Square Enix announced today that the sequel of Final Fantasy IV, Final Fantasy IV: The After Years is going to be released on Steam on May 12th.

The game's graphics have been (somewhat) improved and an intro by Square Enix Visual Works has been added (you can check it out below, alongside a few screenshots). Steam achievements will also be available.

If you don't know what the game is all about, here are a few bullet points, directly from the fact sheet.

Story

Seventeen years have passed since the war's end, and the son born to King Cecil and Queen Rosa of Baron has grown into a young man. Prince Ceodore has enlisted in the airship fleet known as the Red Wings, eager to meet the expectations demanded of his blood and station. Yet once more another moon has appeared in the sky, and with it vast hordes of monsters intent on destruction. The brief peace enjoyed by the Blue Planet now stands threatened under the shadow of impending catastrophe.

Key Features

  • Ten Playable Chapters - Begin your journey with "Ceodore's Tale." Complete it to unlock the chapters of six additional characters, which can be played in any order, and then return to the core story with "Kain's Tale," "The Lunarian's Tale," and "The Crystals." FINAL FANTASY IV: THE AFTER YEARS features the extensive story of all ten chapters.
  • Active Time Battle - Take control of exhilarating combat made possible by the non-stop action in Square Enix's iconic battle system.
  • Lunar Phases - Feel the moon's presence in combat, as its waxing and waning influences the potency of attacks and abilities of all combatants. Lunar phases cycle naturally with the passage of in-game time, or when resting at an inn, tent, or cottage.
  • Band Abilities - Combine the strength of your party members to awesome effect with Band abilities that can be unlocked through in-game events or by leveling your characters' Affinity.

Final Fantasy IV has always been my favorite Final Fantasy, and while The After Years isn't the original, it's definitely a good chance to experience what happened to Cecil and his friends.