The Return of a Legend, With a Catch
If you’ve been a Final Fantasy fan for a while, the name Dissidia probably brings back some great memories. The series, known for its epic crossover battles featuring heroes and villains from across the Final Fantasy universe, holds a special place in many hearts. So when Square Enix dropped an announcement trailer for a new game, Dissidia Duellum Final Fantasy, the community was buzzing with excitement. For a moment, it felt like we were about to get the modern, console-based arena fighter we’ve been dreaming of since the PSP days.
But that excitement quickly turned to disappointment for many. The big reveal? Dissidia Duellum is a mobile-exclusive gacha game. For fans who have been waiting years for a true successor to the original titles, this felt less like a gift and more like a classic monkey’s paw situation- they got their wish, but with a terrible twist.
A Tough Pill to Swallow for a Hopeful Community
The core of the frustration isn’t just about the platform. It’s about the business model. Gacha games rely on players spending money for a chance to get new characters or items, and Square Enix’s track record in this department has left a sour taste in many mouths. Fans immediately pointed to the company’s history of launching live service mobile games only to shut them down after a relatively short time.
This history has created a sense of distrust. Players are hesitant to invest their time, and especially their money, into a game that might not be around in a year or two. Many veterans of Square Enix’s mobile offerings shared lists of beloved games that have already reached their “End of Service,” including titles like Dissidia Final Fantasy Opera Omnia, Mobius Final Fantasy, and Nier Reincarnation. The wound from losing Opera Omnia, a game praised for its passionate development and generous community engagement, is still fresh for many.
What Are Fans Actually Saying?
Digging through community forums, the sentiment is overwhelmingly one of missed opportunity. Many are asking why Square Enix didn’t create a full-fledged console fighting game, complete with DLC characters, which is a proven model for success in today’s market. Some even suggested a simple high-resolution port of the original PSP games would have been an instant buy. Instead, the announcement of a mobile-only title described as a “hero shooter” set in Tokyo has left many scratching their heads.
However, it’s not all negative. A few silver linings have caught people’s attention. The creative mind of Tetsuya Nomura, of Kingdom Hearts fame, is behind this project as a creative producer. His involvement is clear, especially with the inclusion of Gaia from Final Fantasy XIV, a character he personally designed. Some fans have also praised the updated character models, noting that characters like Rinoa from Final Fantasy VIII finally have a design that does them justice within the Dissidia world.
Is There Any Hope for Duellum?
Despite the initial backlash, there are still glimmers of potential. The official website for Dissidia Duellum features a button that lets you listen to a demo of the game’s soundtrack, and it’s genuinely impressive. The OST is packed with new remixes of iconic tracks from across the series, including favorites like “Eyes on Me” from FFVIII and “Blinded by Light” from FFXIII. It shows that there is still passion being poured into the project’s artistic elements.
The question is whether great music and sharp character designs will be enough to overcome the widespread skepticism surrounding the game’s core format. The community is divided. Some are willing to give it a chance, excited just to see the Dissidia brand return in any form. Others are calling for players to vote with their wallets and avoid the game to send a clear message to Square Enix that they want a different approach for their beloved franchises.
Conclusion
The announcement of Dissidia Duellum Final Fantasy has put the community in a difficult spot. It’s the return of a fan-favorite series, but in a format that many players have grown to distrust. Square Enix faces an uphill battle to win over a fanbase that feels burned by past mobile game closures and let down by the decision to skip a console release. While the involvement of talent like Tetsuya Nomura and a fantastic soundtrack offer some hope, the game’s ultimate success will depend on whether the gameplay and business model can prove the skeptics wrong.
FAQs
What is Dissidia Duellum Final Fantasy?
It is a new mobile-only game in the Final Fantasy Dissidia series. Early reports describe it as a hero shooter with gacha elements for collecting characters.
Why are many fans unhappy with the announcement?
Most fans were hoping for a new installment on consoles like the PlayStation or PC, similar to the original PSP games. The announcement that it is a mobile-exclusive gacha game was a major disappointment for those who dislike the business model and platform.
What is a “gacha game”?
A gacha game is a type of video game that encourages players to spend in-game currency to receive random virtual items, often new characters or powerful weapons. It’s similar to a slot machine or a toy vending machine.
Why are players worried about the game’s future?
Square Enix has a history of discontinuing its mobile and live service games, even popular ones. This has made players wary of investing time and money into a new mobile title that might not be supported for the long term.
Who is in charge of the game’s creative direction?
Tetsuya Nomura, famous for his work on the Kingdom Hearts series and various Final Fantasy titles, is serving as the Creative Producer for Dissidia Duellum.
Are there any positive takeaways from the announcement?
Yes. Some fans are praising the updated character art and designs. Additionally, the game’s soundtrack, which features remixes of classic Final Fantasy music, has been positively received based on demos from the official website.