I'm gonna do something a little different here, and give you my impressions on a game that's from Square Enix. Consider it one of the few exceptions to my "do not cover big brand name games" rule (technically, it's a "do not review blockbuster games" rule). Said game is Dissidia, and I'm gonna give you a few good reasons to take a look at this game.



(The game demo has an arcade mode and 5 playable characters. As such, I am judging this game by what I have access to. That said, it is not a review, but an impressions piece)

First off, the gameplay of Dissidia is one of the more unique and engaging aspects of the game. Movement is not confined to 2 dimensions, and your character can fully explore the 3D environments (which look great, but that's for later). You attack with square (HP) and circle (Brave), jump with X, and triangle is for running up walls, grinding rails. You lock on with the L trigger, and use the R trigger to guard. Pressing R and triangle allows you to dash, while using R and X allows you to dodge. Also, there are two types of attacks in the game: Brave and HP. Brave attacks allow you to reduce enemies' brave (their attack strength) and add to your own. If the enemy runs out of Brave, they enter "break' status, and are very vulnerable. HP attacks use your brave rating to deal actual damage to your enemies. It's a really fun, and fast system that allows for strategies to be formulated on the fly. To say it's addicting is an understatement.


The visuals are pretty impressive.

Also, you collect little "particles" that fill up your "ex gauge" (an Ex symbol will appear on stage at certain times, and can help fill it up). Once full, press R and square to initiate your Ex mode. Depending on your character, some attacks will change or link together. You also get to use ultimate attacks by using an HP attack. Each ultimate is unique to a character, and their input styles are similar to that of the games they star in (like using onion knights by selecting throw command, and choosing shuriken).

The graphics are, for the most part, impressive for something on a handheld. Character models are well detailed, and the environments are beautiful (and, to a good extent, destructible). Characters move gracefully, and are well animated. Special effects are particularly impressive.


Ex burst moves are elaborate and satisfying.

The game has some great songs from previous Final Fantasy games, and the choice for their voice actors seem spot on. Of course, since this is a demo, only some of the game's songs are able to be heard. The dub can't really be judged yet, as you will only hear battle grunts and taunts.

In other good news, the game is being rebalanced and will have new moves and cutscenes (for the American release source).

In summation, this is a great demo. It gives plenty of content for a measly 78(ish) megabytes. It's definitely worth a look.