Exclusive to this DS remake is the addition of augments, which grant you the power to customize your party as your heart desires. Similar to how you would find materia in Final Fantasy 7, you can happen upon certain augments in the world; sometimes you will be given them, and sometimes you can obtain them from certain enemies. Effects of augments range from giving characters slight HP boosts to awarding the invaluable spell Recall to party members who otherwise would not learn it. Wise usage of augments is essential, as Final Fantasy 4 is a very difficult game if you are not prepared to put some time into it. Finding and putting augments to proper use will greatly aid you in yours (and Cecil’s) quest. Along with these new augments, there are quite a few new additions that will delight fans of the original as well as new players. For instance, Rydia has been given an Eidolon by the name of Whyt who can be customized through mini-games and personalized as you see fit. Players can actually match their version of Whyt with friends and see which incarnation emerges victorious, adding a sort of virtual pet element.

Do not confuse Final Fantasy 4 for a simple game. You will need to invest a lot of your time into this vignette, as the story will add and remove characters as it sees fit, leaving you to rely on all of your teammates rather than focusing on just one as many gamers tend to do. You will need to pay close attention to what NPCs advise, as well as take in your surrounding area because as far as RPGs go, this is quite the traditional experience. You will be challenged. That’s part of what makes it great.

Whether you have enjoyed the original version or you’re a newcomer, there is something for everyone in this definitive edition. At an affordable $40, it’s a must-play for both old and new RPG fans in general. It’s an excellent addition to the Final Fantasy line, and it’s heartwarming to see an old favorite given such a polished treatment. If you’ve never experienced this memorable tale before, now is the best time.