• Hajime Tabata's Type-0 AMA


    Hajime Tabata is doing an Ask Me Anything on Reddit today about Final Fantasy Type-0. An Ask Me Anything (AMA) is a question and answer interaction between the original poster and the other users asking questions. In this case it is the Director Hajime Tabata and the fans. It is still on going but this article will be updated with the info he shares!

    • Tabata's hobby outside of making games is making games.
    • Zack from Crisis Core is his favorite FF character.
    • There wont be super difficult achievements/trophies. They based Type-0's off of XIII's trophies.
    • Even though multiplayer was taken out, the side quest will still be available. It was too difficult to create a similar system to work on the new consoles to work like the multiplayer on the PSP.
    • "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. "
    • The reason it isn't on Vita, like how FFX|X-2 HD was, is because Type-0 was made for the newest generation of consoles so it couldn't be translated to the Vita as well as the X|X-2 remaster that was made for the 360/PS3 generation. The specs were too different. Also cause his eyesight is getting bad for small screens. (whaaat?)
    • He likes the FF games to have a mix of a real world feel with fantasy elements.
      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.
    • “We Have Come” is his favorite music track from the game.
    • All of the exclusive accessories that you had to get by unique offers in Japan can be obtained in-game. The Members’ Site rewards have been incorporated into the game itself.
    • The Crimson mission events, the design will be the same as the PSP version. But they've added some new (important!) scenes for the HD version.
    • There are no plans for a PC release but Tabata is interested in steam, particularly when Half-Life 2 Episode 3 will come out.
    • The European version will include English and Japanese voice work and English, French, Italian, German, and Spanish subtitles as well.
    • They plan to include the FFXV Episode Duscae demo for a limited time with a Type-0 HD digital purchase.
    • 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.
      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.
      We're sitting right here tabata!
    • Dragon Warrior 3 (Dragon Quest 3) is his favorite Japanese RPG outside of Final Fantasy. It’s the KING of JRPGs to him.
    • What is your favorite Final Fantasy game and why?
      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?
      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?
      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!
    • Why does Seven look so much similar to Lightning?
      In the Japanese version we used the same voice actress for both characters and they’re both very cool. I wonder why?
    • Who is your favorite character design in Type-0?
      My favorite character in Type-0 is the soldier who dies in the intro. His name is Izana.
    • What are the three best characters in terms of Magic, Strength, and Range? (I'm assuming this would be a well rounded party?)
      Ace, Rem, and King are my suggestions for beginners. For more advanced players, I’d use Trey, Jack, and Eight (or Seven).
    • After XV comes out, would you consider releasing this on the Vita like a year later perhaps?
      (nonrelated) Will the people who bought FFX/X-2 Remaster for PS3 get a free upgrade to the PS4 version?
      For questions 4 & 5…hahaha!
    • How long is TYPE-0 ? Can you give an estimate.
      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!
    • What CAN you tell us about XV
      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!
    • Do you think you'll revisit Crisis Core and Before Crisis and give them the HD treatment?
      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?
      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.
    • What can we expect in Episode Duscae?
      In terms of Episode Duscae...you'll find out if Cindy is this game's "Cid" by playing the demo!
    • 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?
      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!


    The AMA is still going on so expect more info or try asking your own question!
    This article was originally published in forum thread: I'm just gonna leave this here started by Mirage View original post
    Comments 34 Comments
    1. Freya's Avatar
      Freya -
      Things i've learned.


      • Tabata's hobby outside of making games is making games.
      • Zack from Crisis core is his favorite FF character.
      • There wont be super difficult achievements/trophies. They based TYpe-0's off of XIII's trophies.
      • Even though multiplayer was taken out, the side quest will still be available. It was too difficult to create a similar system to work on the new consoles to work like the multiplayer on the PSP.
      • "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. "
      • The reason it isn't on Vita, like how FFX|X-2 HD was, is because Type-0 was made for the newest generation of consoles so it couldn't be translated to the Vita as well as the X|X-2 remaster that was made for the 360/PS3 generation. The specs were too different. Also cause his eyesight is getting bad for small screens. (whaaat?)
      • He likes the FF games to have a mix of a real world feel with fantasy elements.
        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.
      • “We Have Come” is his favorite music track from the game.
      • All of the exclusive accessories that you had to get by unique offers in Japan can be obtained in-game. The Members’ Site rewards have been incorporated into the game itself.
      • The Crimson mission events, the design will be the same as the PSP version. But they've added some new (important!) scenes for the HD version.
      • There are no plans for a PC release but Tabata is interested in steam, particularly when Half-Life 2 Episode 3 will come out.
      • The European version will include English and Japanese voice work and English, French, Italian, German, and Spanish subtitles as well.
      • They plan to include the FFXV Episode Duscae demo for a limited time with a Type-0 HD digital purchase.
      • 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.
        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.
        We're sitting right here tabata!
      • Dragon Warrior 3 (Dragon Quest 3) is his favorite Japanese RPG outside of Final Fantasy. It’s the KING of JRPGs to him.
      • What is your favorite Final Fantasy game and why?
        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?
        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?
        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!
      • Why does Seven look so much similar to Lightning?
        In the Japanese version we used the same voice actress for both characters and they’re both very cool. I wonder why?
      • Who is your favorite character design in Type-0?
        My favorite character in Type-0 is the soldier who dies in the intro. His name is Izana.
      • What are the three best characters in terms of Magic, Strength, and Range? (I'm assuming this would be a well rounded party?)
        Ace, Rem, and King are my suggestions for beginners. For more advanced players, I’d use Trey, Jack, and Eight (or Seven).
      • After XV comes out, would you consider releasing this on the Vita like a year later perhaps?
        (nonrelated) Will the people who bought FFX/X-2 Remaster for PS3 get a free upgrade to the PS4 version?
        For questions 4 & 5…hahaha!
      • How long is TYPE-0 ? Can you give an estimate.
        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!
      • What CAN you tell us about XV?
        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!
    1. Del Murder's Avatar
      Del Murder -
      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.
      GOOD SIGN
    1. Freya's Avatar
      Freya -
      Yeah I was pretty excited for that part.
    1. Freya's Avatar
      Freya -
      • Do you think you'll revisit Crisis Core and Before Crisis and give them the HD treatment?
        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?
        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.
      • What can we expect in Episode Duscae?
        In terms of Episode Duscae...you'll find out if Cindy is this game's "Cid" by playing the demo!
      • 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?
        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!



      Wait Cidney might not be the CID?
    1. metagloria's Avatar
      metagloria -
      Quote Originally Posted by Freya View Post
      Wait Cidney might not be the CID?
      Well, considering her name is Cindy...
    1. Freya's Avatar
      Freya -
      Nope. It's Cidney Or I thought they said that's what it was but it keeps getting translated to Cindy....

      Also I saw your question Metagloria, I wish he'd answered it.
    1. Ayen's Avatar
      Ayen -
      Quote Originally Posted by Del Murder View Post
      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.
      GOOD SIGN
      I knew there was a reason I liked him.
    1. chionos's Avatar
      chionos -
      "What is your favorite Final Fantasy game and why?

      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."

      Yep, yep, yep. Tabata knows his stuff. This gives me hope for FFXV.
    1. Mirage's Avatar
      Mirage -
      see even SE agrees that FF6 is the best
    1. Colonel Angus's Avatar
      Colonel Angus -
      Quote Originally Posted by Freya View Post
      Nope. It's Cidney Or I thought they said that's what it was but it keeps getting translated to Cindy....

      Also I saw your question Metagloria, I wish he'd answered it.
      Maybe it'll be like XII & have multiple Cids. Maybe there'll be Cidney the mechanic, & the guy in the white hood will be Cid Vicious.
    1. Ayen's Avatar
      Ayen -
      Quote Originally Posted by Colonel Angus View Post
      Cid Vicious.
      Get ready for some really bad selling, everyone.
    1. Mirage's Avatar
      Mirage -
      So you made my thread into an "article" but didn't raise my article count?!?!?!
    1. Vyk's Avatar
      Vyk -
      And even the creator calls her Cindy

      This is why we are confused
    1. Freya's Avatar
      Freya -
      Quote Originally Posted by Mirage View Post
      So you made my thread into an "article" but didn't raise my article count?!?!?!
      lol technically it was a post I made in this thread made into an article linking the comments that way another thread wasn't created.
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