Japanese release of Breath of Fire IV. Capcom JRPG with superbly animated 2D graphics, rich combat system and mature two-part scenario. The original Japanese version offers complete unexpurgated text, slightly denser than the western release.
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Category
RPG4 players12+
Description
Japanese release of the fourth Breath of Fire following two dragons with intertwined fates, Ryu and Fou-Lu. RPG by Capcom, released in 2000 in Japan. Three-on-the-front combat, detailed sprites over 3D backdrops, dragon transformations and Yoshino Aoki's score. Japanese subtitle Utsurowazaru Mono.
Breath of Fire IV - Utsurowazaru Mono review
4/5
Art direction
★★★★★
"Striking"
4/5
Music
★★★★★
"Excellent"
4/5
Story
★★★★★
"Captivating"
Utsurowazaru Mono presents the game in its original packaging: Tatsuya Yoshikawa's cover art, a calligraphic title and an interface built for Japanese script. On screen the same finely animated sprites glide over washed 3D backdrops where dunes, temples and imperial cities compose scenes close to woodblock prints.
The Japanese release carries Yoshino Aoki's score exactly as it was published in 2000: Asian flutes and percussion, imperial court themes and village melodies with a folk scent. The pieces tied to Fou-Lu sink into low choral writing, a deliberate contrast with the lighter airs that follow Ryu's party.
The original Japanese text follows Ryu and Fou-Lu without softening anything, including the harshest passages on war, the empire's experiments and the fallen god's hunger. The dialogue runs slightly denser than in the Western release, and the melancholy of the subtitle Utsurowazaru Mono lands in full.
Gameplay
"Excellent"
Fun
"Pleasant"
Addictiveness
"Captivating"
Difficulty
"Balanced"
Lifespan
"Long"
Technical info
💾0,26 GB📅27/04/2000
Published by Capcom
Breath of Fire IV - Utsurowazaru Mono (PS1) price, value & rarity
Complete: box, manual and disc/cart very clean. Lightly handled.
Q1 damagedQ6 completeQ10 new
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Collector interest
The original Japanese version of the last 2D Breath of Fire, subtitled Utsurowazaru Mono, out ahead of the Western editions. It draws those wanting the first form of a title that became the endpoint of a polished Capcom RPG line. Its desirability rests on this status as an origin pressing of a genre fading at the publisher, in a loyal but narrow niche.
Is Breath of Fire IV - Utsurowazaru Mono still worth playing in 2026?
Breath of Fire IV is a beautifully crafted Capcom JRPG with stunning 2D animation by Tatsuya Yoshikawa at his peak. Enriched combat and a mature scenario with two alternating protagonists (Ryu and Fou-lu) make it one of the PS1's loveliest JRPGs. Yoshino Aoki's score is particularly successful, and the bold orientalist writing leaves a lasting mark. An absolute peak to discover today.
