Final Fantasy IV Advance (Game Boy Advance, 2005)

This may not be the first time a lot of people have played it, and yet for some this may be new to them. After all this is the third time this game has been released. First on the Super NES as Final Fantasy II, then re-released just about as is with minimal change on PSone as FF Chronicles together with Chrono Trigger. This is the third release and comes on Game Boy Advance by itself, but with various enhances with graphics, sound, story line, gameplay, and a very highly expanded plot and several bonus features this time around that will add to the entertainment value of this game and replay.

In addition, the difficulty level seems to have been toned down somewhat, at least from the Playstation version, which will be a welcome adjustment for those that may have found this game somewhat difficult early on in this prior release.

Extra features added to this game from prior releases are what I consider what gives it the edge in making it a 5/5 instead of just 4. Bonus features include expanded storyline, a bestiary that lets you study stats of all monsters beaten, and a music player that you can play all soundtracks in the game.

Most notable additions will be seen upon completing the game the first time around. This includes a massive completely new underground area where different areas within it are unlocked depending upon who you have beaten the game with beforehand. With the multiple characters in this story that once you enter this new realm with you cannot switch characters, this needless to say amounts to significant replay value as you'll have to beat the game multiple times with the different members of your party in order to unlock the various sections that just happen to be directly tied to the further getting to know of your characters and unraveling never before seen plotlines, as well as the more tangible element of getting some of the strongest weapons and armor for your party's members.

Needless to say, there's quite a lot packed into this game, and thus a must-have for anyone who would consider themselves a fan of the series or RPG's in general, regardless of whether or not this is your first time with this game or not, anyone who gives this game a go will be thoroughly impressed.