Cloud and the other FF do-gooders go head-to-head in this handheld brawler
Format: PSP Dev: Square Enix Pub: Square Enix Out: 04/09/09 Players: 1-2
The prospect of a Final Fantasy 3D fighting game was sure to fill some with horror and others with pure joy. I must confess that it was the former for me, however it seems I underestimated how much Dissidia: Final Fantasy brings to the table.
Being straight out of the Land of the Rising Sun, Dissidia isn’t your average 3D fighter. It’s on PSP for starters and features a colourful cast of characters from the Final Fantasy saga. The battle system appears complex at first, but the game walks you through with a prologue that explains the basics and lets you get a hang of things. Once you’ve completed the prologue, you have access to arcade mode, quick battle, multiplayer and many other extras.
Story mode has you trounce around a five stages of movement grids to complete one of ten character story arcs. When you encounter an enemy on the movement grid a one-on-one fight commences. Battles themselves take place in desolate plains or otherworldly dimensions. There are two main types of attack: HP and bravery. Bravey attacks are more effect at breaking an opponent’s shield, while connecting an HP attack hurts an opponent’s health.
There are, of course, more advanced tactics, such as a max EX guage attack and summons. In moments like this you often have to tap a button or complete a set sequence. The fighting animations are nothing short of spectacular. Expect to be leaping from floating columns and engaging your enemies in vicious midair combat. Enemies are quick in Dissidia, so the dodge button may also become your best friend when it comes to evading Sephiroth’s death blade or Kuja’s spells.
Combat isn’t easy, but it’s deep and so fulfilling. And this isn’t the only place where Dissidia makes good. There are enough skills, abilities, customisation options and unlockables to fill a Chocobo nest. You collect PP after every battle which also opens up new moves, costumes and characters. When you start the game you’re also asked to select a bonus day. Each time this day arrives you’ll get bonus points for many of your attributes.
The main downside to the game would be that the grid levels feel like a needless misstep, though it does help to have breather from combat now and again. The camera sometimes gets in the way during battles too. But at least these are only minor scuffs on a suit of gleaming armour. Final Fantasy fan or not, if you are looking for a strong portable fighting game it’s time to take on Dissidia.
Aaron Lee
Tags: fighting, final fantasy, handheld, square enix
