Because of the great group at Sq. Enix, I not too long ago had some hands-on time with Dissidia Duellum Ultimate Fantasy forward of launch. Let’s reduce to the chase: when you’re something like me, you’ve in all probability been holding out hope for a correct console Dissidia once more, one thing nearer to the unique or Duodecim. I got here into this already a bit skeptical, particularly since I’m not precisely a fan of cell gaming.
Positive sufficient, Dissidia Duellum could be very a lot doing its personal factor.
The setup is instantly extra grounded than you would possibly anticipate, but in addition just a little surreal. Monsters are all of the sudden showing throughout Tokyo, which is about as far faraway from conventional Ultimate Fantasy settings as you may get. As a substitute of summary arenas or cosmic backdrops, you’re dropped into a contemporary metropolis that truly seems like a spot. It’s a small element, but it surely makes a distinction. There’s a stronger sense that occasions are taking place someplace, not simply taking place the best way they generally do in Dissidia.
Visually, it leans totally into cel-shading, and it surprisingly works. Character designs are supervised by Tetsuya Nomura, which in all probability tells you all the things you could know. The twist is which you can swap between the unique designs and new, trendy variations, and honestly, seeing somebody like Kain or Gaia strolling round in a present-day Tokyo setting is bizarre in a manner that form of works. It shouldn’t, but it surely does.
The launch roster sits at ten characters, together with Cloud, Terra, Kain, Rinoa, Zidane, Lightning, and Gaia, amongst others. It’s not an enormous lineup, particularly in comparison with previous Dissidia video games, but it surely’s clearly constructed with updates in thoughts. Extra characters are coming, and you may already really feel the live-service construction beneath all the things.
Fight actually begin to break up from longtime followers’ expectations. The Bravery system is again, which is nice, however as a substitute of specializing in one-on-one fights and even conventional group battles, this leans into PvPvE. You’re combating in a group alongside different gamers towards an opposing group, whereas additionally coping with enemies and executives on the sphere.
On prime of that, talents run on cooldowns, very very like an MMORPG. Every character has their very own set of abilities you rotate by, so as a substitute of fixed stress, there’s extra of a rhythm to the way you method fights. It’s strategic otherwise. Not higher or worse essentially, simply totally different. Whether or not that clicks relies upon solely on what you need out of Dissidia.
The development system in Duellum prompted me to pause and hesitate. After successful a match with Terra, I used a personality ticket and rolled into Zidane, including a second character to my roster. Sure, that’s precisely what it feels like. There’s a randomness to unlocking characters, and whereas it’s thrilling within the second, it additionally raises the same old questions on how development features long-term.
What intrigued me extra was the story content material. There’s a totally voiced essential story in Japanese, but in addition these smaller facet tales that present the characters merely dwelling. Seeing how somebody like Zidane or Terra suits into a contemporary every day life setting is oddly charming. It’s gentle, generally a bit goofy, but it surely provides the sport character in a manner I didn’t anticipate.
I additionally unlocked extra story scenes after successful matches, and it regarded like a few of that content material could be tied to seasonal development. Sadly, it’s one other reminder of how carefully the plot and live-service components appear to be linked.
If I needed to sum it up, Dissidia Duellum seems like a recreation that is aware of its potential to be divisive. Particularly followers who, like me, have been ready years for one thing nearer to traditional Dissidia. This isn’t that. Not even shut.
However on the identical time, it doesn’t precisely telephone it in both.
There’s a transparent path right here. The PvPvE construction is fascinating, the character interactions are enjoyable, and the presentation is surprisingly stable. I simply can’t ignore the elements that really feel pulled straight from cell design, as a result of they’re entrance and heart.
I didn’t stroll away fully offered, however I additionally wasn’t fully upset. Greater than something, I’m curious. And truthfully, for a recreation I went into with skepticism, I’d say that’s nonetheless a win.
Dissidia Duellum Ultimate Fantasy releases on March 24, 2026, and is coming to iOS and Android. Be taught extra on the recreation’s official web site.
