When most gamers think of video game subscription services, Apple Arcade typically isn’t the first one to come to mind. Given that it’s only accessible on iPhones, iPads, Apple TVs, and Macs, Apple’s flagship gaming service doesn’t have nearly as many AAA titles as its competitors, like Xbox Game Pass and PlayStation Plus. Even still, it does have a sizable library of games, both exclusive and non-exclusive. Those who subscribe to Apple Arcade can get access to microtransaction-free versions of several hit mobile games, including Jetpack Joyride, My Talking Tom, and Crossy Road. They can also play console-quality singleplayer titles, such as Pocket Card Jockey: Ride On!, Sonic Dream Tea m, and Fantasian.
Like with most subscription services, new content is added to Apple Arcade’s catalog on a monthly basis. In December 2024, Apple plans to bring 8 games to the service. These include the mixed-reality city builder Little Cities: Diorama, the word puzzle game Boogle: Arcade Edition, the endless maze runner Pac-Man 256, and the 3D racing game Hot Wheels: Race Off!, among others. Interestingly, Apple will also be adding Final Fantasy 4 and Final Fantasy 4: The After Years to Apple Arcade next month. Final Fantasy fans who have yet to play these retro JRPGs may want to check them out when they’re released on the service on December 9.
The
Final Fantasy 1
Pixel Remaster is coming to Apple Arcade, as well, but it’s launching on January 9, 2025, and not December.
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Final Fantasy 4 and Final Fantasy 4: The After Years are Coming to Apple Arcade in December
Final Fantasy 4 is an Important Part of JRPG History
Final Fantasy 4 isn’t talked about that often these days but, among those who’ve played it, it’s widely regarded as one of the best JRPGs of all time. Even though it’s a pretty old game, given that it was originally released on the SNES in 1991, its influence is not to be understated. Final Fantasy 4 was the first Final Fantasy game to feature the Active Time Battle (ATB) system, which became a staple of the series in later installments. It was also one of the first JRPGs to place a heavy emphasis on dramatic storytelling.
Final Fantasy 4
was originally called
Final Fantasy 2
in the United States because, at the time of its worldwide launch, the real
Final Fantasy 2
and
Final Fantasy 3
hadn’t been released outside of Japan.
The version of Final Fantasy 4 that’s coming to Apple Arcade in December isn’t the original SNES iteration of the classic JRPG, but rather, it’s the game’s Nintendo DS remake. Some may not know this, but FF4 was actually rebuilt from the ground up for Nintendo’s dual-screen handheld back in 2007. This remake featured 3D graphics instead of 2D pixel art, and was largely praised at the time of its release for being a faithful adaptation of its source material. The game was eventually ported to iOS, Android, and Windows PC in the early 2010s. Final Fantasy 4 (2007) is not as modernized as the recent FF4 Pixel Remaster, but it’s still an enjoyable version of the game, despite its age.
Final Fantasy 4: The After Years is the Divisive Follow-Up to Final Fantasy 4
Final Fantasy 4: The After Years is, as is evident by its name, a direct sequel to Final Fantasy 4. It was released exclusively for Japanese mobile phones in 2008, and it made its international debut on the Nintendo Wii in 2009. Much like the mainline FF installments from the early 90s, the original FF4: The After Years was a 2D game. Its 2013 remake for iOS and Android, however, was fully 3D. FF4: The After Years received mixed reviews across the board, and many considered it a disappointing follow-up to the original FF4. Despite its negative reception, diehard Final Fantasy fans may still want to try the game out at no additional cost on Apple Arcade to see if they’ll like it or not.
Apple Arcade
Apple Arcade is a subscription service that offers hundreds of popular games from every genre. Apple is offering a free one-month trial to test it out, with the link below.