Final Fantasy IV DS

went to Circuit City to see if they had it (cause the ad shows you get a free $10 gift card) but sadly they didn't have any.

i might try the other CC on Sat...if they dont have it, i'll just pick it up somewhere else.

Picking it up Friday. I just wish you could name your characters still, cause I always used the same names (which I made up) in the NES/SNES FF games. Now I can't do that anymore.

I really want this but $40 for a DS game is a tiny bit steep to me. Hopefully it'll take a dive pretty soon. I thought $35 was steep for a DS game but Zelda has taught me otherwise.

Anyone have an opinion on it for some one who doesn't usually play JRPGs? I've played some of them through the years but generally can't stand the gameplay. I really want to play all of the FF games.

On a side yet somewhat related note, I can't wait till Crono Trigger comes out on DS. I've skipped playing that game on several occasions.

Saw G4's review of it on X-Play last night(4 out of 5 stars). Looked pretty good. FFIV is my all time favorite FF. Guess I finally have a reason to get a DS now, unless...

Have they come up with a way to play DS games on your TV yet? A la the Gameboy Player for the Cube or something?

No, and I don't think it's likely either considering the touchpad aspect of the lower screen. I could see them trying to do something with the wii maybe, but I don't think it would work well.

This is my favorite FF game and I'd much rather see a PS3 remake of this than of FF7 (though I'd take that too). I'll be getting it soon.

For those curious about the stylus and the touch screen...

You don't have to use it. I don't use the touch screen or stylus for anything as it's too much of a pain. But in dungeons it displays a map, and you get items (like 5 potions) everytime you "clear" a map by exploring every part of it. When you're in a castle or a town, it shows you where you are and where you're walking to. It'll even show treasure chests for you.

Only part I have difficulties with is if I set myself to auto-run, I have to go back to "walking" in order to flip switches on walls or find items hidden in pots, bushes, etc.

If you have older strategy guides for the other FFIV games ... DO NOT USE THEM! Everything is changed in this game. Boss strategies have changed. Boss weaknesses, etc., have also changed. Kainazzo, as he was originally called (the Water fiend) will DEVASTATE YOU if you're not ready to heal because he counters EVERYTHING (magic gets magic counter, physical gets physical counter). And his tsunami will rape your childhood worse than Michael Bay.

If you loved FFIV and just wished it was harder ... congratulations, you got your wish.

Story any different? They were talking about how, when they made the original, only 25% of the story got into the final product.

More backstory.

Example, in the very beginning of the game after Kain tries to bail Cecil out of having to go to Mist Village, if you go out and talk to Kain after he tells you to get some rest, you'll go in to a flashback scene and watch Cecil and Kain training with each other.

The entire thing in Mist Village changed a bit too.

Where in the original and the first couple of remakes the story made no sense (Kain suddenly says "We must save Rosa!" and you're like WTF?) they've changed it to make more sense. Just bad translation. Something like this now...

Cecil: The ring ... we were brought here to destroy the village!
Kain: His Majesty wanted this village burned and its people murdered.
*girl crying*
Girl (Rydia): sob sob sob mommy sob sob sob
*Cecil and Kain walk up*
Rydia: My mom's dragon died ... so my mom did too ...
Kain: His Majesty wants all of the Summoners killed ... Cecil, we must kill the girl.
Cecil: Kain, no! She's just a child!
Kain: You would dare disobey your King?
Cecil: Anyone who would condone what has happened here is NO King of mine!
Kain: I will not let the blood of these villagers stain the good name of the Dragoons.
Cecil: Kain...
Kain: Baron has a strong army, the most powerful in the world. We will need help, we must speak to other countries to seek aid. And ... we need Rosa.
Cecil: Yes, of course.
Cecil: Kain ... why are you helping me?
Kain: I'm not doing it for you.

etc. etc. etc.

So you see, they've gone in and actually made the story flow. The little flashbacks and cut scenes you don't usually get are nice too. Cecil's voice is going to kill me though.

Dunno. I like Cecil's voice better then Kains. Kain just screams, "Evil Betrayer." to me.

Wait ... you were being sarcastic, right?