Breath of Fire IV (2000)

by Ji-yeong
written by Ji-yeong 6 minutes read

Summary

Breath of Fire IV is a role-playing video game developed and published by Capcom for the PlayStation. It was released in Japan in 2000 and in North America and Europe in 2001. It is the fourth installment in the Breath of Fire series.

The game follows the story of Ryu, a young dragon-human hybrid, and his companions as they journey to find the missing Princess Elena of the Windia Kingdom. Along the way, they must battle against the evil Fou-Lu and his minions, who seek to plunge the world into darkness.

Breath of Fire IV is a traditional turn-based JRPG, with a focus on exploration and character development. Players control a party of up to four characters, each with their own unique abilities and strengths. The game features a large world to explore, with a variety of towns, dungeons, and other locations to visit.

One of the unique features of Breath of Fire IV is its “Dragon Gene” system. Each character has a Dragon Gene that can be activated in battle, giving them powerful new abilities. The Dragon Gene system adds an extra layer of strategy to the game, as players must carefully consider which characters to use and when to activate their Dragon Genes.

Breath of Fire IV was praised for its graphics, story, and gameplay. It was a commercial success, selling over one million copies worldwide. The game has been re-released on several platforms, including the PlayStation Network, PlayStation Vita, and Windows.

Story

Breath of Fire IV takes place in a world where humans and dragons once lived in harmony. However, a great war broke out between the two races, and the dragons were nearly wiped out. The few remaining dragons went into hiding, and the world was plunged into darkness.

Centuries later, a young dragon-human hybrid named Ryu is born. Ryu is raised by a human family, but he soon discovers his true heritage. When the Princess Elena of the Windia Kingdom is kidnapped, Ryu sets out on a journey to find her.

Along the way, Ryu meets a variety of companions, including Nina, the princess’s sister; Fou-Lu, an evil sorcerer; and Cray, a young dragon. Together, they must battle against Fou-Lu and his minions, and restore peace to the world.

Gameplay

Breath of Fire IV is a traditional turn-based JRPG. Players control a party of up to four characters, each with their own unique abilities and strengths. The game features a large world to explore, with a variety of towns, dungeons, and other locations to visit.

One of the unique features of Breath of Fire IV is its “Dragon Gene” system. Each character has a Dragon Gene that can be activated in battle, giving them powerful new abilities. The Dragon Gene system adds an extra layer of strategy to the game, as players must carefully consider which characters to use and when to activate their Dragon Genes.

In addition to the main story, Breath of Fire IV also features a number of side quests and minigames. Players can fish, cook, and even play a card game called “Whist”. There are also a number of hidden items and secrets to discover.

Characters

  • Ryu is the main protagonist of Breath of Fire IV. He is a young dragon-human hybrid who is searching for his true identity.
  • Nina is the princess of the Windia Kingdom. She is a strong and independent woman who is determined to find her missing sister.
  • Fou-Lu is the main antagonist of Breath of Fire IV. He is an evil sorcerer who seeks to plunge the world into darkness.
  • Cray is a young dragon who joins Ryu on his journey. He is a powerful ally, but he is also naive and impulsive.

Development

Breath of Fire IV was developed by Capcom’s Flagship development team. The team was led by producer Yoshinori Kawano and director Makoto Ikehara. The game was originally intended to be released on the Nintendo 64, but it was eventually ported to the PlayStation due to hardware limitations.

Breath of Fire IV was a critical and commercial success. It was praised for its graphics, story, and gameplay. The game has been re-released on several platforms, including the PlayStation Network, PlayStation Vita, and Windows.

Legacy

Breath of Fire IV is considered to be one of the best JRPGs of its era. It was a commercial success, and it has been praised for its graphics, story, and gameplay. The game has been re-released on several platforms, and it continues to be enjoyed by fans around the world.

Conclusion

Breath of Fire IV is a classic JRPG that is still enjoyed by fans today. It is a well-made game with a great story, memorable characters, and engaging gameplay. If you are a fan of JRPGs, then you owe it to yourself to check out Breath of Fire IV.

Review Score

8.5/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

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Ji-yeong is a passionate gamer and whose love for video games blossomed during her childhood. Growing up in the midwest, without many friends, she spent countless hours exploring the enchanting worlds of classic JRPGs like Final Fantasy and Chrono Trigger, which sparked not only an enduring love for gaming but also a keen insight into its evolving landscape. Today, Ji-yeong channels her deep-seated passion and nostalgia into thoughtful, engaging reviews that resonate with both longtime gamers and newcomers alike. Her unique perspective, rooted in a rich history of gaming, offers readers a heartfelt journey through the pixels and stories that have shaped her love for this dynamic medium. Her favorite game series of all time is Harvest Moon.

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