The Breath of Fire series, developed by Capcom, is an RPG game franchise that began in the 90s. It is known for its rich mythology, deep storyline, and captivating characters, especially the protagonist Ryu, a warrior with the ability to transform into a dragon, and the co-protagonist Nina, a princess with magical abilities. Here’s a timeline of the games in the series, including summaries, release dates, and platforms:
1. Breath of Fire (1993)
- Release: 1993 (Japan), 1994 (USA)
- Platforms: Super Nintendo (SNES), Game Boy Advance
- Summary: The first game in the series introduces Ryu, a young warrior who discovers he is the last member of a dragon clan. He embarks on a journey to defeat the evil Dark Dragon Empire and rescue his sister. This game established many of the key themes and mechanics of the series, such as Ryu’s dragon transformation.
2. Breath of Fire II (1994)
- Release: 1994 (Japan), 1995 (USA)
- Platforms: Super Nintendo (SNES), Game Boy Advance
- Summary: Set 500 years after the first game, Breath of Fire II follows another Ryu, also from a dragon clan, on his quest to discover the whereabouts of his missing father. Along the way, he uncovers a conspiracy involving a false religion and a malevolent entity. The game enhanced the combat system and introduced the character fusion mechanic.
3. Breath of Fire III (1997)
- Release: 1997 (Japan), 1998 (USA)
- Platforms: PlayStation, PSP
- Summary: In Breath of Fire III, Ryu is found inside a crystal and freed, beginning his journey in a world that distrusts dragons. The game stands out for its narrative divided into two parts: Ryu’s childhood and his adulthood, as he learns more about his origins and the truth behind the extermination of his race. The game introduced 3D graphics and a more advanced character development system.
4. Breath of Fire IV (1999)
- Release: 1999 (Japan), 2000 (USA)
- Platforms: PlayStation, PC
- Summary: Breath of Fire IV returns to 2D graphics with a darker and more profound storyline. The game alternates between Ryu, a dragon with amnesia, and Fou-Lu, the resurrected emperor of an ancient empire. The narrative explores the duality between the two characters and their intertwined fates. The combat system was refined, and the game was praised for its art and soundtrack.
5. Breath of Fire: Dragon Quarter (2002)
- Release: 2002 (Japan and USA)
- Platforms: PlayStation 2
- Summary: Dragon Quarter is the most controversial entry in the series, as it introduced a radical change in gameplay and storytelling. Set in a dystopian future, the game has a more tactical and roguelike approach, with a “rebirth” system that encourages the player to restart the game multiple times to progress. The story follows Ryu, a low-ranking officer trying to save the underground world where humanity is confined. Although divisive among fans, it is praised for its innovation.
6. Breath of Fire 6 (2016)
- Release: 2016 (Japan)
- Platforms: Android, iOS, PC
- Summary: Breath of Fire 6 was released as a free-to-play online RPG for mobile devices and PC. However, the game failed to capture the essence of the original series and was widely criticized for its lower quality compared to previous titles. The game was discontinued in 2017, after just over a year of operation.
Although the series hasn’t released a new main title since 2016, Breath of Fire remains a cult franchise, with a dedicated fanbase still hoping for a possible revival of the series in a new format or remastered versions of the classic games.
