Dissidia 012 Final Fantasy Review

Dissidia 012 Final Fantasy is a 2011 action role-playing fighting game published by Square Enix for the PlayStation Portable. Dissidia 012 Final Fantasy is the third installment in the Dissidia Final Fantasy series. The game focuses on the twelfth war between the gods Chaos and Cosmos who have summoned several warriors from parallel worlds to fight for them.

Campaign:

Dissidia 012 Final Fantasy's campaign offers a gripping expansion to the original game's narrative, blending intricate storylines with rich character development. Players navigate a complex plot involving the clash between Cosmos and Chaos, featuring engaging dialogue and cinematic scenes that deepen the lore of the Final Fantasy universe. The game’s plot is enhanced by its multi-dimensional storytelling, which weaves together the fates of various characters across the series in a way that feels both cohesive and expansive. I will admit that the story isn't as deep as the mainline games it borrows from, but it's still a good story.

The character roster is a standout feature, showcasing beloved heroes and villains from across the Final Fantasy series. Each character is given a distinct voice and personality, making their interactions and development compelling. The inclusion of new and returning characters, along with their unique abilities and backstories, adds depth to the campaign and keeps the narrative fresh and exciting. Overall, Dissidia 012 Final Fantasy provides a richly detailed and engaging experience for fans of the series.

Rating: 4 out of 5

Gameplay:

The game refines its predecessor's gameplay mechanics with notable improvements and added depth. The combat system, already dynamic in the original, now includes a more nuanced Break System, enhancing strategic depth. The introduction of new character classes and abilities allows for greater customization and tactical variety, offering players more options in battle. Additionally, the game's enhanced movement and faster-paced combat make each encounter more exhilarating, and fluid compared to the first installment.

Compared to the first game, the sequel's adjustments result in a smoother and more engaging experience. The improved balance between characters and the expanded skill sets contribute to a more refined and polished gameplay. While retaining the core mechanics that made the original game appealing, Dissidia 012 successfully builds upon these elements to deliver a richer and more satisfying combat experience.

Rating: 4 out of 5

Production

Dissidia 012 Final Fantasy excels in graphics and presentation, building on the visual foundation of its predecessor. The game features refined character models and richly detailed environments that bring the diverse Final Fantasy worlds to life with vibrant colors and sharp textures. The improved visual fidelity enhances the immersive experience, making battles and cutscenes more engaging. Though not as sharp, the visuals still hold up.

The soundtrack and voice performances are standout elements of the game. The music, composed by Takeharu Ishimoto, offers a stirring blend of original compositions and classic Final Fantasy themes, perfectly complementing the epic scale of the battles. Dude did a really good job with the Dissidia theme. Voice acting is top-notch, with a talented cast delivering performances that add depth and emotion to the characters, further enriching the overall experience. Although not all voices feel like a match, most are especially those from media with established voices such as Tidus, Cloud, and Sephiroth.

Rating: 5 out of 5

The Verdict:

In the end, Dissidia 012 Final Fantasy is a great successor to a really good game. Players can definitely appreciate the mixture of RPG elements and fighting mechanics that come together masterfully. The game isn't perfect by any means, but it works well in nearly every aspect. The story is decent, has great interactions between the characters, fine-tuned combat mechanics, tons of unlockable content, plenty of replayability, great roster of characters, and of course, a completely badass soundtrack. Dissidia 012 Final Fantasy gets 4 out of 5.

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