Dissidia 012: Duodecim Final Fantasy

Review

Common Sense Media says

Dense, intense combat RPG set in the Final Fantasy universe.
greenON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
yellowPAUSE: Know your child; some content
may not be right for some kids.
redOFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
not for kidsNOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age.

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Quality
 
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Parents say

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Kids say

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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that Dissidia 012: Duodecim Final Fantasy folds two gaming genres into one: fighting and role-playing. The main characters you choose to play vary in abilities, but they're using swords, axes, magic, guns, and bombs to defeat one another, often with in-air acrobatics, and with the ability to slow down time for dramatic effect. While there is plenty of fantasy violence, there is no blood in the game. Parents should also be aware some of these young-looking characters show cleavage and other skin (hips, stomach, etc.) and breasts sometimes jiggle during battles. A portrait gallery shows partially nude women, too.

  • Positive messages0
    The game's story is difficult to follow but it appears to be a classic struggle between good and evil. The characters you're in control of are "good guys," but violence is at the core of these single- and multiplayer- game modes. Plus, the characters are often dressed suggestively, and there is a dialogue-based comment or two about women's breasts.
  • Positive role models0
    You can choose to play as many beloved Final Fantasy characters from past games in this popular series. Most appear to be teenage heroes who are fighting for good, but because there is sword play, guns, and hand-to-hand violence, these characters are not be the most suitable role models for kids. Plus, many of the female characters show a lot of cleavage and there are some somewhat nude character portraits (though you don't see any specifics).
  • Ease of play3
    The PlayStation Portable game is pretty easy to play, as the controls are layered on successively. The analog stick, face and d-pad buttons, and shoulder ("trigger") buttons are all used during navigation and battles.
  • Violence3
    Much of the game revolves around fantasy violence between characters from the Final Fantasy universe. Battles include hand-to-hand combat, sword slashes, shotguns, and grenades -- depending on whom you're using and depending on whether the fighting takes place on the ground or in the air. You can slow down time and perform more dramatic moves to finish off enemies. There is no blood in this game but it is a combat-heavy RPG.
  • Sex3
    The game has female and male characters that dress suggestively, including outfits that show off a lot of skin, plus there are women who show a lot of cleavage (and bouncing breasts during combat). An unlockable portrait gallery shows some partially nude characters -- they show skin, but no nipples or genitalia.
  • Language2
    While nothing too strong, mild profanity can be heard during the (many) dialogue sequences. This includes words like "ass," "damn" and "hell."
  • Consumerism2
    The game features characters from other Final Fantasy games, such as Lightning from Final Fantasy XIII and Tifa Lockhart from Final Fantasy VII.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking0
    Not applicable.
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What's it about?

Whether it`s because there's something lost in translation (as this Japanese game has been made for English audiences) or the developers enjoy writing monologue-heavy sequences for teens who wax deeply about fate, loyalty, and friendship -- the story that drives DISSIDIA 012: DUODECIM FINAL FANTASY is the weakest link in the chain. Difficult to comprehend, this tale has to do with brave heroes, who are "cut from a cloth different from those which form the fabric of our world," as they're trapped in a battle between Cosmos and Chaos. The protagonists vow to restore order and find a way back to their respective worlds.

Is it any good?

 

Despite its nonsensical story that feels like a lame and loose way to string together very enjoyable fighting sequences, this new Final Fantasy offshoot for PSP is a highly gratifying fighting game wrapped up in a fantasy role-playing adventure. Even if you haven't played the first Dissidia (which is half the size of this new game), Dissidia 012 is ideal for those who enjoy fighting games with more depth, expansive environments, great graphics, tight controls, and plenty of solo and multiplayer "ad hoc" (local wireless) modes for those with nearby friends. While moving along the game board, you'll enter battles with a number of different weapons, combos, and fighting styles to choose from. Plus, you'll enjoy ground- and aerial-based attacks, summon help from others to help take down tougher baddies, and of course, level up to become more powerful. While there's no online support, multiplayer play -- head-to-head or cooperatively -- should also help add some longevity to this attractive and engaging fantasy brawler.

Online interaction: While Dissidia 012: Duodecim Final Fantasy isn't played online against strangers, the game does support local wireless ("ad hoc") play for two to 10 players. Some modes are built for a multiplayer experience. There is no chatting support for these head-to-head modes.

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What families can talk about

  • Families can talk about whether Sony and other game publishers have almost abandoned the PlayStation Portable (PSP) as a gaming platform. Why is it there are so many more games available for Nintendo DS, iPod touch, and other portable platforms? Doesn't it feel like dedicated PSP games are far and few between?

  • Will the new "PlayStation Phone" (a.k.a. Sony Ericsson Xperia Play) change this downward trend? Are all the best games going digital, or is there still a future for the Universal Media Disc (UMD)?

  • Families can also talk about the role of violence in video games. Why do you think it is so prevalent in fantasy games?

This review was written by Marc Saltzman
Adult
May 10, 2011
AGE
9
 
DFF
i love the game is really good
Was this review useful?
Helped me decide (20) | Had useful details (17) | Read my mind (13)
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Adult
December 8, 2011
AGE
11
 
Get your stuff right, dude.
what the heck??? whoever typed up this article is a complete moron! You should PLAY the game before you TRY to explain about the game. First of all, sexually inappropriate? Ummm NO.--_-- Partially nude "WOMEN"? There is only one partially nude woman and thats Cloud of Darkness. There arent even enough women in this game in the first place, Jeeeez. And profanity? I've played both Dissidia and Dissdia: Duodecim and there are NO cussing words in neither of those games. I mean seriously, get your stuff right. Its ignorant people like you who ruin gaming for everyone.
Was this review useful?
Helped me decide (8) | Had useful details (6) | Read my mind (8)
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This review was written by Marc Saltzman
Platforms:PSP
Available online?Not available online
Genre:Role Playing
Developer:Square Enix
Release date:March 22, 2011
Price:$29.99
ESRB rating:T for Fantasy Violence, Mild Language, Partial Nudity, Suggestive Themes
This review was written by Marc Saltzman

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ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids.
OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
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