Final Fantasy I - IV FAQ

[TheAbominatrix]

Q: Why is Final Fantasy IV also called Final Fantasy II? If IV is II, then what is Final Fantasy II for origins?
A: Look, here's a handy-dandy chart to explain it!

Japan __________________________ US
Final Fantasy I ------------------ Final Fantasy I (NES), Final Fantasy I (Origins)
Final Fantasy II------------------ Final Fantasy II (Origins)
Final Fantasy III----------------- Not released in America
Final Fantasy IV-----------------Final Fantasy II (SNES), Final Fantasy IV (Chronicles)
Final Fantasy V----------------- Final Fantasy V (Anthologies)
Final Fantasy VI---------------- Final Fantasy III (SNES), Final Fantasy VI (Anthologies)

Every other Final Fantasy title has been released under the same name in both Japan and America.

Q: What's the difference between FFIV hardtype and easytype? (thanks to Big D for the suggestion and Bahamut2000x for pointing out my dumbness. Also, major credit to The Vault of Arcane Lore where I got this information from)
A: Well IV was released in Japan as two different versions. Hardtype and easytype. Hardtype is the version you see in Chronicles, easytype was a version made for Japanese kids, and is easier, as the name suggests. Differences include an alternate look for Zeromus, some different names and properties for weapons and armor (ribbon not only prevents status ailments, but absorbs the three basic elements).

Now, when Final Fantasy II was released in the US, it bore many of the qualities of Easytype, though it wasnt at all a remake of that game. II is easier by far than IV, but it doesnt have all the stuff I mentioned above. Follow that link up there for a more extensive explination.


If you think of anything to be added, please PM it to me or a handy-dandy Cid's Knight or Admin.