Dissidia 012 Final Fantasy

Dissidia 012 Final Fantasy (pronounced "Dissidia Duodecim Final Fantasy") is a fighting game developed by Square Enix for the PlayStation Portable in March 2011 as both a prequel to and remake of 2008's Dissidia Final Fantasy, and the second title in the Dissidia Final Fantasy series. The game features all of the gameplay and arenas from the previous title, with a few modifications, nine new characters, seven new arenas, and an added prequel story. It was directed by Mitsunori Takahashi, with Tetsuya Nomura returning to provide character design based on Yoshitaka Amano's artwork, and Takeharu Ishimoto composing the score.

The plot centers around the conflict between Cosmos, the goddess of harmony, and Chaos, the god of discord. The added prequel plot focuses on the twelfth cycle of conflict, featuring the new characters as Cosmos's Warriors of Light. After the twelfth cycle is complete, the game retells the thirteenth war (the plot of 2008's Dissidia Final Fantasy) with new side stories added.

Like 2008's Dissidia, the game is a one-on-one action-based fighting game, in which battles take place in three-dimensional arenas based on locations from the series, with characters that can level up and be fully customized. A few changes are made to the gameplay, with the most notable being the introduction of the Assist system, which allows characters to call an ally into battle. The game features both single player gameplay (in which the player can progress through the story or stage fights against an AI) and multiplayer to fight against friends.

Gameplay
The gameplay 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 Stage. 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 from the main series. New summons, arenas, music tracks, and characters have been included.

Despite the similarities, many changes were made and features were added. The new Assist system allows characters to call an ally into battle, 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, and as the player enters EX Mode, the opponent's Assist gauge is depleted.

The EX gauge can also be used 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 and several returning moves have had their properties changed.

Firion, Kefka and Shantotto in particular have been heavily rebalanced. Several other small tweaks have been implemented as well. A character's HP can now exceed the normal limit of 9999—characters can exceed even 99,999 HP, meaning the new HP Limit could be 999,999; at the start of the game if the player says they are a master they will be put into a battle against a Level 130 Feral Chaos, who has 125,698 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 essentially a renamed version of RPG 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 five 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 uses a different method of storyline gameplay than the original Dissidia; a World Map is used rather than tiled boards, and players can form parties and wander the world freely. 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 (Kupo Points) that 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 can be 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 the player attacks the enemy, the enemy's initial Bravery 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 create their own scenarios using creation mode. Tetsuya Nomura has stated that it takes around 60 hours to beat the game.

Rules have been added that increase use of an ability or make the battle more of a challenge. The rules include: EX-centric, AST-centric, BRV-centric, official, official (skill), and the player can create unique rules.

The player can create quests where they modify their desired dialogue and match-ups. The player can choose the background music and effects in dialogue, along a battle style (tournament or round-robin).

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.

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

Equipment
Dissidia 012 features a diverse array of equipment, much of it coming from various Final Fantasy games in the series.

Many of the items on the lists below have additional game history linked to them:
 * List of Dissidia 012 Final Fantasy weapons, see also Shop List (Weapons)
 * List of Dissidia 012 Final Fantasy armor, see also Shop List (Armor)
 * List of Dissidia 012 Final Fantasy accessories, see also Shop List (Accessories)
 * List of Dissidia 012 Equipment Combinations

Equipment is obtained through various means: The in-game shop, Moogle Shops on the World Map, the battlegen system, treasure chests, and drops from enemy encounters. A few items are exclusive to Labyrinth mode, Arcade Mode, and Prologus save transfers. Finally, Artifacts can also be created during combat vs. online opponents or their Friend Cards.

Dissidia save data import
When starting a new game, save data from the original Dissidia can be transferred to Dissidia 012. Players can 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 AP. 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.

If the game has been installed into the Memory Stick (also known as Data-Install in the game), this function is unavailable.

Setting
The 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 was initially stated there would be as many new stages as there would be new characters, and it has since been revealed that the games that did not receive new characters would instead receive new arenas. 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, and they lack Omega versions.

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 Dissidia-original playable character: Feral Chaos, a form of the game's main antagonist, Chaos. Aerith from Final Fantasy VII is included as an Assist character for people who buy the demo, Dissidia Duodecim Prologus.

The original ten Warriors of Chaos, along with Shantotto, Gabranth, Prishe, Gilgamesh, and Feral Chaos have to be purchased in the PP Catalog before they can be used. The ten Chaos warriors, along with Shantotto and Gabranth, are available in the catalog from the start, while the others have to be unlocked at certain parts of Story Mode before they can be purchased. Unlockable characters from the original Dissidia remain unlocked if data is imported using New Game+.

Main Scenario 012
Lightning, Kain, Vaan, Tifa, Laguna, and Yuna head to Sanctuary to meet up with Cosmos and the other warriors. Cosmos gathers her warriors and imbues them with her power, which will eventually coalesce into a crystal, which will help her warriors stop Chaos and bring an end to the conflict. The six newcomers remain together once the warriors scatter, and are confronted by Kuja and Kefka. Lightning tells her five compatriots to flee before taking Kuja on alone. Upon defeating him, Kefka taunts her about her lack of memory, which makes Lightning ponder about the true nature of the conflict.

On her way to Sanctuary to catch up with the others, Lightning encounters Kain and a gravely injured Bartz, whom Kain has just attacked. Before she can get more details, Lightning is forced to battle against Kain. When Garland and Exdeath appear, Kain escapes with Bartz before Lightning can question him. Exdeath pursues Kain, while Garland informs Lightning of a horde of manikins and tells her to enjoy the time she has left.

During Vaan's solo travels, he encounters Terra, whom he is reluctant to battle. After defeating her, he continues on his journey, but encounters her again while she is being tormented by Kefka. Vaan rescues Terra from Kefka, and after they travel together, she realizes Vaan is a warrior of Cosmos. Terra pleads with him to kill her so she no longer has to fight for Chaos. Vaan encourages and inspires her to choose her own path. He tells her to wait for him somewhere (apparently at the Rift) until he can return for her, then heads off to join his comrades.

Laguna crosses paths with Vaan, but becomes lost in the World of Darkness where he meets the Cloud of Darkness. They battle, but Laguna is crippled afterward by a leg cramp. Intrigued by his behavior and his insistence that he isn't fighting "for" anyone, but only to end the conflict and go home, the Cloud of Darkness reveals that the manikins are spilling out of a portal to the Rift, and is curious to see what manner of death he chooses for himself. It departs, and Laguna sets off to tell the others what he has learned.

While waiting for Vaan to return, Terra is attacked by manikins and is gravely wounded. With the last of her energy, she stumbles into Order's Sanctuary, fainting at Cosmos's feet. Sensing her desire to protect her friends and end the conflict, Cosmos frees her of her obligations to Chaos and permits her to choose which side she wants to fight for when she reawakens.

Yuna, who has been journeying with Jecht, becomes separated from him and lost within Pandaemonium. While trying to find her way out, she encounters Tidus, though he has no recollection of her. She pursues him to find him facing off against his father. She intervenes, claiming that Tidus will remember everything if she can only talk to him. Her attempts are cut short by the arrival of the Emperor, who attacks her. Tidus shields her and is gravely wounded. Furious, Yuna defeats the Emperor, but finds Jecht has sacrificed himself to save Tidus. As the Emperor vanishes with Jecht's body, she vows to stay with Tidus until he remembers who she is. Vaan and Laguna find Yuna, who fills them in on the events that transpired thus far.

Meanwhile, Lightning makes it to Order's Sanctuary and informs Cosmos of Kain's betrayal. She insists the warriors of Cosmos cannot win this war and the Warrior of Light agrees, turning his blade against her. Cosmos implores them to stop fighting and orders the Warrior to reveal what he knows. He explains that he and Kain have accepted they cannot win the war during this cycle, and have devised a plan to put their fellow warriors "to sleep" to give them more time to achieve their crystals and defeat Chaos. However, Lightning refuses to have any part of it. Laguna, Vaan, and Yuna arrive, and Laguna tells the others of the portal to the Rift. The four warriors decide that instead of being "put to sleep", they will find this door to the Rift and destroy it.

While Cosmos's warriors discuss the origin of the manikins, Sephiroth sets out to confront Tifa, after Kefka tells him that fighting someone from his homeworld could trigger more hidden memories than an average fight. Before he can cut her down, Cloud intervenes to save her. After Sephiroth departs, Tifa wonders whether she has met Cloud. He denies this and elects to face Chaos alone, on the grounds that defeating Chaos was the one thing nobody had tried yet. Chaos defeats him easily, and as he begins to fade, he pleads with Cosmos to protect Tifa. Cosmos hears his plea, and takes Cloud as one of her chosen warriors in the next cycle.

Kain journeys with Firion, but turns on him to put him to sleep. He encounters Exdeath, who had been trailing him to find out where he is hiding the sleeping warriors. After defeating Exdeath and hiding Firion, Kain encounters Tifa, who has been struggling with Ultimecia. Kain saves Tifa, but she confronts him over Ultimecia's claims that he has turned traitor and is attacking his own side. Kain refuses to tell Tifa the truth, but she travels with him in spite of this. They head off to join the others in closing the portal to the Rift, traveling deep into the Land of Discord.

En route to the Rift, the six warriors encounter Exdeath and Golbez, who inform them of the horde of manikins set to attack Cosmos's throne directly. Realizing there is no way they can get back to Sanctuary in time, they hurry on to find the door to the Rift, leaving Kain behind to stall Exdeath and Golbez. The other five find their goal, but are intercepted by Garland, the Emperor, the Cloud of Darkness, Kefka, and Ultimecia. Chaos's minions depart after losing, knowing the five heroes cannot survive the manikins' onslaught. The warriors come to terms with this and Yuna, Vaan, Laguna, and Tifa charge into battle. Lightning lingers back, long enough for Kain to catch up with them before joining the fray.

After battling untold numbers of manikins, the party is overwhelmed by the sheer force facing them. Before Lightning collapses, she witnesses the closing of the door to the Rift, showing that she and her compatriots succeeded. Back at the Sanctuary, the Warrior of Light battles alone against a vast swarm of manikins, but Cosmos destroys the horde at the cost of her own life. She vanishes, and the Warrior of Light passes out.

An unknown amount of time later, the Warrior of Light regains consciousness, finding himself on a barren plateau of land surrounded by the unmoving bodies of the nine remaining warriors of Cosmos and Cosmos herself. The golden body of Shinryu sweeps down from the heavens, gathering up the fallen to purify them for the next cycle. The six fallen warriors vanish one by one, but before Lightning disappears entirely, she gives the Warrior a nod, knowing that he can now end the conflict. The Warrior of Light is gathered up by Shinryu and taken to the next cycle.

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 and a DVD). The soundtrack features arranged music from the series, rearranged by Takeharu Ishimoto.

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 of 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 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 18th, 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, in Europe for £2.39 or €2.99 and in Australia for $4.95. Prologus features an eight-character arcade mode and a single story scenario following Lightning and the Warrior of Light.

Downloadable content
Square Enix has released several packs of downloadable content for Dissidia 012, featuring bonus character costumes and music packs usable for battles from several games of the series. This extra content is generally available through download codes distributed through magazines or other games, or open to be acquired at the PlayStation Network.

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

A special edition containing DLC for Tifa's Enforcer outfit and a special white PSP console with pictures of Chaos and Cosmos was released in Asia.

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, a PSN code for a downloadable fourth costume for both Tifa and Squall, and the PSN code to get 50% off Final Fantasy on the PSN (also included in the standard edition).

Etymology
Duodecim (normally pronounced with a hard "c," but incorrectly pronounced with a soft "c") is the Latin word for "twelve," which alludes the cycle central to the plot of Dissidia 012 Final Fantasy.

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 considered to be included in the original Dissidia, but were excluded for various reasons.
 * Final Fantasy VI and IX are the only post NES generation games that did not receive an additional character, instead receiving a new stage.
 * Uniquely among Square Enix's recent releases in Europe, the European versions of Dissidia 012 were only partially translated; the dialogues and story events were translated (in French, German, etc.), but the menus, items, locations, and battle messages remain in English. This leads to strange mixed-language sentences when characters refer to a location or item name during dialogue. 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 antagonist opposing the main hero.
 * Counting non-playable characters, Final Fantasy, Final Fantasy V, and Final Fantasy VII have the most characters, with four each.
 * 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 1,994 gil, and Cloud finds 1,997 gil.
 * In the Japanese version, 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.
 * After completion of the game, on start up, a character will read the Square Enix logo and the title. The character is determined by a number of factors:
 * The date based on the Final Fantasy number. However, past the thirteenth of the month the rest of the cast may appear in a random order.
 * Antagonists will appear on a date (after the thirteenth) that features their number.
 * Cosmos will always appear on the player's Bonus Day.
 * Chaos has a small chance of appearing any time after the player defeats him.
 * Prishe and Gilgamesh might appear on their game's dates after they are unlocked.
 * If the player purchased Prologus, Aerith might appear on any date or time featuring a seven.
 * At random, moogles can appear in the thumbnails of certain story cutscenes in the Theater.
 * The song titles no longer have the tags "-original-" or "-arrange-" after them.
 * The release date for Dissidia 012 on the North American Store of Square Enix states an incorrect date of March 23rd, 2010, a year before an actual release.