Final Fantasy Type-0 HD Review


Final Fantasy Type-0 HD is 2015 an action role-playing game developed by Square Enix and HexaDrive, and published by Square Enix for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. Type-0 HD is a high-definition remaster of the Japan-exclusive PlayStation Portable game Final Fantasy Type-0. The story focuses on Class Zero, a group of students from the Dominion of Rubrum who must fight the neighboring Militesi Empire when they launch an assault on the other Crystal States of Orience and discover the secret behind the war and the existence of the crystals.
Campaign:

Final Fantasy Type-0 HD offers a dark and intense story, featuring a lengthy campaign filled with numerous quests and missions. The narrative shares a politically driven theme similar to Final Fantasy XII and Final Fantasy XVI, mixing high-stakes power struggles with school drama. This blend creates a compelling and edgy experience that explores darker themes, setting it apart from other entries in the series. The story primarily focuses on the world’s four empires and how Class Zero, a group of elite students, navigates the chaos brought on by a power-hungry dictator, Cid Aulstyne.

Class Zero’s journey is both gripping and harrowing as they confront the harsh realities of war and power. The game’s side quests and missions are interesting and add depth to the world, allowing players to explore different facets of the conflict and the characters’ personal struggles. The mix of political intrigue, dark themes, and emotional depth makes "Final Fantasy Type-0" a standout entry in the series, offering a unique and memorable experience.

The game features a large roster of 14 main characters, each bringing unique abilities to the table, though some stand out more than others. My favorites include Ace, Sice, King, Rem, and Eight, who add variety to combat. However, the large cast limits character development, making it difficult to fully connect with everyone. Despite this, the game introduces interesting side characters like Kurasame Susaya, Arecia Al-Rashia, and Nimbus, who add depth to the story. The main villain, Cid, is serviceable but doesn’t quite reach the heights of Vayne from Final Fantasy XII.

Rating: 4 out of 5

Gameplay:

The game delivers a diverse and engaging combat system that balances action and RPG elements, offering a fun yet challenging experience. The game allows players to choose up to 14 characters from Class 0 for missions, each with distinct abilities—ranged attacks, powerful but slower weapons, or specialized magic—forcing players to adapt their strategies. Combat emphasizes real-time action, where you attack, evade, and use items, magic, and abilities. The party consists of three active members, with the player controlling one while the AI manages the others. Leveling up noticeably impacts combat effectiveness, adding depth to the damage system.

Beyond the main missions, the game offers various additional mechanics like weather influences, enriching the gameplay. Exploration is rewarding, with hidden content, side quests, trials, and mini games like strategy battles and Chocobo farming. During free time, players can complete side quests, explore the world map, or attend school classes, though time management is crucial as these activities consume valuable in-game time.

Rating: 4 out of 5

Production:

Final Fantasy Type-0 HD delivers a visually striking experience, with graphics that showcase detailed character models and vibrant environments. Compared to its original PSP version, the HD upgrade brings improved textures and lighting, making the world feel more immersive. However, when compared to other titles in the series, especially later ones like Final Fantasy XV, the graphics can feel somewhat dated, with some environments appearing less polished and character animations lacking the fluidity seen in more recent entries.

The music in Final Fantasy Type-0 HD, composed by Takeharu Ishimoto, is a strong point, featuring a powerful and emotional score that matches the game’s dark and intense narrative. While it doesn’t reach the iconic status of earlier soundtracks like Final Fantasy VII or X, it still provides memorable themes that enhance the game’s atmosphere. However, a more dynamic range in the score could have elevated the experience further, making the music more varied and impactful throughout the game.

Rating: 3 out of 5

The Verdict:

In the end, Final Fantasy Type-0 HD is a great addition to the Final Fantasy mythos. The game’s strongest aspects are the characters and story, exploration and worldbuilding, and diverse combat and gameplay. Final Fantasy Type-0 HD gets 4 out of 5.

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