is a
role-playing video game developed and published by
Square (now
Square Enix) for the
Super Nintendo Entertainment System platform. Released in 1991, it is the fourth main installment of the
Final Fantasy series. The game's story follows Cecil, a dark knight, as he tries to prevent the sorcerer Golbez from seizing powerful crystals and destroying the world. He is joined on this quest by a frequently changing group of allies.
Final Fantasy IV introduced innovations that became staples of the
Final Fantasy series and role-playing games in general. Its "
Active Time Battle" system was used in five subsequent
Final Fantasy games, and unlike prior games in the series,
IV gave each character their own unchangeable
character class.