Breath of Fire IV

"An average game"

I honestly don't understand why someone could love this game...I mean, it's not horrible, and most will probably enjoy it to some degree...but to give it a 9 or 10? no way.

Gameplay

The gameplay isn't bad or good. The ''skill'' system is an adequate diversion, and it is actually fun getting some skills. There is, however, an annoying problem when you try to line up your character with something. However, that doesn't detract too much. The gameplay isn't wonderful or terrible.

Music

Maybe the games best point, there is actually some decent music in this game...mostly the battle music. Much better than the almost completely unmemorable drivel that populated BOF III. BOF IV's battle music is dramatic and well done, and there are a few other good tunes.

Graphics

Now, graphics cannon make or break a game, but BOF IV's graphics certainly don't help. I can honestly say the visuals (spell effects included) in BOf III were better.the dragon attacks (save for 2) are pretty unimpressive. There are about two spells and two dragon attacks in the entire game that are fun to watch.

Story
The story isn't terrible...it's kind of predictable and average, however, it has a few turns (and one fairly perverse one) that give it some value...it isn't the game's weak point. Unfortunately your characters don't really have a quest insofar as them pursuing anything or being actively involved in anything...it's more along the lines of Ryu's self-discovery. Only towards the end does he learn that he has a purpose, but there are no trials or tribulations towards that purpose, that purpose is to fight the final boss. So by now you may question why I gave this game a 6, as I haven't really said anything bad about it...well you're about to find out...

Everything else:
Ok, first order of business...mini games. BOF IV is chock full of (many of them needlessly complicated) mini-games. There are minigames that MUST be done everywhere. Dungeons=mini games,Towns=mini games...you can expect a mini game to get past everywhere you go, and I promise it gets annoying, fast. Secondly...this is an rpg...however, it has NO events, NO grandeur, and NO wonderment that an rpg should always have in one form or another. It is basically about your characters going on a slow journey towards one particular town, that's it in a nutshell. And when I mean there are no events, what I'm trying to say is that there is not a single major, definitive and memorable even your characters engage in in the entire game. They walk from point to point learning marginally more about whats going on..., reach one particular town, fight the final boss, and then the game ends, pretty interesting, huh? Additionally the characters themselves are hollow and pretty easy to forget.
And my final gripe...this is BREATH OF FIRE, you are supposed to be able to turn into a dragon...not a dude with wings who turns into a dragon for a 15 second attack and reverts.

BOF as a series has potential, unfortunately there first two far surpass the recent offerings..oh well...

Reviewer's Score: 6/10, Originally Posted: 01/07/01, Updated 01/07/01