What Version of Final Fantasy IV Should I Play?

[MrPopo]

I'll agree, VI > V > IV. I think V has more replay if you do Fiesta runs, though, and those teach you all kinds of fun ways to break the game.

[dunpeal2064]

For story, graphics, music, and overall atmosphere, I'd agree with Bone

I prefer the actual gameplay mechanics of VI the most, but I think V was more well polished, and ends up being the most fun for me, in combat/party management. Sadly, it really lacks the out-of-combat charm and enthrallment of IV and VI.

If V had VI's charm it would be the clear winner, and same for if VI wasn't so damn broken that I actually cared to carefully build my characters stats/magic. As it is, I think they are about even for me, VI probably would nudge out a victory if I had to choose.

All 3 are wonderful though.

[Exhuminator]

VI is awesome. IV is fun, a bit shallow perhaps. V is pretty much junk.

VI > IV >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>........ . . . V

Yep.

[MrPopo]

VI is awesome. IV is fun, a bit shallow perhaps. V is pretty much junk.

VI > IV >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>........ . . . V

Yep.

Didn't you also say that Windwaker sucks? I think we need to add you to the "don't trust this guy's opinions" registry.

[BoneSnapDeez]

My biggest "problem" with V simply stems from the fact that I suck at it.

I spend too much time grinding and fiddling with the jobs. I know there's an easier and more straightforward way to complete the game but I haven't discovered it.

[Tanooki]

I prefer 4 over the three, even if it's short compared I think the story and drive behind it makes it more interesting on many levels, plus I like how you are a set class, have to work with it, and by learning(gaining experience) you learn new skills. I'm not a fan of having to lay down cash to buy spells or job hopping so much. That said I really think 6 comes in just a hair behind it as it's a solid game with a great story too, though it kind of falls flatter in the world of ruin. The issue with five isn't that it's a bad game, it's very well balanced and designed with jobs, the issue is the story isn't as engaging and it's also clearly the hardest of the lot because you really need to in the last 1/3 of the game certain jobs/skills trained up or the bosses will wreck you which I call a negative since you're punished for doing what you want, not what the game demands stifling creativity.

[MrPopo]

My biggest "problem" with V simply stems from the fact that I suck at it.

I spend too much time grinding and fiddling with the jobs. I know there's an easier and more straightforward way to complete the game but I haven't discovered it.

My recommendation would be to do the Four Job Fiesta next year. Being restricted to a selection of four jobs really helps narrow down the focus and can help with that overwhelming "must master everything" feeling the main game can give you. And it's most definitely not necessary to have pimped out freelancers to succeed; many people have taken down both superbosses, though Omega tends to require some selections from a specific group of jobs due to the realities of his incredible defenses.

[irixith]

EDIT: How do you get the party to survive Big Bang + his random Flare casting?

Be at a high enough level to survive the damage, have your healer casting curaja on every turn. (He shakes when he's about to use big bang, so it's easy to prep for) Use Edge to throw dark matter at Zeromus, it reduces his attack power. In fact, Edge is your friend in this fight, since using black magic causes Zeromus to counter-attack with flare. Use Edge to attack, to throw excalibur...use Kain's jump...you get the idea. It's a relatively easy fight if you're leveled up to mid-50's or so. It's do-able, but more challenging at a lower level.

You did it the hard way, so kudos.

[fuctfuct]

EDIT: How do you get the party to survive Big Bang + his random Flare casting?

Be at a high enough level to survive the damage, have your healer casting curaja on every turn. (He shakes when he's about to use big bang, so it's easy to prep for) Use Edge to throw dark matter at Zeromus, it reduces his attack power. In fact, Edge is your friend in this fight, since using black magic causes Zeromus to counter-attack with flare. Use Edge to attack, to throw excalibur...use Kain's jump...you get the idea. It's a relatively easy fight if you're leveled up to mid-50's or so. It's do-able, but more challenging at a lower level.

You did it the hard way, so kudos.

Had to grind to get Rydia to survive a big bang, so i could use Bahamet. Edge i just threw shurkins.. never saw dark mater in the game lol. Didn't use jump as then he would be missing for most of the cures hehe. Like i said most of the charactes where probably not wearing the best equipment hehe.

Best thing about using an emulator = grinding in fast forward heheh

[Exhuminator]

I think we need to add you to the "don't trust this guy's opinions" registry.

I would say something snarky, but you're into hardcore dungeon crawlers and that wins you points in my book. So I'll just say that if we all liked the exact same things this forum would be pretty boring.