Final Fantasy IV Advance vs Final Fantasy IV: The After Years
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
Final Fantasy IV Advance brings the beloved 1991 classic to the Game Boy Advance with enhanced graphics, new dungeons, and additional story content. Players follow Cecil Harvey's epic quest to save the world from darkness in a richly detailed fantasy setting. The game features refined turn‑based combat, expanded character backstories, and a host of side quests that deepen the original narrative, offering both nostalgia for veterans and an accessible entry point for new players.
Final Fantasy IV: The After Years continues the beloved story of Cecil and his companions, introducing new chapters that explore the aftermath of the original saga. Players revisit familiar locations while uncovering fresh plot twists and character developments. The game retains the series' signature turn‑based combat and strategic magic system, offering both nostalgic fans and newcomers a rich RPG experience on modern handheld and mobile devices.
- Rich, expanded storyline with new content
- Improved graphics and sound for handheld
- Deep turn‑based combat system
- Portable and easy to pick up
- Rich continuation of a classic story
- Strategic turn‑based combat
- Optimized for mobile play
- Multiple difficulty and New Game+ options
- Limited to single‑player experience
- Screen size can make text hard to read
- No modern online features or DLC
- Limited platform availability
- Graphics are dated compared to modern titles
- Some side quests feel repetitive
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A classic fantasy RPG adventure with memorable characters and a timeless story.
The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataFinal Fantasy IV Advance is the safer default choice due to its higher critic score and enhanced original story content, while The After Years serves strictly as a sequel targeted at fans wanting a post-game continuation. The main trade-off is choosing the original expanded epic (Advance) over a newer sequel featuring Active Time Battle mechanics, multiple difficulty options, and fully voiced dialogue.
Key differences
- •Combat Mechanics: Product A uses a turn-based combat system with job abilities and combo attacks, whereas Product B utilizes the Active Time Battle (ATB) mechanic with spell and ability combos.
- •Story & Content: Product A expands the original storyline with additional dungeons, side quests, new character dialogues, and cutscenes; Product B is a post-game sequel featuring Cecil, returning heroes, and over 30 new side quests.
- •Critical Reception: Product A holds a higher critic score of 78/100, while Product B holds a lower critic score of 60/100.
- •Accessibility & Replayability: Product B offers multiple difficulty settings and a New Game+ mode to carry over levels and equipment, features not listed for Product A.
- •Audio & Presentation: Product B features fully voiced dialogue and updated soundtracks, whereas Product A focuses on enhanced pixel art optimized for the Game Boy Advance screen.
Gameplay & fun factor
Product A has a higher critic score of 78/100 compared to Product B's 60/100, indicating a better-received experience.
Platform availability
Specific target hardware platforms are not specified in the details for either game beyond general mobile optimization mentions for Product B.
Price & value
Both games cost an identical one-time paid MSRP of $9.99.
Multiplayer / co-op
Both games are strictly single-player experiences with no multiplayer features listed.
Content & replayability
Product B features a New Game+ mode to carry over levels and equipment, plus over 30 new side quests.
Difficulty & accessibility
Product B includes multiple difficulty settings for newcomers and veterans, plus touch-screen optimization for iOS and Android.
Graphics & performance
Product A features enhanced pixel art optimized for GBA, while Product B's graphics are noted as dated compared to modern titles.
Choose Final Fantasy IV Advance if…
RPG fans wanting a well-reviewed, expanded classic adventure with turn-based combat and enhanced pixel art.
Choose Final Fantasy IV: The After Years if…
Series veterans looking for a post-game sequel with fully voiced dialogue and multiple difficulty settings.
Common questions
How much do these games cost?
Both Final Fantasy IV Advance and Final Fantasy IV: The After Years have a one-time paid MSRP of $9.99.
Do either of these games support multiplayer?
No, both games are strictly single player with no multiplayer features.
Which game received better reviews from critics?
Final Fantasy IV Advance received a critic score of 78/100, whereas Final Fantasy IV: The After Years received a critic score of 60/100.