Breath of Fire IV

 PlayStation
  • Publisher: Capcom
  • Release Date: Nov 28, 2000
  • Also On: PC
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
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  1. WesG.
    Feb 1, 2006
    5
    Amazing sprite graphics do little to redeem this incredibly slow-paced step backwards for the Breath of Fire series. Much of the gameplay is made up of dIsjointed wandering from one pointless mission to the next, with no cohesive storyline to drive the action. The battles are very pretty, but with the multiple dragons of past BOF games gone, much of the appeal is lost. Add boring, Amazing sprite graphics do little to redeem this incredibly slow-paced step backwards for the Breath of Fire series. Much of the gameplay is made up of dIsjointed wandering from one pointless mission to the next, with no cohesive storyline to drive the action. The battles are very pretty, but with the multiple dragons of past BOF games gone, much of the appeal is lost. Add boring, familiar characters to the mix, and you've got a waste of time and money. Get Breath of Fire III instead.… Expand
  2. SuperSourSauce
    Nov 1, 2017
    7
    Capcom needs to bring Breath of Fire to Steam. Sound and visuals are the best part of BoF IV. The weaker of the two PSone games, but that's like saying the Carrera GT is the worst Porsche. You'd still gladly drive it.
  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 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:    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.    … Expand

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

Critic Reviews

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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
  1. 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.
  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.
  3. 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.
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