FINAL FANTASY IV

Old news, yes...

But still, I've been reading snippets of info on this most recent remake of Final Fantasy IV and I cannot wait to play it. This is even after playing through the SNES, PS1 and GBA versions. Isn't that something?

I probably wouldn't have cared so much about this if it weren't for the fact that everything changed for me after seeing Final Fantasy III in action. Then after finding out that that was how Square-Enix was to make FFIV, oh man. I'm a fan all over again!

Now, pictured above is probably the boss that I personally have the most (frustrating) memories of. The Magus Sisters.

In later years, they proved to be no problem in dealing with for me. But back when I first picked up this game, their Delta Attack absolutely murdered my party. I remember battles dragging onward for over an HOUR at times. Yes, I know that proves how incredibly shitful my ability to play RPGs were, but I will never forget the hell I experienced with this sibling triad.

As for the most memorable part of this story, I think it is a toss up. There are so many! Such as the first time you acquire your airship. That feeling as the airship takes off for the first time is just absolutely f***ing awesome! Or when Kain appears and begins to fight Cecil during the Red Wings' attack on Yang's hometown. Speaking of Cecil, his journey and subsequent battle against himself (Paladin vs. Dark Knight), where the light prevails and the Paladin emerges. Or when Palom and Porum sacrifice themselves in order to save the team in Castle Baron. OK and maybe even the part when the truth behind the relationship between Cecil and Golbez is revealed.

Even with a list that I can probably keep adding to, I think I can actually pick out my favorite part of the story. And the more I think about it, the more convinced I am that it is a clean cut winner in my book. My favorite scene/battle was when Rydia returns to aid the party after disappearing during the Leviathan attack. She clearly had aged and she became increasingly more powerful then when she was a kid. Besides that, once you get the power of Bahamut, she can easily hold her own.

So many memories and so little time left! I think the American release for it is next month, which is coming around the corner and fast! Now I know I could try and get a hold of the Japanese version to be able to play it now. But after buying the Suikoden I & II game for PSP (and ultimately feeling like a lost puppy), I have come to the conclusion that I will just wait for the game I can actually read and understand.

Spoony Bard!