Dissidia: Final Fantasy Review for PlayStation Portable (PSP)

System: PSP	Review Rating Legend
Dev: Square Enix	1.0 - 1.9 = Avoid	4.0 - 4.4 = Great
Pub: Square Enix	2.0 - 2.4 = Poor	4.5 - 4.9 = Must Buy
Release: Aug. 25, 2009	2.5 - 2.9 = Average	5.0 = The Best
Players: 1-2	3.0 - 3.4 = Fair
ESRB Rating: Teen	3.5 - 3.9 = Good

However, even though the focus of Dissidia: Final Fantasy is squarely on the combat, the game still retains its RPG roots. As you move characters through the different story modes, you will be able to level them up and gain special ability points that unlock additional attacks and eventually creature summons. You can also equip characters with equipment and accessories that you find in battle.

Dissidia: Final Fantasy screenshot

In addition to the meta-game, there is also a mini-game that is played inside the customization menu. This mini-game is known as Chocobo's Journey. When you win a match, the Chocobo will walk one step forward on his journey. If he finds a gyshal green to eat, he will be a in a good mood and provide you with bonuses during fights. The Chocobo can also provide lucky bonuses if you win several fights in a row.

If there was one major complaint I had about Dissidia: Final Fantasy, it is its lack of online support. Though the PSP hasn't historically included online multiplayer for its fighting games, I think if there was one game that needed it, it would be this one. However, as a consolation there is an ad-hoc multiplayer mode that has a small lobby and allows you to trade friend cards with nearby opponents.

The look of Dissidia: Final Fantasy is very polished, and the opening cinematic is definitely one of the best I have ever seen on the PSP system. The in-game graphics are a little less polished, but are on par with last year's Final Fantasy VII: Crisis Core. Though environments aren't terribly detailed, character animation is very fluid, even during high-energy fights, and the framerate never wavers.

Sound in Dissidia: Final Fantasy is outstanding. The game has several unique themes which are brought to life with energizing orchestration. However, even though these new themes are nice to listen to, what really shines here is the way that old themes from popular Final Fantasy games have been remixed and repurposed for Dissidia. You can expect to hear some very familiar tunes while fighting, including "One Winged Angel" from Final Fantasy VII, "Eternal Wind" from Final Fantasy III, and the title themes from the original Final Fantasy and Final Fantasy IV. Although some of the older themes have been cleaned up slightly for Dissidia, they all still retain their charm, and I couldn't be more pleased with the soundtrack here.

Although I will be the first to admit I was excited for the release of Dissidia: Final Fantasy the second it was announced, I had my reservations about the game's potential. However, with plenty of memorable character moments, a truly innovative battle/RPG hybrid combat system, and plenty of fan service, if you are a Final Fantasy aficionado, this is a must-buy!

By Amanda L. Kondolojy
CCC Staff Contributor

RATING OUT OF 5

RATING DESCRIPTION

4.5

Graphics
Cutscenes are the best on the PSP system. Battle visuals are on-par with last year's Final Fantasy VII: Crisis Core

4.2

Control
Controls are simple and easy to learn. Though there are no complex combos, the straightforward mechanics keep the focus on strategy over button-mashing.

4.3

Music / Sound FX / Voice Acting
From the iconic Victory Fanfare to game-specific melodies like "One-Winged Angel" and "Mambo de Chocobo," you'll hear plenty of tunes from your favorite Final Fantasy games of the past.

3.7

Play Value
The story mode is fairly lengthy, and there are plenty of unlockables to keep you going. However, the lack of online play is regrettable.

4.1

Overall Rating - Great
Not an average. See Rating legend above for a final score breakdown.

Game Features:

Legacy: Experience the high-quality world and gameplay mechanics of Final Fantasy presented in an action-packed environment where players can glide through the air and dash along walls.

All-new battle system: Action-based battle system combines all-out brawling alongside RPG-based character development in an original system developed by the creators of the Kingdom Hearts series.

Ultimate cast of characters: Fan-favorite heroes and villains from the entire Final Fantasy series come together in one game for the first time in a remarkable new tale with fully-voiced CG movies and real-time events.

Fantasy match: Players select their favorite Final Fantasy characters, sided with either Cosmos or Chaos, to set the stage for their fantasy match.

Series staple battle features: Accessible through "EX Burst", players can experience gameplay faithful to the originals through memorable battle features such as "Limit Break" and "Overdrive". In addition, longtime fans of the series can enjoy the ability to summon Aeons and options such as the "command battle" system.

Community: Continue the experience by trading Friend Cards, creating items and sharing A.I. characters with other players and even engage in virtual A.I. battles made possible by the PSP system ad hoc mode.