I have all platforms except Vita. I see it's available for download on at least the PSP and the Wii, and I know there was a remake on the DS, but I don't know what version I should be playing. Any ideas?

The DS version was surprisingly solid, in my opinion.

Get a Vita and play it on that.

The DS version's the best version of that game.

The DS version, bar none.

Okay, well that looks like the way to go. Will US DS games play on an Australian 3DS? Failing that, I'm pretty sure they WILL play on an Australian DS, which I also have.

@Shaunage said:

Okay, well that looks like the way to go. Will US DS games play on an Australian 3DS? Failing that, I'm pretty sure they WILL play on an Australian DS, which I also have.

Certain DS games are region-free. Did they never release FFIV in Australia?

I hear the DS version is real hard but it has 3D models and voice acting if that's a deal maker for you. Haven't played it yet cos I only just got a 3DS. The PSP version was fine, it was pretty and colourful, it was the game itself that I didn't care too much for.

They did, but we're talking about the difference between $50 and $20.

Found it a bit cheaper. Aus copies of FFIII and FFIV DS are in the mail. Thanks, guys.

I personally prefer the GBA version, but the DS version is fine too I guess.

Rip the ROM yourself from a Super Famicom cart. Then manually patch in the script that you translated by hand. Bonus points for writing your own emulator or knowing what "IPS patching" is.

Maybe not the best, but probably the most satisfying.

The DS version is the best release of all seven thousand six hundred and thirty two versions available.

If one never played this series while younger. Where would be the best place to start??

@Shaunage: Most DS games are region free, but I guess it doesn't matter now.

I've always had this idiot idea that I wanted to play through the Final Fantasy games in order. I completed the GBA Dawn of Souls versions of FF1 and 2 years ago, then just stopped. I've now picked up the DS versions of 3 and 4. I did play 90% of the way through FF8 and got stuck on the last boss, because I didn't know what the hell I was doing with junctioning and levelling. Aside from that, I own, but have not played, basically all of them. I'm jump-starting that again, now.

Out of curiosity, why are so many people recommending the DS version? I have both PSP and DS versions and I have better memories of the PSP version. It had nicer visuals, sound, and the inclusion of the After Years was nice. I think the DS edition was more of a challenge compared to the PSP version but I'm not a fan of that particular iteration of the battle system so I liked the relaxing pace of the PSP version.

@Ducksworth said:

Out of curiosity, why are so many people recommending the DS version? I have both PSP and DS versions and I have better memories of the PSP version. It had nicer visuals, sound, and the inclusion of the After Years was nice. I think the DS edition was more of a challenge compared to the PSP version but I'm not a fan of that particular iteration of the battle system so I liked the relaxing pace of the PSP version.

I'm with you, I liked the PSP version better, and like you said, it comes with the After Years (and also Interlude, which ties IV and the After Years together). I haaated the 3D graphics in the DS remake, but that might just be me. And if I remember correctly, the soundtrack was modified for the worse.

But regardless, you should play FFIV any way you can. Probably my 3rd favorite FF behind VI and X.

A more difficult question might be where I go after this: Is there a version of FFV worth playing?

@Shaunage said:

A more difficult question might be where I go after this: Is there a version of FFV worth playing?

The GBA version is probably the best version of V and of the 2D Final Fantasies this one is my favorite.

I wonder why they never re-released V and VI like the others. I would love to see V get the same treatment IV did on the PSP.

@Ducksworth said:

Out of curiosity, why are so many people recommending the DS version? I have both PSP and DS versions and I have better memories of the PSP version. It had nicer visuals, sound, and the inclusion of the After Years was nice. I think the DS edition was more of a challenge compared to the PSP version but I'm not a fan of that particular iteration of the battle system so I liked the relaxing pace of the PSP version.

Aside from the visuals, FF4 has really linear gameplay and the DS version adds some things to change that up. Also the new game plus option.