Item: FF IV: THE AFTER YEARS+
Rating: 82
Author: Dinsun

Our Site Score

82/100

For fans of FFIV, 'The After Years+' is like a massive high-school reunion. Getting to see what happened to Kain, Rydia, and Edge after nearly two decades is genuinely engaging. The episodic format works surprisingly well for mobile play, letting you finish a 'chapter' in a few sittings.

The Moon Phase system adds a nice tactical wrinkle that keeps the combat from feeling like a total retread. It is a bit grindy in parts, especially if you want to unlock every character's best Band attacks, but for a sequel to a legend, it does a respectable job of honoring the legacy while introducing a compelling new cast.

Reviewed on: Tue Jul 22 2025

Dinsun Review

Dinsun here. This game is the definition of 'more of the same.' It’s episodic by nature, which makes the pacing feel disjointed. You’ll revisit the same caves and towns you saw in FFIV. The 'Band' system is interesting but feels grindy. Unless you are a die-hard Cecil fan, this is a skip. It feels like fan fiction with a budget.

Overall Stats

Pros & Cons

Seeing old characters again
Band system is fun to discover

Extreme asset recycling
Weak, episodic plot
Slow start

Technical Report

Performance: Runs flawlessly on modern hardware, as it should.

Accessibility:

Subtitles

Audience Fit

Buy if: You absolutely need to know what happened to every side character from FFIV.

Skip if: You dislike backtracking and reused environments.

Similar Games:

Final Fantasy IV
Final Fantasy X-2

Reviewer Context

Reviewer: Dinsun
Hardware: iPhone 13
Playtime: 15 hours
Status: Quit halfway through

The Game

Last Update Date : Mon Mar 03 2025

Support Languages : N/A

Genres :

Version 1.0Mon Mar 03 2025

Ratings & Reviews

N/A out of 5 with 0 Counts

Age Rating 9+

Set seventeen years after the original game, FF IV: THE AFTER YEARS+ follows Ceodore, the son of Cecil and Rosa, as a new moon appears in the sky and threatens the world once more. The game is structured into ten distinct tales focusing on different characters, culminating in an epic finale. It retains the 3D aesthetic of the FFIV remake and introduces new mechanics like Moon Phases (affecting magic and physical power) and 'Bands' (powerful combo attacks between party members).

Features

Ten unique character-driven episodes

Dynamic Moon Phase combat mechanic

Powerful 'Band' combo system

3D graphics and animations

Massive roster of playable characters

Tips

Understanding Moon Phases

Resting at an inn or tent changes the Moon Phase. If you're struggling with a physical boss, wait for a phase that boosts physical attacks while weakening magic.