Final Fantasy Type-0 HD is the first major JRPG release for both the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. With that said, it is also a port of a handheld game that is already several years old. So is the high-definition remastered version worth buying on the two current-gen consoles? Let’s take a look at some factors that play sway you in your decision in one side of the fence or the other.
About Final Fantasy Type-0
As we alluded above, Final Fantasy Type-0 was originally a PSP JRPG that came out in 2011. Square Enix decided not to localized the handheld version, waiting instead for the same title to be ported over to the PS4 and Xbox One before starting the translation process.
Final Fantasy Type-0 has some major differences when you compared it to mainline Final Fantasy games. Since it was released on a handheld, the spin-off title uses a mission-based structure (similar to Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII) instead of providing one long and continuous journey. The combat is also not menu based, meaning that you have to attack and dodge in real-time instead of selecting a command. You can also use magic and summon monsters called Eidolons.
The game is also quite a bit darker than the rest of the franchise and is the first to be tagged with a Mature rating from the ESRB. So you can expect a lot of themes that aren’t normally presented in a Final Fantasy game, or even most JRPG releases.
Aside from a few issues with the camera and controls, Final Fantasy Type-0 was received well by both the press and the gaming enthusiast community.
Enhanced Graphics in Final Fantasy Type-0 HD
One of the most noticeable changes in Final Fantasy Type-0 HD is, of course, the graphics. Square Enix went above and beyond simply increasing the resolution to 1080p on the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. The development team also improved the way the characters look during gameplay by switching the old models with the more detailed ones that originally appeared in the real-time cut scenes. They also used a new lighting system (the same one that is also being implemented in Final Fantasy XV).
While the high-definition remastered version may not look as great as games that are developed specifically for the PS4 and Xbox One, we still believe that it should look good enough for JRPG fans as the genre rarely contains games that are graphical showcases.
Gameplay Improvements
Aside from graphics, Square Enix also made several gameplay improvements. One of the biggest issues with the original was the camera as the PSP only has a left analog stick (so you have to use the directional pad to view different angles). Thankfully, Square Enix mapped the camera movement to the right analog sticks of the DualShock 4 and Xbox One Wirerless Controller with the HD release.
The change also made switching between party members much easier as you no longer have to hold down the L button and then used the d-pad to select. Instead, you can simply press the left or right directional button to control another character in Final Fantasy Type-0 HD.
The development team added some extra content as well, such as the ability to unlock trophies on the PS4 in addition to achievements on the Xbox One. There are also a few optional cut scenes to entice players who already played the original to buy the high-definition remastered version.
Last but not least is difficulty. The original version can get pretty tough during the later missions, which prevented many players from reaching the end. The company will be adding a lower difficulty mode so that some members of the community can simply play to enjoy the story without being frustrated in a particular scenario.
Removal of Multiplayer
The one real downside with Final Fantasy Type-0 HD is the lack of multiplayer mode. In the original version, you have the ability to play with friends or strangers in select missions. This feature has been removed as Square Enix would have needed more development time, causing a long delay for the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One version.
To compensate, the development team is implementing magic spells that were previously exclusive to the multiplayer mode into the single-player game in the remastered version. With that said, it still would have been nice to team up with friends to tackle certain missions.
Final Verdict
Even with the flaring multiplayer omission, Final Fantasy Type-0 HD is shaping up to be better than the original version, which was already a great game. Even if you have already played Final Fantasy Type-0 on the PSP, there are enough incentives (mainly the improved graphics and better controls) to purchase the game again on the PS4 and Xbox One.
For JRPG fans, Final Fantasy Type-0 HD should be able to satiate your hunger until the heavy hitters (Final Fantasy XV, Kingdom Hearts 3 and Persona 5) are released. You can buy the HD remastered release, which is coming out on the 17th of March, with this page on Amazon.
