This page outlines the differences among the various regional and platform versions of Breath of Fire IV, including PlayStation, PC/Windows (CD-ROM), and PC/Windows (GOG).

PlayStation

CD-ROM Variants

There are a total of 3 known PlayStation CD-ROM versions: Japan, USA, and Europe. Click on the titles below to reveal more information.

Breath of Fire IV: Utsurowazaru Mono (Japan)¹

Size (Track 1): 654589824 bytes / 654.589824 MB
CRC32 (Track 1): 33362413
MD5 (Track 1): 540b8d43425a4cbecd2ae4aa0b92e389
SHA-1 (Track 1): 2c50bca24e0cf644e6dc4a30b2887b676bf16698

Size (Track 2): 43248576 bytes / 43.248576 MB
CRC32 (Track 2): 6d0656b0
MD5 (Track 2): 224e1b07f2eec6aca4993aafd714ade7
SHA-1 (Track 2): 0dcf70e5fe9b151633ebadb17ff87057dde1eb4e

Size (Track Total): 697838400 bytes / 697.8384 MB
CRC32 (Total): 6041f47e

Product Code: SLPS-02728
Product Code (PlayStation the Best): SLPM-87159
Disc Ring Mastering Code: SLPS-02728
Disc Ring Mastering SID Code: IFPI L274
Disc Ring Toolstamp/Mastering Code: 1
Disc Ring Mould SID Code: IFPI 4532, IFPI 4540, IFPI 4543, IFPI 4548, IFPI 454F, IFPI 4556
Case Barcode: 4976219455206
Case Barcode (PlayStation the Best): 4976219755870
Description: This is the Japanese language version of the PlayStation disc.

Breath of Fire IV (USA)²

Size (Track 1): 645066576 bytes / 645.066576 MB
CRC32 (Track 1): 29d0f94c
MD5 (Track 1): 145a7d7ac3469fcb974bbb309ebd61b1
SHA-1 (Track 1): 24be71b32aeb52a930bc08dccda5db61e904de8a

Size (Track 2): 43248576 bytes / 43.248576 MB
CRC32 (Track 2): ed4f34b5
MD5 (Track 2): c5f4302e3c783b0b9c22f15db7f6b6a9
SHA-1 (Track 2): dc0fa59967976a4e37315a6b63a7bbbc9536a85a

Size (Track Total): 688315152 bytes / 688.315152 MB
CRC32 (Total): db4f4706

Product Code: SLUS-01324
Disc Ring 1 Mould SID Code: IFPI 720C
Disc Ring 2 Mastering Code: PSRM-021750 01
Disc Ring 2 Mastering SID Code: IFPI L336
Disc Ring 2 Mould SID Code: IFPI 5100
Case Barcode: 013388210527
Description: This is the North American English language version of the PlayStation disc.

Breath of Fire IV (Europe)³

Size (Track 1): 654246432 bytes / 654.246432 MB
CRC32 (Track 1): f0a5aa9d
MD5 (Track 1): 5e30fb4a490a7332f6f123dc30027f57
SHA-1 (Track 1): 065f6c1c85118294e2271097e49ded0f937db20f

Size (Track 2): 37396800 bytes / 37.3968 MB
CRC32 (Track 2): 7976083e
MD5 (Track 2): 2d7b5e8e94a91bf5423b2356f6a34863
SHA-1 (Track 2): d9f92af296360772e62caa4cb276de3fa74f5538

Size (Track Total): 691643232 bytes / 691.643232 MB
CRC32 (Total): badfce9f

Product Code: SLES-03552
Disc Ring 1 Mould SID Code: IFPI 941T
Case Barcode: 5055060900000
Description: This is the European English language version of the PlayStation disc.

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Title Screen / Logos

Breath of Fire IV: Utsurowazaru Mono (Japan) + Breath of Fire IV (Europe)	Breath of Fire IV (USA)
Both the Japanese and European title screens retain the same Japanese logo and copyright.	The North American title screen changes the Japanese logo’s copyright symbol from ® to ™, and adds an additional Capcom U.S.A., Inc. legal line. The position of “Press Start Button” is shifted up to account for the added legal line.

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Deleted Scenes

There are a few moments in Breath of Fire IV that were edited and, in most instances, removed entirely from the North American and European English language versions of the game. Click on each cutscene below for more details.

Cutscene 1 (Minor Spoilers for Chapter 3: Streams – 8. Awakenings)

Checkpoint: Ryu inadvertently gropes Ursula

As Ryu, Nina, Cray, Ershin, Scias, and Ursula head for Shikk in order to procure a ship to sail across the ocean, they need to first go through a guarded checkpoint that is not letting anyone through. After Ursula suggests using brute force, Cray asks Ryu to keep an eye on Ursula and stop her from doing anything brash. In the Japanese version, Ryu puts his arm in front of Ursula, with his hand inadvertently placed on her chest. During this animation, his hand can be seen making a slight groping motion, which elicits a head-turn and “…” speech bubble from Ursula. A question-mark speech bubble subsequently flashes from Ryu. He turns his head to meet Ursula’s stare, realizes what he’s doing, and backs off in an exaggerated, shocked manner.

In the English language version, Ryu still puts his arm out to block Ursula, but he does not make a groping motion with his hand, nor is there any acknowledgment of the action.

A fanmade mod restores this scene and adds a unique English localization.

Cutscene 2 (Minor Spoilers for Chapter 3: Streams – 8. Awakenings)

Shikk: Ursula “drops trou” at the insistence of the sailors

Nina and Ursula spend the night in the haunted hull of a ship in Shikk as a test issued by the sailors in order to allow passage onto their ship. Ryu and Cray regroup with them outside. The ship captain Zig is impressed by the girls’ resilience, prompting Nina to ask if this means they will be allowed to board the ship. In the Japanese version, Zig then produces a large stick used for spanking incompetent sailors, telling Nina that unless she’s ready to show she, they won’t be let onboard. After Nina expresses her incredulity, Ursula drops her pants to the ground, surprising the sailors and leading to a scene transition where Zig finally caves in and allows the party to board the ship.

In the English language version, the scene is cut short and ends after Nina asks Zig if they’re allowed to board the ship, which then transitions to the follow-up conversation where Zig finally allows the party to board. In the Japanese version, Zig confesses he brought up the spanking as a bluff to scare the party off, whereas in the English version, Zig instead mentions the dare he made about the haunted ship hull as his attempt at scaring away the party.

A fanmade mod restores this scene and adds a unique English localization.

Cutscene 3 (Minor Spoilers for Chapter 3: Streams – 9. Fools and Men)

Saldine: Nina and Ursula bathing scene

Ryu, Nina, Cray, Ershin, Scias, and Ursula are stuck on Saldine Island due to a high tide hindering their progress, so Ryu, Nina, and Ursula set out to look for food. After Ryu catches a fish at the beach, they head back to reconvene at the camp.

In the Japanese version, after exiting the beach area, a cutscene plays at the cascade/creek where Nina bemoans smelling like fish and comments that she needs a bath. Nina asks Ryu for some privacy and to stand as a lookout while she goes to bathe in the water. The camera pans to solely Ryu, who runs ahead and turns his back. Nina’s portrait at this point reveals her bare shoulders, indicating she has disrobed off-screen. She asks Ursula to join her, and makes an insinuation about her figure. Ursula, whose portrait now also shows bare shoulders, plays down the importance of her chest size. A curious Ryu peeks past a rock in their direction, to which Ursula fires off a shot to deter him, with Nina chastising him for peeking. The scene then transitions to the nighttime camp scene.

In the English version, the scene at the cascade/creek never takes place and the player can manually move through the area to get back to camp to trigger the nighttime camp scene.

A fanmade mod restores this scene and adds a unique English localization.

Cutscene 4 (Major Spoilers for Chapter 3: Streams – 9. Fools and Men)

Castle: Fou-Lu decapitates Emperor Soniel

After Fou-Lu enters the throne room in the Fou Empire’s imperial castle, Thirteenth Emperor Soniel comes down the stairs to greet him. After a brief exchange, Soniel suddenly stabs Fou-Lu in his side with the Dragonslayer blade given to him by Yuna, causing a large, bloody wound. Although initially appearing surprised by the attack, Fou-Lu laughs and seethes with rage, calling Soniel a “foolish mortal”.

In the Japanese version of the game, the background then turns red with Fou-Lu and Soniel appearing as black silhouettes. The Dragonslayer blade flies out of Fou-Lu’s body, distracting Soniel. Fou-Lu then quickly swipes at and decapitates Soniel, sending his head flying off-screen. The red background changes back to the throne room, and the camera pans around, depicting Soniel’s headless body sprawled on the stairs, with the Dragonslayer clattering downwards. Yuna approaches the base of the stairs and picks up the blade as the wounded Fou-Lu limps up towards the throne. After Yuna comments on the effectiveness of the blade, the camera shifts to Fou-Lu approaching and standing at the throne, with bloodstains on the floor trailing behind him.

In the English version, the scene is cut short, fading to black after Fou-Lu calls Soniel a “foolish mortal.” Thus, the fate of Soniel is never made clear.

A fanmade mod restores this scene and adds a unique English localization.

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Removed Spell: Identify (Scias)

In the Japanese version of Breath of Fire IV, Scias inherently has a skill called しきべつ / Shikibetsu (“Identify”) when he joins the party. This skill “scans” an enemy, allowing you to view their name, type, HP, weakness, resistances, experience points, zenny, treasure drops, and a description.

In the English version of the game, the skill cannot be learned by Scias and is not accessible without hacking the game. It is surmised the skill was cut due to enemy weakness and resistance being represented by single Japanese characters, whereas English characters required additional space the text was unable to fit into, leading to overflowing text. Nevertheless, you can still press the Square button during battle to examine an enemy in a similar manner, however enemy weaknesses are not identifiable this way.

A fanmade mod restores this spell and its functionality.

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Dengeki Shop (Japan Exclusive)

In Japan, Dengeki PlayStation (電撃 PlayStation; “Dengeki” literally means “electric shock”) magazine collaborated with the Breath of Fire IV development team and solicited ideas from readers for potential weapons, armor, items, and accessories to be adapted for use in the game. Readers were encouraged to mail their ideas to the magazine by November 30, 1999. Winners of this contest would have their idea featured and their name added to the game’s credits. Additionally, Dengeki PlayStation revealed a future demo disc included with their magazine would unlock an additional shop within the game.

In the January 14, 2000 issue of Dengeki PlayStation, four winners were chosen, and their ideas were confirmed to be obtainable in-game through the unlockable Dengeki Shop (電撃屋 / Dengeki-ya). The July 21, 2000 issue of Dengeki PlayStation issue 147 included a demo disc, “Dengeki PlayStation D33”, allowing Japanese players to transfer a pre-patched save file that starts the player at the beginning of the game, but allows access to the in-game shop from Chapter 2 after exiting Mt. Glom (グーの火山 / Guu no Kazan / “Gu Volcano”) through the back exit.

Within the Dengeki Shop, the player can purchase several unique pieces of equipment from a Manillo merchant, and can procure a Rusted Sword. Additionally, another Manillo runs a lottery, where the player can purchase up to 10 lottery tickets and guess a random set of 4 numbers. After completing 5 battles and returning, the lottery numbers will be generated, with 3rd prize numbers rewarding 300 zenny, 2nd prize numbers rewarding 30,000 zenny, and 1st prize numbers rewarding 300,000 zenny.

In the English release of Breath of Fire IV, while the Dengeki Shop data remains on the disc, the location is inaccessible and the dialogue for this area remains untranslated. A fanmade mod restores this content. The equipment that can be purchased in the Dengeki Shop can still be acquired and purchased in an unlockable shop in the Abandoned Village (marked as “?” on the world map, northwest of Chek) after reloading a completed game save file upon finishing the game.

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PC/Windows (CD-ROM)

CD-ROM Variants

There are a total of 5 known PC CD-ROM versions: Europe, Japan (OTOKU PC Value Series), Japan (SourceNext Selection / Quality1980), Asia, and China. Click on the titles below to reveal more information.

Breath of Fire IV (Europe)⁴

Size: 696128496 bytes / 696.128496 MB
CRC32: 156c533b
MD5: 041e6ac2ad56dcb03fe792913ffcdceb
SHA-1: 2df9e9b71f091b6728924daf3e187a12e507d8fe

Product Code: CJX08003606
Disc Ring Mastering Code: Sony DADC A0100453249-0101 24
Disc Ring Mastering SID Code: IFPI L554
Disc Ring Toolstamp/Mastering Code: A3, A2, A4
Disc Ring Mould SID Code: IFPI 948N, IFPI 947P, IFPI 94Y3
Case Barcode: 5055060970065
Case Barcode: 5055060970133
DRM: SecuROM 4.84.68.0001
Description: This is the European English language version of the PC / Windows disc.

Breath of Fire IV: Utsurowazaru Mono (Japan) (OTOKU PC Value Series)

Size: Pending bytes / Pending MB
CRC32: Pending
MD5: Pending
SHA-1: Pending

Product Code: CAPTOK-00004
Disc Ring Mastering Code: CAPTOK-00004 OP352C
Disc Ring Mastering SID Code: IFPI L303
Disc Ring Mould SID Code: IFPI 4853
Case Barcode: 4976219964401
Description: This is the initial release of the Japanese language version of the PC / Windows disc.

Breath of Fire IV: Utsurowazaru Mono (Japan) (SourceNext Selection / Quality1980)

Size: Pending bytes / Pending MB
CRC32: Pending
MD5: Pending
SHA-1: Pending

Product Code (SourceNext): 0000056370
Disc Version: 1.0.0
Disc Ring Mastering Code: 0000056370-0 A IFPI LF41
Disc Ring Mould SID Code: IFPI 9681
Case Barcode 1 (SourceNext): 4510189563709
Case Barcode 2 (SourceNext): 9784861702914
Case Barcode 3 (SourceNext): 1922804018861
Description: This is a reissue of the Japanese language version of the PC / Windows disc.

Breath of Fire IV (Asia)⁵

Size: 682143504 bytes / 682.143504 MB
CRC32: f28a4946
MD5: 8e1a0bb5da94d5eb29fe0173ad360c2a
SHA-1: ce54afba6c49fea7099d4151cee5f65ecc681744

Product Code: 5000.00002.003
Disc Ring Mastering Code: 9111.00010.999龍戰士IV(中文版) 30215A10
Disc Ring Mould SID Code: IFPI 9W30
Case Barcode: 471037990178000990
Description: This is the Traditional Chinese language version of the PC / Windows disc.

Breath of Fire IV (China)

Size:
CRC32:
MD5:
SHA-1:

Product Code:
Disc Ring Mastering Code:
Disc Ring Mould SID Code: IFPI
ISBN: 7-900-360-83-7
Case Barcode: 9787900350831
Description: This is the Simplified Chinese language version of the PC / Windows disc.

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PC Launcher autorun.exe

Breath of Fire IV: Utsurowazaru Mono (PC) (Japan)	Breath of Fire IV (Europe) (PC)
Long Zhanshi IV (PC) (Asia) (Traditional Chinese)	The Simplified Chinese version of Long Zhanshi IV does not have a launcher window/autorun.exe.

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Title Screen / Logos

Breath of Fire IV: Utsurowazaru Mono (PC) (Japan) The Japanese title screen has an updated legal line and “Press Start Button” was changed to “Press Enter Button”.	Breath of Fire IV (PC) (Europe) While the PlayStation version retained the Japanese logo, the PC version features the Western Breath of Fire IV logo and updated legal lines. Despite Capcom U.S.A., Inc. being shown, the PC version was not released in North America.
Long Zhanshi IV (PC) (Asia) (Traditional Chinese) The Traditional Chinese logo is featured. “Press Enter” is shown in Traditional Chinese.	Long Zhanshi IV (PC) (Asia) (Simplified Chinese) The Japanese logo is used. The legal line does not include the year 2003.

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Game Resolution & Aspect Ratio

The PlayStation version of Breath of Fire IV has an internal resolution of 320×240, while the title screen is displayed in 640×480. When played on a CRT TV with a 4:3 display, the game’s aspect ratio is squeezed into a 32:35 aspect ratio.

The PC version has several resolution modes, with certain modes supporting 4:3 aspect ratio and others stretching and skewing the aspect ratio to 16:9 (this is not recommended).

Breath of Fire IV (PS1)	Breath of Fire IV (PC)
PS1 Native 320×240 Resolution	PC Resolution set to minimum 640x480x32 Resolution

Breath of Fire IV (PS1)	Breath of Fire IV (PC)
PS1 2X Upscaled with 32:35 PAR Aspect Ratio Correction	PC Resolution set to minimum 640x480x32 Resolution

Breath of Fire IV (PS1)	Breath of Fire IV (PC)
PS1 4X Upscaled (click to enlarge)	PC Resolution set to 1280x960x32 to match (click to enlarge)

Breath of Fire IV (PS1)	Breath of Fire IV (PC)
PS1 4X Upscaled with 32:25 PAR Aspect Ratio Correction (click to enlarge)	PC Resolution set to 1920x1080x32 to demonstrate the forced 16:9 stretched aspect ratio (not recommended).

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Bilinear Filtering

The PC CD-ROM version of Breath of Fire IV employs a forced bilinear filter on the game’s 2D sprites and 3D environments that is not present in the PlayStation version. This results in blurred, smoothed-out 2D sprites and smoothed-out 3D textures. A dark outline is also added to every 2D sprite.

Breath of Fire IV (PS1) (USA / Europe)	Breath of Fire IV (PC) (Europe)
PS1 4X Upscaled (Click to enlarge)	PC Resolution set to 1280x960x32 (Click to enlarge)

The bilinear filter in the PC CD-ROM version can be overridden by using an external program such as dgVoodoo2 to enforce point-filtering, achieving a more pixel art-look akin to the PlayStation version.

Breath of Fire IV (PC) (Bilinear Filtering)	Breath of Fire IV (PC) (Forced Point Filtering)
Forced bilinear filtering on 2D sprites and the 3D environment (click to enlarge)	Forced point filtering using dgVoodoo2 (click to enlarge)

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Removed Dithering Pattern

The original PlayStation version of Breath of Fire IV employs a checkboard-style dithering pattern on the entire display, which was used as a visual technique to increase the amount of color and shading. The dithering pattern is blurred when played using common PlayStation video cables such as composite (yellow/red/white connectors). The dithering pattern is more noticeable when playing the game with an upscaled image over a digital signal, such as HDMI.

The dithering pattern, while still present on certain elements such as skylines, is largely removed in the PC version.

Breath of Fire IV PS1 vs. PC (Forced Point Filtering) vs. PC (Bilinear Filtering)
The checkerboard dithering pattern is visible when zoomed in on Nina’s PS1 sprite (left), but not when zoomed in the PC CD-ROM version (center with dgVoodoo2 point sampling, right with bilinear filter).

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3D Environments and Models

3D environments and 3D models are rendered at a higher resolution in the PC version of Breath of Fire IV, resulting in a smoother look with less jagged edges. Nevertheless, clipping issues occur between the models and the geometry.

Breath of Fire IV (PS1)	Breath of Fire IV (PC)
The 3D field, objects, dragons, and bosses have a jagged appearance in the PS1 version.	The 3D field, objects, and dragon models are smoother in the PC version, however the dragon’s right claw clips through the crater.
The 3D field and boss have a jagged appearance in the PS1 version.	Khafu’s 3D model is smoother in the PC version, however its wing clips through the geometry.
The 3D field, objects, dragons, and bosses have a jagged appearance in the PS1 version. The subdivisions in the 3D polygonal terrain are not immediately noticeable.	Seams in the subdivided 3D polygonal terrain are much more visible in the PC version.

Text/Font

The English and Japanese pixel fonts from the PlayStation versions of the game were replaced with bigger fonts in the PC versions. The PC English font is similar to Denver Serial.

Breath of Fire IV (PS1) (USA / Europe)	Breath of Fire IV (PC) (Europe)
The PS1 version’s English pixel font.	The PC version’s replacement font.

Breath of Fire IV: Utsurowazaru Mono (PS1) (Japan)	Breath of Fire IV: Utsurowazaru Mono (PC) (Japan)
The PS1 version’s Japanese pixel font.	The PC version’s replacement font.

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Audio: “Confirm” Sound Effect

The PC version of Breath of Fire IV has an altered menu confirm sound effect.

Breath of Fire IV (PS1) – Menu Confirm

Breath of Fire IV (PC) – Menu Confirm

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Music Comparison

The PlayStation version of the BGM (background music) employs a reverb effect to make it sound fuller. The PC version of the music has the reverb effect removed, resulting in a flatter sound, especially with brass instruments.

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Incorrect Looping of BGM

In the PlayStation version of the game, BGM loops properly. In the PC version, when a track reaches its end, the music abruptly restarts from the beginning without a proper, seamless loop.

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Missing Boss Victory Themes

Breath of Fire IV has two victory theme melodies that play depending on which continent you’re battling in:

Eastern Continent Victory Theme: “To the Victor Go the Spoils (2000 Edition)”

Western Continent Victory Theme: “Take The Money & Run”

In the PlayStation version, upon defeating a boss, alternative, more triumphant-sounding versions of these two victory themes play. These versions are absent in the PC release, with the normal victory themes playing instead.

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Removed & Edited Cutscenes

The deleted scenes from the North American and European PlayStation version remain removed in the English PC release.

Deleted Scene 4 has been confirmed as remaining in the Japanese PC release.

Currently Unknown: Whether Deleted Scenes 1 – 4 remain in the Japanese PC version, and whether they exist in the Traditional Chinese and Simplified Chinese versions. It’s highly likely the scenes are still present in the Japanese/Asian versions, but need confirmation. If you happen to know this information and can provide a source, such as a video, please Contact Us!

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Removed Skill: Identify (Scias)

Like the North American and European PS1 versions, Scias’s しきべつ / Shikibetsu (“Identify”) skill is not available in the English PC version of Breath of Fire IV. Interestingly, if you transfer a non-English version PC save file to the English version, Scias’s Identify skill will be available to use.

Currently Unknown: Whether this skill remains in the Japanese PC version, and whether it exists in the Traditional Chinese and Simplified Chinese versions. If you happen to know this information and can provide a source, such as a video, please Contact Us!

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Dengeki Shop

The Dengeki Shop was removed from the Japanese PC release of Breath of Fire IV: Utsurowazaru Mono and is not present in any other PC version.

Breath of Fire IV: Utsurowazaru Mono (PS1) (Japan)	Breath of Fire IV: Utsurowazaru Mono (PC) (Japan)
A secret path appears south of Gu Volanco (Mt. Glom) while using the Dengeki PlayStation D33 save data, leading to the Dengeki Shop.	No secret path to the Dengeki Shop in the PC version.

No Pause Screen

In the PlayStation version, pressing Start on the controller while on the world map, field, or during battle would pause the game (and in-game timer). There is no accessible pause screen in the PC version.

Breath of Fire IV (PS1) (USA)
Pressing Start to pause on the world map.

Fou-Lu Attack Animation

In the PlayStation version of Breath of Fire IV, Fou-Lu’s sword-swiping attack animation is white. This swipe-effect is black in the PC version.

Breath of Fire IV (PS1) (USA)	Breath of Fire IV (PC) (GOG)
Fou-Lu’s sword swipes are white in the PS1 version.	Fou-Lu’s sword swipes are black in the PC version.

PC (GOG)

Content-wise, the PC GOG re-release of Breath of Fire IV is largely the same as the English and Japanese PC CD-ROM versions shown above, albeit with some upgrades in optimization.

Legacy CD-ROM Version Comparison

The GOG re-release still shares the following with the original CD-ROM release:

Featured SKUs

Both the English and Japanese versions of the game are included with the GOG re-release. The Traditional Chinese and Simplified Chinese language versions are not included. Additionally, the original autorun.exe of the CD-ROM releases is not included.

System Compatibility and Optimization

The GOG re-release of Breath of Fire IV includes:

Point Sampled Filter

As of 1.0 hotfix2 changelog, GOG added a new texture filtering option called “Point sampled” for PlayStation-style sharp pixels.

Breath of Fire IV (PS1) (USA)	Breath of Fire IV (PC) (GOG)
PS1 version 4X integer scaled (1280×960)	PC GOG version 4X integer scaled (1280×960)

PC (Steam)

Content-wise, the PC Steam re-release of Breath of Fire IV is largely the same as the English and Japanese GOG version shown above, albeit with some slight differences.

Legacy CD-ROM Version Comparison

The Steam re-release, like the GOG re-release, still shares the following with the original CD-ROM release:

Featured SKUs

Like the GOG re-release, both the English and Japanese versions of the game are included with the Steam re-release. The Traditional Chinese and Simplified Chinese language versions are not included. Additionally, the original autorun.exe of the CD-ROM releases is not included.

System Compatibility and Optimization

Like the GOG re-release, the Steam re-release of Breath of Fire IV includes:

• Windows 10/Windows 11 compatibility
• DirectX Wrapper for additional rendering/configuration options, such as windowed mode, vertical sync, gamma correction, integer scaling, anti-aliasing, and anisotropic filtering
• Improved keyboard and mouse support
• Improved F9 exit screen
• Issue-free battle and combo system (all crashes have been fixed)
• Issue-free task switching
• Issue-free cutscene scripting
• Bug Fixes: Warehouse and Crane Minigames
  • In the original PC CD-ROM version, the Crane mini game in the Wharf area (north of Synesta) had a bug that made it impossible to play the minigame a second time during the same session. Specifically, the minigame did not reset its initial state correctly. Likewise, the Warehouse minigame at the Wharf was incorrectly resetting its initial state after a completed battle, thus resetting the Game Points earned. Both bugs were fixed in the GOG re-release.
• Bug Fixes: Environmental Sounds
  • GOG touts an improved audio engine, citing a restoration of missing environmental sounds and audio configuration. Specifically, there was a bug in the PC CD-ROM version of the game where environmental sounds would stop playing (such as the sound of the river in forest locations) after finishing a battle. This was fixed in the GOG re-release.

Differences from the GOG.com version include:

• The Steam version only has support for Xbox One / Series controllers, PlayStation 4 DualShock 4 (USB only), and PlayStation 5 DualSense (USB only), whereas the GOG.com version has more expanded modern controller support (PlayStation 5 DualSense wireless, PlayStation 4 DualShock 4 wireless, Microsoft Xbox 360, Nintendo Switch Pro Controller, Logitech F series, and others).
  • Button binding can still be done within the game. Vibration and hotplugging is currently unknown for the Steam version.
• Unique to the Steam version, both Reverse Rank (L2 default on PlayStation controller), and Forwards Rank (R2 default on PlayStation controller) can be bound in the controls setting, however 1 binding must be on the keyboard, and the other on a controller button. The solution here
• The GOG.com 1.0 hotfix2 patch, which added the new texture filtering option “Point sampled” for PSX-like graphics, is not included, however it can be enabled by adding the following lines to the dxcfg.ini in the installation folder:
  • [enhancements]
  • filtering=point
• It is currently unknown if the Steam version has the GOG.com 1.0 hotfix3 patch, which fixed higher than expected CPU utilization.
• It is currently unknown if the Steam version has the GOG.com 1.0 hotfix4 patch, which fixed audio engine inaccurate panning (noticeable in the opening cutscene).
• It is currently unknown if the Steam version has the GOG.com 1.0 hotfix5 patch, which implemented a new video player for smooth and issue-free playback.
  • This patch also added support for new controllers e.g. Nintendo Switch 2 Pro, however the Steam version does not have support for this controller.
• It is currently unknown if the Steam version has the GOG.com 1.0 hotfix6 patch, which fixed the Power Glove item crash in the English version of the game.
• It is currently unknown if the Steam version has the GOG.com 1.0 hotfix7 patch, which fixed a Hiragana display issue in Japanese version of the game.

Enigma DRM

The Steam version has 3rd-party DRM called “The Enigma Protector” which has received a lot of bad press and is a hot-button topic among some users.

Dragnier Note: Personally speaking, I don’t think Enigma DRM is something most folks need to worry about for Breath of Fire IV in particular. Yes, the usage of this DRM is highly questionable given the age of the Dino Crisis 1 & 2, Resident Evil 1 – 3, and Breath of Fire IV PC versions, and given GOG.com already offers these games DRM-free. Nevertheless, it shouldn’t impact the game’s performance if you meet the game’s system requirements.

One aspect the Enigma DRM does impact is the Steam version’s BOF4.exe, which differs from the GOG.com version’s BOF4.exe. This can potentially interfere with mods for this game (if mods actually existed for Breath of Fire IV PC in the first place). It is worth noting that mods for Dino Crisis and Dino Crisis 2 work just fine with the Steam versions, despite both games using Enigma DRM.

I recommend checking the threads below for more information and to be better informed. Unfortunately, there aren’t many proven, definitive answers to the impacts of this DRM beyond its performance impact for more recent games, like the 2023 remake of Resident Evil 4.

• Reddit thread: “As far as I can tell, everything people are claiming about “Enigma DRM” in Capcom games appears to be complete misinformation”
• Malwarebytes forum thread: “The Enigma Protector – Capcom”[forums.malwarebytes.com]

Sources