Final Fantasy IV (DS) vs. FFXII: Revenant Wings — Which Is Better?

They are fundamentally different genres. "Better" depends entirely on taste.

Final Fantasy IV (DS) – 3D Remake of Classic JRPG

• Genre: Turn-based JRPG (Active Time Battle).
• Strengths: Iconic story/characters, polished remake (voice acting, augmented reality bestiary, new dungeons), challenging boss fights, nostalgic purity.
• Weaknesses: Linear, random encounters, dated mechanics (no party control in original SNES; DS adds some), grinding required.
• For You If: You love classic SNES-era Final Fantasy, story-driven linear adventures, turn-based strategy.

Final Fantasy XII: Revenant Wings (DS) – Real-Time Tactics Spin-off

• Genre: Real-Time Strategy / Tactics (RTS-lite).
• Strengths: Unique RTS gameplay on DS (touchscreen unit control), original story in Ivalice, Espers/summoning mechanics, mission variety, great soundtrack (Hitoshi Sakimoto).
• Weaknesses: Steep learning curve, pathfinding/AI issues, small screen clutter, story/characters less memorable than mainline FF.
• For You If: You enjoy RTS/tactics (Fire Emblem, Advance Wars, StarCraft), want a fresh FF universe story, like touchscreen control.

Recommendation

New to FF? Start with FFIV (DS) — it's the quintessential classic experience.

Loved FFXII (PS2) and want more Ivalice? Try Revenant Wings for a different gameplay twist.

Prefer turn-based? FFIV. Prefer real-time strategy? Revenant Wings.