History VideoGame / FinalFantasyIV

** The Pixel Remaster was released for Steam and Mobile in 2021. This was more of a "back to basics" re-release, drawing more directly from the original Super Famicom version, slightly updating the graphics and introducing some quality-of-life features. It did not include any of the extra content of the GBA, DS, or PSP versions.

** As noted, the "kids" tended to get this especially bad, in no small part due to their sprites not really being much shorter than everyone else, though other elements didn't help.[[labelnote:Fun Fact!]]The art does try to get the idea across in the battle sprites that the kids are "shorter" by having their ''heads'' be lower on their sprites than the adults; if you look closely, the twins and Kid-Rydia have chins at least one pixel lower than everyone else. However, either due to technical limitations or just a desire to make use of all the space they had, the artists still had the sprites be as tall ''overall'' as the rest of the cast, by way of Rydia's famous EightiesHair and the twins just having huge noggins. This meant that overall, all the sprites were of equal height and thus age was a lot harder to determine at a glance. [[https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/kids_59.png This]] is a good illustration of the phenomenon in action.[[/labelnote]] Rydia was "a cute child", but this could put her anywhere between 7 to 12, with a lot of people suspecting it might be on the older side due to having to take the sprites at face value. (The lower value turned out to be the correct age.) The twins got it much worse - their SNES sprites actually look subtly "older" than Rydia's, Palom's in particular, and Palom's [[WesternAnimation/TheSimpsons Bart Simpson-esque wisecracking]] and Porom's [[{{Keigo}} practiced formality]] (along with the stated fact that they were students [[spoiler:and the fact that they were trusted to be spies]]) had a lot of people thinking they ''had'' to be at least pre-teens, if not early teens. Nope again - Palom and Porom are ''five years old''. They're just ''that'' precocious.

* ElementalTiers: You fight the [[FourElementEnsemble Elemental Archfiends]] in order of their strength, starting with Scarmiglione (Earth), then Cagnazzo (Water), Barbariccia (Wind), and finally the strongest, Rubicante (Fire).

* WhipItGood: Adult Rydia can wield whips to deal physical blows, although it's usually better to just focus on her abilities as a spellcaster.

''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 would see the ''Pixel Remaster'' version brought to the UsefulNotes/NintendoSwitch and UsefulNotes/PlayStation4.

* RandomlyDrops:

''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 will see the ''Pixel Remaster'' version brought to the UsefulNotes/NintendoSwitch and UsefulNotes/PlayStation4.

* AesopAmnesia: Happens in the ''same line of dialogue''. [[spoiler:Tellah, while dying, regrets that his blind thirst for vengeance lead him down this road. He then asks Cecil to avenge him and his daughter.]]

* ChallengeRun: According to [[https://www.nintendo.com/store/products/final-fantasy-iv-switch/ the Nintendo eShop]] and [[https://store.playstation.com/en-us/concept/10002342 the PlayStation Store]], the Switch and [=PS4=] versions of ''Pixel Remaster'' have settings related to how much experience is gained, which includes disabling experience entirely.

* ChallengeRun: The Switch and [=PS4=] versions of ''Pixel Remaster'' have settings related to how much experience is gained, which includes disabling experience entirely.

''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 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 will see the ''Pixel Remaster'' version brought to the UsefulNotes/NintendoSwitch and UsefulNotes/PlayStation4.

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

* VideoGameRemake: After receiving a Game Boy Advance port, the game was reworked from the ground up [[VideoGame3DLeap in full 3D]] for the Nintendo DS.

-->-- '''The Mysidian Legend (DS Edition)'''

Received a cellphone sequel called ''[[VideoGame/FinalFantasyIVTheAfterYears The After Years]]'' (also available on UsefulNotes/WiiWare and the UsefulNotes/PlayStationPortable), 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 connect the plots better. 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 role-playing games in Japan 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 [=GBA=], and was the second game (after ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyIII'', [[NoExportForYou which didn't make it over beforehand]]) to be remade with 3D graphics on the Nintendo DS (this version was ported to PC in 2014). It's also the first remake to add voice acting, if only for key scenes. 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 will see the ''Pixel Remaster'' version brought to the UsefulNotes/NintendoSwitch and UsefulNotes/PlayStation4.

%%* SpaceWhale: Doubles as a spacecraft, capable of flying the heroes to the moon.

%%* SpiritAdvisor: Kluya for Cecil, Anna for Edward.

* TheArtifact: As of the Pixel Remaster, the spell Sight and the item Gnomish Bread is this, due to the presence of the in-game map.
** So is the Fat Chocobo, because the inventory limit is no longer present. You can still summon him and store items, but there's no need to do so anymore.

%%* AstralFinale: Cecil's journey to the moon.
%%* TheAtoner: Cecil, Kain, [[spoiler:and Golbez at the end of the game and in ''The After Years''.]]

* BalanceBuff: The Pixel Remaster gives bows an accuracy boost, and arrows are no longer consumables but can be used indefinitely. Pay attention to monster type and Rosa will be matching Cecil and Edge blow-for-blow.

%%* DiscardAndDraw: Cecil and Rydia.

%%* EternalEngine: The Tower of Zot, the Tower of Babil, and the Giant of Babil.

%%* FantasyCounterpartCulture:
%%** Fabul for ImperialChina.
%%** Eblan for Japan.

%%* FantasyAliens: The Lunarians are revealed late in the game as this.

%%* HealingSpring: Although the water is contained in pots in this installment.

%%* LadyLand: Troia Castle.
%%* TheLancer: Kain. It's even his class name on the SNES.
%%* LaserGuidedAmnesia: Yang.

* NoPronunciationGuide: Many Western fans were surprised that Cecil's name was pronounced as "Seh-sil" and not "See-sil" (though both a long "e" and a short "e" are valid pronunciations for the name).

** The Dark Matter item can be stolen from Zeromus. It does...absolutely nothing.

* JunkRare: The Dark Matter item can be stolen from Zeromus. It does...absolutely nothing.
** The optional Summons for Rydia that can only be found as drops in the game. They are absolutely useless because you have much more incredibly powerful Summons already.

* AluminumChristmasTrees: Though not accurate to the original Japanese script, "spoony" is a real word, meaning lovestruck or foolish. Thus, it's used accurately in relation to Edward's character.

''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 role-playing games in Japan 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 [=GBA=], and was the second game (after ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyIII'', [[NoExportForYou which didn't make it over beforehand]]) to be remade with 3D graphics on the Nintendo DS (this version was ported to PC in 2014). It's also the first remake to add voice acting, if only for key scenes. 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.

* BalefulPolymorph: Pig, Toad, and Mini. Some of the mages in Mysidia will use them on you when you revisit the town as a Dark Knight and continue to use them after you've transformed into a Paladin. Of course, they seem to have no problem using them on you when you are already so afflicted which changes you back.

* TheDollEpisode: When Cecil first goes underground, he passes by Princess Luca, who can't find her dolls. It turns out that Golbez is controlling them via magic, and he sends them after King Giott's crystal. They're [[CreepyDoll creepy enough]] alone (in part because they're apparently a [[TheDividual hexavidual]], but they just become horrifying once [[CombiningMecha they combine into the Calcobrina]].

* BoisterousBruiser: Cid is a a loud, brawny BigFun who clobbers enemies with hammers and axes.
%%* BonusBoss:
%%** The GBA and PSP versions have [[spoiler:Zeromus EG]], the Brachioraidos, and the Lunar Summons.
%%** The DS version has two accessible only on a NewGamePlus: [[spoiler:Geryon and Proto-Babil]]

** The Brachioraidos. At first glance, it's just a [[FixedEncounters fixed encounter]], like many other floors in the Lunar Ruins. The only real clue is that you have an NPC warn you about it before you fight it, something no other floor has. Even then, with the way that other Lunar Ruins {{Non Player Character}}s behave, it's [[SchmuckBait easy to dismiss it as exaggeration.]]

* BraggingRightsReward: According to the Ultimania, stealing Dark Matter is so unlikely that doing so is cause for celebration. You might as well, since pre-DS that's all it's good for.
** In the Japan-only mobile phone version, beating a character's trial in the Lunar Ruins three times nets you an exclusive piece of headgear for that character, usually with multiple status defenses. But since you've already beaten the game and most of the BonusDungeon, it's unlikely they'll make a difference, even against Zeromus EG.

** Palom and Porom can twincast Comet, a weaker version of Meteor that calls down a hail star-shaped magical projectiles. There's also stronger version called Double/Twin Meteor which is [[spoiler:cast by Golbez and Fusoya to kill Zemus]]. The twins can also use it if they both have the Twin Stars equipped.