The ESRB Rates Wii Final Fantasy IV Sequel

The Japanese mobile phone sequel to Final Fantasy IV looks to be heading to North America, as the ESRB rates Final Fantasy IV: The After Years for the Nintendo Wii.

Once again the Entertainment Software Review Board ruins the surprise for everyone, as an entry appears for Final Fantasy IV: The After Years. Released in episodic format last year for Japanese cell phones as Final Fantasy IV the After: Tsuki no Kikan, the game follows the adventures of Cecil and Rosa’s son Ceodore, 17 years after the original game’s ending. Along the way players encounter returning characters and strange new ones as they unravel the mystery behind the reappearance of the planet’s second moon.

The game features a few mechanics new to the Final Fantasy series. Character and monster abilities change with the phase of the moon, which shifts every time the party rests at an inn, with certain rare monsters only appearing during specific lunar phases. The game also features Band Abilities, which are devastating multi-character combo attacks.

As far as release dates and platform specifics, the ESRB listing only reveals the Wii as the console and an E for Everyone rating, along with the following description:

This is a 2D role-playing game in which players embark on an adventure involving magical crystals and a mysterious kingdom. Players traverse across a field map or through dungeons and can enter into turn-based battles along the way. Players use a menu screen to select attacks or magic spells against tiny enemies (e.g., leopards, birds, knights, fish monsters, etc.) that blink and disappear when defeated. An item called “Bacchus Wine” is occasionally used to defeat enemies in battle.

While not specifically listed, we’re almost positive Final Fantasy IV: The After Years will be coming to WiiWare sometime later this year.

FINAL FANTASY IV: The After Years [ESRB - Thanks Heinous!]