Common Sense Media Review
By Marc Saltzman
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Dense, intense combat RPG set in the Final Fantasy universe.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Play
Videos and Photos
Dissidia 012: Duodecim Final Fantasy
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.
Talk to Your Kids 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?
Game Details
- Platform : PSP
- Pricing structure :
- Available online? : Not available online
- Publisher : Square Enix
- Release date : March 22, 2011
- Genre : Role-Playing
- ESRB rating :
- Last updated : February 15, 2023
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