Dissidia 012 Final Fantasy

Dissidia 012 Final Fantasy​ is the prequel to Dissidia Final Fantasy. It is playable on the PlayStation Portable and has been released in Japan. Most of North America, save Canada, which had been delayed due to a shipping error, received the game on March 22, 2011. Australia, Europe, and Canada received the game on March 25, 2011, and it will be available to the rest of the world sometime later in Spring 2011.

Gameplay
Gameplay of Dissidia 012 Final Fantasy​ is similar to the original's, featuring all of the original gameplay elements, characters and arenas. Fighters will attack to steal Bravery from opponents, which increases their own, as a character lands Bravery attacks. By reducing an opponent's Bravery below zero, they inflict Break status, preventing the opponent from inflicting Bravery or HP damage until their Bravery regenerates to a base amount, while the one who inflicted Break gets a large boost in Bravery from the Map. When an HP attack connects with the opponent, they take damage equal to the attacking player's Bravery. By collecting EX Force, characters can enter EX Mode, boosting their strength, adding exclusive abilities and letting them execute EX Bursts similar to Limit Breaks. New summons, arenas, music tracks and characters have been included.

One of the main new gameplay features is the Assist system, which allows characters to call an ally into battle to attack, allowing new combos to be created by chaining the two characters' moves in different fashions. The Assist system acts as a counterbalance mechanic to the EX Mode system, as landing an Assist attack can deplete the opponent's EX gauge. The EX gauge can also be utilized to execute a new technique titled "EX Revenge," which will slow down the opponent's movement for several seconds at the cost of consuming the EX gauge without entering EX Mode. Several characters have gained new attacks since the original Dissidia, and several returning moves have had their properties changed. Firion, Kefka and Shantotto in particular have been stated to be heavily rebalanced. Several other small tweaks have been implemented as well. A character's HP can now exceed the normal limit of 9999 - characters have been shown to be able to exceed even over 99,999 HP, meaning the new HP Limit could be 999,999; at the start of the game if the player says they're a master they will be put into a battle against Feral Chaos, who has over 120,000 HP.

The extra damage dealt by Wall Rush has been reduced to 25% of the base damage from the original 50%. Chase Sequences are much faster and absorb the EX Force around when entering chase or continuing the chase. Critical Hits now do twice the normal damage instead of quintuple. Players are given the choice between "Action mode" or "RPG Mode" before starting the game. "RPG Mode" is essentialy a renamed version of Command Mode from Dissidia and is aimed at making the game more accessible for players who are not used to action-based games.

"Party" battles are introduced, in which 5 characters from each side face each other. A "Watch" Mode allows players who are not participating in current battles to watch them on their PSP. The characters can be assigned profiles based on the Job System to help them in battle, such as Black Mages receiving a boost to the power of magic attacks.

Dissidia 012 features a story structure similar to the original game's Destiny Odysseys, and includes the ability to play as the warriors of Chaos as well. 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. However, when the player enters a dungeon, the gameplay is reverted to that of the board of the first Dissidia. 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.

The map layout is based on the original Final Fantasy. Depending on the story mode, players can either form their own parties, or they are predetermined by the storyline.

The "Skills" command returns. Treasure chests, enemies, shops and other features can be encountered on the map. The enemy system is similar to Final Fantasy XII or Final Fantasy XIII, where enemies are visible on the map and approaching one initiates battle. Enemies can attack the player while on the world map. If, however, the player attacks the enemy, the enemy's initial Bravery at the start of the subsequent battle will be zero, effectively allowing the player a preemptive strike. Other in-battle mechanics, such as Quickmove, are included on the world map gameplay. Players can also create their own scenarios using creation mode. Tetsuya Nomura has stated it will take around 60 hours to beat the game.

When starting a new game, save data from the original Dissidia can be transferred to Dissidia 012. Players are able to choose between a New Game + option, which will retain character levels, abilities, accessory slots, AP, Player Icons and bought PP Catalog items, and an option that will retain all of the above except for levels, abilities and PP. Equipment, accessories and summons may not be transferred. As a bonus for transferring save data, the player will receive an "Elixir Pack"; a mix of Dusty Elixirs, Elixirs and a single Hi-Elixir. The storyline of the original Dissidia, adapted to the new story gameplay mechanics, is playable after the new storyline of Dissidia 012 has been completed.

Characters
All twenty-two playable characters in the original Dissidia return. In addition to the original roster, nine new characters have been included: Kain from Final Fantasy IV, Lightning from Final Fantasy XIII, Tifa from Final Fantasy VII, Vaan from Final Fantasy XII, Laguna from Final Fantasy VIII, Yuna from Final Fantasy X, Prishe from Final Fantasy XI, and Gilgamesh from Final Fantasy V, and introducing a new character: Feral Chaos. Aerith from Final Fantasy VII is included as an Assist character for people who buy the demo, Dissidia Duodecim Prologus. It had been reported there would be more than a handful of new characters, but not necessarily an equal number of heroes and villains as in the first game, and there would not be an equal amount of characters per game or per faction. In addition, Dissidia 012 offers the first Dissidia-original playable character, Feral Chaos, a form of the game's main antagonist, Chaos.

The characters, Shantotto, Gabranth, Prishe, Gilgamesh and Feral Chaos have to be purchased in the PP Catalog before they can be used. Shantotto and Gabranth are available in the catalog from the start, while the others have to be unlocked before they can be purchased.

Arenas
All arenas present in the original Dissidia are back, with seven new additions: Orphan's Cradle, Sky Fortress Bahamut, the Crystal Tower, the M.S. Prima Vista, Pandaemonium-Top Floor, the Phantom Train and the Empyreal Paradox. It had been stated there would be as many new stages as there would be new characters, but there wouldn't necessarily exist a connection between the new stages and the new characters. The M.S. Prima Vista, Pandaemonium-Top Floor, Phantom Train and Crystal Tower stages cannot be purchased in the catalog until after the main scenario of 012 has been completed, but they have no Omega version.

Music
Dissidia 012 Final Fantasy Original Soundtrack was released on March 2nd, 2011, on three CDs. A Firstcut Limited Edition version was also released (three CDs + DVD). The soundtrack features arranged music from the series, rearranged by Takeharu Ishimoto.

Summons
Eight additional summons have been added to Dissidia 012: Brynhildr, Calcabrina, Syldra, Ultima, Land Worm, Hecatoncheir, Giant of Babil and Zalera.

Main Scenario 012
Main Scenario 012 has eight chapters, all centered around the new characters, except Gilgamesh and Prishe, and their journey to end the conflict. The game begins with the six new characters on their way to the Sanctuary. Cosmos calls upon her warriors and embues them with her powers in order to stop Chaos and bring an end to the conflict. The Warriors set out on their journey to find their crystals. Lightning separates from the others after Kuja and Kefka appear. They engage in battle and Lightning comes out victorious. On her way to the Sanctuary to catch up with the others she encounters Kain and an injured Bartz. Bartz reveals it is Kain who attacked him and Kain turns his lance on Lightning. After a brief battle between the two, Garland and Exdeath appear and Kain escapes with Bartz. Exdeath pursues Kain and Garland informs Lightning of a horde of Manikins and tells her to enjoy the time she has left.

While Vaan is traveling alone he comes across Kefka, who is tormenting Terra. Vaan rescues Terra and the two journey together. With inspiration and encouragement from Vaan, Terra decides to fight to protect. After fighting a line of Manikins, an injured Terra collapses in front of Cosmos. Sensing no danger from her, Cosmos takes her in and lets her rest.

Laguna ends up lost in the World of Darkness and encounters the Cloud of Darkness. During a conversation between the two, the Cloud of Darkness informs Laguna of a Rift that is the source of all the Manikins. Laguna sets off to let the others know about the Rift.

Jecht and Tidus appear at a stand off, but Yuna intervenes and tries to help Tidus remember his past. The Emperor suddenly appears and sends a Flare attack to hit Yuna. Tidus goes between Yuna and the Flare attack and receives the blow himself. While Yuna fights off the Emperor, Jecht sacrifices himself for Tidus by giving him his power. The Emperor takes Jecht's body to Chaos to make him a Warrior of Chaos.

Later, Lightning makes it to Order's Sanctuary and tells Cosmos of Kain's betrayal. Lightning believes the other Warriors won't make it and the Warrior of Light agrees, turning his blade on Lightning. After their battle, Cosmos asks her Warriors to stop their fighting. She tells the Warrior of Light to reveal what he knows. He believes that, with the growing number of Manikins, the Warriors of Cosmos have no chance of winning. He and Kain come up with a plan to put the Warriors "to sleep" and let them rest until the next cycle begins. Lightning is against the idea and looks for hope to win the battle. Laguna tells the group he knows where the Manikins are coming from. Lightning, Laguna, Yuna and Vaan decide to find the Rift and close it. Later, Tifa and Kain join the party on their journey to close the Rift and stop the Manikins.

When Golbez and Exdeath appear, the party finds out the horde of Manikins are headed toward Cosmos. Kain stays behind to fight and the others hurry onward. They find the source of the Manikins, but before they can close it Garland, Kefka, the Cloud of Darkness, the Emperor and Ultimecia interrupt and challenge the Warriors one last time. They are defeated and leave the Cosmos Warriors, knowing the Manikins will finish them off. The Warriors come to accept their fate and battle to the end.

After a long and tiring battle, Lightning and the party fall and an overwhelming number of Manikins remain. Before Lightning completely falls she witnesses the Rift finally close. Back at Order's Sanctuary, the Warrior of Light continues to fight an overwhelming number of Manikins. As a Manikin is about to deal the final blow, Cosmos uses her strength and destroys all of the Manikins. The Warrior of Light wakes up to see Lightning and her group fade away and Shinryu start the cycle over again.

Development
Dissidia 012 Final Fantasy was announced in the Japanese magazine Shonen Jump in early September 2010. It had previously been hinted at by the Dissidia development team, who stated they would love to make a sequel, and that the decision would depend on the first installment's success; and JD Cullum, Kuja's English voice actor, who offhandedly stated he had recorded his lines for Dissidia 012 in the Summer 2010. Judging from statements by the other voice actors, it appears the whole English script of Dissidia 012 was recorded at the start of Summer 2010.

According to an interview between Takashi Arakawa and Yoshinori Kitase (director, writer and producer of Dissidia) with a German gaming site, Kitase stated a sequel would be "very interesting", and might even include Kingdom Hearts characters, although it would still have to be discussed with Disney. Tetsuya Nomura has stated that for a potential sequel, he would like to include Kain Highwind, Gilgamesh and Sazh Katzroy, but would not include Kingdom Hearts characters. Nomura had previously expressed a desire to have Kain and Lightning in the first Dissidia, but they were left out.

Dissidia Duodecim Prologus Final Fantasy
On January 18, 2011, Square Enix released Dissidia Duodecim Prologus Final Fantasy over the PlayStation Network, available in Japan for 300 Yen, in North America for $2.99 and in Europe for £2.39 or €2.99. Prologus features an 8-character arcade mode and a single story scenario following Lightning and the Warrior of Light.

Downloadable Content
It has been said that several games and demos will contain codes and such, which will allow full experience of the game. These are:


 * A free DLC version costume for Warrior of Light minus his helmet is available in the PlayStation Store for download.
 * Dissidia 012 Prologus Final Fantasy: Aerith as battle character (Assist only)
 * Dissidia 012 Final Fantasy Legacy Edition (EU) or pre-ordering from Amazon (US) : Bonus outfit for Tifa (Yoshitaka Amano art costume)
 * April edition of V Jump (JP) or Dissidia 012 Final Fantasy Legacy Edition (EU): Bonus outfit for Squall (Kingdom Hearts costume)
 * Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep Final Mix (JP) or pre-ordering Dissidia 012 from Gamestop (US): Bonus outfit for Cloud (Kingdom Hearts costume)
 * The 3rd Birthday (JP and US) or The 3rd Birthday Twisted Edition (EU): Bonus outfit for Lightning (Aya Brea costume)
 * Final Fantasy IV The Complete Collection: Bonus outfit for Cecil (costume based on the super deformed artwork)
 * Bonus outfits for both Zidane and Kuja specially designed by Hideo Minaba have been announced. They are scheduled to be released in Japan's PlayStation Store on March 31st for 300 yen each.
 * June edition of V Jump (JP): Bonus outfit for Vaan (original design costume)
 * Dissidia Duodecim Ultimania -RPG SIDE-: In-game usable music from Final Fantasy XIII
 * A fourth DLC costume for Sephiroth, based on his appearance in Kingdom Hearts, and a 4th costume for Laguna (Sorceress Knight) on PSN, set for release in Japan on April 7.

Square Enix also plans to make more downloadable content for the game in the future, and more battle themes and outfits will be purchasable this way.

Merchandise
Similar to the first Dissidia, the Dissidia 012 cast will be made into Trading Arts Figures, posing in their positions as depicted in their Dissidia 012 artwork.

In Europe and Australia, a special limited edition under the title of Dissidia 012 Final Fantasy Legacy Edition was released, which includes a special packaging, a set of lithograph prints of the new characters and a fourth costume for both Tifa and Squall, and also a PSN code to get 50% off Final Fantasy on the PSN.

Etymology
Duodecim, which is normally pronounced with a hard "c," is instead pronounced with a hard "s" for purposes of the game's title. Duodecim is Latin for "twelve," which gives the title relevance to the game's story as it revolves around the battles waged during Dissidia's twelfth cycle.

Trivia

 * Prior to the official announcement, two separate hoaxes "revealed" Kain and Lightning would appear in Dissidia Final Fantasy: Universal Tuning. The hoaxes involved elaborate fake magazine pages created in Photoshop and complete with fake Kain artwork and fake Lightning 3D models.
 * Kain, Lightning, Vaan, Yuna and Prishe were all considered to be included in the original Dissidia but were excluded for various reasons.
 * Uniquely among Square Enix's recent releases in Europe, the European versions of Dissidia 012 will only be partially translated; that is, the dialogues and story events will be translated (in French, German, etc.), but the menus, items, locations and battle messages will remain in English. This leads to strange mixed-language sentences when characters refer to a location or item name during dialogue. Furthermore, European fans have called the quality of the translated parts into question (characters use inconsistent registers and some sentences are translated word for word from the English, complete with syntax errors).
 * Final Fantasy XIII is the only title to receive just one character without an extra playable character or villain opposing the main hero.
 * Final Fantasy XI also has no villain opposing its heroes, though it still has two characters.
 * If Aerith is counted, Final Fantasy VII has the most characters, with four.
 * In the altered Destiny Odysseys, one of the chests each character finds contains an amount of gil equal to the first release year of their game of origin. For example, Terra finds 1994 gil, and Cloud finds 1997 gil.
 * In the Japanese version of Dissidia 012, there was a feature called Mog Web, used to share Quests. In Western releases, this was removed.
 * Despite Final Fantasy Agito XIII being renamed Final Fantasy Type-0, the Player Icon of Ace still lists him as being from Agito XIII.
 * Upon completion of the game, if one was to startup the game as normal, Cid will do a title call, by saying the Square-Enix logo and the title. In fact, from the start of a month, if a player saves the game at least once every day, a different character will do a title call everyday. Which character is determined by the date, starting with the first of the month, it goes in order of Final Fantasies, for example, on the 6th of a month, either Terra or Kefka will do the title call. When it reaches 13, after Lightnings call, it starts again on the 14th with either, the Warrior fo Light, Garland, Cid or Chaos doing a title call. Cosmos will ALWAYS do the title call on a persons Bonus Day.