Poll: Final Fantasy IV - Do You Prefer The Original Or The DS Remake?

The original as in the Japanese SNES version (fantranslated) is my favorite way to play FF4, the PS1 version is fine too though the load times are a pain. Pixel remaster was terrible because of the gutted level of challenge (game's already pretty easy) and I really am not a fan of how this poll clumps that up with the other versions.

PSP version I'm also not a huge fan of, I just don't like the brand of HD sprites they used for it, it lacks the nuance that the original had.

3D FF4 is cool, it's a very unique take on the game and I do like the increased depth and challenge it has over the other versions, the remixed soundtrack is terrible though and it's not exactly easy to the eyes.

I'm one of the heathens that prefers the DS remake.
Jokes aside, I like the characters a lot and I think the remake added depth to them, but of course the pixel graphics stood the test of time better.

On a side note I defeated the last boss with Kain alone using Jump after everyone else was killed. One of the best gaming memories I have.

I'm hoping for a remaster of the two 3D remakes. It's a shame they never did 5 and 6

Pixel remaster version is preferred, though I have heard from multiple sources that the PSP version puts them all to shame.

That's a really hard one. Ask me the same question about 3 please.

I personally prefer Final Fantasy IV Advance (GBA) over all the other versions. It is the prettiest looking one i.m.o.

I voted Final Fantasy IV NDS version for 3D Chibi characters and voice acting.

The DS Remake for sure.

It’s the difficulty. It’s a truly difficult Final Fantasy game, especially on hard mode.

I’ve also played almost every version of the game. I would say that Pixel Remaster and Advance are my least favorite versions. They made the game too easy with those versions.

@daveMcFlave

In terms of content it is the most feature filled version.

But it’s also based on the GBA version. Which means it’s too easy.

FFIV lives and dies by its difficulty. It’s not very long and it’s extremely linear by Final Fantasy standards. So for me the difficulty needs to be high. The Super Famicom version is the default version for me. But the 3D Remake is my favorite version because they ramped the challenge up even higher than the Super Famicom version.

If I had to choose one of the two: Pixel remaster.

If I had to choose any version of FFIV: PSP version (Final Fantasy IV: The Complete Collection), which is by far the best version to play!

@Stamina_Wheel

I think the issue with III (for me at least) is that I played FFV first. And FFV is ultimately just a much improved version of FFIII. It’s hard to go back to the more restrictive job system that III had.

How do i vote for original but absolutely not including the pixel remaster with the butt rock

The original is the best and the pixel remaster is the worst. Why are they the same choice lol

My true preference is the PSP version, but I have played the pixel remaster and the 3D remake as well. I prefer sprites in general but I do see the appeal of the 3D version.

The DS Remake for me. I was very disappointed when 6 did not get the same treatment.

FF2 on SNES made me a gamer so that original holds a special place in my heart but that DS remake is sooo good. That's what FF6 needs.

OG by miles. Those 3d remakes were terrible.

I tried getting into the remake as a kid. It was my first, literal first time playing an FF game. It’s turned me off to the entire series.

DS. They did a nice job with the cutscenes and the additional content.

I respect what they were going for, but the 3d remakes of FF3 and FF4 are ugly in my opinion. Not a fan of that art style at all.
Also for FF3 at least, they increased the difficulty, not sure if they did the same for FF4?

I actually only ever played the DS remake. I've only seen footage of the original. So I'm not a great person to ask. I loved the DS version though. I haven't played pixel remaster yet.

most people who are really into the game prefer the DS version because it has far better text and cutscene direction. I actually think just visually the Pixel Remaster is the worst version. The UI is just so damn ugly.

Loved both but original style has the slight edge.

need a fourth option:

"I've only played one, or the other."

i picked OG as i never played the ds one. ✌️

DS one all the way. I played the remastered version and it was way too easy.

any version of any 16/32bit FF game that does not have the original OST is the worst version 🙂

Graphically, the original, but the remake adds a whole lot of stuff to appreciate indeed. As for the Pixel Remaster, I'd value it more if it included The After Years. Leaving it behind on PSP is the Symphonia remaster tier of weird.

I enjoy both for sure, but I find myself going back to the sprite versions most often. There’s some criticism of the Pixel Remaster being too easy, but for me that’s because grinding levels became easier with auto battle. The end boss in Pixel Remaster can still obliterate an unprepared team.
I really loved the voice acting in the NDS remake. It does move a bit slow, but the increased difficulty is a welcome challenge. It’s a Final Fantasy game where if you don’t defend or use protect/shell you will die. I love that the spells matter.

The remake for me.

Played both but I prefer the DS version I love the chibi character designs and the added challenge of the remake.

I had never played this game until the Pixel Remaster, and I really enjoyed it. I got to the final boss, but I didn't beat it; Tears of the Kingdom came out the next day! 😅

This is one of those polls that I feel should have the option of liking both equally. I grew up with the SNES original, and it definitely left an impression on me even after all these years, especially the translations, music, story, and gameplay. Experiencing the remake on DS with the fully animated intro, the voice acting, and redone graphics was an absolute treat, and I recommend it highly to anyone who enjoyed the original. Each has its strengths and weaknesses, and everyone will prefer one over the other, but I personally love each experience equally.

At the time I really liked the remake - but with most forays into more "advanced" rendered graphics from the late 90s/early oughts, I don't think that they aged well and they're kind of distracting now. I thought the story additions were nice tho (the original was breathtaking in its day but it does show its age in its simplicity).

I haven't played the Pixel Remaster version yet but I prefer the original 16 bit. It's my favourite graphical era. The PSP remakes are great too.

I love the original but the DS version sits in a soft spot for me.

The 3D one is better, FF IV has a very basic story, but the 3D models make the story more effective. The extra content is also great, and I liked to get stuff forc mapping the dungeons, it's overall a more fun game.

Also, the 3D one has a better logo, Golbez looks way cooler than Kain.

I've only played the remake, and I never even finished it. I think I played up until certain characters turned to stone? I don't know why I didn't continue as I was enjoying the game at the time. I should give it another go, probably would need to start over though.

I played the ds versions of III and IV before I played the original, so they're my go to

Definitely the GBA version but the original does had better soundtrack although the DS one had better movies while the PSP version had better graphics and more filler contents.

The remake was incredible. Amazing visuals, cutscenes, voice acting, and QOL improvements. I hope it comes to the switch.

The remake is the more fun version to play since its battles are more balanced. But any version is always a great time regardless.

@Yosher

As a teen, that was the saddest videogame moment for me. I was really into the story and especially those characters, so when that happened it was heart wrenching

I have only played the DS version, so it's the winner for me!

@Classic603 Yeah it was a sad moment and it captured me too, which makes me all the more confused as to why I never went on with it. Hearing you say that makes me want to pick it back up all the more though!

40% to 40% at three time of this, wow. I prefer the original, but I didn't play the remake. As an aside, I still wish they would remake VI-- That I would love to play.

I'm going with the DS version. I was around when the original released on the SNES but I didn't start getting into RPGs until the late 90s. FFIV DS was my introduction to the game and so that's where my nostalgia lies.

I can’t really decide. They’re both different enough experiences to exist in their own bubble. I guess if I absolutely had to choose, the original. Its one of the few RPGs you can just “pick up and play” without being tied down for dozens of hours.

I like 'em both, but probably prefer the original.

I'm always going to choose the pixel art option in these situations - just the way I'm wired I guess

I'm very partial to pixel art, but I read a lot of great reviews of the DS remake. After playing it, I think I prefer it. The little thought bubbles on the pause screen are great, the voice acting is surprisingly good, and same with the cutscenes!

Did 4 on DS not sell that well? I'd have thought 5 and 6 would get the same treatment and it is a shame it'll probably never happen.

I don't care for the animation design on the DS remake honestly. Sure the original had encounter rate problems (Looking squarely at the final dungeon especially, here), but there's something about seeing Golbez's severed hand crawl across the ground after he's defeated, only to discover he gets BETTER, that only the pixel remaster really captured for me. But hey, way I look at it, original or remake, if you love the game then you're one of us =D FF4 in any form is great.

none, i find FF games to be boring ASF! have fun with your lame ASF hedge hog also. let me know what others I need to point out, I'm more than happy to add my two cents!!

I think the DS version is an overall better RPG. More challenging, more to do, and overall a very tight package. Though, I think the sprite version is far easier to just get through and a better gate way game to the series (it is a charming "easy" JRPG without the bloat of later entries). I think it just depends on what your mood is. Though, I am disappointed the Pixel Remaster does not include the GBA content... what a bizarre oversight to not include the extra content on what is basically a Directors Cut version of the game.

FFIV on the DS was my first FF game and it’s what led me into RPG’s. So obviously the DS version

Pixel Remaster, the 3D remake is horribly unbalanced in its difficulty curve.

The N.A. SNES version, called Final Fantasy 2 is my most replayed RPG, beaten it about 7 times at this point. It's comfort food, wonky translation and all.

The DS Remake was treading on sacred ground. I'm in that small camp that considers FFIV to be the pinnacle of the series, and while I liked the new dungeons and cutscenes, and the soundtrack was nicely remade, it just goes down much better as a 2D Sprite-based game.

While it has problems for sure, I prefer the GBA version. It doesn't screw up the sound as bad as FFVI's advance version, and the bonus content is better, plus some other improvements - even if the atb is whack. Not sure about PSP version, as I never had much chance to play it. Of the limited choices given here, though, definitely SNES. I've played DS, and it feels like an ugly, awkward chore. Has its moments, but I'm not a big fan of it or its redesigns.

The DS remake was a little bit too hard for its own good.

My personal favorite version is the PSP one.

FFIV is a rare case where I prefer the remake. I love the new features, the improved difficulty, and the new visuals. The voice acting's also pretty cool in the few scenes that have it.

It has its rough areas, mostly by nature of being a polygonal DS game (I can't speak on PSP or PC versions), but by and large they did an amazing job staying faithful to the original game and interpreting its world, and pretty much every additional touch like voice acting and animated cutscenes are very well done.
it set an satisfying template I wish they could've stuck with going forward with remaking all the following games, but they sadly got a bit sidetracked from that.

Remake all the way, I liked the increased challenge and I think the 3D visuals, VA and expanded dialogue really enhanced the storytelling.

I'm annoyed SE didn't give FF5 and FF6 the same treatment on the 3DS.

@Expa0 yep! Namingway Edition is just peak.

@daveMcFlave PSP has the regular difficulty curve (unlike Pixel), but its ATB system is bugged. I always play the Japanese SNES version, retranslated with QoL hacks.

I like both, but if I had to choose, I’d pick the Final Fantasy IV Complete Edition for the PSP which has the extra interlude episode and after years.

DS > SNES > Pixel Remaster

I prefer the GBA version of FFIV

Final Fantasy 2 (USA) has a soft spot in my heart. But it wasn't until FFIV DS that I was able to finish the game and I was very impressed with the voice work done to the cutscenes even if the voice acting itself wasn't the best, I didn't have much exposure to actual voiced lines in games at the time that I played the remake.

I played the DS one briefly, but did not care for the art style or the floaty animations.
GBA one is pretty nice, but that framerate is just awful.
I have a LOT of nostalgia for the SNES US release.

I only played the DS version and the dang Doll boss creeps me out!

Remake is pretty cool, and the opening cinematic is still a wonderful to watch. But the voice acting was meh and the tweaked story & art direction tried to make it into some serious melodrama rather than the spirited Saturday morning cartoon adventure the original story felt like. Nothing beats the crisp spritework of the original for me. Content-wise the PSP wins out and the effects are pretty slick there, but also the Interlude and After Years stories are mostly awful and the mobile game framework of the latter is very annoying.

That said, any version of this game is still great (even the Pixel remaster though barely) by virtue of this being the most balanced Final Fantasy between story, mechanics, challenge, soundtrack, and character design. Give me those unique character abilities any day over everyone can do everything.

@Arnie4490

Trust me they increased the difficulty. It’s marginally more difficult than the Super Famicom version on normal mode. But it’s nail biting difficult on Hard mode.

They also added a really fun Superboss to fight in Hard mode.

@mauhlin12

It did give us the greatest line in any final fantasy game.

“You spoony bard!!!”

It’s even above the two runner ups.

“I Garland will knock you all down!”

And who could forget this one.

“This guy are sick.”

Speaking of crazy Final Fantasy lines, did you guys know that if you do the stairs at Shinra tower on the original PS1 translation of FFVII Tifa calls Barret a… well I don’t like saying it. But she calls Barret a r*****. I noticed that was taken out in later translations.

OG all day. But the 3d version is basically a perfect Hard Mode of the game if that's what you're interested in. I prefer the original pixel look and definitely prefer the original SNES and Pixel Remaster versions of the music to the DS version. In my opinion the music by far the weakest part of the DS one. But if you want more of a challenge the DS version is perfect for that.

I only played the ds remake. I think I played on the 3ds. I don't remember what happened to my 3ds.

I like them both and believe they both have their place. That being said, I prefer the DS version.

This is a really hard one for me. I finally beat the game on DS, but I prefer the original graphics and presentation; same thing with FINAL FANTASY III. I am just not a fan of the Chibi aesthetic; same reason why I never fully committed to the BRAVELY DEFAULT series.

This is my favorite FF because of the characters, but choosing a best version is quite the challenge.

For me it's between SNES and GBA, with DS being treated as something else entirely.

The GBA version has the benefit of improved visuals despite the lower resolution vs SNES.

There's an exclusive opening that's hard to say it's better than the cgi from the DS version, but it's pretty epic either way.

But the sound is weak compared to SNES.

The pros and cons are constantly clashing!

DS is better, GBA is preferred over SNES.

DS over everything easily, haven't played the PR version yet. Between the strategy, replayability and remade scenes, it's an easy choice and I grew up with the SNES version.

DS has one sole blight against itself though; Rubicante! (translation errors are the best lol)

it's such a hard decision.. final fantasy iv is my favourite final fantasy, every version of it is brilliant for me

I haven't played either but I think I would prefer the DS remake if I was going to play a version. I am kind of tired of sprite work though it is a classic part of the older Final Fantasy games.

I much prefer 2D FFIV. The difficulty of the DS version goes past "challenging" straight to "punitive," to the point where I simply don't find it fun. Also, the 3D graphics with SD proportions have aged poorly compared to the timeless sprite work.

I'm not a huge fan of the DS remake's visual style, but looks pretty damned good for an NDS game in 3D, so it's hard to complain about. But the main thing giving the remake the edge over the original, or the remaster, is the simple fact that it's actual, physical proof that Square-Enid is fully capable of faithfully remaking a game. Fully revealing everything they've done with FFVII for the marketing-driven BS that it is.