Play Final Fantasy IV - Terra Celes Online

Game Overview

Final Fantasy IV (or Terra Celes, depending on where you played it) was the first RPG that really made me care about the characters. Cecil starts off as this conflicted dark knight, and before long you're dragged into this wild journey with airships, moon people, and a guy who turns into a frog way too often. The battles feel snappy thanks to that Active Time system—no waiting around for your turn, just quick decisions and watching your party actually move in real time.

And that soundtrack? Uematsu absolutely nailed it. The Red Wings theme still pops into my head randomly. The pixel art holds up too, especially the spell animations—summoning Bahamut as a kid felt like unlocking some forbidden power. Golbez still ranks as one of my favorite villains, mostly because he’s not just some cackling bad guy. Also, spoiler: you haven’t lived until you’ve watched Tellah scream “YOU SPOONY BARD” at the top of his lungs.

It’s one of those games where the story actually sticks with you, even decades later. Just don’t get too attached to everyone in your party—this isn’t the kind of adventure where everyone makes it home.