Dissidia: Final Fantasy

THE GOOD:
The style of the menus and game are superb
Music and voice acting a perfect
Gameplay is well set out and invigorating
Levelling up system and items are plentiful and provide loads of features.

THE BAD:
The game can be somewhat confusing to understand and difficult to get a hold of at first, if not most times.
Sometimes be game is so fast it's hard to keep up with (May not be bad)
A LOT of information to get a hold of at first

SUMMARY:
Graphics
Characters
The character designs are really nicely cut, remaining true to the original character designs. The feature of Alternative costumes ensures more memorable character designs as well as helping to prevent a lack of substance in the character's costume.

Levels
The levels are quite varied. Some are small, some are big. Each has their own special features as well as different styles (Lava, empty void, and palace). One of the coolest features is the interaction you can get within the level, such as sliding up banisters from jumping from building to building, both fast and stylish. There are special items (EX Cores) littered around the level, 1 at a time, which will give you a special boost during the battle that can be found. The destructible environments also add to the realistic fun.

Menus
The menus are nicely cut and easy to manoeuvre. They're clear, concise and extremely easy to navigate, making it a fun experience to upgrade your character.

Sounds
Music
The music is absolutely great, allowing you to reminisce about past games, movies or significant events in the Final Fantasy era. They perfectly suit the tone for battle and are especially good for those derby battles (Cloud Vs Sephiroth, Tidus Vs Jecht, etc.)

Sound Effects
The sound effects are pristine and clear. You can just hear the bone crunching, ground smashing, and sword swiping actions. There doesn't seem to be any waste or unnecessary sound effects for any aspect of the game, ensuring the fullest sound experience.

Voice Actors
One of my favourite aspects of the game is the voice actors. These are some of the greats of Final Fantasy in game, as well as the voice behind them. Each character is perfectly bonded with their voice actor, providing lovable and perfectly recorded voice acting to completely enhance the style of the game. It's much better than just scrolling text!



Gameplay
Story Mode
Story mode plays with a similar style to a chess board, though it flows well with the game. You move across the chess board to make it to the final piece which you must destroy. In your path are enemies, items and treasure chests, ensuring that there is always an adventure on the way. Within these, there are different affects as a result of the path you take. Items can provide boosts, battles can slow you down whilst also giving you an advantage if you complete the special battle task, and treasure chests can contain helpful or important items.




Arcade
Arcade mode is basically what its name entails. You're given a precreated character, and have to fight through a set of other precreated characters. Beating the selected mode gives you special items and points which can be used to buy items with from both the PP catalog and store. There are multiple modes, some harder than others, ensuring a better prize, the harder the mode.

Quick Battle
It’s basically a quick battle, one on one, with your customised character and enemy. Great for a pick up and play as well as the small, on the side Gil and experience, as well as the help towards accomplishments.

Communication Mode
Online play, allowing you to fight against a foe. The game is synced so well, so you're always in the fight against your foe. It offers the ability to make your own friend card (for more customisability), as well as cool artifacts and prizes to win from online fights. Definitely fun to play and sure to keep things going if you're done with playing offline, or just want to have a go online at someone else.




Additional Features
I thought it'd be important to label and detail some of the games important features, to at least make it easier to understand some of the aspects of the game and provide help to confused readers.

Customization
This is where you customise your character. You can change anything from the costume selected to the abilities brought into battle. I'll list the features and brief description for you here:

• Abilities
  The attacks and movements you can make around the battle. Attacks set can be changed for new and better ones as you progress. However you do have a limit on what you can add. You can also master certain abilities making them stronger or easier to use.
  
  
• Equipment
  Doesn't change the character design but can add to your stats with weapons and armour.
  
  
• Accessories
  Items that can be added to give you additional status effects such as improved luck or a higher critical hit ratio.
  
  
• Summons
  Allows you to summon a stronger being to fight for you, when you have acquired one for your character.
  
  
• EX Mode
  Details the features of your stronger EX Mode form. Ex mode is the stronger form you can transfer into during battle after obtaining blue orbs created by the slash and hacks of the fight.
  
  
• Battlegen
  Performing certain actions during a battle can created special accessories for you to use. You can view what is required to make these accessories here.
  
  
• Accomplishments
  Shows the overall game tasks you have completed, which can unlock new items. This can include winning X number of fights or gaining level X. Basically a lot of things to go for ensuring there is always a goal to achieve.
  
  
• Shop
  The place to go to when you want to buy equipment, accessories or a level up with your hard earned gil or by trading certain items.
  
  
  
• Stats
  Basically shown in the main character customisation screen. Gives details on your character's stats. You also have 3 sets to make the different styles of the same character, with different items and equipment and abilities.
  
  
• Chocobo's Path
  This is a nifty feature that happily incorporates the well known and loved Chocobo. As you fight, your Chocobo moves along the path and can get you items, battle advantages and increased abilities.

PP Catalog
You can exchange the PP you have achieved in the game can be used to buy new characters, alternative costumes, online gaming options, icons or voice files. PP is a separate currency from Gil, which is mainly used to buy special items and not necessarily battle or equipment, but rather museum goods and additional game features.

Museum
The place to go when you want to view your hard earned goods, such as voice sounds, pictures and other goodies. Gives you a real sense of accomplishment and is wonderful to look around.

Calender
A well thought up feature, which gives you boosts and rewards for playing on certain days. You also get mail from the Moogle service which can gift you gil, PP or more items.

Overall
Overall, this game is one of my favourites. I'm going to get a lot of hours into it and expand my character. I would definitely recommend it to every hardcore Final Fantasy fan, as well as casual fans, as I'm sure all PSP owners will love the fast paced action, crystal clear sounds and immaculate gameplay.