Dissidia 012 Final Fantasy Dissidia 012 Final Fantasy , is the prequel to " Dissidia Final Fantasy " . It is playable on the PlayStation Portable ( and the PlayStation Vita due to backwards compatibility ) and was released in Japan on March 3rd , 2011 . Most of North America , save Canada , which had been delayed due to a shipping error , received the game on March 22nd , 2011 . Australia , Europe , and Canada received the game on March 25th , 2011 . Taiwan received the game on May 10th , 2011 , and it is now available to the rest of the world . Gameplay . The gameplay of " Dissidia 012 Final Fantasy " is similar to the original ' s , featuring all of the original gameplay elements , characters , and arenas . Fighters will attack to steal Bravery from opponents , which increases their own , as a character lands Bravery attacks . By reducing an opponent ' s Bravery below zero , they inflict Break status , preventing the opponent from inflicting Bravery or HP damage until their Bravery regenerates to a base amount , while the one who inflicted Break gets a large boost in Bravery from the Stage . When an HP attack connects with the opponent , they take damage equal to the attacking player ' s Bravery . By collecting EX Force , characters can enter EX Mode , boosting their strength , adding exclusive abilities and letting them execute EX Bursts similar to Limit Breaks . New summons , arenas , music tracks , and characters have been included . Despite the similarities , many changes were made and features were added . One of the main new gameplay features is the Assist system , which allows characters to call an ally into battle to attack , allowing new combos to be created by chaining the two characters ' moves in different fashions . The Assist system acts as a counterbalance mechanic to the EX Mode system , as landing an Assist attack can deplete the opponent ' s EX gauge and as you enter EX Mode , the opponent ' s assist gauge is depleted . The EX gauge can also be utilized to execute a new technique titled " EX Revenge , " which will slow down the opponent ' s movement for several seconds at the cost of consuming the EX gauge without entering EX Mode . Several characters have gained new attacks since the original " Dissidia " , and several returning moves have had their properties changed . Firion , Kefka and Shantotto in particular have been stated to be heavily rebalanced . Several other small tweaks have been implemented as well . A character ' s HP can now exceed the normal limit of 9999 — characters have been shown to be able to exceed even over 99 , 999 HP , meaning the new HP Limit could be 999 , 999 ; at the start of the game if the player says they are a master they will be put into a battle against a Level 130 Feral Chaos , who has 125 , 698 HP . The extra damage dealt by Wall Rush has been reduced to 25 % of the base damage from the original 50 % . Chase Sequence s are much faster and absorb the EX Force around when entering chase or continuing the chase . Critical Hits now do twice the normal damage instead of quintuple . Players are given the choice between " Action mode " or " RPG Mode " before starting the game . " RPG Mode " is essentially a renamed version of RPG Mode from " Dissidia " and is aimed at making the game more accessible for players who are not used to action - based games . " Party " battles are introduced , in which five characters from each side face each other . A " Watch " Mode allows players who are not participating in current battles to watch them on their PSP . The characters can be assigned profiles based on the job system to help them in battle , such as Black Mages receiving a boost to the power of magic attacks . " Dissidia 012 " features a story structure similar to the original game ' s Destiny Odysseys , and includes the ability to play as the warriors of Chaos as well . The story mode utilizes a different method of storyline gameplay than the original " Dissidia " ; a World Map is used rather than tiled boards , and players are able to form parties and wander the world freely . However , when the player enters a dungeon , the gameplay is reverted to that of the board of the first " Dissidia " . The player can use skills in dungeons like straight chain , which sets up in the player ' s line of sight ( specifically a cross around the player ) in a chain of battles . Completing the chain earns extra KP or Kupo Points . Kupo Points are used to buy items from Moogles on the world map . Before entering a dungeon players have a choice to lower their level . If the player completes a dungeon below the bonus line limit , they ' ll earn bonuses such as extra KP and items . Player levels can be restored after leaving a dungeon . The map layout is based on the original " Final Fantasy " . Depending on the story mode , players can either form their own parties , or they are predetermined by the storyline . The " Skills " command returns . Treasure chests , enemies , shop s and other features can be encountered on the map . The enemy system is similar to " Final Fantasy XII " or " Final Fantasy XIII " , where enemies are visible on the map and approaching one initiates battle . Enemies can attack the player while on the world map . If , however , the player attacks the enemy , the enemy ' s initial Bravery at the start of the subsequent battle will be zero , effectively allowing the player a preemptive strike . Other in - battle mechanics , such as Quickmove , are included on the world map gameplay . Players can also create their own scenarios using creation mode . Tetsuya Nomura has stated that it takes around 60 hours to beat the game . Rules have been added that increases use of an ability or makes the battle more of a challenge . The rules include : EX - centric , AST - centric , BRV - centric , official , official ( skill ) , and the player has the ability to create their own unique rules . The player also has the ability to creates his / her own unique quest . The player creates the dialogue and match - ups . The player can also choose the Background music and effects in dialogue along with what kind of battle style the player wants ( tournament or round - robin ) . The storyline of the original " Dissidia " , adapted to the new story gameplay mechanics , is playable after the new storyline of " Dissidia 012 " has been completed . " Dissidia " save data import . When starting a new game , save data from the original " Dissidia " can be transferred to " Dissidia 012 " . Players are able to choose between a New Game + option , which will retain character levels , abilities , accessory slots , AP , Player Icons , and bought PP Catalog items , and an option that will retain all of the above except for levels , abilities , and AP . Equipment , accessories , and summons may not be transferred . As a bonus for transferring save data , the player will receive an " Elixir Pack " ; a mix of Dusty Elixirs , Elixirs , and a single Hi - Elixir . However , if the game has been installed into the Memory Stick ( also known as Data - Install in the game ) , this function is unavailable . Setting . All arenas present in the original " Dissidia " are back , with seven new additions : Orphan ' s Cradle , Sky Fortress " Bahamut " , the Crystal Tower , the " M . S . Prima Vista " , Pandaemonium - Top Floor , the Phantom Train , and the Empyreal Paradox . It had been stated there would be as many new stages as there would be new characters , and it has since been revealed that the games that did not receive new characters would instead receive new arenas . The " M . S . Prima Vista " , Pandaemonium - Top Floor , Phantom Train , and Crystal Tower stages cannot be purchased in the catalog until after the main scenario of " 012 " has been completed , but they have no Omega versions . Characters . All twenty - two playable characters in the original " Dissidia " return . In addition to the original roster , nine new characters have been included : Kain from " Final Fantasy IV " , Lightning from " Final Fantasy XIII " , Tifa from " Final Fantasy VII " , Vaan from " Final Fantasy XII " , Laguna from " Final Fantasy VIII " , Yuna from " Final Fantasy X " , Prishe from " Final Fantasy XI " , and Gilgamesh from " Final Fantasy V " , and introducing a new " Dissidia " - original playable character : Feral Chaos , a form of the game ' s main antagonist , Chaos . Aerith from " Final Fantasy VII " is included as an Assist character for people who buy the demo , " Dissidia Duodecim Prologus " . The original ten Warriors of Chaos , along with Shantotto , Gabranth , Prishe , Gilgamesh , and Feral Chaos have to be purchased in the PP Catalog before they can be used . The ten Chaos warriors , along with Shantotto and Gabranth , are available in the catalog from the start , while the others have to be unlocked at certain parts of Story Mode before they can be purchased . Unlockable characters from the original " Dissidia " remain unlocked if data is imported using New Game + . Story . Main Scenario 012 . Main Scenario 012 has nine chapters , centered around the new characters ( excluding Gilgamesh and Prishe ) , and their journey to end the conflict . The game begins with the six new characters traveling to Sanctuary to meet up with Cosmos and the other warriors . Cosmos gathers her warriors together and imbues them with her own power , which will eventually coalesce into a crystal which in turn will help her warriors stop Chaos and bring an end to the conflict . The six new characters remain as a group once all the warriors scatter , and are confronted by Kuja and Kefka . Lightning tells her five compatriots to flee before taking Kuja on alone . Upon defeating him , she is taunted about her lack of memory by Kefka , which in turn starts her thinking about the real nature of the conflict . On her way to Sanctuary to catch up with the others she encounters Kain and a gravely injured Bartz . Bartz reveals that Kain attacked him , but before she can get more details Lightning is forced to battle against Kain herself . At the conclusion of the battle Garland and Exdeath appear ; Kain escapes with Bartz before Lightning can question him . Exdeath pursues Kain , while Garland informs Lightning of a horde of manikin s and tells her to enjoy the time she has left to her . During Vaan ' s solo travels he encounters Terra , whom he is reluctant to battle . After defeating her he continues on his journey , but encounters her again while she is being tormented by Kefka . Vaan rescues Terra from Kefka and the two of them set out on their journey together ; when she realizes that Vaan is a warrior of Cosmos , Terra pleads with him to kill her so she no longer has to fight for Chaos . Vaan instead encourages and inspires her , telling her that she can choose her own path . He eventually tells her to lay low and wait for him somewhere ( apparently at the Rift ) until he can return for her , then heads off to join his other comrades . Laguna crosses paths with Vaan again , but becomes lost in the World of Darkness and encounters the Cloud of Darkness . They battle , but Laguna is crippled afterward with severe leg cramp issues . Intrigued by his behavior and his insistence that he isn ' t fighting " for " anyone , but only to end the conflict and go home , the Cloud of Darkness reveals that the manikins are spilling out of a portal to the Rift , and is curious to see what manner of death he chooses for himself . She departs , and Laguna immediately sets off to tell the others what he ' s learned . While waiting , Terra is attacked by manikins ; in the ensuing fight she is gravely wounded . With the last of her energy she stumbles into Order ' s Sanctuary , fainting at Cosmos ' feet . Sensing her desire to protect her friends and end the conflict , Cosmos frees her of her obligations to Chaos and permits her to choose which side she wants to fight for when she reawakens . Yuna , who has been journeying with Jecht , becomes separated from him and lost within Pandaemonium . While trying to find her way out she encounters Tidus ; she remembers him instantly , but he has no recollection of her . She pursues him to find him facing off against his father . She intervenes , claiming that Tidus will remember everything if she can only talk to him . Her attempts are cut short by the arrival of The Emperor , who attempts to attack her ; Tidus jumps in front of her , though , and is gravely wounded by the Flare spell meant for her . Furious , Yuna engages the Emperor in conflict , but when the fight is over she finds that Jecht has sacrificed himself to save Tidus ' life . As the Emperor vanishes with Jecht ' s body , she vows to stay with Tidus until he remembers who she is . At this point Vaan and Laguna find Yuna , who fills them in on all the happenings thus far . Meanwhile , Lightning makes it to Order ' s Sanctuary and informs Cosmos of Kain ' s betrayal . She insists that the warriors of Cosmos cannot possibly win this war ; unexpectedly , the Warrior of Light agrees with her and , much to her shock , turns his blade against her . They cross swords , but Cosmos implores them to stop fighting and orders the Warrior of Light to reveal what he knows . The Warrior explains that he and Kain have accepted that they cannot win the war during this cycle , so they have devised a plan to put their fellow warriors " to sleep " to give them more time to achieve their crystals and finally defeat Chaos . Lightning is completely disgusted by the revelation and refuses to have any part of it . At this point Laguna , Vaan , and Yuna arrive ; Laguna tells the others of the existence of the portal to the Rift , and the foursome decide that instead of being " put to sleep " they will find this door to the Rift and destroy it . While Cosmos ' warriors discussed the origin of the manikins , Sephiroth set out to confront Tifa , after Kefka told him that fighting someone from his homeworld would probably trigger more hidden memories than an average fight . Before he can cut her down , though , Cloud intervenes and challenges Sephiroth to protect Tifa . After Sephiroth departs , Tifa questions over whether or not she has ever met Cloud ; Cloud lies and says no , to ensure that she does not remember him . At some point after this Cloud elects to face Chaos himself , alone , on the grounds that defeating Chaos was the one thing nobody had tried yet . Chaos defeats him easily , and as he begins to fade he pleads with Cosmos to protect Tifa ; Cosmos hears his plea , and takes Cloud as one of her chosen warriors in the next cycle of battle . Kain journeys for some time with Firion , but eventually turns on him to put him to sleep as well ; no sooner does he do so than he encounters Exdeath , who has been trailing him to find out where he is hiding the sleeping warriors . After defeating Exdeath and hiding Firion , Kain encounters Tifa who has been struggling with Ultimecia . Kain saves Tifa , but she confronts him over Ultimecia ' s claims that he has turned traitor and is attacking his own side . Kain refuses to tell Tifa the truth , but she tells him that she ' ll travel with him in spite of this . Together they head off to join the others in closing the portal to the Rift , traveling deep into the Land of Discord . En route to the Rift , the six warriors encounter Exdeath and Golbez , who inform them of the horde of manikins set to attack Cosmos ' throne directly . Realizing there is no way they can get back to Sanctuary in time , they hurry on to find the door to the Rift , leaving Kain behind to stall Exdeath and Golbez . The other five find their goal , but are intercepted by Garland , the Emperor , the Cloud of Darkness , Kefka , and Ultimecia for one final battle . Eventually Chaos ' minions depart , knowing there is no way the five heroes can survive the manikins ' onslaught . The warriors realize that their battles will end here , coming to terms with this before Yuna , Vaan , Laguna , and Tifa charge into battle . Lightning lingers back , long enough for Kain to catch up with them before joining the fray . Despite battling untold numbers of manikins , the party falls , one by one , overwhelmed by the sheer force facing them and still surrounded by countless enemies . Before Lightning collapses , she witnesses the closing of the door to the Rift , showing that she and her compatriots succeeded in their goal ; this is the last thing she sees before she too falls in battle . Back at the Sanctuary , the Warrior of Light is battling alone against a vast swarm of manikins , but he too is being worn down by the relentless assault . He stumbles , dropping his shield , and it looks as though he too will be finished off as a False Stalwart attacks . To his surprise and dismay , however , Cosmos intervenes , using her power to destroy the horde of manikins at the cost of her own life . She vanishes , just as the Warrior passes out . An unknown amount of time later the Warrior comes to , finding himself on a barren plateau of land surrounded by the unmoving bodies of the nine remaining warriors of Cosmos as well as Cosmos herself . As he looks up the golden body of Shinryu sweeps down from the heavens , gathering up all the fallen to purify them for the next cycle . He turns to see the six fallen warriors , hovering in midair ; as he watches , they vanish one by one . Before Lightning vanishes entirely she gives him a nod , knowing that he will be able to end the conflict in the next cycle . As she disappears the Warrior falls to his knees , then collapses completely , to be gathered up by Shinryu and taken to the next cycle . Music . " Dissidia 012 Final Fantasy Original Soundtrack " was released on March 2nd , 2011 , on three CDs . A Firstcut Limited Edition version was also released ( three CDs and a DVD ) . The soundtrack features arranged music from the series , rearranged by Takeharu Ishimoto . Summons . Eight additional summons have been added to " Dissidia 012 " : Brynhildr , Calcabrina , Syldra , Ultima , Land Worm , Hecatoncheir , Giant of Babil , and Zalera . Equipment . " Dissidia 012 " features a diverse array of equipment , much of it coming from various " Final Fantasy " games in the series . Many of the items on the lists below have additional game history linked to them : Equipment is obtained through various means : The in - game shop , Moogle Shop s on the World Map , the battlegen system , treasure chests , and drops from enemy encounters . A few items are exclusive to Labyrinth mode , Arcade Mode , and Prologus save transfers . Finally , Artifacts can also be created during combat vs . online opponents or their Friend Card s . Development . " Dissidia 012 Final Fantasy " was announced in the Japanese magazine " Shonen Jump " in early September 2010 . It had previously been hinted at by the " Dissidia " development team , who stated they would love to make a sequel , and that the decision would depend on the first installment ' s success ; and JD Cullum , Kuja ' s English voice actor , who offhandedly stated he had recorded his lines for " Dissidia 012 " in the summer of 2010 . Judging from statements by the other voice actors , it appears the whole English script of " Dissidia 012 " was recorded at the start of summer 2010 . According to an interview between Takashi Arakawa and Yoshinori Kitase ( director , writer , and producer of " Dissidia " ) with a German gaming site , Kitase stated a sequel would be " very interesting , " and might even include " Kingdom Hearts " characters , although it would still have to be discussed with Disney . Tetsuya Nomura has stated that for a potential sequel , he would like to include Kain Highwind , Gilgamesh , and Sazh Katzroy , but would not include " Kingdom Hearts " characters . Nomura had previously expressed a desire to have Kain and Lightning in the first " Dissidia " , but they were left out . " Dissidia Duodecim Prologus Final Fantasy " . On January 18th , 2011 , Square Enix released " Dissidia Duodecim Prologus Final Fantasy " over the PlayStation Network , available in Japan for 300 Yen , in North America for $ 2 . 99 , in Europe for £2 . 39 or €2 . 99 and in Australia for $ 4 . 95 . " Prologus " features an eight - character arcade mode and a single story scenario following Lightning and the Warrior of Light . Downloadable content . Square Enix has released several packs of downloadable content for " Dissidia 012 " , featuring bonus character costumes and music packs usable for battles from several games of the series . This extra content is generally available through download codes distributed through magazines or other games , or open to be acquired at the PlayStation Network . Merchandise . Similar to the first " Dissidia " , the " Dissidia 012 " cast will be made into Trading Arts Figures , posing in their positions as depicted in their " Dissidia 012 " artwork . A special edition containing DLC for Tifa ' s Enforcer outfit and a special white PSP console with pictures of Chaos and Cosmos was released in Asia . In Europe and Australia , a special limited edition under the title of " Dissidia 012 Final Fantasy Legacy Edition " was released , which includes a special packaging , a set of lithograph prints of the new characters , a PSN code for a downloadable fourth costume for both Tifa and Squall , and the PSN code to get 50 % off " Final Fantasy " on the PSN ( also included in the standard edition ) . Etymology . " Duodecim " ( normally pronounced with a hard " c , " but incorrectly pronounced with a soft " c " ) is the Latin word for " twelve , " which alludes the cycle central to the plot of " Dissidia 012 Final Fantasy " .