Campaign:
The campaign offers a broad, but somewhat fragmented narrative that leans heavily on its multiplayer focus rather than a cohesive story. The plot revolves around the clash between Materia and Spiritus, featuring numerous characters from across the Final Fantasy series. While the campaign attempts to weave these diverse elements together, it often feels disjointed and lacks the depth of storytelling found in previous games. Very disappointed at the execution of the main story and just how shallow it is. The first two games weren't the deepest but there was meat on the bones. Here, it feels like there was more to the story, but it was cut because of budget constraints.
The characters are awesome, and the highlight of the game are the interactions, both good guys and bad guys. Each character is well-animated and retains their unique traits, though their individual story arcs can feel superficial due to the campaign's emphasis on gameplay over narrative development. And the fact that the series moved to console should've opened up a much larger character roster. Now, this is the addressed later with DLC, but it shouldn't take DLC to fill of the roster. This is one of my biggest issues with developers nowadays with such examples like DragonBall and Mortal Kombat.
Rating: 3 out of 5
Gameplay:
Dissidia Final Fantasy NT introduces a significant shift in gameplay mechanics from its predecessors, offering a more team-oriented combat system with a focus on 3v3 battles. This is a great way for players to explore other characters they aren't familiar with to make that ultimate team. The new system of having to earn nodes to unlock the story through the Gauntlet doesn't work and is quite frustrating. There's a serious lack of content, unlockables, modes, and customization options.
This new approach adds strategic depth and variety but also highlights some notable issues, particularly with the lock-on system. The lock-on can be erratic, often failing to target the intended enemy and making precise attacks challenging, which disrupts the flow of battle and can lead to frustrating moments. This issue is compounded by the UI system, which is less intuitive compared to earlier games. The interface can be cluttered and confusing, making it difficult to quickly access vital information and execute commands efficiently.
Compared to Dissidia Final Fantasy and Dissidia 012, NT's changes present a mixed bag. While the shift to team-based combat introduces fresh dynamics, the problematic lock-on and cumbersome UI detract from the overall experience, making it less accessible and enjoyable for some players. These issues highlight a departure from the streamlined mechanics that defined the earlier titles. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to test out the online multiplayer due to it having been shut down by time I bought the game.
Rating: 2 out of 5
Production:
Hands down, one of the best-looking Final Fantasy games both in terms of in-game graphics and cinematic. The game features detailed character models and expansive, vibrant battle arenas that capture the grandeur of the Final Fantasy universe. The refined visual style adds a polished and immersive quality to both combat and cinematic scenes.
The soundtrack, composed by Takeharu Ishimoto, provides a dynamic and emotionally resonant score, blending original compositions with iconic Final Fantasy melodies. I still love listening to the Dissidia theme and definitely the emotional weight it gave the cinematics. Voice performances are also a highlight, with a talented cast bringing a high level of authenticity and energy to their roles. There are some voice performances that are better than others but for the most part, they're great.
Rating: 5 out of 5
The Verdict:
In the end, Dissidia Final Fantasy NT is miss, though it does have its enjoyment. The best aspects of the game are the refined combat mechanics, music and voice performances, and the visuals. Other than that, the game suffers from a serious lack of content, lack of characters, nonexistent story, slow progression, lack of customization. The sole focus of this being an online multiplayer is what killed this game or killed its potential for greatness. Dissidia Final Fantasy NT gets 3 out of 5.
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