It only took 25 years (22 if you count the limited PC release), but one of the most iconic JRPGs, Breath of Fire IV, is finally being preserved on PC through GOG.
The GOG release comes with a host of enhancements for Windows 10 and 11 users, including:
- Full compatibility and stability upgrades (covering cutscenes, battles, and task-switching)
- Dual-language support (English and Japanese)
- An overhauled DirectX renderer with options like V-Sync, anti-aliasing, gamma correction, and integer scaling
- Improved audio and sound design, keyboard and mouse support, and expanded controller compatibility
- Refined minigames and interface tweaks for a smoother overall experience
Importantly, the game is DRM-free, meaning no reactivation checks or online requirements. Once you purchase it, it’s yours to keep.
Originally released during the heyday of the PlayStation One, Breath of Fire IV was the first JRPG for many players (myself included). Its return is a welcome addition to GOG’s growing catalog of preserved classics.
Set in a vast fantasy world, Breath of Fire IV follows Princess Nina of Wyndia as she embarks on a desperate mission to find her missing sister, Elena, who disappeared near the former war front. Along the way, she meets Ryu, a mysterious blue-haired warrior with the rare ability to transform into a dragon. Their paths soon become intertwined with the fate of the world.
GOG, or Good Old Games, has been preserving older titles since 2008. Their goal is to improve accessibility for classic games while ensuring they remain available for future generations. Every release comes DRM-free, in line with their commitment to open and permanent game ownership.
Breath of Fire IV is available now on GOG for $9.99.