Article: Hajime Tabata's Type-0 AMA

[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!