Dissidia: Final Fantasy NT Free Edition – 3rd Appearance Special Set for Kain Highwind and Vaan

Dissidia: Final Fantasy NT Free Edition – 3rd Appearance Special Set for Kain Highwind and Vaan is a downloadable content pack for the base game Dissidia: Final Fantasy NT Free Edition. This compilation includes exclusive appearance sets and fifth weapons for two iconic Final Fantasy characters: Kain Highwind, featuring ‘The Wanderer’ set, and Vaan, featuring the ‘Sky Pirate Garb’ set. The game is part of the Dissidia series, which pits heroes and villains from the Final Fantasy universe against each other in dynamic, team-based battles. Released in 2020, this DLC enhances the gameplay experience by offering unique customization options and additional combat abilities for these beloved characters.

Dissidia: Final Fantasy NT Free Edition – 3rd Appearance Special Set for Kain Highwind and Vaan: A Comprehensive Review

Introduction

The Dissidia: Final Fantasy series has long been a beloved spin-off, blending the rich lore of Final Fantasy with dynamic, fast-paced combat. Dissidia: Final Fantasy NT Free Edition – 3rd Appearance Special Set for Kain Highwind and Vaan is a microcosm of this legacy, offering players a chance to customize two iconic characters with new appearances and weapons. This review delves into the historical context, narrative depth, gameplay mechanics, and the broader impact of this DLC, providing an exhaustive analysis of its place in the Dissidia universe.

Development History & Context

The Evolution of Dissidia: Final Fantasy NT

Dissidia: Final Fantasy NT (NT) was developed by Team Ninja in collaboration with Square Enix, marking a significant departure from its predecessors. Originally released as an arcade title in Japan in 2015, the game transitioned to the PlayStation 4 in 2018 and later to Windows via Steam in 2019. The “NT” in the title stands for multiple meanings, including “New Tale,” “New Trial,” and “New Tournament,” reflecting its fresh approach to the series.

The game was designed to be a team-based fighting game, shifting from the one-on-one battles of earlier Dissidia titles to a three-on-three format. This change was influenced by the growing popularity of team-based competitive games and the desire to create a more dynamic, strategic experience. The collaboration with Team Ninja, known for their work on the Dead or Alive and Ninja Gaiden series, brought a new level of combat depth and visual fidelity to the Dissidia franchise.

The Free Edition and DLC Model

The Free Edition of Dissidia: Final Fantasy NT was released in March 2019, offering players a taste of the game with a rotating roster of characters. This model was designed to attract new players while encouraging them to purchase additional content, such as character starter packs and appearance sets. The 3rd Appearance Special Set for Kain Highwind and Vaan is one such DLC, released on February 5, 2020, providing players with new cosmetic options and weapons for these two characters.

Narrative & Thematic Deep Dive

The Story of Dissidia: Final Fantasy NT

The narrative of Dissidia: Final Fantasy NT is set in World B, a dimension revitalized after the events of the previous Dissidia games. The conflict centers around Materia, the goddess of protection, and Spiritus, the god of destruction, who summon warriors from across the Final Fantasy universe to fight on their behalf. Unlike previous iterations, the warriors in NT retain their memories of past conflicts and their original worlds, adding a layer of depth to their motivations and interactions.

The story explores themes of memory, identity, and the cyclical nature of conflict. The warriors, initially suspicious of the gods’ unfamiliarity with their world, eventually uncover a greater threat: the planesgorgers, manifestations of Shinryu, the draconic being responsible for the previous cycles of war. This revelation leads to a temporary truce between Materia and Spiritus, as the warriors unite to defeat Shinryu and save World B.

Kain Highwind and Vaan: Character Analysis

• Kain Highwind: A recurring character from Final Fantasy IV, Kain is a Dragoon known for his complex relationship with his brother, Cecil Harvey. In Dissidia NT, Kain is classified as a Vanguard, excelling in close combat with his signature spears. His inclusion in the 3rd Appearance Special Set allows players to customize his appearance with the Wanderer outfits and equip the Holy Lance, a weapon that enhances his combat prowess.

• Vaan: The protagonist of Final Fantasy XII, Vaan is a Sky Pirate with a rebellious spirit. In Dissidia NT, he is classified as an Assassin, specializing in agility and speed. The 3rd Appearance Special Set provides Vaan with the Sky Pirate Garb outfits and the Deathbringer weapon, allowing players to tailor his appearance and abilities to their playstyle.

Gameplay Mechanics & Systems

Core Gameplay Loop

Dissidia: Final Fantasy NT introduces a three-on-three battle system, where players control one character while the AI controls the other two. The game emphasizes team synergy, with each character falling into one of four classes:

1. Vanguards: Tank-like characters who excel in close combat (e.g., Kain Highwind).
2. Assassins: Agile characters who specialize in speed and mobility (e.g., Vaan).
3. Marksmen: Ranged characters who attack from a distance.
4. Specialists: Unique characters with specialized abilities.

The Bravery System is central to combat. Players perform Brave Attacks to increase their Bravery stat while decreasing the opponent’s. When an opponent’s Bravery reaches zero, a Bravery Break occurs, granting the attacker a significant boost. HP Attacks deal direct damage based on the player’s current Bravery, resetting it to zero afterward.

Character Customization and Progression

The 3rd Appearance Special Set for Kain Highwind and Vaan enhances character customization by providing new appearances and weapons:

• Kain Highwind:

  • The Wanderer I, II, & III Appearances: Three new outfits that alter Kain’s visual design.
  • Holy Lance: A powerful weapon that enhances Kain’s combat abilities.
  • Additional Chat Messages: New in-game dialogue options for Kain.

• Vaan:

  • Sky Pirate Garb I, II, & III Appearances: Three new outfits that reflect Vaan’s Sky Pirate heritage.
  • Deathbringer: A weapon that complements Vaan’s agile playstyle.
  • Additional Chat Messages: New in-game dialogue options for Vaan.

These customization options allow players to tailor their characters’ appearances and abilities, adding a layer of personalization to the gameplay experience.

Online and Offline Modes

Dissidia: Final Fantasy NT offers a variety of game modes, including:

• Standard Battles: Traditional three-on-three battles where players compete to deplete the opponent’s Party HP.
• Core Battles: A unique mode where teams must protect a large crystal while attempting to destroy the opponent’s.
• Story Mode: A narrative-driven experience that explores the conflict between Materia and Spiritus.
• Online Multiplayer: Players can form teams and compete against others in ranked and casual matches.

The Free Edition provides access to a limited roster of characters, with the option to purchase additional content, such as the 3rd Appearance Special Set, to expand the gameplay experience.

World-Building, Art & Sound

Visual Design and Atmosphere

Dissidia: Final Fantasy NT features stunning visuals, with character designs by Tetsuya Nomura and illustrations by Yoshitaka Amano. The game’s art style blends the iconic aesthetics of the Final Fantasy series with the dynamic, fast-paced action of a fighting game. The 3rd Appearance Special Set enhances this visual appeal by providing new outfits and weapons for Kain and Vaan, allowing players to customize their characters’ appearances to reflect their unique styles.

The game’s stages are based on locations from across the Final Fantasy series, each with its own distinct atmosphere and environmental effects. The Lunar Subterrane from Final Fantasy IV and the Royal City of Rabanastre from Final Fantasy XII are just two examples of the rich, detailed environments that players can explore.

Sound Design and Music

The soundtrack of Dissidia: Final Fantasy NT is composed by Takeharu Ishimoto, with contributions from the London Symphony Orchestra. The game features new arrangements of classic Final Fantasy tracks, as well as original compositions that enhance the gameplay experience. The 3rd Appearance Special Set does not introduce new music but complements the existing soundtrack by providing players with additional customization options for their characters.

Reception & Legacy

Critical and Commercial Reception

Dissidia: Final Fantasy NT received mixed reviews upon its release. Critics praised the game’s innovative three-on-three combat system and its fan service, but criticized its user interface, online matchmaking, and lack of content. The Free Edition was well-received for its accessibility, allowing new players to experience the game without a significant financial investment.

The 3rd Appearance Special Set for Kain Highwind and Vaan was released as part of the game’s ongoing support, providing players with additional customization options. While the DLC did not receive significant critical attention, it was appreciated by fans of the series for its attention to detail and the opportunity to further personalize their characters.

Influence on the Series and Industry

Dissidia: Final Fantasy NT represents a significant evolution in the Dissidia series, introducing a team-based combat system and expanding the roster to include characters from across the Final Fantasy universe. The game’s Free Edition and DLC model have influenced subsequent releases in the series, including Dissidia Final Fantasy Opera Omnia, which tells an alternate story of the conflict between Spiritus and Materia.

The collaboration between Square Enix and Team Ninja has also set a precedent for future partnerships, demonstrating the potential for cross-studio collaborations to enhance the gameplay experience. The 3rd Appearance Special Set for Kain Highwind and Vaan is a testament to the ongoing support for Dissidia: Final Fantasy NT, providing players with new ways to engage with the game’s rich lore and dynamic combat.

Conclusion

Dissidia: Final Fantasy NT Free Edition – 3rd Appearance Special Set for Kain Highwind and Vaan is a compelling addition to the Dissidia series, offering players the opportunity to customize two iconic characters with new appearances and weapons. While the DLC does not introduce significant gameplay changes, it enhances the overall experience by providing additional personalization options and complementing the game’s rich narrative and visual design.

The Dissidia series has long been a celebration of the Final Fantasy universe, and NT continues this tradition by introducing a team-based combat system and expanding the roster to include characters from across the series. The 3rd Appearance Special Set is a testament to the ongoing support for the game, providing players with new ways to engage with its dynamic combat and rich lore.

Final Verdict: Dissidia: Final Fantasy NT Free Edition – 3rd Appearance Special Set for Kain Highwind and Vaan is a worthwhile purchase for fans of the series, offering additional customization options and enhancing the overall gameplay experience. While it may not appeal to casual players, it is a valuable addition to the Dissidia universe and a testament to the enduring legacy of the Final Fantasy franchise.