D]] for the Nintendo DS which added voice acting for key scenes, a introductory Full Motion Video with brand new CGI renders, significant additions to the script which further detail the backstory of some characters, several gameplay changes, along other new content such as an Augment system, minigames, a New Game Plus feature, and new superbosses.

* ThematicSequelLogoChange: The original logo for ''IV'' has a drawing of Kain Highwind in purple, an important secondary character. For the UsefulNotes/NintendoDS re-release, it features a drawing of Golbez, a secondary antagonist in the game.

* DropTheHammer: Cid wields large two-handed hammers as his weapon of choice.

**

* JunkRare:
** The Dark Matter item can be stolen from [[FinalBoss Zeromus]]. In the DS version, it is the key to fighting the {{Superboss}} Proto-Babil during [[NewGamePlus the second playthrough]]; but in other versions, it does absolutely nothing.
** The optional Summons for Rydia that can only be found as drops in the game. Although the Goblin is useful early in the game (where it can potentially drop), the others are all outclassed by her regular arsenal.

* NintendoHard: The original Japanese release and the [=DS=] version were hard enough that the version released for the SNES was substantially nerfed in difficulty (this was also released in Japan as an 'easytype' version.) This came as a nasty surprise to Western players who were only familiar with the reduced-difficulty English SNES release who then replayed the [=DS=] version. Mind you, even the reduced-difficulty English SNES release was still pretty difficult.

* OneSteveLimit: Averted. Edge's full name is Edward Geraldine, and another Edward joined the party before.

''Final Fantasy IV'', the fourth entry in the [[RunningGag face-meltingly popular]] ''Franchise/FinalFantasy'' game series and the first [[UsefulNotes/The16bitEraOfConsoleVideoGames 16-bit]] game in the series, released in 1991 for the UsefulNotes/SuperNintendoEntertainmentSystem.

Received a sequel initially released for cellphones called ''[[VideoGame/FinalFantasyIVTheAfterYears The After Years]]'' (also available on UsefulNotes/WiiWare, UsefulNotes/PlayStationPortable and received a 3D remake for PC and iOS/Android), which stars the old cast and some of their children teaming up again to prevent the same catastrophe from happening again. It, along with ''Final Fantasy IV'' itself, was released on the PSP in March 2011 in Japan and April everywhere else. Also includes a midquel called ''Interlude'' to further connect the plots. Both games use new graphics and is the largest 2D graphical change to the original other than the cellphone version. This version is heavily based on the UsefulNotes/GameBoyAdvance version, and the only thing taken from the UsefulNotes/NintendoDS version is the translation of terms (e.g. Carnellian Signet rather than "Bomb Ring").

''Final Fantasy IV'' is ''the'' title that had the most impact on the direction the franchise went in, and it had an ''enormous'' influence on virtually every one of its descendants, not to mention on Japanese role-playing games in general. It's been remade/ported numerous times. In addition to being half of the ''Final Fantasy [[VideoGame/ChronoTrigger Chronicles]]'' compilation on the UsefulNotes/PlayStation, ''FFIV'' has been ported to the [[UsefulNotes/WonderSwan WonderSwan Color]], [=GBA=], cellphones, and was the second game (after ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyIII'', [[NoExportForYou which didn't make it over beforehand]]) to be fully remade with 3D graphics on the Nintendo DS in 2007 (this version was ported to PC in 2014), which added voice acting for key scenes and a introductory Full Motion Video with brand new CGI renders, significant additions to the script which further detail the backstory of some characters, several gameplay changes, along other new content such as an Augment system, minigames, a New Game Plus feature, and new superbosses. A 2D remaster, created as a part of the ''Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster'' series and largely based on the previous [=GBA=] and PSP rereleases (excluding any new content those versions added), was released for Steam and mobile devices in September of 2021. 2023 saw the ''Pixel Remaster'' version brought over to the UsefulNotes/NintendoSwitch and UsefulNotes/PlayStation4.

* SpellMyNameWithAnS: Name change aside, Edward's Japanese name "Gilbert" gets written that way in most materials...and spelt "Gilbart" in a few guidebooks as well.

* AllSwordsAreTheSame: Averted. There are different swords meant for different classes: Dark swords for Cecil as a dark knight, knight swords for Cecil as a paladin, katanas for Edge, and a larger {{BFS}} type sword that both Cecil and Kain can equip.

** Rydia is this at the start of the game. She is forced to tag along with Cecil and Kain after they accidentally destroy her village. Averted when she joins the party later in the game after spending some time in the Feymarch, as the temporal displacement from the Eidolons' homeworld caused her to age faster, so by the time she reappears she is a young adult.

* UselessUsefulSpell: Averted by Stop and Slow in the 2D versions. The former works on all monsters not flagged as a boss. Slow works on everything, including the final boss. In at least the SNES and [=PS1=] versions, it stacks! Also averted with Libra in the DS version: it'll identify what Golbez is currently weak to when he's a BarrierChangeBoss, allowing Rydia to respond with the appropriate summon.

* FranchiseCodifier: The game influenced the franchise decades after its original release due to how radically different it was from previous entries, both narratively and gameplay wise. On the narrative side of things, the game follows the story of several named, well-defined and speaking party members (unlike the first and third entry) and was the first ''Final Fantasy'' game to truly focus on the story and character interactions. On the gameplay side, the game was the first to use the classic [[CombatantCooldownSystem ''Active Time Battle'' system]] for its turn based combat, as well as being the first game in the series in which ''all'' characters have defined combat Jobs and skills that make them unique from one another. While the game definitely suffers from a case of SeinfeldIsUnfunny nowadays, its impact on the franchise as a whole is undeniable, especially on the much beloved sixth entry in the series.

** To get Cecil's InfinityPlusOneSword, you have to cross an invisible bridge to reach the BonusBoss you have to fight to obtain it. There are precious few invisible pathways in the game, and none of them are in dungeons. If you don't know how to reach it, it can be quite frustrating, especially since the sword is fully visible on a normal pathway.

* AwesomeButImpractical: The Meteor spell does high damage and hits everything on the field. It's blunted by a very long casting time, four times longer than the next longest. It costs 99 MP, meaning Tellah will never be able to use it despite knowing the spell since his MP caps at 90, and by the time Rydia levels up enough to learn it, she can do just as much damage with Flare or Bahamut, which cast faster and cost less MP. The DS version makes it more useful by making it compatible with the Dualcast augment, unlike Bahamut, introducing the Limit Break augment to deal more than 9999 damage, and nerfing Flare's damage output.

-->'''Rubicante:''' "Was it Flame? Let me show you how it's done."

* OneTimeDungeon: The Tower of Zot collapses once finished with.

* OminousLatinChanting: The ''Pixel Remaster''[='=]s improved soundtrack has a bit of women chanting ominously in the ruins of Damcyan and Eblan Castles. And the final battle toward the end of the game has the music revamped with the Latin-chanting choirs, almost as if to bring doom on anyone on the team that's unprepared for the maelstrom.

* YouKillItYouBoughtIt: If you kill enough Goblins, Bombs, Cockatrice, and Mindflayers; they have RandomlyDrops of their own summon that Rydia can use. This must mean their own souls are intact enough for her to control.

"Poor technique. ''This'' [[PreAssKickingOneLiner is how it's done]]."

* ATasteOfPower: For assisting in an early-game battle in Fabul, Cecil is given the Deathbringer sword, an incredibly powerful weapon that gives large bonuses to all stats and which frequently kills any non-undead enemy it hits. Unfortunately, you only really get to use it on the trip ''to'' Mount Ordeals; Mount Ordeals itself is crawling with undead, and afterwards [[spoiler:Cecil becomes a Paladin, permanently losing the ability to equip it.]] You won't get comparable weapons until ''far'' later in the game.

* UselessUsefulSpell: Averted by Stop and Slow in the 2D versions. The former works on all monsters not flagged as a boss. Slow works on everything, including the final boss. In at least the SNES and [=PS1=] versions, it stacks!

** Gilbert[=/=][[SpellMyNameWithAnS Gilbart]] the bard was renamed "Edward". Good thing the ninja Edward Geraldine goes by "Edge."

* CutsceneIncompetence: While credit is due to Tellah for at least thinking of using Esuna on Palom and Porom [[spoiler: after they turn themselves into stone]], it proves ineffective for the only time in the game. Even attempting to use [[spoiler: golden needles or remedies]] after the fact won't cure the ailment.

* InterfaceSpoiler: Subverted in the original SNES version when [[spoiler:Palom and Porom turn themselves to stone. You can interact with them and the game will offer to let you use an inventory item (which you do in other places to advance the plot or unlock things, and which seems to indicate that there's an item you can use to change the situation)... but there's no way to save them. In the original Japanese version you could get a special failure message (well, a repeat of the failure message when Tellah tried to restore them) by trying to use a Golden Needle on them, but the item was DummiedOut in the version that got translated, and even in the original it didn't actually accomplish anything.]]

* VerbThis: In the ''Pixel Remaster'', after Sandy casts reflect on Cindy, Mindy says, "Reflect this!" before casting the Delta Attack.

* WhiteHairBlackHeart: Golbez has an odd relationship with this trope -- in the original version, there was no way to know for sure if he fit the archetype, since [[TheFaceless he never took his helm off.]] Since he's [[spoiler:Cecil's brother]], though, it was a reasonable assumption. The DS version gave him brown hair in flashbacks, but on the other hand, we only ever see Golbez's face in flashbacks from when he was a child, so that could have changed in the intervening years. ''[[VideoGame/FinalFantasyIVTheAfterYears The After Years]]'' confirms this impression, as Golbez appears without his armor in that game, and definitely has white hair. Of course, by then he too has reformed, and his role throughout the entirety of ''The After Years'' is decidedly non-villainous.

** Eblan fills this niche, being a nation of ''{{ninja}}''. The [[RetCon (now dubiously canon)]] guidebook ''Settei Shiryou Hen'', released alongside the SFC game in Japan, [[http://www.sceneryrecalled.com/trans/ff4comp.htm#Eblana gives further history on Eblan]] which is ripped straight from the pages of Japan's own history, describing how the nation [[FeudalJapan once consisted of multiple warrior factions]] and was deeply isolationist before being contacted by airships from Baron, analogous to [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_Ships Commodore Perry's Black Ships]].

* ChekhovsBoomerang: When Cecil becomes a Paladin, he receives the Legend Sword/Mythgraven Sword. You find a number of more powerful swords as you progress through the game, but if you can acquire the Adamant ore and take it to a certain blacksmith, he'll temper the sword and make it into the more powerful Excalibur, one of the most powerful swords he can wield.

* ClimaxBoss: All the Archfiends. Scarmiglione is fought to open the way to the top of Mt. Ordeals where Cecil is to become a Paladin, Cagnazzo is fought [[spoiler:when Cecil confronts the King of Baron and discovers it's Cagnazzo]], Barbariccia is fought as Kain and Rosa rejoin and Golbez retreats from his tower, and Rubicante is fought atop the Tower of Babil as the party tries to retrieve the Crystals. [[spoiler:Then comes one of the potentially longest fights in the game when all four reappear in the Giant of Babil guarding the core]].

* CoolShip: Several of them, ''[[CoolAirship airships]]'', no less: [[SuperPrototype Enterprise]], [[ThisIsADrill Falcon]], and the [[CoolStarship Lunar Whale.]]

* FakeKing: [[spoiler:The King of Baron is really Caignazzo, Archfiend of Water, who has killed the real king.]]

* FictionalEarth: The planet the game takes place on is named Earth.[[note]]or Mother Earth for the Dwarves, or Blue Planet for the Lunarians[[/note]] However, the landmasses are [[http://finalfantasy.wikia.com/wiki/File:Overworldmapff4official.jpg definitly not ours]]. The surface where most people live is named "Overworld" and the inside where Dwarves live is the "Underworld".

* FunnyBruceLeeNoises: This is likely what the SNES translation was going for with the monks' "ACHOO!" battle cry.

** Sometimes called the ''[[Film/DieHard Die Hard]]'' bug, the game remembers the last 63 flights of stairs you have accessed in a single area. The 64th stairway will reset the counter to 0, making the game think you are on the world map. Now, if you try to go downstairs again you'll enter the MinusWorld and can drop 44 more floors before the game either warps you to a random room in the game (like right in front of the final boss) or deletes your game saves. Speed runs of the NES Die Hard game involve a ''lot'' of time spent running up and down a single staircase.

* GetAHoldOfYourselfMan: [[spoiler:Cecil, to Edward, after the Red Wings firebomb Damcyan into oblivion and Edward is in HeroicBSOD mode.]]

* GuestStarPartyMember: In all versions, Tellah and Fusoya only join for a few dungeons before leaving. Edward, Yang, Porom, Palom, and Cid count as well in the original and DS versions. The PSP and GBA versions effectively make them into permanent characters because the player gains the ability to freely put them in their party for the final dungeon and post-game.

* HarpOfFemininity: Edward the feminine Prince of Damcyan is a [[ImprobableWeaponUser master harpist.]]

* InfinityPlusOneSword: The [=GBA=] release adds several in the BonusDungeon. Most notable are the Lightbringer (for Cecil), Abel's lance (for Kain), and Fiery Hammer (for Cid). Not only is their attack power at or near the maximum of 255, but each may randomly cast a high-power spell ''on top of the regular attack!''[[note]]Holy, Tornado, and Flare, respectively[[/note]] [[HoistByHisOwnPetard Just be careful around enemies that use Reflect.]]

* OmniscientMoralityLicense: When Leviathan first shows up, he capsizes your party's ship, abducts your summoner, and derails your mission to stop TheEmpire, thus placing the fate of the world in (further) jeopardy. The aftermath leaves one party member an amnesiac pawn of said empire, another bedridden until the very end of the game, {{the hero}} stranded alone on a continent that {{h|umiliationConga}}ates [[{{Laser Guided Karma}} him]], and [[RedShirt all the ship's crew]] (since they're never seen or mentioned again) presumably dead. Everything [[AllAccordingToPlan works out uncannily]] in the end, despite (or even [[InMysteriousWays because of]]) debilitating injuries to plot-important characters. Nobody ever brings up the whole murderous {{sea monster}} thing.

** Cecil's Dark equipment is permanently lost if it's not unequipped during his class change.

** One odd case involves a dungeon that you otherwise can return to at any point. The Kitchen Knife, [[InfinityPlusOneSword the best throwing weapon in the game]], can only be obtained if you complete the sidequest that involves using the frying pan on Yang before recruiting [=FuSoYa=]. While everything else involving the Sylph Cave (including the very useful Sylph summon) can be acquired regardless of when the cave is entered, recruiting [=FuSoYa=] triggers an event flag that makes it impossible to use the frying pan on Yang [[spoiler: as he's awake, aware, and praying in the Tower of Prayers with other allies after that point]], and his wife will thus never trade it for the knife. The tradeoff is that a player that waits until after [=FuSoYa=] is recruited to enter the Sylph Cave only needs to go through it once to get the Sylph summon, while the frying pan sidequest requires a player traverse the cave twice.

* SoLongAndThanksForAllTheGear: A frequent occurrence on one's first playthrough, thanks to all the party members that leave your party or (apparently) meet their demise without much advance warning. Averted in the Pixel Remaster: any character leaving your party in any manner will leave behind all their equipment in the inventory.

** Cecil hears a voice calling him "my son" once he finally reaches the top of Mount Ordeals and becomes a paladin. This voice tells CEcil to reject the darkness and turn towards the light. [[spoiler:The "my son" part wasn't an exaggeration or a metaphor, either; it was the voice of Cecil's father, Klu'ya.]]