Game:

Final Fantasy IV: The After Years (2008)

Duration: 14:39

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Final Fantasy IV: Ultima is a hack by 8-bit fan that aims to present a more expansive version of the classic. New weapons, spells, bosses, and a modified overworld are just a few of the changes on tap.

The latest version of the patch can always be found here:

https://www.romhacking.net/hacks/4134/

Time to go deliver that package, but first...there's quite a few new features and changes to go over.

First up...it's possible to turn your dash boots on by pressing the Y button. My brilliant mind doesn't pick up on this until later on so you get to enjoy slow motion walking.

Next...if you were attentive, you can now switch your max hp display with a number that climbs up from 0%. Basically, a psuedo ATB bar like in FFV. Even better though is the fact you can now skip a character's turn if you want to keep them on standby for emergencies during a tough battle.

Next up...if you bring up any character's equip screen, you'll find a VASTLY improved interface that shows character stats, offensive/defensive numbers, and resistances/immunities.

Finally...character changes. For Cecil, he has the Dark command to do damage to all enemies at the cost of 1/8th his max hp. He's also dropped the ability to use a shield in favor of wielding two weapons. AoE and single target damage means he'll have no trouble dishing out the pain.

Speaking of pain, resident master dragoon Kain has gotten a less impactful change...the ability to use white magic. Having only 5 mp and access to only one spell, Scan, means he can't make use of his newfound powers, but he still retains the ability to use spears and his trademark Jump command, causing him to jump high into the air for a short duration before crashing down on some poor monster's head.

Our destination is northwest of Baron Castle, a place known as Mist Cave. Nothing in the cave should pose a threat enemy wise, just remember to throw a potion Cecil's way as need be since he's going to be spamming Dark a ton to thin out hordes of enemies.

Not much to mention item wise from the chests, just some more consumables. There's also a random voice in the air telling the duo to return home immediately. Obviously that can't happen so when you reach exit, the voice gives you one last chance to run before taking form and attacking the duo.

While the Mist Dragon isn't much of a threat, it will turn into literal mist a few turns into the battle. While you can damage the Mist Dragon during this phase, it will provoke a Cold Mist counter that does ~20+ damage to both characters. Doesn't help its case though if Kain's constantly jumping and Cecil attacking/healing because you can wipe out the Mist Dragon before the mist phase ends for the first time..

Upon exiting the cave, you'll see Mist to the east, but there's a lake barring access, meaning you'll have to take the long way around to reach Mist. I do believe the skipping Mist trick still exists in this hack if you fancy getting some powerful equipment early.

Once you arrive in Mist, unequip everything from Kain except for his spear & shield. Once you enter town and move right a bit, the Mist Dragon REALLY does not want anyone to interfere and triggers another boss battle, the first of many new bosses in this game.

There's not much different with the raging beast, but there's the fact that Kain does MUCH less damage here with both Jump & his normal attack. Even more concerning though is the fact the dragon WILL not let Kain jump on its head without launching a Cold Mist at the party, doing 40-50 damage to them. So long as you don't resort to spamming Jump, this fight won't take too long.

After the fight, there's a kid standing over the body of her mother. She states that since her dragon died, her mom follow ed suit.....and we were the ones who killed on of her offspring, lovely.

Kain provides the easy solution...gather enough might and overthrow Baron easily.

The problem though? The girl is KINDA ticked off her mom just passed away. When the guys try to convince her that they'l protect her, she starts a fight. Make damn sure you've collected everything. Once the girl summons Titan, take off Kain's spear & shield because Titan is going to perform an earth shattering kaboom to end the fight.

When Cecil comes to, the young girl survives, but there's no sign of Kain. We'll have to look everywhere and see if anyone knows what happened to him.

More next time!

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