RandomNPC – Video Game RPG Reviews, Editorials, and Features

At a recent retailer event, Final Fantasy Type-0 director Hajime Tabata answered fan questions regarding the game and the series. While discussing a possible sequel to Type-0, he stated “we aren’t thinking about having it directly continue the story.” A direct sequel is still in consideration however, and the various Final Fantasy VII entries were used as as comparisons. Tabata specifically wants to make titles that leave room for future story developments.

When asked about the card-themed names of the characters, he responded that the characters were initially planned to have real ones. The coded names were left in however, largely to add mystery to the characters. The Vita version was also brought up, and producer/fellow attendee Shinji Hashimoto indicated they’re looking into making Type 0 compatible with the UMD Passport program.

Source: Andriasang

I am in love with the girl with pink hair. Continue reading ‘Mass Media 11/26/11’ »

Dengeki Playstation ran a lengthy feature on Final Fantasy Type-0 this week, showcasing more of the game as it nears its Japanese release. Among the details was the game’s disc swapping system, which puts the first and last chapters on the first disc and the rest of the game on the second. Director Hajime Tabata explained this unorthodox system as necessary for multiplayer, preventing disc-swapping from interrupting a game.

Type-0 will feature a variant of new game+, carrying over level and statistics while unlocking additional missions. These focus more on Class Zero, whereas the first playthrough reportedly centers more on the game world. As for story themes, Type-0‘s crystals apparently cause people to forget those who have died, and this will tie into the larger mythology of the Fabula Nova Crystallis universe.

Source: Andriasang

Game director Hajime Tabata has stated, via official blog, that Final Fantasy Type-0 will not feature paid downloadable content. However, Square Enix Members will have access to free downloadable items.

Source: Andriasang

Coffee vs. cold medicine: the eternal struggle rages on. Hey, I needed something to stay up long enough to finish the media, what with my browser deciding that now is a fantastic time to fuss over every single image. But I ramble. Let’s get to said media: 7th Dragon 2020, Dragon Quest Heroes: Rocket Slime 3, Dragon Quest X, Final Fantasy Type-0, Kingdom Hearts: Dream Drop Distance, Lord of Apocalypse, Tales of Innocence R and Tales of the Heroes Twin Brave. Continue reading ‘Mass Media 09/22/11’ »

With the Japanese release drawing closer, Square Enix has revealed that Final Fantasy Type-0 will come in both regular and collector’s editions. The standard version is priced at 7700 yen, with the 12760 for the CE netting you the following: a 24-page postcard book, a three-disc soundtrack, and a specially designed case.

Type-0 is set to release on October 27 in Japan. No US release has been announced.

Source: 1UP

Square Enix announced that Final Fantasy Type-0‘s release date has been pushed back two weeks, putting the date at October 27. Little reason was given for this, save Square Enix stating that “it hopes to further improve quality.”

Source: Andriasang

Howdy-ho, all! Just squeezing in some media before the weekend. Bit tight on time, so without further ado here’s what we have: Class of Heroes 3DS, Disgaea 3: Return, Disgaea 4, Dragon’s Dogma, Fermi Naju 3, and Final Fantasy Type-0. Continue reading ‘Mass Media 08/19/11’ »

Via Famitsu is the news that Final Fantasy Type-0 will see a public demo version prior to release. The demo, dubbed “Natsubi,” is a modified version of a demo shown at an Odaiba event a few weeks ago. No timeframe was given on the demo’s release.

Source: Andriasang

Summer rolls on and the heat just isn’t letting up. Who said suburban Chicago could turn into southern Louisiana? How’s everybody else out there holding up? If you’ve got time for the news, gather ’round and listen up. In this week’s episode:

• One of Sony’s insurance groups sues to avoid being legally liable for damage from the hack.  Next time Sony, get them to agree before showing the bill.
• Gameloft stands accused of forcing its employees to work 100+ hour weeks and faking deadlines to maintain crunch time.  And they thought Gameloft wasn’t ready for the big leagues!
• Capcom’s Twitter Guy accidentally implies fans are to blame for Mega Man Legends 3‘s cancellation.  The internet reacts in the usual reserved and dignified manner.
• 1UP posts some interesting analysis on the decline in JRPG localization.  It sure would explain an awful lot.  Looking right at you Square Enix.  Sega, you too.
• Wal-Mart prepares to publish its sales data for video games.  I’m sure that internal memo marked “Join Us Or Die” is just for marketing purposes.
• Zeboyd Games announces that jumping to Steam caused sales to skyrocket.  #pcgamingmasterrace

Continue reading ‘What Happened This Week – Appetite for Production’ »

Square Enix has announced that Final Fantasy XIII-2 will release in North America in January, following its Japanese launch in December. Speaking with Famitsu, director Motomu Toriyama also revealed that the title will be more open and conducive to exploration than XIII. Additionally, those who clear the game – estimated at about 40 hours – will unlock a replay mode unlike the typical New Game+ option, although this was not explained further.

As for Final Fantasy Type-0, Square Enix has set the release date as October 13 in Japan and the game will price at ¥7700. No US release was announced.

Source: 1UP

Tetsuya Nomura and Hajime Tabata recently commented on the work going into Final Fantasy Type-0, acknowledging a delay from its intended summer release in Japan.  Although it was suggested that Type-0 may be ready in time for fall, no clear timeframe was given beyond 2011.  Tabata hinted that the PSN outage had slowed development of the multiplayer mode.

Apart from the delay, the two discussed additional information and features about the upcoming title: Continue reading ‘Type 0 Delayed, Developers Reveal More Info’ »

A large Dengeki feature broke more details about Final Fantasy Type-0. Continue reading ‘Yet More Type-0 Information’ »

Care of Famitsu is additional information about the upcoming Final Fantasy Type-0. Continue reading ‘More Type-0 Details Emerge: Mission Moogles, Playable Summons, and More’ »

Just in case you needed some visuals to go along with the announcement below, Dengeki was kind enough to provide screens and artwork for Hyperdimension Neptunia Mk2. Along with that we’ve got some Final Fantasy Type-0, Dissidia 012 Duodecim, Pandora’s Tower, and Tales of the Abyss 3DS. Check it out: Continue reading ‘Mass Media 04/23/11’ »

A few more details have emerged about Type-0‘s main characters and obligatory Cid.  In particular, we now know the following:

• Machina Kunagiri uses a set of dual swords known as bolt rapiers, and is voiced by Hiroshi Kamiya.  Kamiya is known for, among other things, his role as Nozomu Itoshiki in Sayonara, Zetsubou Sensei.
• Rem Tokimiya’s weapon of choice is a pair of daggers, not to be confused with a pair of swords.  Rem is voiced by Ryoko Shiraishi, last seen – heard, anyway – as Juliana in the Japanese version of Valkyria Chronicles II.
• Cid, fully Cid Oldstein, is looking to round up the crystals held by each of the nations.  He gets his voice courtesy of Shuichiro Moriyama, who showed up as Wagram in The Last Remnant.

Source: Andriasang

Details about the upcoming Final Fantasy Type-0 are coming to light, revealing some of the characters, the game world, and the battle system.  Continue reading ‘Final Fantasy Type-0 Details Emerge’ »

Greetings from the Chicago suburbs, currently known as the Greater Illinois Snow Field of Doom.  Come on in and warm up with some fresh media: 3rd Birthday, Atelier Violet, Dissidia 012 Duodecim, Dragon Quest Monsters Joker 2, Final Fantasy Type-0, Final Fantasy XIII-2, Kingdom Hearts: Dream Drop Distance, Persona 2 Innocent Sin, Phantasy Star Portable 2 Infinity, and Valkyria Chronicles 3. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll spot familiar faces, you’ll wonder what the DPS on Luka’s giant fish is.

I am actually somewhat curious about that, but I digress.  On with the media! Continue reading ‘Mass Media 02/01/11’ »

Among the many, many things to come out during Square Enix’s 1st Production Department Premier event was long-awaited Final Fantasy Agito XIII and Versus XIII news. Continue reading ‘EffEffstraveganza: FF Agito XIII Renamed, Versus XIII Trailer Revealed’ »