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Squall vs. Cloud vs. Onion Knight
Product: Dissidia Final Fantasy
Company: Square Enix
Date: 06/13/2009
Avaliable On:

Dissidia Final Fantasy hasn’t been high on my radar since it was announced. I like Final Fantasy, but I’m not much of a fighting game fan. However, the ability to beat the Life Force out of Final Fantasy VII characters does hold some morbid appeal.

Dissidia is a surprising change of pace for both the Final Fantasy series and Square Enix. The PSP-exclusive game is a fighter featuring major characters from several Final Fantasy games, including Cloud, Squall and Kefka. Battles pit two characters against each other in large arenas and play a bit like a combination of Smash Brothers and Soul Calibur. You have full control over your character in 3D arenas, but with a more dynamic camera system.

Character moves are based around their individual skills from their respective games. For instance, Cecil can switch between his Dark Knight and Paladin forms during battle. Characters are further enhanced by equipping items purchased with Gil won in battles. They can also deal damage using environmental traps scattered around arenas and Summon Stones, which call Summons into battle.

Where Dissidia differs from other fighting games is the introduction of “Brave Points” (BP). At the start of each match, characters are awarded BP, which determine attack strength. During fights, your objective is to steal BP from your opponent, strengthening your attack while weakening his. The system adds an interesting spin to games; damage is constantly shifting so even if you’re able to wear an opponent’s health down, he can always steal your BP and make a comeback.

Another potentially game-shifting feature is the EX Gauge. Damaging an opponent slowly fills up the gauge. Once filled, you can enter EX Mode, giving your normal attacks a strength boost and unlocking new moves like the EX Burst. Some EX Bursts are accompanied by new forms, like Sephiroth’s One-Winged Angel form.

Dissidia wouldn’t be a Final Fantasy game without an epic story. According to the game’s mythology, two gods (Cosmos and Chaos) have raged war against each other since the beginning of time with no real victor. However, when things start to tip in Chaos’ favor, Cosmos calls a group of heroes to help turn the tide.

Each of the game’s 20+ characters has their own storyline that in some way deals with their “home game.” For example, expect Cloud’s story to involve questioning his motives. The stories will also overlap, allowing for some unexpected team-ups.

Look for Dissidia Final Fantasy later this year.

Starscream aka Ricky Tucker

GameVortex PSIllustrated