Emperor Mateus (Dissidia PSP)

The Emperor is a warrior of Chaos in the original Dissidia Final Fantasy and Dissidia 012 Final Fantasy. Representing Final Fantasy II, he performs powerful magic. With an iron fist, he will stop at nothing to achieve his objectives. He is one of the higher-ranked antagonists, outranked only by Garland, and thus is his second-in-command. The Emperor plots with Ultimecia to take control of the world, rather than most of the other villains, who seek to destroy it. His desire to rule all in a war-torn world stands in opposition to his nemesis, Firion, the Warrior of Light's second-in-command, and his dream of a world free of war and oppression.
While Firion is his nemesis in the original Dissidia, the Emperor's main rival in the Dissidia 012 storyline is Yuna, as the Emperor has a scheme to manipulate Tidus and Jecht for his own ends, and her attempts to stir Tidus's memories are a hindrance to his efforts.
== Profile ==
=== Appearance ===
The Emperor's outfit is based on his Yoshitaka Amano concept art and NES battle sprite for Final Fantasy II. He wears gold and purple armor decorated with purple and white stripes, demonic faces, and a long purple cloak. His gauntlets sport extended claws and he has large pointed shoulders with small spikes on them. He has long blonde hair with purple highlights on two strands of hair that hang over the front of his torso, and wears a horned hairpiece with beads and a purple cobra head. His EX Mode appearance is based on his concept art as the Emperor of Hell, giving the Emperor a demonic visage with several horns and a crest of snake heads emerging from his hair. His armor takes on a general darker color scheme, with the demonic face on his back growing larger and the spikes on his armor becoming more prominent.
The Emperor's first alternate outfit, "Silver Despot," is a palette swap based on Amano artwork of the Final Fantasy II cast. The Emperor's outfit is recolored in shades of black, white, and lavender, and his hair is very pale purple. His EX Mode form is identical to his base form but using this alternate color scheme.
The Emperor's second alternate outfit, "Violet Robe," is based on his appearance in the Final Fantasy Origins FMV. The Emperor wears a primarily black robe with dark purple details, a high collar and large shoulders, knee-high boots, and a large purple sash around his waist. The Emperor's hair is styled to resemble a single larger pair of horns, and his hair is longer. His EX Mode gives him the demonic face with horns of his default outfit EX Mode, along with the striped collar, and the rest of his outfit becomes darker.
As a bonus downloadable outfit, "Arubboth" or "Emperor of Arubboth," the Emperor takes on the form of the Emperor of Heaven as seen in the Soul of Rebirth bonus quest. The Emperor wears a pale yellow and gold robe with light purple linings and trailing sleeves, and has several small horns - it is unclear if they are a headpiece or part of his head. He also has six large, white wings. In his EX Mode the Emperor gains a golden crest above his wings to more closely resemble the PSP sprite of the Emperor of Heaven.
The Emperor's manikin, Imitation Despot, is primarily yellow with an orange cloak and orange details on its legs and hands.
EmperorDissidiaRender.PNG|Default outfit.
Emperor Alt.png|First alt outfit.
DissidiaEmperor 3rdAlt.png|Second alt outfit.
Dissidia-HeavenEmperor.png|DLC outfit.
Manikin-Emperor.png|The Emperor's manikin, Imitation Despot.
====Equipment====
The Emperor's weapon is a staff based on his . The staff has a black handle with bladed protrusions coming down over the holder's hand, and a purple stone set into the grip. The top of the staff is black and rises to a large yellow orb inside a bladed silver holder, and from the hand down the staff is yellow and splits into four silver points that come together. In his first alt outfit, the staff's colors are inverted to give it a yellow stone in the grip and the orb and lower shaft purple. His second alternate outfit gives the staff red orbs in the grip and tip, colors the lower part a very dark purple, and blade at the top, around the grip, and the spikes at the bottom, are gold. The Emperor's DLC outfit colors the top of the shaft pale yellow with a purple orb and the lower half dark purple, with a light green stone in the grip.
This staff and palette swaps of it have been inconsistently referred to in other spin-offs as either Mateus's Malice or Demon's Rod, the latter being the most commonly used name especially in subsequent Dissidia games. The former is the name of the Emperor's Level 100 exclusive weapon in Dissidia and is an allusion to the name given to him in the Final Fantasy II novelization Final Fantasy II Nightmare's Labyrinth. However, Dissidia does not specifically attribute the name to the staff.
Dissidia-EmperorStaff.png|The Emperor's staves.
DFF Emperor Staff Manikin.png|The staff used by the Emperor's Manikins.
=== Personality ===
The Emperor is arrogant and frequently refers to the warriors of Cosmos, particularly Firion, as "insects" and other pejoratives. He is a megalomaniac, wanting to subjugate even gods under his rule and considers only himself fit to rule the world. Unlike in Final Fantasy II, the Emperor has no interest in destroying the world, solely to rule over it. He even takes offense at being compared to Kefka, someone who does want to destroy the world. He is calm and almost never loses control, as he believes his plan will succeed.
The only time he loses control is upon being defeated by Firion for the second time in the thirteenth cycle, where is shocked he could be beaten twice. (Yet he somehow does not lose control when Yuna performs the same feat in the prior cycle by also defeating him twice.) Even then, the Emperor stands resolute that he would return from the dead so long as Chaos exists.
His intelligence is demonstrated when he formulates the plan to kill Cosmos for good and end the war in Chaos's favor using the Crystals. He seeks to kill Cosmos by attacking her directly believing it is more efficient compared to hunting down the various warriors of Cosmos one by one. Even earlier, he deduces that her warriors are throwing the fight to ensure that Cosmos survives into the next cycle, and realizes the implication that someone within the warriors of Chaos had leaked the information relating to the past cycles to the Warriors of Cosmos. His gift of strategy is likewise implied with his fighting style "Trap Master."
The Emperor is treacherous, creating dark crystals to ensure his own survival, having anticipated that Chaos would attempt to commit suicide. He is skilled at misleading even his allies, such as during the twelfth cycle, when he suggests to Chaos that they should recruit the recently disabled Jecht into their ranks. The Emperor abhors nihilistic viewpoints, evidenced when Garland compares him to Kefka. He has an interest in Terra Branford, disappointed that she would be commanded by Kefka again, and in the previous cycle, he offers to have her come under his command instead.
The Emperor's personality is toned down compared to in his original game, where he, upon his death, intended to destroy the world outright so he could exercise his newfound powers from Hell. In Dissidia, he intends to ensure at least parts of the world are spared to rule over what would be left of it.
== Story ==
=== Early cycles ===
The Emperor served as a simple warrior, but grew tired of being used, and decided to overthrow Chaos and conquer the world. He realizes that challenging Chaos head-on would not benefit him due to the latter's status as a god, so he decides to put his machinations on hold until an opportunity would arise.
The Emperor fought alongside Garland when he confronted Gabranth over his discontent with the war, and ordered him to continue his duty. Gabranth refused and for his disobedience was ejected from the cycle.
=== 12th cycle ===
As the 12th cycle begins, the Emperor aids Garland while fighting the Warrior of Light and Lightning. Later, the Emperor, alongside Ultimecia, works with Kefka to ruin Kuja's chances of defecting to the warriors of Cosmos side. After Kuja is forced to attack the warriors of Cosmos, the Emperor seemingly buys Kuja's fake defection to lure the warriors of Cosmos into a trap. He nonetheless warns Kuja against angering the warriors of Chaos, lest he ends up having his defeat arranged by them (which was ultimately confirmed by Kefka's setting up Kuja to die at the hands of Lightning). 
When Tidus was hesitant to fight for Chaos, the Emperor confronted him about his reluctance. Tidus explained his father Jecht fought for Cosmos and Tidus was unsure if he should confront him or not. The Emperor, intrigued by this development, spars with Tidus to awaken his memories, causing Tidus to recall his hatred for Jecht. The Emperor bids him off to see Jecht, secretly planning to use the two to acquire a Crystal for himself from a corruption of Cosmos' power. When Tidus and Jecht meet, Yuna intervenes and tries to make Tidus remember they are no longer enemies. As Tidus begins to remember, the Emperor arrives and attempts to kill Yuna, but Tidus takes the blow meant for her. Yuna battles the Emperor while Jecht sacrifices his light to save Tidus.
Amid his battle with Yuna, the Emperor falls back after seeing Jecht's sacrifice and spirits him away. The Emperor meets with Golbez under the impression that someone in their camp mentioned the Crystals to Cosmos's warriors, who should not remember the events of a previous cycle. The Emperor dismisses the thought, thinking that Chaos's victory would come regardless. He plans exploit the dormant shard within Jecht and plans to eliminate the warriors of Cosmos in one fell swoop by having the warriors of Chaos attack Cosmos directly. Bringing the unconscious Jecht before Chaos, the Emperor offers to convert Jecht to their side despite Garland's belief the Emperor has ulterior motives. The Emperor joins the group under Garland to stop Lightning's team from advancing, battling Yuna before falling back.
At some point the Emperor witnessed Sephiroth take his own life as part of a plan to determine the nature of the cycles and his own existence. He reported this to Garland, who presumed Sephiroth would be deemed a traitor and removed like Gabranth, but the Emperor was uncertain, since the cycle had not progressed as previous ones had due to the presence of the Manikins and the portal to the Rift.
=== 13th cycle ===
Allying himself with Ultimecia to destroy Cosmos and end the cycle of war in Chaos's favor, the Emperor convinces Jecht that he can return to his homeworld with Tidus if he helps him. He also witnesses Sephiroth's awakening and tells him Cloud is now a warrior for Cosmos. He alongside Ultimecia give a speech to their fellow warriors of Chaos about how their plans are about to bear fruit regarding the ultimate mortal conflict and the absolute end of the world being near, and that the only thing still outside their reach is the whimsy of Chaos and Cosmos. The other antagonists follow the Emperor's plans, which include testing the heroes' resolve and eventually allowing them to claim their Crystals. After a fight with Golbez, the Emperor learns from Exdeath that Golbez has been exposed as a traitor, although he plans to wait it out.
The Emperor and Ultimecia approach Sephiroth and offer him a role in their alliance, but are rejected. The Emperor notices Bartz spying on them but allows him to escape, having sensed the Warrior of Light approaching, and instead dispatches Exdeath to pursue Bartz. Though the Emperor attempts to bribe his loyalty by presenting a fake Crystal, the Warrior of Light sees through the deception. After the Warrior claims the Crystals are not earned by mercy, but by strength, the Emperor attacks him.
He loses and disappears, but not before he questions the Warrior's resolve, telling him that he will know the whole truth of the battle soon enough. The Emperor later meets with Garland, discussing that Terra will end up back on Chaos's side, although he resents she would be at the hands of Kefka. When Garland compares the Emperor to Kefka in terms of scheming, the Emperor rebukes him, reminding him that unlike Kefka and his nihilistic motives, he wants to escape the cycles of conflict and "start anew."
Kefka meets with the Emperor about what Sephiroth is planning. Kefka does not care, but is surprised to learn Sephiroth killed himself in front of the Emperor in the last battle. They decide to keep an eye on him. Shortly after Garland falls to the Warrior of Light, the Emperor reports to Chaos, and ponders whether Chaos's full power has returned. Chaos asks about their ultimate plan relating to the Crystals. The Emperor, realizing Chaos now fully remembers the prior cycle, explains the plan hasn't been enacted yet. When Chaos questions him, the Emperor promises to end the cycle.
When Jecht and Tidus confront each other, the Emperor halts them and tells Jecht that Tidus wishes to fight him out of hatred, which goes against their plan. Jecht departs and the Emperor battles Tidus himself, telling him he cannot find his Crystal if he fights for hatred. Golbez speaks to Jecht and questions his role in the Emperor's plan, implying the Emperor will betray his trust. When Jecht learns the Emperor's true plan he refuses to assist him further, and attacks him. Tidus and Firion witness the fight, and Tidus leaves to follow Jecht and fight him.
Taking advantage of the lone Firion, the Emperor questions the youth's goal in comparison to his friends', who have abandoned him to fulfill their desires. When Firion says he wishes to end the war, the Emperor mocks him, and Ultimecia appears to battle Firion. Though she loses, both Ultimecia and the Emperor accuse Firion of being too weak to fulfill his dream, and tell him he is but Cosmos's tool.
In spite of the Emperor's words, Firion is newly inspired by Cosmos and continues on. The Emperor encounters Firion again at the Dimensional Fortress, claiming his dream is too foolish to realize. The Emperor subdues Firion, but Tidus and Cloud arrive to defend their comrade. The Emperor flees, inviting Firion to come battle him alone and prove himself.
The two meet in Pandaemonium, with the Emperor again trying to convince Firion that he's but a tool of war. Firion refuses, claiming he has friends who believe in his dream. They do battle and the Emperor uses Dreary Cell to trap Firion, taunting how he should have disposed his fantasy and accepted him as master. The Emperor is caught off-guard when Firion's weapons telekinetically blow through his Dreary Cell. After Firion reaffirms his conviction to pursue his dream despite the Emperor's derision, Firion is victorious and claims his Crystal. The Emperor begins to fade, but taunts Firion about his goal to end the war, and that Firion would yet be begging for the Emperor's rule.
After Chaos kills Cosmos, the Emperor reveals Jecht's true nature as a former warrior of Cosmos, and that he manipulated Jecht to fight Tidus to create Crystals attuned to darkness that will allow him to survive after Chaos destroys existence, leaving him to reign over the remnants of reality and become the new god. The Emperor reveals himself to the other warriors of Cosmos shortly after Exdeath's demise, explaining he returned from the afterworld, claiming the world is in dire need of a new ruler. Firion lashes that its because of fiends like the Emperor that conflict never fades.
The Emperor implies that things are going to get worse. He returns to the other warriors of Chaos who are now striving for their individual goals, remarking that the future is not the warriors of Cosmos to give or take. He is confronted by Golbez, both of their schemes exposed, who claims the warriors of Cosmos have the power to destroy Chaos and restore the worlds to their former state.
After all but Garland are defeated, the Emperor meets the warriors of Cosmos and reveals it was his plan that ensured they gathered the Crystals so Cosmos could be killed for the cycle to end and the Emperor to rule over existence after Chaos is destroyed. He underestimates the resolve of the warriors of Cosmos, and is killed despite claiming he will return as long as Chaos exists.
The Emperor's plan to kill off everyone, including Chaos, ends the cycles of war in a comparatively peaceable manner, as an alternate reality of what would have happened reveals that had the Emperor not done this, the consequences would have been far more serious.
== Gameplay ==
The Emperor is a Trap Master. He has few direct attacks, instead relying on creating mines and crests of energy to attack for him. His attacks can draw enemies in, stun them, or deal damage on their own without the Emperor needing to do anything more once they are cast. One of his most critical tools is his Flare ground HP attack, which produces a very large fireball that lasts a long time and tracks the opponents, providing a means to continuously pressure and distract them. He is overall a very strategic character, reliant on zoning and pressuring opponents to either stun them and set them up for a heavy hit, or to keep them away from the Emperor while he charges his signature attack, Starfall. 
As a weakness, he is heavily reliant on the terrain of the stage he is fighting on and the player controlling him knowing how to use the stage layout to place traps in favorable positions to best protect the Emperor and ensnare the opponent. Large, wide-open arenas are disadvantageous, as the opponent has more room to avoid the Emperor's traps; he most excels in smaller, closed-in areas. He also has few ways to attack opponents directly when given the opportunity - while his Bravery attacks can deal heavy damage, the Emperor cannot always connect with them in a timely manner to capitalize on an opponent's vulnerability.
=== Boss ===
In Dissidia, the Emperor is fought in Destiny Odyssey I, II, and X, Shade Impulse, Distant Glory, and Inward Chaos.
In Dissidia 012, the Emperor is fought in Where Memories Wait, An Undocumented Battle, Entrusted Power, Seeds of Hope, Champions of her Will, and Conclusion of the Cycle chapters of Story Mode.
=== Attacks ===
==== Bravery Attacks ====
 Dissidia Bravery attacks
Move 	Type 	CP (Mastered) 	AP 	Priority 	Effect 	Damage type 	Obtained 	Image
 	Ground 	20 (10) 	90 	Melee Low 	Absorb 	Magical 	Initial 	
 	Create two bombs that explode after a few seconds. 	Create two bombs that explode after a few seconds. 	Create two bombs that explode after a few seconds. 	Create two bombs that explode after a few seconds. 	Create two bombs that explode after a few seconds. 	Create two bombs that explode after a few seconds. 	Create two bombs that explode after a few seconds. 	
 	Ground 	30 (15) 	120 	Unblockable 	Absorb 	Magical 	Initial 	
 	Conjure a circle of lightning that paralyzes and damages the opponent if they are close enough. 	Conjure a circle of lightning that paralyzes and damages the opponent if they are close enough. 	Conjure a circle of lightning that paralyzes and damages the opponent if they are close enough. 	Conjure a circle of lightning that paralyzes and damages the opponent if they are close enough. 	Conjure a circle of lightning that paralyzes and damages the opponent if they are close enough. 	Conjure a circle of lightning that paralyzes and damages the opponent if they are close enough. 	Conjure a circle of lightning that paralyzes and damages the opponent if they are close enough. 	
 	Ground 	30 (15) 	120 	Melee High 	Chase 	 	Level 3 	
 	A quick swipe with staff knocks the opponent back and into the air. Attacks can also be deflected. 	A quick swipe with staff knocks the opponent back and into the air. Attacks can also be deflected. 	A quick swipe with staff knocks the opponent back and into the air. Attacks can also be deflected. 	A quick swipe with staff knocks the opponent back and into the air. Attacks can also be deflected. 	A quick swipe with staff knocks the opponent back and into the air. Attacks can also be deflected. 	A quick swipe with staff knocks the opponent back and into the air. Attacks can also be deflected. 	A quick swipe with staff knocks the opponent back and into the air. Attacks can also be deflected. 	
(ground)	Ground 	30 (15) 	120 	 	AbsorbWall Rush 	Magical 	Level 8 	
(ground)	Charge and fire an orange energy orb that sticks to walls and ceilings that can trap and stun enemies for a period of time before exploding.	Charge and fire an orange energy orb that sticks to walls and ceilings that can trap and stun enemies for a period of time before exploding.	Charge and fire an orange energy orb that sticks to walls and ceilings that can trap and stun enemies for a period of time before exploding.	Charge and fire an orange energy orb that sticks to walls and ceilings that can trap and stun enemies for a period of time before exploding.	Charge and fire an orange energy orb that sticks to walls and ceilings that can trap and stun enemies for a period of time before exploding.	Charge and fire an orange energy orb that sticks to walls and ceilings that can trap and stun enemies for a period of time before exploding.	Charge and fire an orange energy orb that sticks to walls and ceilings that can trap and stun enemies for a period of time before exploding.	
(ground)	Ground 	30 (15) 	180 	Ranged Low 	None 	Magical 	Level 14 	
(ground)	Conjure a circle of light that fires four projectiles if the opponent is in range. 	Conjure a circle of light that fires four projectiles if the opponent is in range. 	Conjure a circle of light that fires four projectiles if the opponent is in range. 	Conjure a circle of light that fires four projectiles if the opponent is in range. 	Conjure a circle of light that fires four projectiles if the opponent is in range. 	Conjure a circle of light that fires four projectiles if the opponent is in range. 	Conjure a circle of light that fires four projectiles if the opponent is in range. 	
 	Aerial 	20 (10) 	90 	Ranged Low 	Absorb 	Magical 	Initial 	
 	Create two bombs that explode after a few seconds. 	Create two bombs that explode after a few seconds. 	Create two bombs that explode after a few seconds. 	Create two bombs that explode after a few seconds. 	Create two bombs that explode after a few seconds. 	Create two bombs that explode after a few seconds. 	Create two bombs that explode after a few seconds. 	
(midair)	Aerial 	30 (15) 	180 	Ranged Low 	None 	Magical 	Initial 	
(midair)	Conjure a circle of light that fires four projectiles if the opponent is in range. 	Conjure a circle of light that fires four projectiles if the opponent is in range. 	Conjure a circle of light that fires four projectiles if the opponent is in range. 	Conjure a circle of light that fires four projectiles if the opponent is in range. 	Conjure a circle of light that fires four projectiles if the opponent is in range. 	Conjure a circle of light that fires four projectiles if the opponent is in range. 	Conjure a circle of light that fires four projectiles if the opponent is in range. 	
(midair)	Aerial 	30 (15) 	120 	 	AbsorbWall Rush 	Magical 	Level 28 	
(midair)	Charge and fire an orange energy orb that sticks to walls and ceilings. Can trap and stun enemies for a period of time before exploding. 	Charge and fire an orange energy orb that sticks to walls and ceilings. Can trap and stun enemies for a period of time before exploding. 	Charge and fire an orange energy orb that sticks to walls and ceilings. Can trap and stun enemies for a period of time before exploding. 	Charge and fire an orange energy orb that sticks to walls and ceilings. Can trap and stun enemies for a period of time before exploding. 	Charge and fire an orange energy orb that sticks to walls and ceilings. Can trap and stun enemies for a period of time before exploding. 	Charge and fire an orange energy orb that sticks to walls and ceilings. Can trap and stun enemies for a period of time before exploding. 	Charge and fire an orange energy orb that sticks to walls and ceilings. Can trap and stun enemies for a period of time before exploding. 	
 Dissidia 012 Bravery attacks
Move 	Type 	CP (Mastered) 	AP 	Priority 	Effect 	Damage type 	Obtained 	Image
 	Ground 	30 (15) 	80 	Melee Low 	Absorb 	Magical 	Initial 	
 	Throws two mines onto the ground that explode on contact. 	Throws two mines onto the ground that explode on contact. 	Throws two mines onto the ground that explode on contact. 	Throws two mines onto the ground that explode on contact. 	Throws two mines onto the ground that explode on contact. 	Throws two mines onto the ground that explode on contact. 	Throws two mines onto the ground that explode on contact. 	
 	Ground 	30 (15) 	100 	Unblockable 	Absorb 	Magical 	Initial 	
 	Forms a circle of lightning on the ground that draws in opponents, damaging and stunning them over a period of time. 	Forms a circle of lightning on the ground that draws in opponents, damaging and stunning them over a period of time. 	Forms a circle of lightning on the ground that draws in opponents, damaging and stunning them over a period of time. 	Forms a circle of lightning on the ground that draws in opponents, damaging and stunning them over a period of time. 	Forms a circle of lightning on the ground that draws in opponents, damaging and stunning them over a period of time. 	Forms a circle of lightning on the ground that draws in opponents, damaging and stunning them over a period of time. 	Forms a circle of lightning on the ground that draws in opponents, damaging and stunning them over a period of time. 	
 	Ground 	30 (15) 	100 	Melee High 	Chase 	 	Level 4 	
 	Hits opponent with staff, knocking them back and planting mines on their chest that explodes launching them into the air that can also be used to reflect attacks. 	Hits opponent with staff, knocking them back and planting mines on their chest that explodes launching them into the air that can also be used to reflect attacks. 	Hits opponent with staff, knocking them back and planting mines on their chest that explodes launching them into the air that can also be used to reflect attacks. 	Hits opponent with staff, knocking them back and planting mines on their chest that explodes launching them into the air that can also be used to reflect attacks. 	Hits opponent with staff, knocking them back and planting mines on their chest that explodes launching them into the air that can also be used to reflect attacks. 	Hits opponent with staff, knocking them back and planting mines on their chest that explodes launching them into the air that can also be used to reflect attacks. 	Hits opponent with staff, knocking them back and planting mines on their chest that explodes launching them into the air that can also be used to reflect attacks. 	
(ground)	Ground 	30 (15) 	100 	 	AbsorbWall Rush 	Magical 	Level 8 	
(ground)	Charge and fire an orange energy orb that sticks to walls and ceilings. Can trap and stun enemies for a period of time before exploding. If the opponent blocks the attack, the orb will absorb and damage the Emperor instead. Third tier crushes defense.	Charge and fire an orange energy orb that sticks to walls and ceilings. Can trap and stun enemies for a period of time before exploding. If the opponent blocks the attack, the orb will absorb and damage the Emperor instead. Third tier crushes defense.	Charge and fire an orange energy orb that sticks to walls and ceilings. Can trap and stun enemies for a period of time before exploding. If the opponent blocks the attack, the orb will absorb and damage the Emperor instead. Third tier crushes defense.	Charge and fire an orange energy orb that sticks to walls and ceilings. Can trap and stun enemies for a period of time before exploding. If the opponent blocks the attack, the orb will absorb and damage the Emperor instead. Third tier crushes defense.	Charge and fire an orange energy orb that sticks to walls and ceilings. Can trap and stun enemies for a period of time before exploding. If the opponent blocks the attack, the orb will absorb and damage the Emperor instead. Third tier crushes defense.	Charge and fire an orange energy orb that sticks to walls and ceilings. Can trap and stun enemies for a period of time before exploding. If the opponent blocks the attack, the orb will absorb and damage the Emperor instead. Third tier crushes defense.	Charge and fire an orange energy orb that sticks to walls and ceilings. Can trap and stun enemies for a period of time before exploding. If the opponent blocks the attack, the orb will absorb and damage the Emperor instead. Third tier crushes defense.	
(ground)	Ground 	30 (15) 	100 	Ranged Low 	None 	Magical 	Level 24 	
(ground)	Conjures a field of magic on the ground that shoots projectiles upwards when the opponent comes close. The projectiles bounce off walls and barriers and curve in the air to track the opponent. 	Conjures a field of magic on the ground that shoots projectiles upwards when the opponent comes close. The projectiles bounce off walls and barriers and curve in the air to track the opponent. 	Conjures a field of magic on the ground that shoots projectiles upwards when the opponent comes close. The projectiles bounce off walls and barriers and curve in the air to track the opponent. 	Conjures a field of magic on the ground that shoots projectiles upwards when the opponent comes close. The projectiles bounce off walls and barriers and curve in the air to track the opponent. 	Conjures a field of magic on the ground that shoots projectiles upwards when the opponent comes close. The projectiles bounce off walls and barriers and curve in the air to track the opponent. 	Conjures a field of magic on the ground that shoots projectiles upwards when the opponent comes close. The projectiles bounce off walls and barriers and curve in the air to track the opponent. 	Conjures a field of magic on the ground that shoots projectiles upwards when the opponent comes close. The projectiles bounce off walls and barriers and curve in the air to track the opponent. 	
 	Aerial 	30 (15) 	80 	Ranged Low 	Absorb 	Magical 	Initial 	
 	Throw two floating mines that explode on contact. The mines bounce off walls and barriers before resting into position. 	Throw two floating mines that explode on contact. The mines bounce off walls and barriers before resting into position. 	Throw two floating mines that explode on contact. The mines bounce off walls and barriers before resting into position. 	Throw two floating mines that explode on contact. The mines bounce off walls and barriers before resting into position. 	Throw two floating mines that explode on contact. The mines bounce off walls and barriers before resting into position. 	Throw two floating mines that explode on contact. The mines bounce off walls and barriers before resting into position. 	Throw two floating mines that explode on contact. The mines bounce off walls and barriers before resting into position. 	
(midair)	Aerial 	30 (15) 	100 	Ranged Low 	None 	Magical 	Initial 	
(midair)	Conjures a field of magic that shoots projectiles forward when the opponent comes close. Sigil turns to track opponent. The projectiles shoot forward and bounce off walls and barriers and curve in the air to track the opponent. 	Conjures a field of magic that shoots projectiles forward when the opponent comes close. Sigil turns to track opponent. The projectiles shoot forward and bounce off walls and barriers and curve in the air to track the opponent. 	Conjures a field of magic that shoots projectiles forward when the opponent comes close. Sigil turns to track opponent. The projectiles shoot forward and bounce off walls and barriers and curve in the air to track the opponent. 	Conjures a field of magic that shoots projectiles forward when the opponent comes close. Sigil turns to track opponent. The projectiles shoot forward and bounce off walls and barriers and curve in the air to track the opponent. 	Conjures a field of magic that shoots projectiles forward when the opponent comes close. Sigil turns to track opponent. The projectiles shoot forward and bounce off walls and barriers and curve in the air to track the opponent. 	Conjures a field of magic that shoots projectiles forward when the opponent comes close. Sigil turns to track opponent. The projectiles shoot forward and bounce off walls and barriers and curve in the air to track the opponent. 	Conjures a field of magic that shoots projectiles forward when the opponent comes close. Sigil turns to track opponent. The projectiles shoot forward and bounce off walls and barriers and curve in the air to track the opponent. 	
(midair)	Aerial 	30 (15) 	100 	 	AbsorbWall Rush 	Magical 	Level 28 	
(midair)	Charge and fire an orange energy orb that sticks to walls and ceilings. Can trap and stun enemies for a period of time before exploding. If the opponent blocks the attack, the orb will absorb and damage the Emperor instead. Third tier defense crushes.	Charge and fire an orange energy orb that sticks to walls and ceilings. Can trap and stun enemies for a period of time before exploding. If the opponent blocks the attack, the orb will absorb and damage the Emperor instead. Third tier defense crushes.	Charge and fire an orange energy orb that sticks to walls and ceilings. Can trap and stun enemies for a period of time before exploding. If the opponent blocks the attack, the orb will absorb and damage the Emperor instead. Third tier defense crushes.	Charge and fire an orange energy orb that sticks to walls and ceilings. Can trap and stun enemies for a period of time before exploding. If the opponent blocks the attack, the orb will absorb and damage the Emperor instead. Third tier defense crushes.	Charge and fire an orange energy orb that sticks to walls and ceilings. Can trap and stun enemies for a period of time before exploding. If the opponent blocks the attack, the orb will absorb and damage the Emperor instead. Third tier defense crushes.	Charge and fire an orange energy orb that sticks to walls and ceilings. Can trap and stun enemies for a period of time before exploding. If the opponent blocks the attack, the orb will absorb and damage the Emperor instead. Third tier defense crushes.	Charge and fire an orange energy orb that sticks to walls and ceilings. Can trap and stun enemies for a period of time before exploding. If the opponent blocks the attack, the orb will absorb and damage the Emperor instead. Third tier defense crushes.	
==== HP Attacks ====
 Dissidia HP attacks
Move 	Type 	CP (Mastered) 	AP 	Priority 	Effect 	Damage type 	Obtained 	Image
(ground)	Ground 	40 (20) 	180 	Ranged High 	None 	N/A 	Initial 	
(ground)	Launch a large sphere of blue fire that slowly tracks the victim. 	Launch a large sphere of blue fire that slowly tracks the victim. 	Launch a large sphere of blue fire that slowly tracks the victim. 	Launch a large sphere of blue fire that slowly tracks the victim. 	Launch a large sphere of blue fire that slowly tracks the victim. 	Launch a large sphere of blue fire that slowly tracks the victim. 	Launch a large sphere of blue fire that slowly tracks the victim. 	
(ground)	Ground 	40 (20) 	300 	Unblockable 	AbsorbWall Rush 	Magical 	Level 20 	
(ground)	Charge energy to summon a barrage of fireballs around the opponent before a large meteor drives them downward.	Charge energy to summon a barrage of fireballs around the opponent before a large meteor drives them downward.	Charge energy to summon a barrage of fireballs around the opponent before a large meteor drives them downward.	Charge energy to summon a barrage of fireballs around the opponent before a large meteor drives them downward.	Charge energy to summon a barrage of fireballs around the opponent before a large meteor drives them downward.	Charge energy to summon a barrage of fireballs around the opponent before a large meteor drives them downward.	Charge energy to summon a barrage of fireballs around the opponent before a large meteor drives them downward.	
(midair)	Aerial 	40 (20) 	180 	Ranged High 	None 	N/A 	Initial 	
(midair)	Launch a large sphere of orange fire that stays in place before it explodes. 	Launch a large sphere of orange fire that stays in place before it explodes. 	Launch a large sphere of orange fire that stays in place before it explodes. 	Launch a large sphere of orange fire that stays in place before it explodes. 	Launch a large sphere of orange fire that stays in place before it explodes. 	Launch a large sphere of orange fire that stays in place before it explodes. 	Launch a large sphere of orange fire that stays in place before it explodes. 	
(midair)	Aerial 	40 (20) 	300 	Unblockable 	AbsorbWall Rush 	Magical 	Level 38 	
(midair)	Charge energy to summon a barrage of fireballs around the opponent before a large meteor drives them downward.	Charge energy to summon a barrage of fireballs around the opponent before a large meteor drives them downward.	Charge energy to summon a barrage of fireballs around the opponent before a large meteor drives them downward.	Charge energy to summon a barrage of fireballs around the opponent before a large meteor drives them downward.	Charge energy to summon a barrage of fireballs around the opponent before a large meteor drives them downward.	Charge energy to summon a barrage of fireballs around the opponent before a large meteor drives them downward.	Charge energy to summon a barrage of fireballs around the opponent before a large meteor drives them downward.	
 Dissidia 012 HP attacks
Move 	Type 	CP (Mastered) 	AP 	Priority 	Effect 	Damage type 	Obtained 	Image
(ground)	Ground 	30 (15) 	130 	Ranged High 	None 	N/A 	Initial 	
(ground)	Fires a slow-moving blue sphere that tracks the enemy. Can be reflected with Melee High priority attacks to track and damage the Emperor. 	Fires a slow-moving blue sphere that tracks the enemy. Can be reflected with Melee High priority attacks to track and damage the Emperor. 	Fires a slow-moving blue sphere that tracks the enemy. Can be reflected with Melee High priority attacks to track and damage the Emperor. 	Fires a slow-moving blue sphere that tracks the enemy. Can be reflected with Melee High priority attacks to track and damage the Emperor. 	Fires a slow-moving blue sphere that tracks the enemy. Can be reflected with Melee High priority attacks to track and damage the Emperor. 	Fires a slow-moving blue sphere that tracks the enemy. Can be reflected with Melee High priority attacks to track and damage the Emperor. 	Fires a slow-moving blue sphere that tracks the enemy. Can be reflected with Melee High priority attacks to track and damage the Emperor. 	
(ground)	Ground 	30 (15) 	130 	Unblockable 	Absorb 	Magical 	Level 13 	
(ground)	Creates a spark of light in the ground that expands into a crest of energy and surrounds opponent with exploding mines when they come close enough. 	Creates a spark of light in the ground that expands into a crest of energy and surrounds opponent with exploding mines when they come close enough. 	Creates a spark of light in the ground that expands into a crest of energy and surrounds opponent with exploding mines when they come close enough. 	Creates a spark of light in the ground that expands into a crest of energy and surrounds opponent with exploding mines when they come close enough. 	Creates a spark of light in the ground that expands into a crest of energy and surrounds opponent with exploding mines when they come close enough. 	Creates a spark of light in the ground that expands into a crest of energy and surrounds opponent with exploding mines when they come close enough. 	Creates a spark of light in the ground that expands into a crest of energy and surrounds opponent with exploding mines when they come close enough. 	
(ground)	Ground 	30 (15) 	130 	Unblockable 	Magic BlockAbsorbWall Rush 	Magical 	Level 19 	
(ground)	Charges an energy to summon a barrage of fireballs around opponent before a meteor drives them downward. 	Charges an energy to summon a barrage of fireballs around opponent before a meteor drives them downward. 	Charges an energy to summon a barrage of fireballs around opponent before a meteor drives them downward. 	Charges an energy to summon a barrage of fireballs around opponent before a meteor drives them downward. 	Charges an energy to summon a barrage of fireballs around opponent before a meteor drives them downward. 	Charges an energy to summon a barrage of fireballs around opponent before a meteor drives them downward. 	Charges an energy to summon a barrage of fireballs around opponent before a meteor drives them downward. 	
(midair)	Aerial 	30 (15) 	130 	Ranged High 	Wall Rush 	N/A 	Initial 	
(midair)	Fires an orange sphere that hovers in place. The sphere is destroyed if hit with a Melee with a High priority attack. 	Fires an orange sphere that hovers in place. The sphere is destroyed if hit with a Melee with a High priority attack. 	Fires an orange sphere that hovers in place. The sphere is destroyed if hit with a Melee with a High priority attack. 	Fires an orange sphere that hovers in place. The sphere is destroyed if hit with a Melee with a High priority attack. 	Fires an orange sphere that hovers in place. The sphere is destroyed if hit with a Melee with a High priority attack. 	Fires an orange sphere that hovers in place. The sphere is destroyed if hit with a Melee with a High priority attack. 	Fires an orange sphere that hovers in place. The sphere is destroyed if hit with a Melee with a High priority attack. 	
(midair)	Aerial 	30 (15) 	130 	Unblockable 	Absorb 	Magical 	Level 30 	
(midair)	Creates a spark of light in the air that expands into a crest of energy and surrounds the opponent with exploding mines when they come close enough.	Creates a spark of light in the air that expands into a crest of energy and surrounds the opponent with exploding mines when they come close enough.	Creates a spark of light in the air that expands into a crest of energy and surrounds the opponent with exploding mines when they come close enough.	Creates a spark of light in the air that expands into a crest of energy and surrounds the opponent with exploding mines when they come close enough.	Creates a spark of light in the air that expands into a crest of energy and surrounds the opponent with exploding mines when they come close enough.	Creates a spark of light in the air that expands into a crest of energy and surrounds the opponent with exploding mines when they come close enough.	Creates a spark of light in the air that expands into a crest of energy and surrounds the opponent with exploding mines when they come close enough.	
(midair)	Aerial 	30 (15) 	130 	Unblockable 	Magic BlockAbsorbWall Rush 	Magical 	Level 38 	
(midair)	Charge an energy to summon a barrage of fireballs around opponent before a meteor drives them downward. 	Charge an energy to summon a barrage of fireballs around opponent before a meteor drives them downward. 	Charge an energy to summon a barrage of fireballs around opponent before a meteor drives them downward. 	Charge an energy to summon a barrage of fireballs around opponent before a meteor drives them downward. 	Charge an energy to summon a barrage of fireballs around opponent before a meteor drives them downward. 	Charge an energy to summon a barrage of fireballs around opponent before a meteor drives them downward. 	Charge an energy to summon a barrage of fireballs around opponent before a meteor drives them downward. 	
=== EX Mode ===
320px|right|Absolute Dominion
The Emperor's EX Mode is Power of Hellfire, where he takes on the form of the Emperor of Hell, his form when faced as the final boss of Final Fantasy II. His body becomes bulkier, his clothing is darker with more pronounced spikes, and his face and crown become demonic in appearance. He gains the ability "Blood Magic," where the Emperor will heal an equivalent amount of HP whenever the opponent's HP is damaged. In his Arubboth costume, however, he instead retains his Light Emperor form.
The Emperor's EX Burst is . The player must enter the commands that appear on the screen as the Emperor charges with energy. Successfully entering the commands will have the Emperor end the EX Burst with Entice, where he enters his human form and shocks the enemy repeatedly before light gathers from all around to consume the two in a blast. Failing to enter the commands will have The Emperor end the EX Burst with Cyclone.
Dissidia Mateus ex.png|Default outfit EX Mode.
EmperorAltEXModeRender.PNG|First alt outfit EX Mode.
EmperorThirdAltEX.PNG|Third alt outfit EX Mode.
Dissidia-HeavenEmperor.png|DLC outfit EX Mode.
=== Equipment ===
The Emperor can equip swords, daggers, rods, staves, bangles, hats, hairpins, clothing, and robes. In Dissidia 012, the Emperor can no longer equip swords, but he can equip poles and headbands.
==== Exclusive weapons ====
 Dissidia exclusive weapons
Name 	Level	Stats 	Effects 	Obtained
Diamond Mace 	53 	HP +185ATK +35DEF +1	EX Intake Range +2m. 	Trade: 15460 gil, Wizard's Rod, Ruby x3, Healing Shard x2
Demon's Rod 	95 	HP +290ATK +62DEF +1	EX Intake Range +4m. 	Trade: 29570 gil, Diamond Mace, Lapis Lazuli x5, Healing Crystal x3
Mateus's Malice	100 	HP +307ATK +67DEF +1	EX Intake Range +6m.Minor Anti-EX Effect.	Trade: 31920 gil, Demon's Rod, Lust for Power x5, Healing Orb x5
;Dissidia 012
 Dissidia 012 exclusive weapons
Name 	Level	Stats 	Effects 	Obtained
Diamond Mace 	30 	HP +376BRV-84ATK +40DEF +2 	EX Intake Range +1m 	Trade: 61000 gil, Obelisk, Scarletite x1, Despot's Desire x5
Demon's Rod 	90 	HP +287BRV -70ATK +63DEF +1	EX Intake Range +2m. 	Trade: 158,000 gil, Diamond Mace, Electrum x1, Despot's Dream x5
Mateus's Malice	100 	HP +327BRV -80ATK +68DEF +1	EX Intake Range +3m.Minor Anti-EX Effect.	Trade: 182,800 gil, Demon's Rod, Lust for Power x1, Despot's Hopes x5
== Behind the scenes ==
In the original Japanese release of Dissidia, the Emperor had the fewest number of HP attacks of all characters, possessing only the ground version of Flare and the ground and aerial variants of Starfall. His Starfall has the longest charge time of any attack in the game, at 521 frames.
In the original Dissidia, the final hit from a fully charged Dynamite has a power of 50, the highest power of any single hit in the game outside of EX Bursts or attacks augmented by an EX Mode, and higher than many full combo attacks by other characters. In Dissidia 012 its pwoer was reduced to 40, tying it with Terra's Fire as the strongest single hit.
The Emperor's new HP attack Dreary Cell in Dissidia 012 is taken from an attack he used in cutscenes in Dissidia to attack Terra and Firion, where he similarly surrounded them in explosive orbs of magic.
===Voice===
The Emperor is voiced in the Japanese versions by Kenyu Horiuchi.
He is voiced by Christopher Corey Smith in the English versions, who voices him with a deep, vaguely British accent with a bit of a dramatic flair. This is similar to British singer and actor David Bowie, in particular his role as Goblin King Jareth from the Jim Henson film Labyrinth (whom the Emperor coincidentally has some resemblance to).
=== Allusions ===
* The Emperor's regular EX Burst attack, Cyclone, refers to the Cyclone he used to destroy the Kingdom of Fynn in Final Fantasy II.
*In Shade Impulse C2-5, the Emperor’s exclaims, "How could I lose... not once but twice? Who ARE you?" These are his final words in Final Fantasy II. His dialogue in Shade Impulse C2-1, "I've come back from the afterworld," derives from when he returned from Hell.
* When the Emperor battles a mirror match, his fight introduction is, "This world can have but one emperor!" He says this to Leon, who had declared himself the new emperor, in the remakes of Final Fantasy II. Similarly, he utters, "There can only be one ruler," in Dissidia 012, when fighting a mirror match.
** The Emperor also gives a similar line prior to his fight in Shade Impulse: "For the only one suited to rule—is I!"
* When the Emperor is fighting the Cloud of Darkness in the first Dissidia, he says "Come forth, grotesque wraith!", alluding to how he frequently summoned hell-spawn for his campaign to conquer the world in Final Fantasy II.
* The Emperor's death cry, "Ungaahhhh!", is his trademark death wail from Final Fantasy II when defeated in battle and in a cutscene in Shade Impulse. As a reference to this, Tidus's fight introduction against the Emperor is, "What's this 'Ungaahh!' business?"
* The Emperor's HP attacks Flare and Starfall refer to the Emperor's final form in Final Fantasy II, where Flare XVI and Starfall X were his sole offensive attacks besides physical blows. His Bravery attacks appear to be lightning-based, reflecting the boss battle with his human form, where Thunder X was his only offensive spell. In Final Fantasy II when fought as the final boss, the Emperor's physical attacks healed him, reflected in Dissidia by the Emperor's EX Mode bonus "Blood Magic."
* The Emperor's ground Flare fires a blue fireball, while his midair Flare fires an orange fireball. In most Final Fantasy titles the animation for Flare is orange, but in Final Fantasy II its animation is blue.
* In Shade Impulse, the Emperor says, "Death, life, even the divine shall come under my rule!" This may allude to the Soul of Rebirth quest in the Game Boy Advance and subsequent releases of Final Fantasy II, where the Emperor's dark side conquers hell, while his light side ascends to Heaven and becomes the lord of Arubboth. There is possibly a similar allusion in the Emperor's final death in Dissidia involving both darkness and a small amount of light emanating from his disappearing body. It also refers to the death animation of the Dark Emperor in the PS and GBA remakes.
* When the Emperor faces Cecil he asks, "Ought you not be on our side?" It may refer to the empire converting Leon into a Dark Knight, Cecil's job before he became a Paladin.
* When facing Prishe she says, "Straight back to hell for you!" This refers to the Emperor's visit to Hell before returning to life in Final Fantasy II.
* The DLC costume's name, "Arubboth," refers to the plane of the afterlife the Emperor's light half took over.
* His exclusive weapon, the Diamond Mace, is a weapon available in Final Fantasy II, while the Demon's Rod is a weapon exclusive to the Game Boy Advance and succeeding versions of Final Fantasy V.
* His Dissidia 012 profile mentions that the Emperor recruited skilled warriors into his empire regardless of their origins and backgrounds, referring to his recruiting Leon into a Dark Knight despite being of the enemy camp.
* The Emperor brandishes a staff in his human form, alluding to his original NES/DSOP sprite when battling him on the cyclone.
** Similarly, his Dark Emperor form is a slightly bulkier version of his human form, possibly alluding to his Dark Emperor sprite in the GBA/PS1 remakes.
*The Emperor's airborne attack Red Soul is a reference to the Final Fantasy II boss of the same name.
* His bio mentioning that he was even willing to sell his soul for greater power was most likely a reference to the novelization Labyrinth of Nightmares.
==Gallery==
Mateus CG.png|CG render for Dissidia.
D012 Emperor CG.png|CG render for Dissidia 012.
Dissidia012-EmperorConcept.jpg|Concept art of third outfit.
D012-Emperor Staff Art.PNG|Concept art of The Emperor's staff in his third outfit.
Dissidia Amano Emperor.jpg|Artwork by Yoshitaka Amano.
Dissidia CG2.jpg|CG art alongside Terra.
EmperorMateus EX-Mode TCG.png|TCG card.
D012 EX - Entice.jpeg|Entice EX Burst.
D012 EX - Cyclone.jpeg|Cyclone EX Burst.
DFFEmperor Victory Pose.gif|Victory pose.
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Category:Characters in Dissidia Final Fantasy (2008)
Category:Characters in Dissidia 012 Final Fantasy