Dissidia 012: Final Fantasy

From FFTogether

Dissidia 012 [duodecim]: Final Fantasy
Publisher	Square Enix
Developer	Square Enix
Platform	PlayStation Portable
Release Date	March 3, 2011 March 22, 2011 March 25, 2011
Rating	CERO: C ESRB: T PEGI: 12

Dissidia 012 [duodecim]: Final Fantasy is the prequel to the action RPG crossover game Dissidia: Final Fantasy. It was released in Japan on March 3, 2011, with North America and Europe receiving the game on March 22nd and March 25th respectively.

Dissidia 012 takes place in the twelfth cycle, the cycle before Dissidia: Final Fantasy takes place. The game's story features six new characters who were not present in the thirteenth cycle of Dissidia: Final Fantasy, as well as three secret characters. The story explains what happened to them in the twelfth cycle, and why they aren't present in Dissidia: Final Fantasy.

Gameplay

Dissidia Duodecim's gameplay is similar to that of the original albeit with a few changes, with new gameplay elements such as the Assist System. A bar below the character's HP gauge begins to fill as the player fights. Once one part of the gauge has been filled up, the player will be able to call on a pre-set ally to use an attack on their opponent. An "Assist Change" allows the player to call an ally into battle when being attacked to take the brunt of the attack and protect them. Finally, an "Assist Charge" is executed when blocking and attacking the opponent when low on HP or close to Brave break.

Some elements from the original have been excluded, such as Ex Guard that breaks an opponent's combo being replaced with Ex Revenge. It will block the opponent's attack, however will consume the player's entire Ex Gauge. Certain equipments and attacks have been rebalanced and some characters fighting style have been redone.

The story mode utilizes a different method of storyline gameplay than the original Dissidia: a world map is used rather than tiled boards, and players are able to form parties and wander the world freely. Players will traverse the 3D world map with 3 character parties with players being able to interact in conversations with the characters. When roaming the map, players will encounter enemies known as the Manikins; when attacked by the enemy, players will be transported to a battle map where battles will take place. There will be shops on the map which are specially marked. You can also travel as a party, however there are times when the parties will be predetermined.

The Chessboard style gameplay from Dissidia: Final Fantasy returns as dungeons. The player can use skills in dungeons like straight chain, which sets up in the player's line of sight (specifically a cross around the player) in a chain of battles. Completing the chain earns extra KP or Kupo Points. Kupo Points are used to buy items from moogles on the world map. Before entering a dungeon players have a choice to lower their level. If the player completes a dungeon below the bonus line limit, they'll earn bonuses such as extra KP and items. Player levels are restored after leaving a dungeon.

"Party" battles are also a new feature to be introduced, in which 5 characters from each side face each other.

Save data from the original Dissidia will be able to be transferred to Dissidia 012, such as character levels and as a bonus, you will receive a special accessory. The storyline of the original Dissidia, adapted to the new story gameplay mechanics, will be playable after the new storyline of Dissidia 012 has been completed.

Characters

All the characters from the original Dissidia will to make a return. Dissidia 012 features seven new Warriors of Cosmos, as well as two new Warriors of Chaos.

New Character(s)	Original Game
Kain Highwind	Final Fantasy IV
Gilgamesh	Final Fantasy V
Tifa Lockhart	Final Fantasy VII
Laguna Loire	Final Fantasy VIII
Yuna	Final Fantasy X
Prishe	Final Fantasy XI
Vaan	Final Fantasy XII
Lightning	Final Fantasy XIII
Feral Chaos	Dissidia 012: Final Fantasy