A Strange Way of Listening
There’s a saying: “Be careful what you wish for.” For fans of the Final Fantasy Dissidia series, that phrase has never felt more real. After the relative disappointment of Dissidia NT and the heartbreaking shutdown of the beloved mobile game Opera Omnia, the community has been vocal about wanting a new, true-to-form Dissidia experience. Square Enix seemed to be listening. They acknowledged receiving the feedback. Then, they announced Dissidia Duellum Final Fantasy, and the collective excitement of the fanbase almost immediately soured into widespread frustration.
Why? Because the new game isn’t the glorious return to console-based arena fighting that fans craved. It’s another mobile-only gacha game. The feedback was heard, but the interpretation seems to have missed the mark entirely, leaving many to wonder if anyone at the company truly understands what the community has been asking for.
Trust Issues and a Trail of Dead Games
The core of the issue isn’t just that Duellum is a mobile title. It’s about trust. Square Enix has developed a reputation for launching ambitious mobile games, only to shut them down, sometimes just a year or two after launch. Players invest their time and money into these worlds, only to have the plug pulled with little warning. For many, the wound from losing Dissidia Final Fantasy Opera Omnia-a game often praised for its generosity and fan service-is still fresh.
The community was quick to point this out. Discussions online are filled with lists of other fallen titles: Final Fantasy VII: The First Soldier, Mobius Final Fantasy, and others. This history has created a deep-seated skepticism. The prevailing sentiment is, “Why should we get invested in this new game when it will probably meet the same fate?” It’s a fair question, and one that Square Enix has yet to answer convincingly. The announcement trailer for Duellum was met with a staggering number of dislikes, a clear signal that the community is not on board.
A Modern Tokyo Twist, But Is It Enough?
To be fair, Dissidia Duellum is trying some new things. The game is set in a modern-day Tokyo where a giant crystal has appeared, causing monsters to emerge. Final Fantasy heroes are summoned to fight these threats, but they also live ordinary lives, wearing contemporary clothes and even chatting via text messages. It’s a creative premise, spearheaded by the legendary Tetsuya Nomura, known for his work on Kingdom Hearts. The character models look sharp, and early demos of the soundtrack are fantastic.
But these positive points are overshadowed by the core gameplay loop. It’s a 3v3 command-based battle system designed for one-handed play, a far cry from the fast-paced action fighting that defined the original PSP titles. The consensus among fans is that a simple remaster of Dissidia 012 Duodecim Final Fantasy for modern consoles would have been an instant success. Instead, they received a gacha-based mobile game that feels disconnected from what made the series special in the first place.
Conclusion
The reaction to Dissidia Duellum Final Fantasy is a case study in the growing disconnect between some developers and their most dedicated fans. While Square Enix may have technically heard the feedback that players want more Dissidia, they seem to have misinterpreted the message. The community didn’t just want the brand name; they wanted the gameplay, the platform, and the respect for their investment that comes with a full console title. Right now, Duellum is facing a massive uphill battle to win back the trust it lost before it even launched.
FAQs
What was the “feedback” Square Enix received?
After the mixed reception of Dissidia NT and the shutdown of Opera Omnia, fans were very vocal about their desire for a new Dissidia game that returned to the successful formula of the original PSP titles, preferably on a console.
Why is the community so against a mobile gacha game?
Many fans dislike the gacha model’s reliance on randomized, paid mechanics. More importantly, they distrust Square Enix’s commitment to supporting these mobile titles long-term, as the company has a history of shutting them down after a relatively short period.
What is the gameplay of Dissidia Duellum like?
It’s described as a 3v3 team battle game with command-based actions, designed to be played with one hand on a mobile device. This is a significant departure from the action-fighter mechanics of the classic Dissidia games.
Are there any redeeming qualities about the new game?
Some aspects have drawn praise. The modern-day Tokyo setting is intriguing, Tetsuya Nomura is the creative producer, the character models are well-designed, and the remixed soundtrack has been positively received.
What did fans want instead?
A large portion of the community has expressed a desire for a new, full-featured console game in the style of the original PSP titles, or even a simple HD remaster of Dissidia 012 Duodecim Final Fantasy.
Has Square Enix responded to the backlash?
As of now, there has been no formal public response from the company addressing the specific criticisms from the community regarding the choice of platform and business model for Dissidia Duellum.