Final Fantasy IV Advance vs Final Fantasy VII
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 VII follows Cloud Strife, a mercenary with a mysterious past, as he joins an eco‑terrorist group to stop the megacorporation Shinra from draining the planet’s life force. The story weaves personal drama, epic battles, and a richly detailed world that blends fantasy and sci‑fi elements.
- Rich, expanded storyline with new content
- Improved graphics and sound for handheld
- Deep turn‑based combat system
- Portable and easy to pick up
- Rich, unforgettable story
- Innovative Materia customization
- Iconic music and visuals
- Extensive replay value
- Limited to single‑player experience
- Screen size can make text hard to read
- No modern online features or DLC
- Outdated graphics by modern standards
- Occasional pacing issues in early chapters
- Limited save slots in original version
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Alternatives to Final Fantasy VII
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A breathtaking RPG adventure with fast-paced combat and a deep, emotional story.
The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataFinal Fantasy IV Advance is the safer, budget-friendly default at $9.99, while Final Fantasy VII offers a higher-rated, deeper narrative experience for $49.99. The main trade-off is saving money for handheld pixel art versus paying more for a sprawling sci-fi/fantasy world with the Materia system.
Key differences
- •Pricing: Final Fantasy IV Advance costs $9.99, whereas Final Fantasy VII costs $49.99.
- •Critic Scores: Final Fantasy VII has a higher critic score of 85/100 compared to Final Fantasy IV Advance's 78/100.
- •Combat Systems: Final Fantasy IV Advance uses turn-based combat with strategic job abilities and combo attacks, while Final Fantasy VII uses turn-based combat with an ATB gauge and Materia customization.
- •Story & Themes: Final Fantasy IV Advance features additional dungeons and new character dialogues expanding the original story, while Final Fantasy VII explores themes of identity, environmentalism, and corporate greed.
Gameplay & fun factor
Final Fantasy VII features the versatile Materia system and an ATB gauge, scoring an 85/100 critic score compared to FFIV Advance's 78/100.
Platform availability
Platform availability is not specified in the provided facts for either game.
Price & value
Final Fantasy IV Advance is priced at $9.99, making it significantly cheaper than Final Fantasy VII at $49.99.
Multiplayer / co-op
Both games are strictly single-player with no multiplayer components.
Content & replayability
Final Fantasy VII offers extensive replay value through multiple side quests, hidden items, and a sprawling, pre-rendered world map.
Difficulty & accessibility
Final Fantasy IV Advance features improved menu navigation and inventory management for faster gameplay, though screen size can make text hard to read.
Graphics & performance
Final Fantasy VII features cinematic full-motion video sequences and an iconic soundtrack, despite outdated graphics by modern standards.
Choose Final Fantasy IV Advance if…
Gamers wanting a budget-friendly, portable RPG with enhanced pixel art and added dungeons.
Choose Final Fantasy VII if…
RPG enthusiasts looking for a highly-rated, cinematic story with innovative Materia customization and an iconic soundtrack.
Common questions
How much do these games cost?
Final Fantasy IV Advance has an MSRP of $9.99, while Final Fantasy VII has an MSRP of $49.99.
Do either of these games include multiplayer?
No, both Final Fantasy IV Advance and Final Fantasy VII are strictly single-player experiences.
Which game has a higher critic score?
Final Fantasy VII has a critic score of 85/100, whereas Final Fantasy IV Advance has a critic score of 78/100.