Final Fantasy XV & Final Fantasy Type-0 HD director Hajime Tabata’s Reddit AMA starts now! He will be answering our question for two hours. You can post your questions here.
We will be updating the most interesting questions & answer to this post during the AMA.
Who was your favorite FF character of all time? And why?
Hajime Tabata: My favorite FINAL FANTASY character is Zack. That’s because I spent a lot of time “working” with him during the development of Crisis Core.
In the PSP version of Final Fantasy type-o the the online multiplayer tied into a lot of sidequests and rewards. Now that the co-op multiplayer has been cut, how will you be handling those sidequests and rewards?
Hajime Tabata: All of the sidequests and rewards remain in the game and are obtainable, so don’t worry.
Has the games pacing been changed in any way to reflect its move from a portable format to a home console format?
Hajime Tabata: We calculated the speed of the party characters, and increased their speed for the HD version. We also improved the controls for characters where we felt they could be improved.
Are you still working on the trophy/achievement list for the game. JRPG’s tend to have very tedious trophies could you please have some entertaining trophies/achievements?
Hajime Tabata: There aren’t any tedious trophies/achievements in the game. We used FF13 as an example for our trophy/achievement list.
Will There be unlockable costumes?
Hajime Tabata: The two bonus costumes from the PSP version are still in the game, and we have also added a new costume specifically for the HD version
Will there be an option to turn blood ‘on’ or ‘off’ and will Final Fantasy xv be like type-0 in its depiction of violence and its consequences?
Hajime Tabata: Unfortunately there are no VFX (blood effects) options available in the game. I have actually never heard that requested from our fans in Japan, but is that a popular feature that gamers in North America like to see in games?
What were the reasons behind not making a Vita version from Type-0 HD? Would you have any interest in making a Type-0 sequel, given the chance?
Hajime Tabata: I wanted everyone to be able to play the game on a large high-definition screen. Honestly, my eyesight’s getting worse, so it’s getting difficult to see things on a smaller screen. I’ve seen some questions about why Type-0 isn’t being released on the Vita while X/X-2 HD saw a Vita release. The reason is that the X/X-2 HD Remaster was developed on a PS3/Xbox 360 environment, while Type-0 HD was developed on a PS4/Xbox One environment. So there is a great difference in the technical specs and it would not be easy to export the data to the Vita. As for a sequel, I would love to work on one if Type-0 HD does well.
HDPLSBUY
Which of the two types of settings do you personally prefer and why?
Hajime Tabata: In my opinion, FF uses a mix of medieval, modern, and futuristic aspects and I really love that. Personally, I love game worlds that incorporate real-world aspects or settings, too.
McDonalds dipping sauce: Buffalo or Ranch?
Hajime Tabata: Buffalo!! I love very spicy food and sweets, too!! LOL
This is the first Final Fantasy game with an M rating. Was there a specific reason you wanted to tell a more mature story?
Hajime Tabata: I wanted to create a FINAL FANTASY where you could truly feel a vibrant game world and characters, while also exploring the deep emotions of the characters. My work on Crisis Core got me interested in exploring and creating a game with those themes.
Hi Mr. Tabata. What are your hobbies outside of creating games ? Does your hobbies/pass-times did influenced you on how you would design later your games (either if it’s crisis core / 3rd Birthday / Final Fantasy Type-0 / Final Fantasy XV) ?
Hajime Tabata: My hobbies are driving, history, keeping my devices fully charged, and video game development. But video game development is probably my favorite hobby.
We know that multiplayer was cut from the game. Technically wise – would it be possible to add multiplayer at a later date in a patch?
Hajime Tabata: In the original PSP version, we used the adhoc mode for the multiplayer feature. So trying to include that in the HD version would require creating a system to match players over a server and we felt that it would be difficult to include that in the HD version. I’m sorry.
What’s your favorite track from Type-0’s soundtrack?
Hajime Tabata: 我ら来れり (“We Have Come”) is my favorite music track from the game. I love the medley in the ending credits.
With the original PSP port of the game, the character exclusive accessories (i.e, God’s Rulebook) were obtained through having a Japanese Square Enix Member Login that could be sync’d for download. Are those accessories still available in the console port through DLC or gameplay, or are they now removed?
Hajime Tabata: All of the accessories can be obtained in-game. The Members’ Site rewards have been incorporated into the game itself, so don’t worry.
There are a few cutscenes in the original game one could only trigger by accessing them through the Crimson Codex. When in development, did any of these cutscenes get moved to play within the game’s story, or did they all stay where the player has to choose to watch them?
Hajime Tabata: As for the Crimson mission events, the design is the same as the PSP version. But, we’ve added some new (important!) scenes for the HD version, so do your best to unlock and view those events!
Will US/EU versions of 零式HD have an option for Japanese voices?
Hajime Tabata: The Japanese voices have been included. The European version will include English and Japanese voice work and English, French, Italian, German, and Spanish subtitles as well.
Will digital preorders of 零式HD also give access to FFXV Episode Duscae or is this demo limited only to package versions of the game?
Hajime Tabata: We are planning to include the FFXV Episode Duscae demo for a limited time with a Type-0 HD digital purchase as well.
Are there any plans for a PC version? I would totally pay full price to buy Type-0 on Steam or the sort.
Hajime Tabata: There are currently no plans for a PC version, but I am very interested in Steam. The thing is, I want to know when Valve’s going to release Half-Life 2 Episode 3.
Does the high demand for Type-0 release in America surprise you? There is a big audience in America for people who love Japanese games.
Hajime Tabata: I was very surprised by the response and very happy by the outpouring of support. I would love to make a great FF community with our American fans.
Way is your favorite JRPG that isn’t Final Fantasy?
Hajime Tabata: Dragon Warrior 3 (Dragon Quest 3) is my favorite Japanese RPG. It’s the KING of JRPGs to me.
What is your favorite Final Fantasy game and why?
Hajime Tabata: My favorite FINAL FANTASY… Well, FF1 was the most memorable, while FF7 was the most influential to me. But overall, FF6 has to be my favorite. I looked at previous FF games for my research on developing FF15 and FF6 really stood out to me.
What games and game directors do you personally get inspiration from?
Hajime Tabata: There are plenty of games and game creators that respect, but Journey popped into my mind right now.
Do you have any comments about the long development time for FFXV? What are you planning to do to ensure the game releases in a timely manner?
Hajime Tabata: I’m sorry to keep you all waiting for the release of FF15. We’re doing our best to keep things going and release it as soon as possible. Please try out the demo and I hope you have fun playing it!
What is your favorite car?
Hajime Tabata: I’ve never driven one, but I love the Audi R8. Audi are you paying attention? But I actually own a BMW (I want a hybrid but my wife won’t let me buy one)! LOL
How long is TYPE-0 ? Can you give an estimate.
Hajime Tabata: I think you should be able to see the ending in around 40 hours. But the real fun starts from the second playthrough since you get some new events, so you’ll probably be able to play for over 100 hours. Take your time to get the full experience and have fun!
So you’re a pretty big Half Life fan?
Hajime Tabata: I’ve been a supporter of Steam since Half-Life 2. I actually bought an expensive graphics card just to play Half-Life (the original). The opening to Half-Life is actually one of my favorite game intros.
Why does Seven look so much similar to Lightning? Who is your favorite character design in Type-0? What are the three best characters in terms of Magic, Strength, and Range? (I’m assuming this would be a well rounded party?) After XV comes out, would you consider releasing this on the Vita like a year later perhaps? Will the people who bought FFX/X-2 Remaster for PS3 get a free upgrade to the PS4 version? Thank you for all of your hard work! Take care of yourself though.
Hajime Tabata: In the Japanese version we used the same voice actress for both characters and they’re both very cool. I wonder why? My favorite character in Type-0 is the soldier who dies in the intro. His name is Izana. Ace, Rem, and King are my suggestions for beginners. For more advanced players, I’d use Trey, Jack, and Eight (or Seven).
For last questions …hahaha!
In the PSP version of Type-0 there were a number of faults in the battle mechanics that persisted throughout the game. One of the problems you have addressed is the erratic camera which it seems you may have addressed. However, the biggest fault with the game was the party AI. Often members of your party would stand still in a battle doing absolutely nothing during a fight. This unreliable AI made it more beneficial to simply compose a party of one character that you controlled yourself. Has there been any work on this serious problem for the release of the HD remake
Hajime Tabata: The AI wasn’t a code due to technical restrictions with the PSP. So we made the AI focus on healing the player when their HP got really low and ensured that the AI-controlled characters wouldn’t die easily or “steal” too many kills from the player. We made it this way because of the reserves function since only the characters in the active battle party earn experience.
We didn’t make any changes to this feature in the HD version as that would require an overhaul of the system from the ground up. We have made some improvements to camera and controls as you said. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised with the improvements!
Thank you for all the questions! We’re really running short on time, so I’ll try to answer as many questions on the Square Enix blog in the near future. Please keep an eye out for my posts!
Additional Questions & Answers:
What CAN you tell us about FFXV?
Hajime Tabata: For Episode Duscae, our Japanese fans keep asking if we’re including a jump feature or if the “Phantom Sword” will be available. And I can confirm that both are in the demo!
Will the Episode Duscae demo be immediately playable when Type-0 HD releases? I’ve heard conflicting information about this.
Hajime Tabata: We are doing are best to have the demo playable with the release of Type-0 HD, but we are still working on optimizing the system and everything, so I can’t give you a date.
Do you think you’ll revisit Crisis Core and Before Crisis and give them the HD treatment?
Hajime Tabata: That’s an interesting question. There are no plans at this time, but I’m curious as to how many fans would be interested in such games.
What’s the target frame rate/resolution for FFXV? What can we expect in Episode Duscae?
Our target for the full version is full-HD (30 fps), but it’s difficult to realize that with the graphics and features we have in the game. In terms of Episode Duscae…you’ll find out if Cindy is this game’s “Cid” by playing the demo!
Categories: Final Fantasy Type-0
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A true HD remake of Before Crisis must be done, because that’s the only game in the Compilation of Final Fantasy VII series that hasn’t been released in english, and it was first released almost 11 years ago, since 2014 was the game’s tenth anniversary. I’d also love to see a sequel to Dirge of Cerberus explaining Genesis’s return.
So want an explanation on genesis.
“Are there any plans for a PC version? I would totally pay full price to buy Type-0 on Steam or the sort.
Hajime Tabata: There are currently no plans for a PC version, but I am very interested in Steam.”
Figures :( Interested, yet, not release it on Steam. :(
So glad to hear that they’re interested though :)
“The thing is, I want to know when Valve’s going to release Half-Life 2 Episode 3.”
So if Valve release Half-Life 2 Episode 3, they’ll release more Final Fantasy to Steam, right?
I would totally dig a HD remake of Crisis Core and even Before Crisis (since i’ve never played it) – although doing all those missions again would be a killer xD – beating 1000 Shinra Troops come to mind – took my friend 3hrs – and it was on my save file – i’ll be sure to give him a ring – i bet he won’t be too happy haha
Very cool and interesting stuff! :)
I love Tabata. Always listening to the fans.