Final Fantasy Type-0 HD: Get ready to go from zero to hero as Square takes you across the thin, super bloody line

War! What is it good for? Er, for the brutal, bloody setting of this FF handheld port, apparently. Set in the politically charged world of Orience, Type-0 is taking a much grittier and darker approach to its usual brand of over-stylised adventuring. Not even the Chocobos are safe…

With its far more action-based focus, which sees you actively flinging cards or swinging improbably sized swords through your enemies, you really need to keep on your toes. There’s huge emphasis on dodging out of harm’s way. Luckily, the controls are snappy and skilfully diving away from a devastating energy blast at the last second is a real joy. However, the camera can be difficult to keep steady at times, meaning the action can occasionally be obscured.

It’s another HD port, of course. So its environments have dated thanks to its simple PSP roots your PS4 will sweat more from movie playback. Still, the combat itself is forward-looking and shows great promise for what we can expect to find in bigger cousin Final Fantasy XV, which should rock similarly stabby, action-based combat.

If you’re eager to get a taste of what it’ll be like to play as Noctis and co later this year, then you’re in luck day one editions of Type-0 include a semi open-world demo (albeit minus the car). In the meantime, this is set to be an excellent pit stop.