Every E3, we know there will be unexpected announcements. Surprises are par for course. This year, however, I’d like to think Square Enix provided the biggest. Three long years had gone by, with no sign of Final Fantasy Type-0 . Square Enix never really commented, and it seemed as though the game was lost. There was the #jrpgvita push from Sony’s Shahid Kamal Ahmad, and a mobile port was announced in the form of Final Fantasy Agito , but I think we all came to accept that the fan translation of Final Fantasy Type-0 was the only way we’d get to experience the original game.
Until June 10, 2014, when Square Enix came forward and said that Final Fantasy Type-0 was indeed making its way out of Japan. Rejoice, for the company had brought glad tidings of Final Fantasy Type-0 HD , in what was probably E3’s biggest surprise.
Ah, but notice I said biggest, not best. There’s a big difference. While gamers have been craving Final Fantasy Type-0 for years, Final Fantasy fans had certain expectations. Namely, they were hoping for the original PSP game, or some sort of Vita port. After all, Ahmad had teased Final Fantasy Type-0 as part of the #jrpgvita push and even initially said the HD version was coming to the Vita . Since then, he’s admitted his mistake , but Square Enix has yet to reply to all the Vita owners who (rightfully) feel betrayed.
It’s a tricky situation, to be sure. The revelation that both Final Fantasy Agito and Final Fantasy Type-0 HD are coming stateside is undoubtedly a boon and lovely prospect. I honestly didn’t believe we would ever see any incarnation of Final Fantasy Type-0 , and now there will be a free-to-play and full version to enjoy. It’s a surprise that should be celebrated, and I look forward to enjoying the game on my PS4.
Yet, at the same time, I can understand the lament of everyone who only owns a Vita, or perhaps only even a PSP. It’s been three long years of waiting for any glimmer of hope. Then, the #jrpgvita hashtag comes and provides a chance. Moreover, when the announcement comes, it initially says PS4, Xbox One and Vita, but then the possibility of a Vita version is swiftly taken away.
I’m not condoning childish behavior, threats, and demands that people are somehow entitled to Final Fantasy Type-0 for their platform of choice. Yet, the feelings that these Vita, and even PSP, owners have are valid. While there may have never been any explicit promises, there were expectations. These people have every right to make their voices heard, and I think it’s important that they do. After all, Ahmad did mention in one of his tweets that Sony is still trying to see if a Vita version is an option. The best way to possibly convince Square Enix that such a thing would be worth the investment is through petitions and respectful, mature requests.
Simply put, Final Fantasy Type-0 is a big deal. Whether or not you see the Final Fantasy Type-0 HD announcement as good or bad news is irrelevant. It’s generated so many feelings and discussions, both positive and negative, that it’s plain to see it’s easily E3 2014’s biggest surprise.