RPGamers Network > Reviews > Game Reviews > Breath of Fire IV
Visuals:
While the visuals are certainly not up to par with the majority of RPGs released today, they are still a definite improvement over those used in BOF3. The system used still contains 2-D sprites running around on 3-D fields. The battle visuals have slightly updated magical effects, but the huge improvement is the dragon summons. When Pyung Ryung, the wind dragon is summoned by Ryu in battle, it produces visuals which rival the summons found in the PlayStation Final Fantasies. Also when Ryu or Fou-Long (the other main character) transforms into a dragon, it goes into an awesome anime cut-scene. There is also an anime intro which is visually equal with those at the beginning of the Wild ARMs series (slightly above average).
Battle System:
The battle system has gotten a total makeover since BOF3. Now it is possible to create combinations out of magic and special attacks to dish out major damage to the enemies. For example, if you first cast Ryu's burn spell and next have Nina cast Cyclone, you will create the spell, Simoon, which deals moderate fire damage to all enemies. Also, the enemies look more animated and lively than BOF4's predecessors. You can also decide the battle order and form the party during the battle to further increase the strategy involved.
Gameplay:
The reason that gameplay was given the highest ranking is due to the massive amounts of mini-games found in this game. One game involves chasing chickens into a pen, while another involves a difficult game of hide-and-seek with some youths hiding in a crowded desert town. The overall controls seem fine, too, especially with the analog stick. And don't forget the fishing. You could spend literally hours trying to catch all of the fish, and thus getting many a hidden item. This is one very engrossing mini-game and could almost be another video game on its own.
Sounds and Music:
The voices remain un-dubbed and in Japanese (now tradition for the Breath of Fire series.) This helps enhance the overall mood of the game but I wish they had included subtitles for the opening movie, to find out just what the characters are saying. The music is slightly better than BOF3 with catchy battle tunes and the Wyndia theme which will get stuck in your head for days. While it is nowhere near fully orchestrated, the music is still above satisfactory.
Plot:
The plot in this game remains fairly lighthearted throughout the majority of the game. Ryu finds himself naked and in the middle of a desert. He shortly after meets up with Nina who needs her desert ship fixed. Together the find the parts and meet up with her faithful bodyguard and worent, Cray. The three meet other party members during their journey which may later influence the story. The main plot near the conclusion (MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS) is that Ryu is half of the Yorae (future) dragon. The other half is the first emperor of the evil Western Empire, Fou-Long. Ryu must become more powerful than Fou-Long if the world is to be spared from the empire's wrath. The plot sounds basic but it gets deeper as you play it through.
Replay Value:
This is a game you could probably play two or three times, but not much more. The only factors that add to the replay value are the mini-games. The fish you can catch and the point system on the majority of the games allow you to try and beat your records the next time through.
All in all this game was quite enjoyable, but don't expect a Final Fantasy or Xenogears style game. Still, if you need a game to tide you over until the next best thing, consider this as a good choice.
| Game Stats | |
|---|---|
| Genre | RPG |
| Platform | PlayStation |
| Format | CD-ROM |
| # of Players | 1 |
| Released Jap | 04.27.2000 |
| Released US | 11.28.2000 |
| Released EU | 08.03.2001 |
| Aprox. Length | 20-40 hrs. |
| Reviewer Rankings | |
| Battle System | 6.0 |
| Gameplay | 9.0 |
| Music | 8.0 |
| Originality | 7.0 |
| Plot | 8.0 |
| Replay Value | 5.0 |
| Sound | 7.0 |
| Visuals | 6.0 |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Overall | |
| 7.0 | |
Breath of Fire IV
By: CapcomReviewed By: Ellistar
To start off with, the difficulty of this game has been tuned down greatly after the huge frustration that was Breath of Fire 3. It is also the very last Capcom RPG that will be released for the original PlayStation. All in all, I feel this RPG could be considered a little-known success for Capcom.Visuals:
While the visuals are certainly not up to par with the majority of RPGs released today, they are still a definite improvement over those used in BOF3. The system used still contains 2-D sprites running around on 3-D fields. The battle visuals have slightly updated magical effects, but the huge improvement is the dragon summons. When Pyung Ryung, the wind dragon is summoned by Ryu in battle, it produces visuals which rival the summons found in the PlayStation Final Fantasies. Also when Ryu or Fou-Long (the other main character) transforms into a dragon, it goes into an awesome anime cut-scene. There is also an anime intro which is visually equal with those at the beginning of the Wild ARMs series (slightly above average).
Battle System:
The battle system has gotten a total makeover since BOF3. Now it is possible to create combinations out of magic and special attacks to dish out major damage to the enemies. For example, if you first cast Ryu's burn spell and next have Nina cast Cyclone, you will create the spell, Simoon, which deals moderate fire damage to all enemies. Also, the enemies look more animated and lively than BOF4's predecessors. You can also decide the battle order and form the party during the battle to further increase the strategy involved.
Gameplay:
The reason that gameplay was given the highest ranking is due to the massive amounts of mini-games found in this game. One game involves chasing chickens into a pen, while another involves a difficult game of hide-and-seek with some youths hiding in a crowded desert town. The overall controls seem fine, too, especially with the analog stick. And don't forget the fishing. You could spend literally hours trying to catch all of the fish, and thus getting many a hidden item. This is one very engrossing mini-game and could almost be another video game on its own.
Sounds and Music:
The voices remain un-dubbed and in Japanese (now tradition for the Breath of Fire series.) This helps enhance the overall mood of the game but I wish they had included subtitles for the opening movie, to find out just what the characters are saying. The music is slightly better than BOF3 with catchy battle tunes and the Wyndia theme which will get stuck in your head for days. While it is nowhere near fully orchestrated, the music is still above satisfactory.
Plot:
The plot in this game remains fairly lighthearted throughout the majority of the game. Ryu finds himself naked and in the middle of a desert. He shortly after meets up with Nina who needs her desert ship fixed. Together the find the parts and meet up with her faithful bodyguard and worent, Cray. The three meet other party members during their journey which may later influence the story. The main plot near the conclusion (MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS) is that Ryu is half of the Yorae (future) dragon. The other half is the first emperor of the evil Western Empire, Fou-Long. Ryu must become more powerful than Fou-Long if the world is to be spared from the empire's wrath. The plot sounds basic but it gets deeper as you play it through.
Replay Value:
This is a game you could probably play two or three times, but not much more. The only factors that add to the replay value are the mini-games. The fish you can catch and the point system on the majority of the games allow you to try and beat your records the next time through.
All in all this game was quite enjoyable, but don't expect a Final Fantasy or Xenogears style game. Still, if you need a game to tide you over until the next best thing, consider this as a good choice.
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