Final Fantasy Type-0

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Final Fantasy Type-0
The official Japanese box art for Final Fantasy Type-0.png
Official Japanese box art
Developer(s) Square Enix 1st Production Department[1]
Publisher(s) Square Enix
Director(s) Hajime Tabata[2]
Producer(s) Yoshinori Kitase[2]
Designer(s) Takatsugu Nakazawa[2]
Programmer(s) Masaki Kobayashi[2]
Artist(s) Yusuke Naora[2]
Writer(s) Hiroki Chiba[2]
Composer(s) Takeharu Ishimoto[2]
Series Fabula Nova Crystallis
Final Fantasy
Platform(s) PlayStation Portable
Release date(s)
Genre(s) Action role-playing game[4]
Mode(s) Single-player, multiplayer

Final Fantasy Type-0 (ファイナルファンタジー 零式 Fainaru Fantajī Reishiki?)[5] is a video game published by Square Enix for the PlayStation Portable[6][7] and it is developed by the company's 1st Production Department.[1] The game was originally announced with the name Final Fantasy Agito XIII (ファイナルファンタジー アギトXIII Fainaru Fantajī Agito Sātīn?);[8] "Agito" roughly meaning "to put in motion" in Latin.[9] Director Hajime Tabata said he liked the Agito title, but the name did not have much to do with the game Final Fantasy XIII. Even though the game no longer has "XIII" in its title, the game still uses the Fabula Nova Crystallis mythology.[5][10] While a release outside of Japan had initially been alluded to by Tabata in 2011 in the game's respective Ultimania guide, in November 2012 Tabata stated that there were currently no plans to release it in North America or Europe.

Contents

Gameplay[edit]

The battle system is in real-time and action-based,[4] and similar to that of The 3rd Birthday (2010)[4] and Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII (2007), but makes use of the ATB system and allows control of multiple characters. On January 27, 2011, an interview in Famitsu revealed the flow of gameplay. The 12 heroes travel from town to town getting missions, then discover enemy strongholds and carry out the missions. Based on what the mission calls for, players are urged to switch their starting 3 party members for effectiveness. With each character specializing in a different weapon and elemental spell, each has drastic variations of strengths and weaknesses. Summons run on time limits (about 5 minutes), and if they are KO'd in battle, they have to be revived in towns before being called again.

Characters are shown traversing dungeons filled with mechanical foes and soldiers. Playable characters alongside the main character, Ace, are shown in the screenshots with rather high HP and low MP costs to their magic spells in their command list. Like in Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII, names of foes are stated under "Target" on the upper-left-hand side of the screen. A 2008 article by Weekly Famitsu[11] stated that each of the twelve students have their own summon that can be swapped out and controlled by the player. The summons can also level up. The game also features multiplayer, but not the standard sort where players go against each other: instead, players go into a separate arena and fight in-game enemies and bosses with other players.[12]

Plot[edit]

Setting[edit]

Final Fantasy Type-0 is set within a place called Orience, which is divided into four nations: the Suzaku Fiefdom of Rubrum, the Milites Empire, the Lorican Alliance, and the Kingdom of Concordia. Each nation has its own emblem (a phoenix, two tigers, a dragon, and a turtle, based on the Four Symbols) and is blessed with a crystal that grants them unique powers: Rubrum controls the Suzaku Crystal containing the power of Magic, Milites controls the Byakko Crystal containing the power of Weapons, Lorica controls the Genbu Crystal containing the power of the Shield, and Concordia controls the Sōryū Crystal containing the power of Dragons. The Crystals have the ability to mark humans as their countries' servants. These servants, called l'Cie, are branded with a symbol and are given a "Focus", a task to complete (similar to Final Fantasy XIII). However, while blessed with long life, l'Cie are cursed to lose their memories over time. There are also summons called Eidolons ("War Gods" in Japan), of which only six are seen to be playable: Odin, Shiva, Ifrit, Golem, Bahamut, and Diablos.[13]

Characters[edit]

The fourteen members of Class Zero.

Final Fantasy Type-0 has fourteen selectable characters, who are all members of Class Zero that are based from the Suzaku Peristylium. The first twelve are named after playing card Trumps: card wielder Ace (エース Ēsu?, Voiced by Yūki Kaji), flute wielder Deuce (デュース Dyūsu?, Voiced by Kana Hanazawa), the archer Trey (トレイ Torei?, Voiced by Yūichi Nakamura), magic-gun wielder Cater (ケイト Keito?, Voiced by Minori Chihara), the mace wielding Cinque (シンク Shinku?, Voiced by Aki Toyosaki), scythe wielder Sice (サイス Saisu?, Voiced by Miyuki Sawashiro), whip wielder Seven (セブン Sebun?, Voiced by Mayuko Aoki), martial artist Eight (エイト Eito?, Voiced by Miyu Irino), spearman Nine (ナイン Nain?, Voiced by Daisuke Ono), katana wielding Jack (ジャック Jakku?, Voiced by Kenichi Suzumura), swordswoman Queen (クィーン Kuīn?, Voiced by Ami Koshimizu) and dual pistol wielding King (キング Kingu?, Voiced by Tomokazu Sugita). The last two, Machina Kunagiri (マキナ・クナギリ Makina Kunagiri?, Voiced by Hiroshi Kamiya) and Rem Tokimiya (レム・トキミヤ Remu Tokimiya?, Voiced by Ryoko Shiraishi), double as narrators with the game playing from their perspective.

Supporting them are their mentor Kurasame (クラサメ?, Voiced by Takahiro Sakurai), the Moogle, Hattsumikamine Rōtoyōsuna Eripuruchi (ハッツミカミネ・ロウトヨウスナ・エリプルチ?) or "Mog" (モグ Mogu?, Voiced by Sumire Morohoshi), and the l'Cie Zhuyu and Caetuna. Also supporting Class Zero is the mysterious Arecia Al-Rashia (アレシア・アルラシア Areshia Arurashia?, Voiced by Atsuko Tanaka), the former mentor of the senior members of Class Zero and the overseer for magical development at the Peristylium. The Class Zero members can travel to the other countries in Oriense, fighting against Milites's military run by militant dictator High Commander Cid Aulstyne (シド・オールドスタイン Shido Ōrudosutain?, Voiced by Shuichiro Moriyama) and subordinates Brigadier General Qator Bashtar (カトル・バシュタール Katoru Bashutāru?, Voiced by Hideo Ishikawa), and the l'Cie Qun'mi and Nimbus.

Other major characters include the Lorican l'Cie Gilgamesh (ギルガメッシュ Girugamesshu?, Voiced by Kazuya Nakai) as well as the Concordian queen Andoria (アンドリア?, Voiced by Megumi Hayashibara) and her l'Cie knight Celestia (ホシヒメ Hoshihime?, Voiced by Nana Mizuki).

Story[edit]

The forces of the Milites Empire, led by High Commander Cid Aulstyne, begins a military campaign against the other three nations of Orience. After successfully conquering the Lorican Alliance, the army then assaults the Fiefdom of Rubrum and the Kingdom of Concordia. The Milites forces are momentarily held back by Rubrum’s warriors and l'Cie soldiers, gifted with magical powers by the crystal of their city. But, using a new machine called the Crystal Jammer, the Suzaku Crystal of Magic is shattered and the nation falls. This act provokes Class Zero, an elite class from the Peristylium Suzaku magical academy, to enter the war.[14]

Over the course of the game, it is revealed that Class Zero has been recreated thousands of times through Orience's history, and that each in the current class is part of Operation Apostle, a program to find the modern-day incarnation of a mystical messiah called Agito, who is said to prevent Finis, a dark event which has repeatedly destroyed Orience over thousands of years. During the course of their battles, Class Zero are joined by two outcast students, Machina Kunagiri and Rem Tokimiya. These two, though they seemingly grow to love each other, are eventually forced to become l'Cie and fight each other, with Rem being severely wounded. The two then enter crystal stasis, while Machina is grieving for Rem, becoming unable to aid in the war. Added to the conflict is Arecia Al-Rashia, the tutor of a former Class Zero. She is a demigod, an immortal servant of the fal'Cie god Pulse. It is shown that the whole world of Orience has been trapped in an endless cycle of rebirth and destruction, with Arecia using Class Zero as an experimental way of defeating Finis and finding the door to the Unseen World for her god's master Bhunivelze. Each time the experiment failed and one nation dominated the rest, the dark Lulusathian army, servants of the goddess Lindzei, was summoned and the cycle began anew, with the citizens of Orience being cursed to never remember their dead. Cid Aulstyne found out about this and resolved to destroy the crystals, freeing the world from the gods' schemes. But, unknown to him, the war itself has become the new Finis, destined to destroy Orience and begin the cycle anew.

In the true ending, Class Zero finally confront Cid Aulstyne within the Peristylium Suzaku, who has transformed himself into a hideous l'Cie monster. He nearly defeats Class Zero, before Machina and Rem, reaching out from their crystal stasis, give Class Zero the strength to defeat the High Commander and absorb the spiritual energy of Finis at the cost of their own lives, with the result of them becoming the prophesied Agito. Arecia then arrives and frees Machina and Rem from crystal stasis, giving up her quest to find the door to the Unseen World and allowing the two l'Cie, and the rest of Orience, to remember their comrades' struggles. The two freed students unite the four nations under one banner and, with the crystals rendered powerless by the conflict, begin a new future free from the gods' interference. Years later, Class Zero's sacrifice is recorded by Machina and Rem, thus ensuring that the cycle will never be repeated.

In the second ending, Class Zero chose to become l'Cie and continue to fight in the war, which eventually destroys them and Orience, dooming the world and its nations to continue their never-ending cycle. A final, 'what if' ending shows Arecia removing the crystals from Orience's history, freeing it from the cycle and giving everyone a chance for a peaceful and happy life.

Development[edit]

The original logo for Final Fantasy Agito XIII, before being retitled.

The decision to create the game, originally known as Final Fantasy Agito XIII, was made after the other two Final Fantasy XIII games had already been decided upon, and was made in response to the popularity of the mobile phone game Before Crisis: Final Fantasy VII.[15] It was decided to make it exclusive to mobile phones.[15] Unveiled at E3 '06, the game "[offered] players easy on-the-go access to the Final Fantasy XIII universe.[16] Utilizing gameplay functions only available through mobile phones, it was supposed to provide players with a unique take on a story accessible anywhere their real-life adventures may take them."[17] Developers had been planning a release on the next generation of cell phones as phones available at the time could not offer all the capabilities they would need.[18] An issue developers had grappled with was whether or not to make the command buttons used in the game visible.[15] The game was in development with the idea of making it a "full-fledged numbered game".[18] However, on August 2, 2008, Square Enix announced that Final Fantasy Agito XIII had changed platforms, and would now be released on the Sony PlayStation Portable platform,[19] with development of the mobile phone version discontinued.[6]

On January 18, 2011 the game made its first official public re-appearance at the Square Enix 1st Production Department Premier in Tokyo, Japan where it was announced that the name would be changed from Final Fantasy Agito XIII to Final Fantasy Type-0 along with a new trailer that was released to the public on January 27, 2011.[5] The name Type-0 was originally trademarked by Square Enix in Europe on December 29, 2010 along with a logo.[20] The game will be one of few releases for the PSP to be released on two UMDs. A demo version of the game was released on August 11, 2011, available to Japanese users for download on the PlayStation Network. A second demo version was released on November 22, 2011, replacing the previous one. Save data from the demo can be transferred to the full game, in order to unlock special costumes, items and keep experience points.[21][22]

The game's plot is thought to be "massive."[18][23] It is described as an online RPG, but not "massively multiplayer".[24] Tabata described Agito as "a major title that's formed from a variety of concepts" which include the collision of four fantasies (the world view), killing match between magic and weapons (battle) and the Ordinary and Unordinary (the two sides of reality).[25]

The game's theme song is "Zero" (ゼロ?) by Bump of Chicken. Square Enix has also registered trademarks for Final Fantasy Type 1, 2 and 3 in 2011, though there are currently no details available on these projects.[26]

Localization[edit]

While English language localizations have been hinted and speculated by reliable sources, no definite confirmation on any version outside of the Japanese PSP version has been made. During development, Tabata stated that is trying to appeal to North American players in his direction of the game.[27] An international version was reported to be in the works by the game's director, Hajima Tabata, in the game's official Ultimania guide, but has yet to be officially announced for release in North American or European territories.[28]

Some sources, such as 1UP.com, have speculated that Square Enix may opt to develop a PlayStation Vita version of the game for English release, due to the poor shape of the PlayStation Portable in many regions[29] Joystiq felt that an upgraded Vita version seemed likely with recent trend of PlayStation 2 games like Final Fantasy X and Persona 4 getting upgraded Vita ports,[30] but then later commented after an absence from E3 2012 that they had heard that a Vita version was "all but dead".[31] Venture Beat speculated that Sony's PSP Remasters approach to re-releasing games in high definition was a likely, cost-efficient way for the game to be localized as well.[32] In October 2012, 1UP.com reported that multiple sources at the 2012 Tokyo Game Show mentioned that "...an English version of Type-0 was moribund in its current form".[33]

In a November 2012 interview with GameSpot, Tabata updated the company's stance regarding a North American and European release:

"Due to market reasons, we are taking a clean slate in terms of our plans. We feel strongly about bringing this title to the fans in North America and Europe, so if an opportunity arises that can become a conclusive factor, we are prepared to go into consideration right away."[34]

Reception[edit]

Reception
Review scores
Publication Score
Famitsu 39 / 40[35]
Dengeki 91.25 / 100[36]
PlayStation LifeStyle 8 / 10[37]

It was awarded a near-perfect score of 39 out 40 by Famitsu.[35] The game also received a positive review from Dengeki magazine, where four reviewers gave it 90, 90, 95, and 90, each one out of 100, averaging out to 91.25 out of 100.[36] In the first week after its release, Final Fantasy Type-0 sold 472,253 units.[38] As of December 19, 2011, the game has sold 696,428 copies in Japan.[39]

PlayStation LifeStyle's Heath Hindman gave the game a score of 8/10 calling it "A hell of a game" with praise directed towards the game's music, combat, and story (particularly the ending).[37]

Legacy[edit]

On November 2011, Final Fantasy Type-0 was adapted into a manga. It is illustrated by Takatoshi Shiozawa and published in Shonen Gangan magazine.[40] The manga has been collected into a tankōbon volume and was released on April 21, 2012.[41] Another manga titled Final Fantasy Type-0 Side Story: Icy Blade of Death ( ファイナルファンタジー零式外伝 氷剣の死神 Fainaru Fantajī Reishiki Gaiden Hitsurugi no Shinigami?). The manga is also illustrated by Takatoshi Shiozawa, supervised by Tetsuya Nomura and published in Shonen Gangan magazine on April 2012.[42] It has been collected into a tankōbon and was released on September 22, 2012.[43]

A novel adaptation titled Final Fantasy Type-0: Change the World -The Answer- ( ファイナルファンタジー零式 Change the World -The Answer-?) has been released by Square Enix on April 21, 2012.[44] A second novel adaptation titled Final Fantasy Type-0: Change the World 2 -The Penultimate Truth- (ファイナルファンタジー零式 Change the World　2 巻 -最後から二番目の真実-?) was released by Square Enix on June 28, 2012. The novels depict an alternate version events compared to the game.

See also[edit]

Book icon


References[edit]

  1. ^ a b "「Final Fantasy XIII-2」が2011年発売予定，「Agito」は「Final Fantasy 零式」と名称変更して2011年夏発売。「Square Enix 1st Production Department Premiere」をTwitterで実況". 4Gamer.net (in Japanese). Aetas, Inc. 2011-01-18. Archived from the original on 2011-01-19. Retrieved 2011-01-19. 
  2. ^ a b c d e f g Square Enix Co., Ltd.. Final Fantasy Type-0. (Square Enix Co., Ltd.). PlayStation Portable. Scene: intro credits. (October 27, 2011)
  3. ^ http://www.square-enix.co.jp/fabula/0/information/index.html
  4. ^ a b c Parish, Jeremy (2011-09-14). "TGS: Final Fantasy Type-0 is Dark, Ambitious, Promising (PSP): The game formerly known as Agito demos well on the show floor". 1UP.com. Retrieved 17 September 2011. 
  5. ^ a b c Anoop Gantayat (January 18, 2011). "Square Enix 1st Production Dept. Premier Live Blog". Andriasang. Retrieved January 17, 2011. 
  6. ^ a b "『ファイナルファンタジー アギトXIII』のPSP版発売が決定". Famitsu. 2008-06-02. Retrieved 2008-06-01. 
  7. ^ Gifford, Kevin (2008-06-18). "Square Talks Dissidia, Summer Event Plans". 1UP.com. Retrieved 2008-06-21. 
  8. ^ "SQUARE ENIX UNVEILS THE NEXT GENERATION OF FINAL FANTASY". Square Enix. May 8, 2006. Retrieved February 18, 2011. 
  9. ^ Mueller, Greg (2006-05-09). "E3 06: Final Fantasy Agito XIII First Impressions". GameSpot. Retrieved 2007-06-21. 
  10. ^ Anoop Gantayat (January 26, 2011). "Final Fantasy Type-0 Detailed". Andriasang. Retrieved February 18, 2011. 
  11. ^ "Becoming Agito, More Info On Final Fantasy Agito XIII". Retrieved 2008-11-24. 
  12. ^ Anoop Gantayat (31 January 2011). "Latest on Final Fantasy Type-0". Andriasang. Retrieved 11-05-2013. 
  13. ^ "Final Fantasy Type-0 is 80% Complete". Retrieved July 5, 2011. 
  14. ^ "Becoming Agito, More Info On Final Fantasy Agito XIII". PSPHyper. 2008-10-24. Retrieved 2009-01-06. 
  15. ^ a b c Kristine S. (2006-06-02). "An Interview with the People behind Final Fantasy XIII". Qj.net. Retrieved 2006-06-02. 
  16. ^ Buchanan, Levi (2006-05-09). "E3 2006: Square Seriously Mobile". IGN. Retrieved 2008-06-21. 
  17. ^ Square Enix staff (2006). "FINAL FANTASY Agito XIII for Mobile Phones". Square Enix. Archived from the original on 2007-07-05. Retrieved 2007-08-26. 
  18. ^ a b c Gantayat, Anoop (2007-03-02). "Final Fantasy Agito XIII Goes Next Gen". IGN. Retrieved 2008-04-01. 
  19. ^ "【速報】『ファイナルファンタジー アギトXIII』のPSP版発売が決定 DKΣ3713リポート". Famitsu (in Japanese). 2008-06-02. Retrieved 2008-06-01. 
  20. ^ Brian Ashcraft (December 30, 2010). "What Is Final Fantasy Type-0?". Kotaku. Gawker Media. Retrieved January 17, 2011. 
  21. ^ Yin-Poole, Wesley. "Final Fantasy Agito XIII renamed Type-0". Eurogamer. 
  22. ^ Gantayat, Anoop. "First Dual UMD Game Announced". IGN. 
  23. ^ Kohler, Chris (2008-06-18). "Final Fantasy Versus XIII On Hold as Square Enix Struggles". Wired. Retrieved 2008-06-21. 
  24. ^ Gantayat, Anoop (2006-05-17). "Famitsu with More on Fabula Nova". IGN. Retrieved 2007-08-26. 
  25. ^ "A Few Bits about Final Fantasy Agito XIII Via The 3rd Birthday Twitter". Andriasang. 2010-11-24. Retrieved 2010-10-24. 
  26. ^ Haley, William (September 27, 2011). "Square Enix Has Trademarked Final Fantasy Type 1, 2, and 3 Now". GameZone. Retrieved 21 July 2012. 
  27. ^ "Crisis Core -Final Fantasy Vii- | Square Enix Members". Member.square-enix.com. Retrieved 2008-10-13. 
  28. ^ Goldfarb, Andrew (30-11-2011). "Report: Final Fantasy Type-0 Headed West". IGN. 
  29. ^ "The Top PSP and PS Vita Games of 2012". 1UP.com. Retrieved 2012-10-02. 
  30. ^ "Vita and 3DS give RPGs a chance to shine at E3". Joystiq. Retrieved 2012-10-02. 
  31. ^ "Ranking Japanese RPG publishers after E3 2012". Joystiq. Retrieved 2012-10-02. 
  32. ^ "Why I believe Final Fantasy Type-0 will be localized as a HD title". Venturebeat. Retrieved 2012-10-02. 
  33. ^ Jeremy Parish (12-10-2012). "Should You Care About Final Fantasy III on PSP?". 1UP.com. Retrieved 17-10-2012. 
  34. ^ Johnathan Toyad. "Fantasy Star: Talking to Final Fantasy Scenario Director Hajime Tabata". Gamespot. Retrieved 02-11-2012. 
  35. ^ a b "Final Fantasy Type-0 scores big in Famitsu". Retrieved October 19, 2011. 
  36. ^ a b Gantayat, Anoop (2011-10-25). "Final Fantasy Type-0's Slightly Odd Disc Swap Scheme". Andriasang. Retrieved 13 February 2012. 
  37. ^ a b "PSP Review - Final Fantasy Type-0". playstationlifestyle.net. December 2, 2011. Retrieved 2011-12-02. 
  38. ^ "Final Fantasy Type-0 Sells Nearly 500,000". Retrieved November 3, 2011. 
  39. ^ "Square Enix". Garaph (based on Famitsu data). 2011-12-19. Retrieved 16 March 2012. 
  40. ^ "Final Fantasy Type-0 Gets Manga Covergence". Andriasang.com. September 9, 2011. Retrieved 2012-09-27. 
  41. ^ "ファイナルファンタジー零式". Square Enix (in Japanese). Retrieved 2012-10-01. 
  42. ^ "Final Fantasy Type-0 Gets A Second Manga Series". Siliconera. April 15, 2012. Retrieved 2012-09-27. 
  43. ^ "ファイナルファンタジー零式外伝 氷剣の死神（1）". Square Enix (in Japanese). Retrieved 2012-10-01. 
  44. ^ "Final Fantasy Type-0 Is Geting A Novel Adaptation". Siliconera. March 19, 2012. Retrieved 2012-09-27. 

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