Final Fantasy Type-0 HD
A high-definition remaster of a Japan-exclusive Final Fantasy spin-off.
Final Fantasy Type-0 HD is a high-definition remaster of the Japan-exclusive PlayStation Portable game Final Fantasy Type-0, developed by Square Enix and HexaDrive and published by Square Enix for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and later Windows. It is a spin-off from the main Final Fantasy series and part of the Fabula Nova Crystallis subseries, focusing on Class Zero, fourteen students from the Dominion of Rubrum fighting the Militesi Empire. The remaster was released worldwide in March 2015, with a Steam port following in August.
Quick Facts
- Developer
- Square Enix Business Division 2; HexaDrive
- Publisher
- Square Enix
- Director
- Hajime Tabata
- Writer
- Hiroki Chiba
- Artist
- Yusuke Naora
- Composer
- Takeharu Ishimoto
- Series
- Fabula Nova Crystallis; Final Fantasy
- Platforms
- PlayStation 4
- Xbox One
- Windows
Facts from the source article.
Development
Development of Type-0 HD began in mid-2012, around the same time Final Fantasy XV was shifted onto PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. Original director Hajime Tabata came on board in July 2012 as director and producer, though his involvement was minor due to his duties on XV. The main development was handled by HexaDrive, which had previously worked on The 3rd Birthday and developed HD remasters of Ōkami and The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker. The remaster was intended as an incentive for Final Fantasy players to purchase eighth-generation consoles before XV's release. The original plan included ports to seventh-generation consoles, but after the PS4's popularity at the 2013 Tokyo Game Show and Tabata's lack of experience with seventh-generation hardware, the team focused on eighth-generation versions. Art director Yusuke Naora noted the difficulty of moving from PSP to eighth-generation hardware. No version was developed for the PlayStation Vita due to porting difficulties and Tabata's wish for a home console experience.
Release
Type-0 HD was released on March 17, 19, and 20, 2015 for North America, Japan, and Europe respectively, with both English and Japanese voice tracks. It included a demo of Final Fantasy XV titled Final Fantasy XV: Episode Duscae, exclusive to physical first-print editions and digital editions for two months after release. A collector's edition featured a special CD, a calendar, a Vermillion Peristylium ID card, five cards modeled after Ace's battle cards, and a cadet scarf. Limited editions were produced for North America and Europe. A PlayStation 4 hardware bundle was released in Japan with a themed console. A Windows port via Steam, developed in response to fan demands, allowed graphic adjustments and included fixes for camera control and motion blur issues. It was released on August 18, 2015, with Final Fantasy-themed pre-order gifts for Dota 2.
Reception
Critics offered mixed assessments of Type-0 HD's story and presentation. IGN found the cadets' war involvement moving but the ending convoluted due to lore. GamesRadar praised the setting and moral questions. GameSpot enjoyed the story but noted the plot became complicated and the ending introduced too many new elements. GameTrailers found gaps in story and character development, and the need to replay for full story left questions. Eurogamer criticized the need for unfamiliar terms and jarring tonal shifts. Official Xbox Magazine noted superficial similarities to Harry Potter books improved the story after a confusing opening. Game Informer said the story started strongly but suffered when focusing on overarching narrative, with too many characters hurting characterization. RPGFan found the story and themes engaging despite goofy moments. PC Gamer felt the story and characters resembled poor-quality anime.
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