Lali-ho!

Final Fantasy IV - Pixel Remaster it's such a nostalgic trip, especially with the intro of the Active Time Battle (ATB) system.

So, let's talk characters. Unlike some of the earlier games, where you could mold your characters into whatever you wanted, FFIV sticks them into specific roles. Each character has their own thing going on, and they grow into these roles in ways that feel really unique. The story it's your classic hero's journey, but it’s surprisingly deep for a game of its age. It’s simple, but each character has personal goals and motivations that add layers to the narrative.

Gameplay-wise, the Pixel Remaster makes things a bit easier, which is great if you want a more relaxed experience. But, here's the catch - if you decide to do a bit of grinding, you can easily get overleveled. This can make some boss fights less challenging. It’s a bit of a bummer because you miss out on the unique tactics you'd need in the original versions.

Now, about that ATB system—it’s a bit of a mixed bag. On one hand, it adds this cool layer of urgency because enemies can keep attacking if you’re slow to make decisions. On the other hand, it can feel clunky, especially when you're waiting for a spell to go off. It's definitely different from the turn-based system in FFIII. But, as clunky as it feels sometimes, the ATB system does have its charm. It allows for more dynamic battles and keeps you on your toes, which I’ve grown to appreciate after some time.

One thing I absolutely loved was the mid-dungeon checkpoints. They’re such a lifesaver! You can grind a bit and then take a breather without trekking all the way back to town. It’s a small quality-of-life improvement, but it makes a big difference.

Overall, the combat is the highlight of the game. It's engaging and, for the most part, avoids feeling repetitive. FFIV was a pioneer with the ATB system, and while it’s not perfect, it introduced a sense of real-time pressure that made battles feel more intense and immediate. Even though you can't customize your characters' classes, figuring out how to best use each one in different situations feels like solving a puzzle, especially with the mid-game bosses. 8/10

It's a step up as a story from the previous games, but not by much.

The story is held together pretty hap-haphazardly with some truly soap opera levels of drama.