Dissidia 012: Duodecim Final Fantasy

 PSP
User Score
8.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 291 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 227 out of 291
  2. Mixed: 30 out of 291
  3. Negative: 34 out of 291
Buy Now
Buy on

Review this game

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. IdolMaster
    Mar 30, 2011
    7
    Dissidia Duodecim 012 is only a lot of DLC characters of previous chapter. There are too few news for you to take it to the launch if you're not a hardcore fan of the series. The story mode is an adhesive to make you stupid fight with various characters of final fantasy saga. A good game but nothing more
  2. streetg850
    Mar 28, 2011
    8
    dissidia 012 really is dissidia with a few new characters, levels, skins, and moves. its the exact same game. dont get me wrong i loved dissidia (from the style to the way its done) but i was expected more from the next game in the series. if they could have added more modes or a different way to play, something else it would have made a huge difference. im still a huge fan of all finaldissidia 012 really is dissidia with a few new characters, levels, skins, and moves. its the exact same game. dont get me wrong i loved dissidia (from the style to the way its done) but i was expected more from the next game in the series. if they could have added more modes or a different way to play, something else it would have made a huge difference. im still a huge fan of all final fantasy games, this goes for this game as well, i love the concept just wish for something new, if another sequal is to come out. maybe another style of attacking or finishers, something. still a great game, and time waster worth the money. the amount of chars are a plust though would be nice to have just a char select screen as well so you can level them indivualy for the reports section in the story mode.… Expand
  3. ImUnavailable
    Sep 16, 2011
    8
    Duodecim brings new depth to the fighting experience as well as expanding the story and the roster of characters. The new fighters are excellent additions and each are completely distinctive from other characters. Not much else has changed from Dissidia, which is very disappointing and irritating but giving players the story mode to the original was brilliant and adds dozens of hours of gameplay.
  4. nonnikchief
    Jun 21, 2011
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Dissidia 012 is one of the best games this year! The world map and addition of gateways adds a ton of content and exploration! Thank god the world map isn't nearly as large or complicated as in past games, it's actually quite easy to navigate. No more destiny points=WIN! When you beat the game, you unlock the first dissidia, but it is inside dissidia 012, all the chapters have been upgraded with world map, and all of them have been put into order! (HALLA) The assists are absolutely amazing, though a little hard to aim, and EX Mode is very hard to do. (fewer EX cores, so little EX force) Kupo Points are a cool addition, and you can actually cancel a chain! Awesome, right? People say the story isn't very good, but i think it's really good. You know all those cut-scenes in the first dissidia that hinted at previous battles and had hidden meanings? After completing the twelfth cycle, those hidden meanings aren't so hidden anymore. Example: we finally find out HOW Jecht was on cosmos and then became chaos. The new characters are great, and they come in a package deal with new EX bursts, new exclusive equipment, new backstorys and new stages to fight on. You can either play one-on one in battle mode, or you can play in RPG mode, similar to other final fantasy games. There are a lot more swears in this game. (*Cough* Tidus 90% *Cough*) The shop is really cool, the Colosseum has been upgraded so there more to it than battle, get prize. The characters actually MOVE when they hop from space to space on the board, so they are no longer demented little chess pieces. The graphics are amazing, the game play is outstanding, and with data install there are NO load times. They retooled the first game, added a second game, gave it kick ass everything, and put it on the shelves. This is the game to get!… Expand
  5. spok22
    Apr 10, 2011
    9
    This is a review from someone who has played the first game but never bought it. I did however, buy doudecim, and i have to say that it is for sure money well spent. First off, let me say that the graphics are simply jaw dropping for a handheld game. I would have to say that it looks even better than ghost of sparta and definitely some titles on the ps2. The gameplay is also very veryThis is a review from someone who has played the first game but never bought it. I did however, buy doudecim, and i have to say that it is for sure money well spent. First off, let me say that the graphics are simply jaw dropping for a handheld game. I would have to say that it looks even better than ghost of sparta and definitely some titles on the ps2. The gameplay is also very very good. Executing moves isnt very difficult but the simplicity adds to the fast pace of the game. The depth of the fighting system comes in knowing when to use what move. Some are quick and close range and some take long to execute but have better range. Also, there is something called summons that can turn the tide in anyone's favor at any point in the battle. Not to mention, a new addition to the series called assists. Once you fill up the assist bar, you will be able to summon a friend, of your choice to help you out for a short while. You will always be unlocking new magic/physical attacks, summons and other perks for your character, as you level up so you dont need to worry about this part of the game becoming repetetive. Being a big monster hunter fan, i found the deep customization to be one of my favorite parts of the game. Now the story, isnt as phenomenal as the rest of the game but i still have to give them props for trying to cram one into a fighting game, where stories are usually not very good. I didnt think it was as horrible as everyone made it sound but a bit of progression throughout woudnt hurt. A big part of the storytelling, in my opinion is the people who are a part of it. This was the only big complaint i really had with the game. Many of the characters in the game were just too one dimensional for my liking. And the voice acting did not help at all. If squeenix ever decides to continue this series, and i hope they do, i think that the majority of the time should be spent on a more interesting story and more development of the characters. There is a lot more to the game than what is in my review but i think this review is long enough so ill have to leave it at this. GO BUY IT!… Expand
  6. Wayward_Demon
    May 7, 2011
    8
    This is a game with up and downs and if you like it depends on your perception of these traits. This is a game with nearly endless replay value, plenty of characters (31, I believe), tons of things to unlock, buy and discover on your own. I'm not much of a story person but i try to pay attention and its decent but not really an up or a down, but you now have the option of doing a storyThis is a game with up and downs and if you like it depends on your perception of these traits. This is a game with nearly endless replay value, plenty of characters (31, I believe), tons of things to unlock, buy and discover on your own. I'm not much of a story person but i try to pay attention and its decent but not really an up or a down, but you now have the option of doing a story before the story of the origional Dissidia and then you can do the origional Dissidias story mode. The thing i dont like is how they made little changes to the origional story, besides the new way to travel around, all they added was a new cut scene before each final battle.

    The combat is great, especially if you take the time to figure out ways to chain attacks. The new assist characters can be quite useful at times but sometimes can be useless, but it depends on who you use and how you use them.

    Downs would be that the story is somewhat lacking, and the camera can sometimes get weird when you are close to a wall.

    Overall it's a very complete game with lots to do. I've already spent 80hrs on it. I would recommend it to anyone that would ask    … Expand
  7. Acidosis
    Jun 19, 2011
    8
    When i started the game for the first time, i recall getting annoyed at the narrator because he could stop talking and sounded all dramatically sad. The game's cut scenes are nothing more than annoying and meaningless as the story behind the whole Dissidia world is just plain complicating and not worth remembering. In short, the narrating and story sucks (but no worries, skip cutsceneWhen i started the game for the first time, i recall getting annoyed at the narrator because he could stop talking and sounded all dramatically sad. The game's cut scenes are nothing more than annoying and meaningless as the story behind the whole Dissidia world is just plain complicating and not worth remembering. In short, the narrating and story sucks (but no worries, skip cutscene command are allowed). However, moving on into its game-play, Dissidia 012 has actually improve. You can choose the two game modes which are either the action mode or the RPG mode. The action mode is the usual Dissidia hack & slash mode while the RPG mode involves more classic FF turn base battle which requires a lot of thinking and strategy to win your foes. Graphically the game and character design has improve and looks better than ever. New characters skills are fairly balance and would requires at least minutes to hours of master and create your own unique battling styles and strategy.

    Overall: This game is entertaining and looks great but its story and world map needs a revamp.    … Expand
  8. dz9
    Aug 1, 2011
    7
    The Goods: The game has fun fighting mechanics, fan service to the extreme, gorgeous graphics especially cutscenes, thousands upon thousands of hours for sidequests, a good roster, and good online. The Bad: Horrible tutorials, lackluster story, boring campaign. Wow!! The sequel to Final Fantasy's Super Smash Bros. It has simplistic yet complex fighting mechanics which will amaze theThe Goods: The game has fun fighting mechanics, fan service to the extreme, gorgeous graphics especially cutscenes, thousands upon thousands of hours for sidequests, a good roster, and good online. The Bad: Horrible tutorials, lackluster story, boring campaign. Wow!! The sequel to Final Fantasy's Super Smash Bros. It has simplistic yet complex fighting mechanics which will amaze the rpg fan. Although, they do in fact become very complex and a lot of the most fun features of the combat are buried upon layers of tactics, and the game never gives you enough guidance to even begin to understand them. If you've played the first, you know how horrible the story is, but this one expands it by giving the player a prequel, adding Vaan, Lightning, Tifa, Kain Highwind, Yuna, and Laguna into the mix. I know that no one is really playing this game to undergo a life changing story, but this game doesn't even surpass the low bar that it had to atleast get to. The story is confusing, vague, and uninteresting. On top of that, how you actually play through the story is even more boring and bland than the first. The open world is repetitive and linear, and after only scratching the surface of the story, I lost complete interest in the game. Not to fear though, this game still has killer cutscenes and graphics which one could assume a square enix game would have, an overall fantastic combat system (excluding rpg mode), tons of side quests, tons upon tons of fan service, and it even gives you the entire first game upon completion of Duodecim's story.… Expand
  9. Skywind
    Feb 26, 2013
    10
    I was a FF fan since... well, for years for now, played from IV to IX, nights without any sleep... good old days So when Dissidia came out, I was furious. What they did to the series was a crime itself, but hey, still rpg for you at least. Then an all-stars brawl with every hero and villain came into this world and I said "Aw Hell no!!" After that, I tried the game and something justI was a FF fan since... well, for years for now, played from IV to IX, nights without any sleep... good old days So when Dissidia came out, I was furious. What they did to the series was a crime itself, but hey, still rpg for you at least. Then an all-stars brawl with every hero and villain came into this world and I said "Aw Hell no!!" After that, I tried the game and something just didn't feel right... I enjoyed the game and only God knows why. The battle system is fluid, perfect in every way, the characters are extremely well balanced, fully customisable. The chessboard-style was a little strange at first, then I had to admit: it fits the game perfectly. The graphics are truly awesome, the early characters are redreamed flawlesly, Firion, Kefka, Golbez, every single one is perfect in design AND the voice actors... well... I'd like to say it is marvelous, but some characters are just not right. I was fully dissapointed in Cloud, he sounds just like a stoner friend of mine just before his munchies, just not as funny. Terra was irritating and Tifa sounded like a stupid bimbo (well, at least the design and the brawling with her made it all worthwhile). On the other hand all the other voices are in place: the maniac, nihilistic voice of Kefka, the gloomy, dark, wise Golbez, the narcissistic Emperor and boy they are giving me the chills, in the good way.
    The main plot is interesting, full of twists-turns and Hell, it's very long. The 2 cycles+labirynth are giving you lots and lots of hours battling. Oh and you want to level up your favorite characters? Well, be prepared young ones, because this grind-train is one helluva ride. But you'll love it     … Expand
  10. bs3311
    Mar 22, 2011
    10
    this game is excellent a very good update of the old game. And even better, you get access to the old game after you beat the main storyline with the upgraded game mechanics. New characters to play as and a better story. Get this game! ^_^
  11. c0mmander
    Oct 9, 2011
    9
    Dissidia Duodecim is a true God send for both final fantasy fanatics and for fans of the action- RPG genre and Fighting games. This game stands out as one of the best games ever developed for the PSP. WHY?. It adds multiple additional features from it's predecessor Dissidia. With brand new fighting mechanics including assist characters and additional characters to the existing rosterDissidia Duodecim is a true God send for both final fantasy fanatics and for fans of the action- RPG genre and Fighting games. This game stands out as one of the best games ever developed for the PSP. WHY?. It adds multiple additional features from it's predecessor Dissidia. With brand new fighting mechanics including assist characters and additional characters to the existing roster Duodecim builds onto an already amazingly well developed game. The sound is as to be expected fantastic with music being remixed or introduced from final fantasy 1 through to 13, the sound track is stunning. The gameplay mechanics themselves are very deep and you can tell Square Enix put a lot of thought into character balancing etc...
    Also the Longevity of this game is astounding with the main game consisting of around 8 new chapters along with the fact after beating the new twelfth cycle (which revolves around the story of the additional characters) you unlock the entire 13 chapter campaign from the original Dissidia. But that's not all they've also added a challenge chapter for once you've completed the main Dissidia campaign. The camera angles within the game could greatly be improved as within the stages they often cause a problem however minor it may be. Another downer is the no online fighting aspect which would have been awesome for this game in particular. With this game so packed with features it would take a while to explain all of them, what can be said is this game is a real treat. Graphics: 9
    Presentation: 9
    Story: 8
    Gameplay: 8
    Sound: 9
    Longevity: 10    … Expand
  12. jordanc
    Mar 23, 2011
    10
    Fell in love with Dissidia when it first came out. I think I have spent more than 200 hours into the game obsessively trying to master all the characters. I was so happy when SE announced Dissidia prequel, Dissidia 012 duodecim. I even picked up the Japanese version of paid-demo, Dissidia prologus despite the fact that I don't know Japanese. Not surprisingly, I have spent more than 30Fell in love with Dissidia when it first came out. I think I have spent more than 200 hours into the game obsessively trying to master all the characters. I was so happy when SE announced Dissidia prequel, Dissidia 012 duodecim. I even picked up the Japanese version of paid-demo, Dissidia prologus despite the fact that I don't know Japanese. Not surprisingly, I have spent more than 30 hours into this demo (money well-spent for sure!). Now, after nearly one-month wait after the Japanese release, I got my hand on this game at the first day of launch for the English version. Considering it is a masterpiece, and it certainly is after I have spent good 10 hours in the game, it costs merely 238 HKD (yes, I live in Hong Kong). The game play is deep yet fun (the learning curve is actually not that steep). The graphics is no doubt a top-notch for PSP small screen. The soundtrack is so wonderful that I have spent another 450 HKD to buy the soundtracks. Moreover, the RPG elements of the game certainly has made the action-packed game more than just slash and hit. OK, the storyline is a bit cliche, but who cares (at least I don't). I just enjoy the fact that I can see all my favorite protagonists and antagonists from the Final Fantasy series gather and fight! I love this game, and I already see myself spending even more hours in this game compared to the first one - considering this game also includes Dissidia! Get it!… Expand
  13. Zzgashi
    Apr 3, 2011
    6
    The base gameplay has a lot of potential to be very fun, but it's hidden behind layers and layers of convoluted mechanics designed only to waste the players time.
  14. The_Mad_Fiddler
    Mar 23, 2011
    10
    I'm absolutely amazed. I'm not sure why this would deserve anything less than an incredible score. Dissidia has always been about it's characters and epic battle scenes, which it brings up to full scale with a new arsenal or combos using the new assist system and new characters. The PP, accomplishments, story modes and SO much more will keeping me playing this game for a VERY long time,I'm absolutely amazed. I'm not sure why this would deserve anything less than an incredible score. Dissidia has always been about it's characters and epic battle scenes, which it brings up to full scale with a new arsenal or combos using the new assist system and new characters. The PP, accomplishments, story modes and SO much more will keeping me playing this game for a VERY long time, and happily so. Square took what made the first Dissidia awesome and went all out! If you love Final Fantasy and call yourself a fan, this game is a MUST BUY.… Expand
  15. Sunfire
    Aug 18, 2013
    10
    Best PSP game ever!
    Awesome graphics,great music,wide-range customization,FF-Universe with well known characters,unique gameplay style,and also great PvP. Plus FF Worthwhile cinematics.
    A well-designed game with much effort put in it. When i first played Dissidia,it looked hard,i thought it won't last for 2-3 hours.Then it sucked me in.Now at like 88 hrs gameplay i still play it.(I    Best PSP game ever!
    Awesome graphics,great music,wide-range customization,FF-Universe with well known characters,unique gameplay style,and also great PvP. Plus FF Worthwhile cinematics.
    A well-designed game with much effort put in it.
    When i first played Dissidia,it looked hard,i thought it won't last for 2-3 hours.Then it sucked me in.Now at like 88 hrs gameplay i still play it.(I started with this,play 1-2 battles in the original Dissidia)    … Expand
  16. DarkFlamesZM
    Feb 14, 2013
    10
    This game is great. I really like it, because they added a variety of characters, skills, equipment, costumes etc. I have not encountered any bugs yet, but i'm sure this game is not... bug-less. The only issue so far is, if i'm correct, that it only has local I have so far used around 300 hours of my life playing this game (also leaving it on idle, making it around 260) and i do notThis game is great. I really like it, because they added a variety of characters, skills, equipment, costumes etc. I have not encountered any bugs yet, but i'm sure this game is not... bug-less. The only issue so far is, if i'm correct, that it only has local I have so far used around 300 hours of my life playing this game (also leaving it on idle, making it around 260) and i do not regret it. Get this game, do whatever it takes, because you won't regret it!… Expand
  17. Think
    Aug 14, 2013
    3
    Really only a game for the fans of Square Enix, it offers some solid gameplay but kills the story line. Unfortunately the game wasn't too exciting, especially with RPG mode on.
  18. blakfayt
    Jun 29, 2016
    5
    Time to update this review.

    Dissidia is a sort of arena brawler/fighting game hybrid concept using Final Fantasy characters. Duodecim 012 is an updated version. The 012 portion of the game is really more of a prologue to the primary section of the game, which is the same story from the original Dissidia. The story itself is interesting in a lot of ways, but is completely secondary to    Time to update this review.

    Dissidia is a sort of arena brawler/fighting game hybrid concept using Final Fantasy characters. Duodecim 012 is an updated version. The 012 portion of the game is really more of a prologue to the primary section of the game, which is the same story from the original Dissidia. The story itself is interesting in a lot of ways, but is completely secondary to the combat. The story involves two deities, Cosmos and Chaos, who have brought together all these different heroes to fight on their sides. The 012 is the number of conflict, the Duodecim story is the 12th fight, and the original story (Which you get in 012 after clearing the 012 story) is the 13th conflict. It essentially justifies all these characters coming together.

    The combat is where I feel 012 went off the rails. Combat is simple, you have an HP number and a Bravery number. You can store bravery by attacking with the O button and the bravery that you have stocked deals HP damaged when you press square (assuming the square attack lands). Being hit by an enemy's O attacks drains your bravery, as yours does to theirs. Basically, it's tug of war with numbers. The tipping point is in stage bravery. When you reduce your enemy's bravery to negatives you get a bonus based on stage gimmicks. The enemy can do the same. When your bravery is broken it reduces to the negative of your max (If you have a maximum of 1000 bravery your bravery becomes -1000) and slowly goes back up to 0. When it reaches 0 you instantly get your max Bravery back. There's also blocking and dodging as any arena game would have.

    What separates this from others is the EX and Assist gauges. Now, here is where Square messed up in my opinion. The two gauges are supposed to balance each other out. The EX gauge, when filled up and activated, can do one of two things. Either stop time for a few seconds, or change your character into their super form for a minute. (Cloud, for example, gets Ultima weapon, Sephiroth goes into One Winged Angel form, etc). The Assist gauge lets you call in your partner who will do a preset attack. If your partner hits the enemy while they are in EX mode, they lose their gauge. This is faulty because they also made it take forever to build EX, but you can spam Assist attacks all night and day. EX builds up by collecting EX cores or gathering little motes of light after hitting enemies. Assist gauge fills up by hitting guys. The EX gauge, if you're not boosting it with items, can take five or six fully powered up cores. The Assist gauge will fill up in about four attacks. EX cores take over a minute to show up, you can attack a lot in one minute. This leads to a situation where you obtain your really cool EX mode, and lose it instantly because the AI Assist character cast a simple fireball that traveled half the arena to hit you.

    Beyond that there's little systems that irk me, like Chase attacks which basically involve a very short, but boring and pace shattering mini game of dodge the attack. It's not hard, but it does shatter the flow of battle.

    For a PSP game the graphics are great, and frankly the game still looks good on the Vita. However, the little issues with combat, and the fact that this version only really adds eight new characters or so just doesn't do it for me. The original Dissidia was great, I sunk 80 hours into it easily, I would play quick matches against the AI all the time. 012 adds a lot of new things that just pad the game unnecessarily, to the point that some people have made guides on how to get the best equipment in a matter of HOURS. Yeah, HOURS! Of fighting the same guy over and over that has a material with a .01% drop rate to make one sword and you need one of that material for every single character in the game. FUN! (That's worse than the FF 14 MMO drop rates.)    … Expand
  19. ourway
    Oct 12, 2011
    10
    ****
  20. BasilZero
    Nov 20, 2011
    10
    Final Fantasy Dissidia 012 Duodecim is the prequel to FF Dissidia. Fans will get answered the many questions they have gotten from the first game as this game explains what happened before the events of the first game and to the characters who appear in this game on why they didnt appear in the first game. Pretty much the mechanics are the same, there are some new additions to the gameplayFinal Fantasy Dissidia 012 Duodecim is the prequel to FF Dissidia. Fans will get answered the many questions they have gotten from the first game as this game explains what happened before the events of the first game and to the characters who appear in this game on why they didnt appear in the first game. Pretty much the mechanics are the same, there are some new additions to the gameplay such as to affect the fighting field and etc. Players who have missed the first game will also have a chance to play the storyline from the first game in this game.… Expand
  21. Zemeckis
    Mar 23, 2014
    5
    I'm a huge fan of Final Fantasy and there was no title in the main franchise that disappointed me. Then I decided to play this spin-off because it contains the name "Final Fantasy" and... boom. What a disaster. There are two main reasons which make Dissidia a game that should be skipped.

    Firstly, repetition. There is a few number of real enemies. The rest of them are "clones" of the    I'm a huge fan of Final Fantasy and there was no title in the main franchise that disappointed me. Then I decided to play this spin-off because it contains the name "Final Fantasy" and... boom. What a disaster. There are two main reasons which make Dissidia a game that should be skipped.

    Firstly, repetition. There is a few number of real enemies. The rest of them are "clones" of the characters that you play with. So you keep fighting with and against Lightning, Tifa, Laguna... over and over again. Oh, and a boss that you have defeated, guess what: he becomes an ordinary enemy. This is recycled content, which is pretty bad for any game. Not to mention that walking through the map is tedious, and there is nothing to break the routine.

    Secondly, loading screens. Loading, enter the map, loading, enter the portal, loading, start a battle, loading, fight the battle, loading, return to map. And each loading may take up to several seconds. The player must be very patient to deal with it.

    At least graphics and soundtrack are good. The plot has nothing to be highlighted and seems to have been made in a way to purely justify the crossover between the different games.

    I'm very disappointed with this game but I'll consider it is not a real Final Fantasy.    … Expand
  22. TJ_Kragt
    Feb 20, 2012
    10
    This game was a great deal of fun to play. The story holds many of the characteristics of the first game, but with the addition of new characters it makes the plot a bit more interesting. The game play mechanics are a lot of fun especially with the new characters. If you are looking for a great Final Fantasy fighting game this is your pick!
  23. MegaR
    May 21, 2012
    7
    Like It! Its about Combat and does not have violence! its fun and has cool features!

    So this is Highly Recommended for people who want to play anything with combat but the parents do not want violence!!
  24. Notdavidbowie
    Jun 21, 2012
    7
    Dissidia 2012 is essentially a expansion to the original Dissidia game. Not long after buying the original I went and purchased this. The stages remain much the same with only a few extra and of course your additional characters. I paid full retail for this but felt it could not be a stand alone game. If you were going to buy one of the two games, just buy this one, absolutely nothing willDissidia 2012 is essentially a expansion to the original Dissidia game. Not long after buying the original I went and purchased this. The stages remain much the same with only a few extra and of course your additional characters. I paid full retail for this but felt it could not be a stand alone game. If you were going to buy one of the two games, just buy this one, absolutely nothing will yield from buying the previous as it's entirely the same. Overall it's a great game with Dragonball Z feel fighting with all our favourite Final Fantasy characters. Personally I was delighted to see Laguna from Final Fantasy 8 appear. For those who like Final Fantasy and fighting games in general, it for sure holds up as a great game with potential for much larger and interesting games in the future.… Expand
  25. RaphaelSorel
    Oct 1, 2013
    10
    Great game. Good if you are just wanting something to kill time, I think what everyone forgets is that PSP games are MEANT to be fun and addictive many do not have a worth while story. Save for franchises like Metal Gear
  26. stako
    Feb 15, 2014
    9
    As I write these words, I hear the game calling to me, asking me to give it a 10/10 and I really do want to, but this one I can just let slide.
    Let me just get it out right now - I'm a sucker for this game. I won it two times - on the PSP and on my Vita + I have the original Dissidia. I'm not sure if I could fit it into my top 10, simply because I believe there are still titles better    As I write these words, I hear the game calling to me, asking me to give it a 10/10 and I really do want to, but this one I can just let slide.
    Let me just get it out right now - I'm a sucker for this game. I won it two times - on the PSP and on my Vita + I have the original Dissidia. I'm not sure if I could fit it into my top 10, simply because I believe there are still titles better than this one. But I can't deny facts: this game is a technological marvel, cramming up so much content into such a small UMD, it looks and sounds awesome, and it really tries to tell a meaningful story, and don't even get me started on how much fun playing it is. But it has flaws that I cannot deny either.
    Let me revise: graphical side. This game looks amazing. It follows the same style as Crisis core and Kingdom Hearts for the PSP, which I think it's very nice. Some sprites do look a bit pixelated at times, but never the less - this game puts a lot of stress onto the PSP's hardware - a lot of things going on on screen, breakable terrain and a 60FPS to boot! This game is one of the better optimised games for the system and is one of the achievments that Square Enix has made, in my opinion. The cinematics are also very epic, but I think they've done better in the past, and further more - there aren't that many included this time around.
    In the sound department this game doesn't fail either - renowned composer Takeharu Ishimoto doesn't fail to deliver once again with a beautiful score, that also compiles some classical themes from older Final Fantasy titles, as per appropriate for the title. There is a lot of voice work included also, the translation doesn't seem as off as Crisis Core's did, but still there are some awkward moments of silence.
    The story of this game needs you to pay attention to detail, or you will miss it. It never tells you anything out loud, or - for the most part it does, but I've found a subtle hint of symbolism which is really fitting the overall theme and is really nicely blended with all of the characters, their backstories and it's also nicely paced. The only problem is that not anyone can see it and I often find myself not talking about it, because I see how most people regard the story as "forced", but if you have a keen eye for writing and have studied symbolism before - you will see it and enjoy it. I know I did and I happen to be a bit of a bookworm.
    The gameplay is where this game really shines. In it's core - it's a one on one figher. But it does so much more. First of all - the game quizzes you really fast to find out what type of a gamer are you, and it will either provide you with a spectacle to view, while you choose the skills you want to use in a similar to the turn-based system of the franchise way, or if you choose - you can play it in full-out action mode, which I prefer and I think you will too. The gameplay is both free and chained. It is very free because you feel powerful playing the iconic hero or vilain you have chosen - their skills look great, they feel powerful and you can see the effects they cause - sometimes victory, but always including a bit of ruin and chaos. The battle system tends to be more Smash Bros. than Mortal Combat, with a touch of zero-gravity added in, but it's all in good fun, and honestly - if I try to describe it, it will most certainly end up sounding very boring, so I suggest trying it out - demos are still available! When you are not batteling, however, you also get the chance to explore an open-world and grind to your heart's content in checkboard-style dungeons - these segments I found to be more of a waste of time than anything, but maybe that was just me. I mentioned above that the game also feels chained, and that is because it limits you very massively to the moves you can use in a fight, and though you get used to them and don't mind - you have so much more available, and you can't use it almost ever. And I understand this is probably due to the system's limitations, but still I'd rather not have as many, or for them to have thought of a compromise. This will stutter your experience without a doubt, but it's worth it and I grew to teach myself to ignore this. In the end - the good things outweigh the bad - awesome cast of iconic characters, fun systems, interesting story and a lot of polish. Also, this game includes the entire first Dissidia as an unlockable after beating it, because technically it's a prequel - what more could you want?
    Truth be told, this game is a 10/10, because it's most certainly not the game's fault that some people can't appreciate the complex story or that the system can't handle the full potential of it's combat system. Never the less, I have to warn, so I judge appropriately, giving a 9/10 and saying: This is one of the best games ever made and it's a mistery to me why it hasn't been HD'd and ported on everything, because with a bit more work it could be even better. If you have a PSP or Vita - get this game.    … Expand
  27. Kweerange
    Aug 29, 2014
    10
    No word can describe this masterpiece, i got this game when it was out... and beleve it or not, i still play it everyday, and i brouth it again on my ps vita because my psp battery somewhat died and i wanted a vita,i just can't stop playing it, it is even better than the first one! additive game,
    played over 1400 hours and counting.. even if this game would cost 250$ i'd buy it!
  28. MrDavidBen
    Sep 12, 2014
    8
    As a long time Final Fantasy fan when the original game was announced I was rather excited, 012 Duodecim delivers much of what the original did and then some more. The game has a host of Final Fantasy characters spanning games One to Thirteen with the addition of Lighting from XIII.

    The game plays well with a number of tutorial panels to explain the controls and mechanics such as the    As a long time Final Fantasy fan when the original game was announced I was rather excited, 012 Duodecim delivers much of what the original did and then some more. The game has a host of Final Fantasy characters spanning games One to Thirteen with the addition of Lighting from XIII.

    The game plays well with a number of tutorial panels to explain the controls and mechanics such as the use of HP attacks and Bravery attacks. Simply a case of using Bravery Attacks to build up your Bravery bar which in turn makes your HP attacks hurt more, not to mention increasing the lethality of your EX Limit Breaks.

    As someone who adores the character designs and music of the FF worlds it is rather exciting having everything added to a game to use at will. There is a Story Mode which let's you follow the Heroes of Cosmos against the gathering of Villains who fight at the side of Chaos a similar setting to the previous game.

    Overall it is a solid game, certainly good fan service to those who enjoy Final Fantasy with two options for control settings, either action controls or a more menu based RPG control set. The graphics are vibrant with well designed characters and the environments have a destructible elements to them when characters are knocked through them.

    When battles become long-winded the controls can become a tad repetitive on the action setting but I find that depends entirely on what rule set you are using.

    Much of the game can be customised with characters having different outfits, equipment sets and also the option to edit your own Quests/Tournaments as well as replays which can be exported from the game.

    I genuinely had fun playing the game spending a lot of time putting together matches in Battle Mode with different rules sets and in different settings. With a wealth of unlockables and bonuses via Mognet (An in-game inbox that gives you PP and also rewards you for performing acts such as playing consecutive days).

    I'd recommend it to anyone who wants an action packed fighting game with simple controls on both PSP and Vita. I've scored the game highly with my only issue really being elements of the gameplay being repetitive after a while.    … Expand
  29. Noin007
    Jan 4, 2015
    8
    Very good game, really takes everything good about the first and simply adds more.
    My only real gripe is that it's a PSP title instead of on a full console and holding the PSP starts hurting my hands after awhile.
    This is, IMO, a very niche title though. I think you need to really be a fan of both Final Fantasy and fighting games to get much of anything out of it. It reminds me a lot of    Very good game, really takes everything good about the first and simply adds more.
    My only real gripe is that it's a PSP title instead of on a full console and holding the PSP starts hurting my hands after awhile.
    This is, IMO, a very niche title though. I think you need to really be a fan of both Final Fantasy and fighting games to get much of anything out of it. It reminds me a lot of some of the longer Soul Calibur story modes.    … Expand
  30. fallentree
    Mar 17, 2016
    10
    One of the best psp games, very addictive, the system in here that rewards is really clever, prepare to be captivated by this game and a long, long gameplay time!
  31. hector_bcn98
    Oct 31, 2022
    8
    A quién se le ocurre hacer una versión mejorada del primero perdiendo la traducción y metiendo literalmente su modo historia con un copia y pega? No integra tantas novedades como para pasar por caja una 2a vez a precio completo. Solo por el destrozo de no llevarlo al castellano, me quedo con el original.
  32. LastResource
    Jan 14, 2023
    10
    worth it and glad to play this game again. so much memories and nostalgia within this spin off game in the series.

Awards & Rankings

6
#6 Best PSP Game of 2011
2
#2 Most Discussed PSP Game of 2011
9
#9 Most Shared PSP Game of 2011

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 52 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 37 out of 52
  2. Mixed: 14 out of 52
  3. Negative: 1 out of 52
  1. Gamer Limit
    Jun 29, 2011
    70
    Dissidia 012 is technically an improvement on its predecessor. The stylish combat is still a blast and Final Fantasy fans will be as enamored as ever, but a number of the improvements seem half-realized.
    Read full review
  2. Game Chronicles
    May 23, 2011
    90
    Dissidia 012[duodecim] FINAL Fantasy is a unique title has a lot to offer. The sheer amount of things to do, deep customization and fantastic character line-up make Dissidia 012[duodecim] FINAL Fantasy an absolute must for Final Fantasy fans and PSP owners.
    Read full review
  3. Game Over Online
    May 9, 2011
    83
    Dissidia 012: Duodecim Final Fantasy is a better game than the original with its refined gameplay mechanics and battle system. Though the story leaves much to be desired, Square has addressed many of the problems from the original game by giving fans more of what they want. A feeling of déjà vu still exists but Square has managed to keep things fresh with Dissidia 012: Duodecim Final Fantasy, which is a worthy game for series' veterans and fans.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »