FFIII - 9/10
Final Fantasy III is the first good game in the series, at least in my opinion, and was an excellent conclusion to the series on the NES. The DS version only improves on the amazing gameplay, fun story, memorable characters, outstanding music, and engrossing world that is explored overall. I don't know what it is about this game, but whenever I play it, I just have so much fun. The only NES rpg that I have more fun playing than this game is Dragon Warrior IV, the pinnacle of NES rpgs.
FFIV - 3/10 (I wanted to give it a 2, but I had to refrain myself.)
Technically I played this rpg before FFIII, but FFIV is a MASSIVE let down following its amazing predecessor. I've played the SNES version, the GBA version, and the DS version... I've tried to like this game, I really have, but the only way to describe my feelings about this game is the word "hate". Even avoiding my personal biases, I can't find any redeeming factors about this game. To call it average would be a joke.
Awful characters, painful dialogue, a mostly forgettable soundtrack (there are a few amazing gems though that feel out of place in the crap around it), a very boring world, an extremely shallow... and short story when you think about it, and gameplay that is for the most part... empty. Sure, there is the ATB, but that is it. The characters learn set skills at a pace, which isn't too big of a deal if the battles have strategy that make the most of the abilites, but for the most part battles are pretty much attack and heal fests. Most abilities aren't used. There is almost no sense of exploration, with the exception of a few hidden chests. Pacing is horrendous too... ugh, I feel like I am going ADD on all the flaws with this game, I'll just stop before I tear out anyone's heart.
And no, I'm not trolling. Just my honest opinion.