Final Fantasy IV: The Complete Collection review

One of the few new PSP games that I grabbed recently. Final Fantasy IV: The Complete Collection is basically a compilation of enhanced ports of Final Fantasy IV (SNES, PSX, GBA, Nintendo DS) and it's sequel Final Fantasy IV: The After Years (Nintendo Wii, Mobile) plus an additional story which is an Interlude between the two games.

Just a quick summary. Final Fantasy IV follows the quest of a young Dark Knight named Cecil, commander of the Red Wings, which is the airship squadron of the kingdom of Baron. After leading an unprovoked attack to a nearby village followed by the theft of it's crystal, Cecil began to doubt his loyalty to the kingdom and his way of life. Voicing out his concern didn't go well with the king of Baron's apparent new personality disorder. Cecil had his rank stripped off and was sent off to a delivery routine to re-establish his worth for the kingdom.

To prevent further spoilers I'd just say that the mission didn't go well. That started Cecil's quest to atone for his mistakes as a Dark knight and to determine the reason behind Baron's thirst for power and the unusual monster attacks as well.

Interlude is set roughly a year after Final Fantasy IV to bridge the first story with The After Years.

The After Years takes place 17 years after Final Fantasy IV. Cecil survived in the story of the first game, he is now a hero, married to Rosa and now has a son named Ceodore. It starts with Ceodore's test to become a part of the Red Wings like his father. After succeeding in his trial, he and the Red Wings returns triumphantly  to Baron but they were attacked by monsters on their way.

The After Years is divided into 11 Chapters following the stories of each new and returning characters as they solve the mystery of the return of the Second moon and the return of sudden monster attacks.

Overall:

Final Fantasy IV: The Complete Collection was well presented. The gameplay graphics are based on the GBA version, enhanced for the PSP's screen. The FMVs look good just like any other new gen Final Fantasy game. For the audio, You can select the original musical score as you play for a bit of nostalgia or you can select the new arrangements.
The gameplay is the same as the original games. It still implements the Active Time Battle (ATB) system on battles and a top view perspective as you explore places.

For the record, I grabbed this game for The After Years and the Interlude (I have finished Final Fantasy IV on the DS). I was a bit disappointed with the plot of The After Years, some scenes and events just repeat itself and it's not very challenging. Well it's not bad enough to be labelled as Electric Boogaloo so I'm still thankful. I'm happy with how Interlude goes so far.

So for Final Fantasy fans out there, Final Fantasy IV: The Complete Collection would be a sweet addition to your collection. It's always good to have a full saga in one game.