The thing about computers is that they’re just really annoying, actually. They’re massively complicated, constantly changing machines, and despite the fact the hardware is technically better now, they can sometimes struggle to run older games because of… reasons. Those reasons often being software issues I won’t even attempt to understand. So, it always brings a smile to my face when I see another game back from the dead through the efforts of GOG’s preservation program, the most recent entry being the classic Capcom JRPG Breath of Fire 4.
You see, Breath of Fire 4 did actually have a PC release way back in the day. It was originally released for the PS1 back in 2000, later coming to PC in 2003, though only for Japan and Europe. As mentioned, the problem with older PC games is that they don’t always work on modern hardware, and ignoring that it can be tough to track down legitimate copies of certain games. With Breath of Fire 4 joining GOG’s preservation program however, it’s now playable on Windows 10 and 11.
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Outside of that, there’s a few new display options like a windowed mode, V-Sync, Anti-Aliasing, and refined gamma correction for better visuals, alongside an upgrade to the audio engine. That one has brought back some previously missing environmental sounds, and you’ll have a few options to tinker around with now too. Plus, it being GOG, the game is DRM-free, so if you decide to pick it up it’s yours forever.
Breath of Fire 4 isn’t the only game to be spruced up either, there’s other classics like Ultima Underworld 1+2, Worms: Armageddon, and Tex Murphy: Under a Killing Moon. Good stuff! Looking forward to whatever the GOG preservation program brings back next.
