The original Dissidia: Final Fantasy was an incredibly cinematic fighting game, so much so that even the creator of the game labeled it with a different genre title to distinguish it: “Dramatic Progressive Action”. While this was a confusing moniker, ii was actually a perfect way to describe how Dissidia functioned. A healthy mix of cinematic fighting and core RPG elements made it a wonderful entry into the PSP's library, and now it's getting a prequel.

- The second installment of the Final Fantasy brawler will be a prequel -

Dissidia 012 [Duodecim] Final Fantasy focuses on the events which took place just before the original Dissidia, during a time called the 12th War in the Cycle. Apparently, the presence of the new characters such as Tifa Lockhart from Final Fantasy VII and Lightning from the recent Final Fantasy XIII will be explained, as well as the reasons behind why they didn't take part in the 13th War in the Cycle during the original Dissidia. Confusing timelines aside, Dissidia 012 is receiving more than a few new characters in its regressive update. The HUD during battles has received a facelift, appearing marginally smoother while subtly adding some new features such as the Assist Bar beneath your character's health, which will allow you to call on other characters during battles for some help.

Dissidia 012 [Duodecim] Final Fantasy is also adding new stages to complement the arrival of the new characters, and the music has received a sizable increase as well. One of the last major changes to Dissidia 012 is the addition of a Chaos storyline to go along with the Cosmos narrative. 

Outside of these changes, Dissidia 012 appears to adhere largely to the formula set in place by the first Dissidia. Characters still utilize both Brave attacks to gain power while weakening your opponent before unleashing HP attacks equal to the amount of Brave points your character has stored. All of the stages remain fully rendered in 3D, and they're all littered with destructible objects along with plenty of rails to grind on and walls to run up and down. All of the previous characters will be making a return in Dissidia 012 along with a data transfer option, though there aren't any specifics on what exactly you'll be able to transfer from the first game yet. 

- Dissidia 012 will also include new characters -

Dissidia 012 [Duodecim] Final Fantasy is shaping up to be an odd prequel / sequel. Although there will be an explanation for the reasons behind the absences of the new characters in the first game, it still remains to be seen why the number 12 is so significant outside of the story implications. Regardless, Dissidia 012 should be another amazing entry into the PSP library once it's released in the coming weeks.

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