After many years being stuck on the Wii and in JP only as well, FFIV finally makes it way to the west for modern consoles. For a remaster, it's somewhat disappointing since there doesn't appear much that was improved or updated.
Controls now can be played without motion sensors, but it still feels clunky at times. This is evident when trying to uncover hidden items with the flashlight or during combat. The graphics looked decent at times, but upon closer look of walls and furniture, the textures are noticeably bad and of low quality. I don't know if it was intentional or not, but there is a constant film grain effect. I guess it sort of fits the atmosphere and the game, but I'd really like an option at least to have a smoother and cleaner look.
I briefly mentioned the combat already and it wasn't too bad overall, but the controls detract from the experience. Not to mention that many combat areas are in small corridors or small rooms making it very difficult to maneuver around. Anything with more than one ghost at a time can be a pretty frustrating experience. Fortunately, the enemies aren't that aggressive and most don't have unusual attack animations compared to FFV.
The story is the usual ritual gone bad Fatal Frame story, but the mystery execution was interesting as is the general premise. You slowly uncover clues for the bigger picture as you progress.
The characters are mostly one-note which I guess is also similar to many Fatal Frame games. No character development or interesting reveal except for one plot twist. Most of the game is spent looking for missing memories for the main characers.
Probably the best aspect of this game is the horror elements. The game is very on point with the creepy setting, oppressive atmosphere and unsettling vibes. The sound direction is also pretty solid too particularly with a few rooms where you hear eerie whispers. I thought all of these elements were lacking from FFV.
Overall, a very good survival horror experience. A bit easy at times on Normal especially being able to to purchase additional consumable items with points you get. It's a good entry for FF newcomers since progressing isn't as confusing as the earlier entries, the combat and survival elements are more lenient and it's the first game in the timeline without much connections with the others.
Controls now can be played without motion sensors, but it still feels clunky at times. This is evident when trying to uncover hidden items with the flashlight or during combat. The graphics looked decent at times, but upon closer look of walls and furniture, the textures are noticeably bad and of low quality. I don't know if it was intentional or not, but there is a constant film grain effect. I guess it sort of fits the atmosphere and the game, but I'd really like an option at least to have a smoother and cleaner look.
I briefly mentioned the combat already and it wasn't too bad overall, but the controls detract from the experience. Not to mention that many combat areas are in small corridors or small rooms making it very difficult to maneuver around. Anything with more than one ghost at a time can be a pretty frustrating experience. Fortunately, the enemies aren't that aggressive and most don't have unusual attack animations compared to FFV.
The story is the usual ritual gone bad Fatal Frame story, but the mystery execution was interesting as is the general premise. You slowly uncover clues for the bigger picture as you progress.
The characters are mostly one-note which I guess is also similar to many Fatal Frame games. No character development or interesting reveal except for one plot twist. Most of the game is spent looking for missing memories for the main characers.
Probably the best aspect of this game is the horror elements. The game is very on point with the creepy setting, oppressive atmosphere and unsettling vibes. The sound direction is also pretty solid too particularly with a few rooms where you hear eerie whispers. I thought all of these elements were lacking from FFV.
Overall, a very good survival horror experience. A bit easy at times on Normal especially being able to to purchase additional consumable items with points you get. It's a good entry for FF newcomers since progressing isn't as confusing as the earlier entries, the combat and survival elements are more lenient and it's the first game in the timeline without much connections with the others.