Metascore
83

Generally favorable reviews - based on 9 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 9
  2. Negative: 0 out of 9
  1. Sep 13, 2021
    92
    Even 30 years after release, Final Fantasy IV still shines as brightly as it did in 1991. Its genre-defining story and combat system coupled with the Pixel Remaster’s reorchestrated soundtrack and quality of life updates make this an iconic game you’d be a fool to miss. Much like Cecil struggles with his unwitting role as a killer for his king, I struggle to let go of Final Fantasy IV Pixel Remaster after spending a few dozen hours wrapping up its main quest. If you have even a modicum of affection for JRPGs, you will too.
  2. Oct 1, 2021
    90
    Final Fantasy IV was a great game when it came out in 1991, and, 30 years later, Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster is just as great. The only thing, in my opinion, that could have made this game better would have been the inclusion of the Lunar Subterrain from Final Fantasy IV Advance. But, hey, “almost perfect” is still pretty good, too. Whether you’re a Final Fantasy veteran or are looking to get your feet wet, I can’t recommend Final Fantasy IV Pixel Remaster enough.
  3. Sep 8, 2021
    90
    Final Fantasy IV Pixel Remaster is a nigh-definitive rebuild of an essential entry in the series, revitalized with a new presentation and only lacking the bonus endgame content of other ports.
  4. Sep 8, 2021
    90
    Final Fantasy IV is one of the best 16-bit RPGs with a strong story that holds up after all these years. Even though the turn-based combat and exploration with random encounters may seem simple compared to modern games, it’s still an enjoyable fourteen hour playthrough. This may not have been the remake everyone was hoping for, but Final Fantasy IV Pixel Remaster is a great version of a great game.
  5. Nov 17, 2021
    80
    While the Final Fantasy Pixel Remasters aren’t perfect, they’re certainly the best and most convenient ways to play these classic games. The soundtracks are lovingly orchestrated and the pixel art is gorgeous, though the latter does lose some detail in the translation. Each game feels great to play, but I do wish extra content from previous releases or remakes had been included.
  6. Sep 19, 2021
    80
    It’s not being weak to pounce on Final Fantasy IV once again. Introducing a dramatic dimension that was lacking in the first episodes of the saga, this adventure crosses the generations without taking a wrinkle. For this Pixel Remaster iteration, Square-Enix remains true to its line of conduct, finding an interesting balance between past and present. Charming and exciting, the game would however have deserved more significant bonuses, such as a small making-of for example. Some may be closed to this less flashy approach than the PSP episode, but Final Fantasy IV, for all that it stands for, remains a staple in Japanese RPGs.
  7. Sep 8, 2021
    80
    Final Fantasy IV Pixel Remaster may initially butt up against your nostalgia if you have fond memories of the original, but over time, I really began to appreciate seeing its visuals and sound explored in creative ways.
  8. Final Fantasy IV Pixel Remaster is an updated version of a 30-year-old game that stays true to its roots. A great entry point for those interested in the history of the series.
  9. Dec 15, 2021
    70
    Final Fantasy IV Pixel Remaster is a stunning update that sings with the bells and whistles of a more modern pixel rendering style. Hindered only by bad font and a small technical issue this is an experience Final Fantasy fans need to have. The story of Cecil is easy to get sucked into, it is backed by some insanely sublime music and the gameplay is a joy, even if it is dated. Only a fool would pass this up!

Awards & Rankings

User Score
7.2

Mixed or average reviews- based on 17 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 17
  2. Negative: 3 out of 17
  1. Sep 27, 2021
    5
    I have HUGELY mixed feelings on this release. This one has widescreen, nice art, and *most* of the new tracks are good (though you can barelyI have HUGELY mixed feelings on this release. This one has widescreen, nice art, and *most* of the new tracks are good (though you can barely hear the bassline for the main battle theme, and you can barely hear the snare in the Red Wings theme), but they SIGNIFICANTLY dumbed this version down. Half xp level requirements, half the encounter rate, and a treasure map, though I guess a lot of people would play this with a guide anyway, these three changes seem like SE wanted to hand the game to people. After decades of people complaining the SNES version is too easy and people preferring harder versions, SE does this release and makes it the easiest one ever. What the hell were they thinking? They should of at least had a difficulty option, maybe mods will fix it, but frankly not having to earn your stats does not give me the same sense of attachment to the game I have for other versions. Full Review »
  2. Sep 19, 2021
    7
    A little bit too easy and I've heard it's even easier the original but I still had so much fun completing the game, getting secrets andA little bit too easy and I've heard it's even easier the original but I still had so much fun completing the game, getting secrets and defeating secret bosses. But the best part is the story, really fine stuff! I recommend if you haven't played Final Fantasy IV. Full Review »
  3. Sep 12, 2021
    10
    This is were the series tends to be more user friendly for the modern gamer, or inclined. This pixel remaster is quite faithful with a fewThis is were the series tends to be more user friendly for the modern gamer, or inclined. This pixel remaster is quite faithful with a few improvements for quality of life. I would strongly recommend starting the series here. There is also a 3d remake which is voice acted in some areas if that is more your speed. Definitely give this one a try. Full Review »