"The inclusion of Steam Cloud saving and a number of PC-specific options shows that this clearly wasn't a slapdash effort, but the obtuse way some of those options are implemented and the weak mouse/keyboard control choices make it a case of "better, but still not perfect.

Lengthy adventure that breaks the FF mold; many options make it an improvement on previous Square Enix PC ports

Strange implementation of those new options; keyboard and mouse controls almost unusable; even high settings can't fully mask that this is a port of a port of a PSP game

Here we are with yet another HD remaster to add to our collection – Final Fantasy Type-0 HD. What's different about this HD remaster; however, is that the original was released about 4 years ago as a Japan exclusive PSP game.

It's quite appropriate that Final Fantasy Type-0 HD takes place within a military Akademia, following the exploits of 14 extraordinarily gifted cadets. The game is as punishing and uncompromising as the continental war that it chronicles, and it will school you.

Forget JRPGs, 'Final Fantasy' games alone are enough to form hard lines between various fans. 'Type-0' plays like it's meant to be enjoyed in bite sizes and in marathon sessions, and the story is so much more palatable and enjoyable than what one might expect from the past 15 years.

25 years ago, the "Summer of Final Fantasy" captured my imagination. I didn't really know what Final Fantasy was at the time, nor did I particularly care that said "summer" was just a marketing invention being peddled by Nintendo Power to drum up interest in role-playing games among American players...

All in all, Type-0 HD is a satisfying Final Fantasy package, with over 50 hours of main story content and a ton more if you strive to complete all extra tasks, world map exploration and fill in all missing entries the history section.

+ War of Magic vs Tech premise; + Class-0 offer diverse playstyles; + Satisfying real-time action combat; + CGI cutscenes

- Still leftovers of PSP visuals/mission design; - Cringe-worthy English voice-acting; - Second playthrough and research necessary to understand ending

It is fitting that a game about war--its passionate triumphs, its bloody defeats, its tragic consequences--would focus so heavily on combat. In Final Fantasy Type-0, you guide a group of gifted teenagers through numerous campaigns to capture opposing cities and kill the powerful beings aiding enemy...

Combat is fast and engaging; Mission structure actively encourages use of all 14 characters; Meaningful leveling and and ability customization; Primary characters' personal stories properly reflect the ravages of war

Most NPCs were left out of the HD treatment; Clunky narrative fails to explain key concepts

Final Fantasy Type-0 HD is a solid, compelling release that never truly feels at home on its platform. It's still the game so many yearned to play, and though it may not be a core numbered entry, it stands up well to the franchise's marquee releases. Just know what you're getting into.

Great music; fun combat; interesting atmosphere

Spaces feel a bit confined for PS4; textures stand out too much

Originally released in Japan for the PlayStation Portable back in 2011, Final Fantasy Type-0 finally makes its way stateside after a long wait. Though it won't be gracing a portable platform like most anticipated, this HD update arrives exclusively on the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One.

While not the next-generation Final Fantasy game fans are anxiously waiting for, Type-0 is a fun action/adventure with a lot of compelling ideas. There's enough variety in the gameplay to keep the combat fresh for dozens of hours, and the story is surprisingly emotional for a political thriller.