Skip to main content

Final Fantasy Type-0 HD (Video Game Review)

Developer and publisher Square Enix has revived a classic PSP title previously unavailable in North America with the new remake Final Fantasy Type-0 HD. The game makes changes to the original PSP title including new high definition graphics and some other tweaks from its predecessor. The game shows its age in a few regards, but impressive combat and a compelling storyline make this action RPG well worth picking up for fans of the series. Final Fantasy Type-0 HD isn't the typical Square Enix RPG, but the dark, gritty storyline feels right at home in the Final Fantasy universe, and the innovative release could represent changes coming to the future of one of the video game's most beloved franchises.

From the game's opening cutscene, it's clear that Final Fantasy Type-0 HD is unlike any other Final Fantasy game Square Enix has ever released. The narrative focuses on a group of young cadets known as Class Zero that battle against an invading Milites force. While this isn't a completely uncommon plot for the franchise, the dark tones and displayed horrors of war is. The game quickly proves that no character is safe in this fantasy setting, and the brooding atmosphere extend into character development and combat to make the game's protagonists feel like more than powerful emo kids.


Final Fantasy Type-0 HD follows the more recent trend of the series to action RPG based combat. Fights are fast paced and rarely slowed for anything outside of an Eidolon summon. The system utilizes fully cutomizable three character parties with the player taking control of one central character and AI controlling the other two. The war based narrative extends into combat with plenty of military based enemies to battle, while characters are equipped with magic imbued bullets and missiles to fire at their adversaries. Each of the game's main characters specialize in a certain type of combat and carry a different main weapon from a katana to duel-wielding machine guns to a deck of cards. Despite sharing some similarities, the cast of characters quickly diversify themselves and offer players a nice choice of options to take into battles.

While the main battle system is highly enjoyable and doesn't waste players' time, the other combat missions and mini-games carried over in the remake aren't nearly as enticing. Players will find turn-based strategy combat accessible from the world map. These missions have players completing objectives such as liberating citizens from a Milites takeover or battling to prevent an invasion. Combat here is slowed down and not nearly as well developed as the game's main combat system. The game also features some aerial combat sections where airships battle with dragons and other flying enemies, and these segments don't stand up as well either. Most players will enjoy the chocobo breeding segments of the game though. Searching for rare items to breed rare chocobos and training the steeds for battle is highly addictive and a rewarding experience that will occupy a lot of time for players looking to see all the game has to offer.

Many segments featured in Final Fantasy Type-0 HD are time based and force players to rush through missions to complete objectives before it is too late. The Final Fantasy franchise has typically rewarded players for playing the game at a slower pace and seeking out all of the secret items and side missions available in a single playthrough. Final Fantasy Type-0 HD does include a New Game + mode that is unlocked after completing the game for the first time that allows players to carry over unlocked levels and gear to give players more time to explore the world and get the full narrative experience available in the game. It's just a shame that players can spend 40+ hours completing the game for the first time only to have to go right back through many of the same story missions to get the full story.

The new HD presentation seen in Final Fantasy Type-0 HD makes some definitive improvements over the original PSP game. Character models and animations have improved in the new release. This couples nicely with the fast paced combat to make battles run smoothly and keep players immersed in the constantly evolving storyline. The environments presented in the game are a bit blander and feature plenty of repeating scenery though. Lighting is done well in the game though, and it really helps the often grim atmosphere created by the game feel even more dark and foreboding throughout the game's lengthy campaign. The game's camera can be troublesome and seems to be carried over from portable days when the zoomed in view would not have been such an issue.

The rest of the presentation in Final Fantasy Type-0 HD is top notch. The game controls fine despite being a largely imported game from a handheld system. Control in combat is comparable with the Kingdom Hearts series, as players will typically perform a ton of melee attacks and dodges to defeat enemies all while magic spells and summons are easy to access when necessary. The game's soundtrack is possibly one of the best features of the new release. So many of the themes feature fully orchestrated instruments mixed with an amazing choir effect that really helps to evoke certain emotions from gamers during missions throughout the game.

Final Fantasy Type-0 HD isn't the Final Fantasy most gamers would expect, but it's a special release that manages to stand apart from the franchise while still retaining several elements that will feel familiar for longtime fans. Final Fantasy Type-0 HD's exciting combat, deep customization options and mostly excellent presentation will have most gamers hooked for the length of the campaign, but the dark and compelling storyline will be what fans will remember the release for. Final Fantasy Type-0 HD is out now for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One.

Final Fantasy Type-0 HD is now available from most major retailers for the MSRP of $59.99 and can be purchased for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. Final Fantasy Type-0 HD is rated M by the ESRB for Blood, Drug Reference, Suggestive Themes & Violence. For more information on the game, check out the official Final Fantasy Type-0 HD website.

Game Features:
  • Single Player
  • Improved HD Presentation
  • 14 Playable Characters and Plethora of Customization Options
  • DLC Support
  • Trophy/Achievement Support

Game Information:
Developer & Publisher: Square Enix
Platforms: PlayStation 4 & Xbox One (reviewed)
Release Date: March 17, 2015

Score: 8 out of 10

Popular posts from this blog

Three Best Places to Eat in Huntsville, Alabama

Huntsville, Alabama has a vibrant culinary scene with a variety of dining options to choose from. Here are some of the best places to eat in Huntsville: Cotton Row : This high-end restaurant offers a sophisticated dining experience that is perfect for a special occasion. The menu features a blend of Southern and French cuisine, with dishes like Gulf shrimp and grits and seared duck breast.  Toybox Bistro : Toybox Bistro is a unique dining experience that will delight both kids and adults. The menu features nostalgic favorites like grilled cheese and tomato soup, as well as more grown-up options like blackened salmon.  Melt: Melt is a gourmet grilled cheese restaurant that offers a fun and casual dining experience. The menu features a variety of creative grilled cheese sandwiches, as well as delicious sides like truffle fries. These are just a few of the many great places to eat in Huntsville, Alabama. There's something for everyone here, whether you're in the mood for fine

Biscuit Belly Brings Comfort Food to Huntsville, Alabama

Power Brands Hospitality Group ("PBHG") in partnership with Biscuit Belly, a Kentucky-based "craft casual" brunch spot that offers warm hospitably and chef-driven gourmet biscuit sandwiches, is happy to announce the first Biscuit Belly restaurant opening in the Rocket City!   If you're looking for a place that serves up delicious southern comfort food with a modern twist, then look no further than Biscuit Belly in Huntsville, Alabama. Biscuit Belly is a new hotspot for breakfast, brunch or lunch with a focus on scratch-made biscuits and the many delicious creations that can be crafted with them. With locations across several states in the US, this newest Biscuit Belly location offers a cozy atmosphere and a comforting menu that's perfect for anytime hunger hits. The menu offers a wide range of dishes, all featuring Biscuit Belly's delicious, buttery biscuits. From classics like the Basic Biscuit, which comes with a buttermilk biscuit, cheddar, over e

Get Inked in Huntsvegas: The Ultimate Tattoo Experience

  The Huntsvegas Tattoo Expo is an annual event that takes place in Huntsville, Alabama. This event is a celebration of all things tattoo, bringing together tattoo artists, enthusiasts, and curious onlookers from all over the country. With its colorful displays and unforgettable artistry, the Huntsvegas Tattoo Expo is one of the most exciting tattoo expos in the Southeast. At the Huntsvegas Tattoo Expo, tattoo artists from around the world come together to showcase their art and compete in various categories, including the best tattoo of the day, the best large black and grey tattoo, and the best small color tattoo. Visitors to the expo can watch the artists at work, get up close and personal with the latest tattooing equipment, and even get tattooed themselves! While the Huntsvegas Tattoo Expo is primarily focused on tattoo art, there is much more to explore at this exciting event. Visitors can browse a wide variety of vendors selling everything from tattooing supplies to unique c