Breath of Fire IV

 PlayStation
  • Publisher: Capcom
  • Release Date: Nov 28, 2000
  • Also On: PC
Metascore
83

Generally favorable reviews - based on 10 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 10
  3. Negative: 0 out of 10
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  1. GamePro
    100
    BF IV's fantastic voyage and cool play techniques will keep fans of the series and newbies alike riveted for days.
  2. Antagonist
    90
    Beautiful sprite-based graphics and an interesting experience system offset a confusing story and bland battles in this retelling of the tale of Ryu.
    All this publication's reviews
  3. Daily Radar
    88
    Breath of Fire IV is no exception, compensating for its minor narrative and graphical flaws with watertight gameplay and a huge helping of old-fashioned role-playing charm.
    All this publication's reviews
  5. PSX Nation
    83
    Fans will love its cruelty toward the good guys, but newcomers will want to rent to see if its reliance on "Tomba"-like skill collecting and fishing carry it over its rough spots.
  6. Game Revolution
    83
    The new battle system and improved graphics mixed with solid features from the past make for a seriously addictive game. Great for old school vets and newbies alike.
  7. IGN
    82
    What makes these games so enjoyable is the gameplay.
  8. CNET Gamecenter
    80
    With an excellent story line, interesting characters, dazzling visuals, and distinct soundtrack, Breath of Fire IV is well worth the time of any RPG fan who's looking for a mature gaming experience.
    All this publication's reviews
  9. Hot Games
    80
    Packs more playability into one disc than some RPGs do with three. A true sleeper.
  10. GameSpot
    75
    As solid a game as any of its predecessors.
  11. Happy Puppy
    70
    Nothing less than a solid role-playing game with old-school style and flair.

Awards & Rankings

19
#19 Best PS1 Game of 2000
15
#15 Most Discussed PS1 Game of 2000
6
#6 Most Shared PS1 Game of 2000

User Reviews

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User Score
8.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 104 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 87 out of 104
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 104
  3. Negative: 6 out of 104
  1. shiroyukiJP
    Feb 10, 2014
    8
    I think Breath of Fire 4 is one of the MUST PLAY Games for any RPG fans out there; no matter what kind of preference in RPG that you may have.I think Breath of Fire 4 is one of the MUST PLAY Games for any RPG fans out there; no matter what kind of preference in RPG that you may have.

    The story is engaging with each timeline built to maintain a good suspense. The theme is about the world of Gods sent to sentence humans life.
    Element of Dragons is put inside which i think fits perfectly with the story with exception that i personally do not like the graphic of it and i think the design of the dragon is sub-par.
    Besides that, the battle gameplay is engaging and has its fun, especially once you get further in the story. There are mini-games that could fill in the game nicely.

    Though i am not a big fan of BOF, as rpglover, i think BOF4 should be one of your top lists to play no matter what age you are at. What i like the most about BOF4 is its concept in the story and how well-planned the story progress.
    Its design and art concept is sufficient enough to express a world of its own

    A must play!

    P.S. There is no games or movies that deserve a "10" in this world because i do not believe in a perfect creation. There is always flaw no matter how perfect a game may be created. As long as there is flaw, there will be lots of improvement to look forward into. That is why it is my policy to never rate a "10" for any games/movies.    … Full Review »
  2. VendonJura
    Sep 27, 2018
    10
    Breath of Fire 4 is my 2nd favourite Breath of game. I loved it allot and spent many many many hour playing it. I even had a race with myBreath of Fire 4 is my 2nd favourite Breath of game. I loved it allot and spent many many many hour playing it. I even had a race with my nephew with lvling Fou-Lu as high as possible. We had allot of fun and I rlly wish to play this game again as a HD Remastered version for PS4 or PC.… Full Review »
  3. eded9999
    Sep 1, 2023
    7
    This will be a long one, cause this was one of my favorite PS1 games and it was the very first RPG i played in my life.

    First thing to    This will be a long one, cause this was one of my favorite PS1 games and it was the very first RPG i played in my life.

    First thing to clear is; this game suffers from all the well known JRPG problems of its age: Slowness, no customization on character (no costumes, armors doesn't reflect on characters appearance, not even the weapons) annoying random encounters and the most important: painful EASINESS, which IMO is the biggest flop of this game, cause it affect others thing the game do well, like gameplay.

    The story is mid, the whole idea is good, there's some good moments, twist or revelations, but ultimately fails to have you emotionally involved in the long run. I liked the ending, for the most part, but Yuna should have died.

    So, with bad things clear out, here is why i still like the game:

    1. I like the the way it does turn base combat, with commands executing in a kind of simultaneous way, this allow the Combo System, which i love.
    2. I love the Master System, it's like an In-game-rewarded "trophies/achievements" system.
    3. One of my most beloved role on Final Fantasy is Blue Mage, this game is the reason why. Here, Blue Mage is a universal mechanic for all characters.
    4. Love the music, it's not as good as FF, but is very good.
    5. This is probably the only RPG where i like the whole roster.
    The rest is just a bunch of little things and quirks i like about the game, like how the money in this game have value, a lot mini games, the faeries thing, etc.

    I just which the game were harder, all those nice mechanics and quirks are ultimately worthless because the game is WAY too easy, it's just a walk until you reach the very last locations (The Tomb, Capital and Final Castle) that help to make the game feels boring, your are never in peril, i finish the game with only 1 game over (against the last boss and mostly because I thought it was scripted to die) I wish that final area difficulty was the default from the beginning. It also lack some end game dungeon/area where you can use all the things you master. The game let's you play after the last save, but there's no real reason to do it, since you already kill 99% of enemies.    … Full Review »
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