Final Fantasy Type-0 is an action RPG/hack and slash set in the war-torn world of Orience, where nations clash over powerful Crystals. You control cadets branded as l'Cie, tasked with a 'Focus' while battling an apocalyptic threat. The core loop involves real-time combat, mixing magic and melee, utilizing a large roster of characters for strategic team composition. A key feature is the world's memory-fading curse affecting the l'Cie. This main title received a remaster after its original 2011 PSP release.
The narrative centers on individuals marked by their nation's crystal as l'Cie—servants branded with a symbol and tasked with a specific "Focus." While this marking grants them extended life and the ability to transform into crystal, it also carries a curse: the gradual loss of memory. Furthermore, the world operates under a mechanism where the memory of the dead fades from the living, a system seemingly designed to encourage continuous conflict and spiritual strengthening. The ultimate goal for many characters is to achieve the status of Agito, a legendary savior figure capable of averting the world's end.
Blending traditional role-playing elements with fast-paced hack and slash combat, the gameplay emphasizes real-time action. Players control members of a specialized military academy unit, engaging in intense battles that require strategic use of both physical attacks and magical abilities. The combat system is designed to be dynamic, allowing players to switch between party members on the fly to utilize their unique skill sets effectively against various threats.
A defining characteristic is the focus on a large, playable roster drawn from the academy cadets. This allows for significant strategic variation in team composition and combat approach. The game features a mission-based structure that drives the narrative forward while allowing exploration of the world's political tensions. The genre classification combines elements of a Role-playing (RPG) experience with Hack and slash/Beat 'em up action.
As a main title, this game does not feature any downloadable content (DLC) or expansions. It has received one remaster since its initial release, updating the experience for modern platforms. Community reception often focuses on the challenging difficulty and the depth of its character customization options.
The original version launched exclusively on the PlayStation Portable in late 2011. The game's availability has since expanded through a later remaster.