Final Fantasy 4 is one of the best and most important games in the franchise, marking the second attempt by the series to embark on a story-driven adventure to accompany its solid gameplay loop. The way familiar elements of the series are integrated into the narrative is executed brilliantly. Players become invested in the high-stakes plot and the story beats that have become iconic.

The quality of this game is off the charts, and most people would want to figure out the best way possible to experience this masterpiece. Square Enix certainly hasn't made it easy for players to get into a definitive version of the game per se, with every release having its caveats. Still, there are various ways that players can experience the magic of Final Fantasy 4, even if some are more flawed than others.

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6 Final Fantasy 4 (Port)

PlayStation

FF_0009_Cecil & Rosa (Final Fantasy IV)
  • Release Date: March 21, 1997

The PlayStation ports of the SNES Final Fantasy games are probably the first way that many players got to experience these amazing games. So, it's a shame that these versions are riddled with so many issues. Enjoying the game becomes downright impossible.

Even the inclusion of FMVs couldn't save the PlayStation version of Final Fantasy 4 from being an absolute nightmare to deal with. The loading times were the worst, and the many random encounters were grating. Only dedicated players who genuinely enjoyed the story could sit through this absolute mess of a port.

5 Final Fantasy 4 Advance

Game Boy Advance

Final Fantasy 4 Advance
  • Release Date: December 12, 2005

For what it's worth, the Game Boy ports of beloved Final Fantasy games did a great job of translating the complex gameplay of these JRPGs to portable hardware. Fans loved the idea of playing these games on the go, a luxury that most people couldn't think of back then. However, these ports had to come with some compromises so that Final Fantasy 4 could work on such a small device.

The biggest drawback of this port is the sound. The simplified sound chip of the GBA is nowhere near as rich and complex as the one on the SNES. As a result, the brilliant OST of Final Fantasy 4 is compressed to a ridiculous extent. Thankfully, this is made up for with great additional content that fans would love to uncover.

4 Final Fantasy 4

SNES

Player uses Cecil to complete quests
  • Release Date: July 19, 1991

JRPG players in the West were lucky enjoy the release of Final Fantasy 4, even if it was released under the name of Final Fantasy 2 to maintain continuity. The game offered a massive, engaging adventure that fans loved. Cecil's journey of redemption to become a righteous Paladin was captivating from start to end.

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The innovation in Final Fantasy 4 was clear for all to see, and the amazing narrative was one of the game's biggest highlights. While it may not have exploded in popularity overseas, it didn't take long for new fans to appreciate what Final Fantasy 4 brought to the table, labeling it one of the series' highlights.

3 Final Fantasy 4 3D

Nintendo DS, Mobile, PC

Final Fantasy IV boss fight against wall
  • Release Date: December 20, 2007

The 3D remakes of Final Fantasy 3 and 4 were great endeavors that allowed players to experience these titles with a fresh coat of paint. Not everyone liked the art style. However, the production value of these releases, coupled with some tough-as-nails combat, established these games as worthy titles for fans of Final Fantasy.

Players must utilize the best equipment, attacks, and spells to come out victorious. This makes the player's victories even more memorable, which is quite welcome, given how the most common complaint about the Final Fantasy games is that they don't pose much of a challenge.

2 Final Fantasy 4 Pixel Remaster

Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PC, Mobile

final-fantasy-shiva-tier-list-ff4-pixel-remaster-july-2023
  • Release Date: September 8, 2021

The announcement of the Pixel Remasters was a nice surprise that gave players another excuse to replay some of their favorite Final Fantas. The fourth game is no exception here. Players loving how this remaster the classic versions with better visuals, effects, artwork, and everything in between.

While some people lament the loss of the additional content present in the Advance releases, it's a small price to pay for what is otherwise a brilliant game. The redone score is one of the biggest positives, breathing new life into a soundtrack that is ethereal and evocative.

1 Final Fantasy 4: The Complete Collection

PlayStation Portable

Final Fantasy 4 The Complete Collection
  • Release Date: March 24, 2011

Many people still stand by the 2D PSP remake of Final Fantasy 4 as the best way to experience this masterpiece, and there's credence to this statement. The 3D remake was great as well, but changes to the gameplay and a chibi-esque art style were two points that fans had to compromise on.

Meanwhile, there are few to no drawbacks in the PSP release of Final Fantasy 4. The clean art, charming gameplay, and bonus content from the Advance versions are all here. This package also includes Interlude and The After Years, which continue the story of Final Fantasy 4 for fans who want to see how the heroes developed after the game's ending.