With less than 2 weeks away till the English version of the new Dissidia:FF, here’s a quick look at the game and a list of the changes.

First and foremost here are the release details:

JP Release: 3rd March 2011
NA Release: 22nd March 2011
EU Release: 25th March 2011

As you can see, the game’s been release in Japan already. Unlike the first iteration of Dissidia, which there was a 8-9 month gap in the releases due to localization efforts, those efforts seem to have been doubled here, with Duodecim being release in Japanese and English within the same month. Well done Square Enix. Now if only FFXIII-2 and Versus XIII will enjoy the same effect.

Plot wise, the game is a direct prequel to the first Dissidia: Final Fantasy. In the first game, the events of the 13th War was covered. In this game, it covers the 12th war. Further plot details of the story have been revealed by those who have played the JP version, but I choose to not play it, mainly because I would be lost in translation 70% of the time. Besides, with the english release that close, I chose to wait.

I did however, play the JP version of Dissidia Duodecim Prologus. It says it’s a prologue, which it is, but kinda acts more like a demo which I paid for. Nonetheless, we get to use Lightning in it, which is always a plus point. Lightning plays pretty well, might overthrow my usage of Warrior of Light and Squall. If you have Prologus, it will unlock Aerith from FFVII into your main Duodecim game. Yea. So the money spent on Prologus is pretty worth it. Just treat it as DLC.

The gameplay remains largely the same Dissidia song and dance with the additions of the EX Mode and Assist.  Think of EX Mode as a power boost and Assist as well, assists, and you’ll be fine. The assists does add a whole new element to the game.

An RPG mode has also been added to the game which is well deserved. Finally feels like a real FF game now. It has been mentioned that the RPG mode will include elements of the first Dissidia as well, making the total gameplay time somewhere around 60 hours. Sounds way more gameplay than what FFXIII promised me w/o the grinding. I’m sold.

Characters wise, here are the new additions:

Kain – FF IV

Gilgamesh – FF V

Tifa – FF VII

Laguna – FF VIII

Tuna – FF X

Prishe – FF XI

Vaan – FFXII

Lightning – FFXIII

Desperado Chaos

Pretty large list of characters now, which is awesome.

To end off, here’s a localized trailer:

Enjoy the game!!