History VideoGame / FinalFantasyIV

** Also, Cure spells used in cutscenes manage to completely the whole party, even when they barely hit double digits when multi-targeted in battle.

''Final Fantasy IV'' is considered by many to be one of the best of the series, partly because it was first released before the series developed an UnpleasableFanbase. It's been remade/ported numerous times; this has garnered some distaste for the game as [[SeinfeldIsUnfunny its story and battle system haven't aged well]]. In addition to being half of the ''Final Fantasy [[ChronoTrigger Chronicles]]'' compilation on the PS1, ''FFIV'' has been ported to the GBA, and was the second game (after VideoGame/FinalFantasyIII, which didn't make it over beforehand) to be remade with 3D graphics on the Nintendo DS. It's also the first remake to add voice acting, if only for key scenes.

''Final Fantasy IV'' is considered by many to be one of the best of the series, partly because it was first released before the series developed an UnpleasableFanbase. However, it was panned by UK critics as the weaker half of the ''Chronicles'' double, and has gotten some distate in later years due to being remade numerous times, as [[SeinfeldIsUnfunny the game's story and battle system haven't aged well]]. It wasn't only ported to the GBA like the other pre-PS titles, but was also the second game (after VideoGame/FinalFantasyIII, which didn't make it over beforehand) to be remade with 3D graphics on the Nintendo DS. It's also the first remake to add voice acting, if only for key scenes.

* In the original English SNES intro, Cecil and the Red Wings are attacked by random monsters, which Cecil dispatches using Fire 2 and Ice 2. Cecil never actually learns those spells. Averted in subsequent translations, which show him instead using some of the special magic-casting items like Red Fang.

* IGotBetter: [[spoiler:''Everyone'' except for Anna and Tellah.]]

** Gameplay wise, it takes loads of time just to cast it (at least in SNES version.) Not to mention that you'd preferred Bahamut or Leviathan by that time around, not just for casting speed, but also due to the fact that Meteo's high spell power is blunted by the damage cap of 9999.

* AwesomeButImpractical: The Meteo/Meteor spell, as noted in that entry. [[spoiler:Especially when Tellah ''finally'' manages to use it... by paying [[CastFromHitPoints an entirely different price for its power.]] [[ItWasHisSled Namely, his life.]] [[PlotlineDeath And the plot forces you to do it.]] [[BrokeYourArmPunchingOutCthulhu And it accomplishes]] ''[[SenselessSacrifice nothing]]''.]]
** [[spoiler:Well, not quite nothing; he did break Golbez's control over Kain and allow them to continue on and rescue Rosa.]]

''Final Fantasy IV'' is considered by many to be one of the best of the series, partly because it was first released before the series developed an UnpleasableFanbase. However, it was panned by UK critics as the weaker half of the ''Chronicles'' double, and has gotten some distate in later years due to being remade numerous times, as [[SeinfeldIsFunny the game's story and battle system haven't aged well]]. It wasn't only ported to the GBA like the other pre-PS titles, but was also the second game (after VideoGame/FinalFantasyIII, which didn't make it over beforehand) to be remade with 3D graphics on the Nintendo DS. It's also the first remake to add voice acting, if only for key scenes.

''Final Fantasy IV'' is considered by many to be one of the best of the series, partly because it was first released before the series developed an UnpleasableFanbase. However, it was panned by UK critics as the weaker half of the ''Chronicles'' double, and has gotten some distate as a CreatorsPet title due to numerous remakes. It wasn't only ported to the GBA like the other pre-PS titles, but was also the second game (after VideoGame/FinalFantasyIII, which didn't make it over beforehand) to be remade with 3D graphics on the Nintendo DS. It's also the first remake to add voice acting, if only for key scenes.

''Final Fantasy IV'' is considered by many to be one of the best of the series, partly because it was first released before the series developed an Unpleasable Fanbase. However, it was panned by UK critics as the weaker half of the ''Chronicles'' double. It wasn't only ported to the GBA like the other pre-PS titles, but was also the second game (after VideoGame/FinalFantasyIII, which didn't make it over beforehand) to be remade with 3D graphics on the Nintendo DS. It's also the first remake to add voice acting, if only for key scenes.

* ArbitraryHeadcountLimit: You can only have five people in your party. This game's method of dealing with it? Killing off the spares. [[spoiler:Though only one stays dead, which makes it all the more obvious.]]
** Averted for a very, VERY short while upon returning to Baron after Cecil's Plot-important Class Change. The 5-man team is joined by Captain Baigan thus bringing the Headcount to 6, but before you can do anything, Baigan is already trying to slaughter Cecil and his allies.
** It should be noted that five party members is a lot more than the three you're limited to in future games. Who knows how many people would have had to die if the game mechanics had been a bit different?

* [[AuthorAppeal Artist Appeal]]: This game contains more or less all of Amano's favourite art trends...Cecil is the typical pale willowy man with frizzy white hair, blue lips, and very pale skin. He also has what Amano ''loves''...spiked armour and a cape. Rosa and Rydia meanwhile are clad in catsuits, and as for capes...it's probably more efficient to list the main characters who do ''not'' wear a cape.
** Cid, Kain and Yang... that's it. 3 out of 11 don't wear them.

** Fusoya's seems more like a WizardBeard.

* {{Bowdlerise}}: The "spoony bard" line is actually one of the least blatant examples in the SNES version. Much worse are the recurring NeverSayDie elements, leading to lines like "A girl from Baron was kept from falling down", or the total elimination of anything remotely religious like references to Hell. The latter manifests itself in cringe-worthy lines like "Fall flat into the deep ravine!" or "Come with us, Edge... To the [[TheLegendOfZeldaALinkToThePast Dark World!!"]] Cecil's Dark Knight equipment was also changed, with Hades armor becoming "Black" and the Deathbringer sword becoming simply the Black sword.

** It's a wonder that Cecil and Rosa's "Two sprites, one square" kissing scene made it through.

*** This is, in fact, how you beat [[spoiler: the Dark Knight at the end of Cecil's Paladin Trial. You keep curing yourself, while the Dark Knight keeps attacking you until he kills himself.]] Of course, this wasn't really apparent to players of the SNES version, since we didn't have access to Dark Wave/Darkness to know how it worked.

* CoolOldGuy: Cid.
** Tellah. You spoony bards!

*** In the DS version, this cutscene battle removes all MP requirement for his spells.

** But she ''can and does'' cast it shortly after being rescued. Apparently she's been LevelGrinding while chained to that wall. [[FridgeLogic Somehow.]]
*** That wasn't a regular teleport, that was a specific spell to bring her to Cecil's room.
** Also somewhat {{justified|Trope}} in that she's the WhiteMagicianGirl of the group, so not only is she the weakest in terms of physical strength, none of her spells would really be all that useful in this situation. Not that anyone else would be much better at escaping from them, considering [[HopelessBossFight the circumstances in which she was captured to begin with]]…
** Actually, this depends on Cecil's level at the time. Due to {{Level scaling}}, she may or may not be able to cast it.

* DummiedOut: Many commands and status-ailment-healing items were removed from the Easytype version of the game.

* EvenEvilHasStandards: Rubicante. He heals you to full strength before both battles he's involved in. [[spoiler:He also apologizes to Edge when Lugae transforms his parents into monsters, saying Lugae had no authorization to do so, and Rubicante didn't want that in the first place.]]
** He's also the only Archfiend to not try and kill you with his last breath.

* FissionMailed: At least twice.
** It happens [[spoiler:in the fight with the Dark Elf.]] And again [[spoiler:in the fight with Golbez]]. And again [[spoiler:in the one with Zeromus]]. The game just loves this trope.

** When you get to Damcyan Castle, you find it under attack and filled with injured and dying people. Yet, despite having ''two'' white mages in your party and most likely dozens of potions and phoenix downs in your inventory, you can't do a thing to help any of them. This becomes utterly ridiculous when an important NPC passes away in your healer's arms without him even attempting to heal her, and despite there being ''TWO'' magical healing pots capable of fully restoring all your health with a single touch in the very same room. What, he couldn't be bothered to cast a Cura spell or carry her 20 feet over to one of them? Didn't want to interrupt her dramatic final words? For God's sake, one of the dying soldiers pitifully begs you to take him to one of the healing pots, but the game just won't let you help him!
*** [[FridgeBrilliance Of course, seeing his daughter lying there was enough to fill Tellah with]] UnstoppableRage, [[FridgeBrilliance and became so obsessed with getting vengeance on Edward that he wasn't thinking clearly when he started attacking.]]

** Virtually every other boss you fight, however, is either a creature you expect to encounter or a member of Golbez's organization.

** "The bard ''was'' spoony. We checked!" - one of the developers.
*** Tom (Retran)Slattery, to be exact. Yes, he's the guy who retranslated the game.

** Less so in the DS remake where his abilities were improved significantly -- he is now at least a proper MusicalAssassin that can inflict [[StandardStatusEffect debuffs]] on enemies he hit as well as able to heal the entire party. Not to mention "Salve" hits the entire party with the effects of one item. The ''full'' effects, not divided among the members like you'd think. This makes potions and hi-potions better than WhiteMagic early on.
** His sublime voice acting, extra dialogue and really nice-looking character design help in suddenly making him ''likable'' as well.
*** Even less so in the GBA version. Give him his new equipment and unleash him in the final dungeons. He tears them apart.

** Don't forget {{C|reepyDoll}}alcabrina!

* MyGodWhatHaveIDone: Cecil and Kain, after the massacre at Mist.
** Cecil, sure. Kain... not so much. The dialogue alone sort of implies he's already fallen under the King/Golbez's spell by that point, and was really only acting outraged to keep Cecil from getting suspicious.
*** Kain is TheStoic, so you never can tell. Although the dialogue implies that his suggesting that they complete their mission and [[KillTheCutie kill Rydia]] was actually a SecretTestOfCharacter to see if Cecil would renounce his loyalty to Baron completely. Which he does.

*** [[ComicallyMissingThePoint That's because atomic explosions barely do a thousand points of damage.]]
* NoPronunciationGuide: Many Western fans were...surprised...that Cecil's name is pronounced the same as "sessile".

*** Conversely, you can hardly fault English players who pronounced it "wrong", considering the name has a perfectly valid [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beany_and_Cecil alternate]] [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DTExv5cARVQ pronunciation]]. Especially when you realize that, taking the rules for long vowels into account, the vowel-consonant-vowel construction of "Cecil" should make the "E" a long sound - thus, "Sea-sill".

** The Tower of Bab-il and Kain are names that should ring a bell for anyone at least mildly familiar with TheBible. Kain even gets Abel's Lance in the GBA remake [[IncrediblyLamePun to drive the point home]].

* CombatMedic: Rosa can be this, if you choose to equip her with a bow. Her Aim ability gives her [[TheArcher increased attack power and accuracy with a bow]]; while it's not near enough to match the damage output of, say, Cecil or Kain, it's still better than your average StaffChick. And that doesn't even take {{Holy|HandGrenade}} into consideration.

** Also somewhat {{justified|Trope}} in that she's the StaffChick of the group, so not only is she the weakest in terms of physical strength, none of her spells would really be all that useful in this situation. Not that anyone else would be much better at escaping from them, considering [[HopelessBossFight the circumstances in which she was captured to begin with]]…

* StaffChick: Rosa is the prototypical example of the staff chick personality, even though she's better off using a bow. Porom rather fits, as she ''does'' use a staff.

* BrattyHalfPint: Rydia, when you first meet her, acts a bit like this, though to be fair, you had just killed her mother. She has a moment like this after her PlotRelevantAgeUp as well. A far better exemplar of this trope is Palom, who players admit to loathing even after his monumental black magic power essentially breaks the game.

* DarkerAndEdgier: The entire story begins with the heroes angsting over war crimes they've committed... Then our heroes are asked to wipe out an entire town. ItGetsWorse when characters start getting {{Disney Death}}s right and left.

** It happens [[spoiler:in the fight with the Dark Elf.]] And again [[spoiler:in the fight with Golbez.]] And again [[spoiler:in the one with Zeromus.]] The game just loves this trope.

* FourIsDeath: It's in the title, which means bad things for the cast. In linear order from the start of the game, [[spoiler:Kain is presumed dead, Rydia, Yang, and Edward are lost at sea, Palom and Porom perform a HeroicSacrifice, then Tellah performs one, followed by Yang and Cid. In other words, more than ''half'' the main cast almost dies during the course of the game. [[IGotBetter They get better]] later except for Tellah, but as far as you know during the first play of the game, your comrades drop like flies. And let's not forget poor Anna.]]

* MeaningfulName: The [[FourIsDeath four Elemental Fiends]] are all named after demons in Dante's ''DivineComedy'' - Scarmiglione, Cagnazzo, Barbariccia, and Rubicante.

* [[OneSteveLimit]: Averted. First, you meet the SpoonyBard Edward Chris von Muir. Later, you meet the HighlyVisibleNinja Edward Geraldine. To make sure the player doesn't get confused with this, '''Ed'''ward '''Ge'''raldine goes by the alias Edge.

* OmniscientMoralityLicense: Leviathan shows up to crash your entire ship in order to abduct your summoner, destroying the mission to stop TheEmpire, and possibly jeopardizing the fate of the world. 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 [[{{Karma}} him]], and presumably [[RedShirt all the ship's crew]] dead. Everything [[JustAsPlanned 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.

** Pink Tails are by no means the ONLY really rare drop in the game, just the most famous one. There are a lot of other things in the game, like the hidden summons (Goblin, Mind Flayer, Cockatrice and Bomb), that are randomly dropped and every bit as rare as the Rainbow Pudding. To add insult to injury, the Goblin summon is pretty much useless, despite being as rare as Mind Flayer (damage, sap, and paralyze), Cockatrice (Multitarget Petrification), and Bomb (Damage equal to Rydia's health, without harming her). Equipments ranging from [[DiscOneNuke mid-game destroying equipments]] like Rune Staves and Lilith Rods, and other [[InfinityPlusOneSword ultimate equipments]] like Crystal Rings, extra Protect Rings, extra Ribbons, Dragon Whips and so on are all {{Randomly Drop|s}}ped and at least nearly as, if not just as rare as the Pink Tail, just that the monsters that drop them tend to be commoner encounters.

* SheatheYourSword: TropeNamer. Cecil's trial to become a Paladin.

* SpoonyBard: Prince Edward is the TropeNamer, and Tellah the [[MemeticMutation Meme Mutator.]]

* TookALevelInBadass: Cecil. [[spoiler:After he becomes a paladin, he becomes significantly stronger in every stat, can wield much stronger equipment]] and [[spoiler: can destroy anything that made you cry tears of frustration when he was a Dark Knight]] The best part? [[spoiler: This is when Paladin Cecil is level 1, compared to Dark Knight Cecil who's anywhere from 15-20]]

* AnEconomyIsYou: Played perfectly straight, but especially notable in that the weapon/armor shop in the first town is ''locked'' until you return there later in the game and obtain the key. Not exactly the best business model...

* BrattyHalfPint: Rydia, when you first meet her, acts a bit like this. She has a moment like this after her PlotRelevantAgeUp as well. Palom, too.

* YearInsideHourOutside: Rydia's PlotRelevantAgeUp after her journey to the Land of the Summoned Beasts. However, the main party doesn't appear to experience the same effects when they visit later on.

* WithThisHerring: Averted, Cecil is an experienced soldier. You start at level 10 with your black knight gear and easily cleaving your way through level 1 imps.

* YearInsideHourOutside: Rydia's PlotRelevantAgeUp after her journey to the Land of the Summoned Beasts.

** In FinalFantasyIVTheAfterYears, [[spoiler:the other moon is revealed to be an even ''larger'' spacecraft constructed by an even ''more'' advanced race, which has been reduced to [[LastOfHisKind a sole survivor]], called the Creator of the crystals.]]
* ThisCannotBe: [[spoiler:Golbez's reaction to Tellah casting Meteor in the Tower of Zot.]]