Stranger of Paradise Was Initially Considered as Base IP for Dissidia Duellum
- ⚡Xe⚡
- 2 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Famitsu published a new interview with Tetsuya Nomura, Naoya Matsumoto, and Yuki Mizuno about the development of Dissidia Duellum Final Fantasy. The discussion covers early prototypes, Dissidia Final Fantasy Opera Omnia’s influence, and where the project is headed next.
One of the most interesting reveals is that the game was not originally planned as a Dissidia title. Matsumoto explained that he initially wanted to create a smartphone focused competitive game and reached out to NHN PlayArt due to its experience with mobile multiplayer titles.
According to Nomura, Matsumoto first suggested using Stranger of Paradise Final Fantasy Origin as the base IP, before the team eventually moved toward Dissidia instead.
“At first he asked if he could use the IP of Stranger of Paradise Final Fantasy Origin, but that world setting is fairly unique, and for a competitive game that would continue operating long term, the number of characters would be limited, so I told him Dissidia would probably fit better.”
The interview also highlights how much internal discussion went into defining what kind of game DDFF should be. Nomura initially thought it would be closer to a traditional action game like earlier Dissidia entries, while Matsumoto was focused on a more accessible mobile PvP experience.
“As discussions progressed, I started thinking, ‘Isn’t this not really an action game?’”
“The core concept was creating a game where even people who are bad at action games could still win.”
A major point of debate was the dodge system. Nomura pushed for more traditional action game movement, while Matsumoto was concerned that universal dodge mechanics would raise the skill ceiling too much. In the end, the compromise became the optional “Short Dash” ability available to all characters.
Early versions of the project also didn’t include PvP at all. Mizuno said the team experimented with PvE only systems at first, since they worried traditional RPG fans might not be comfortable with direct player vs player combat.
“We actually tested game systems without PvP elements.”
“There were opinions that if it became a game focused heavily on defeating other players, RPG fans might find it difficult to get into.”
PvP itself was added and removed several times during development before the current PvPvE structure was settled on.
The interview also touches on how strongly Dissidia Final Fantasy Opera Omnia influenced the game’s structure and storytelling. Nomura said Opera Omnia’s positive reception reinforced the importance of story content as a core part of Dissidia.
Tsutamachi, who previously worked on Opera Omnia, is handling scenario writing for the release version. The game also combines voiced cutscenes with a “FINE” chat style story system to keep character interactions frequent.
“The scenario in Opera Omnia was very well received, so we felt once again that story content was important.”
Mizuno also noted that interactions between characters from different Final Fantasy titles remain a key focus, especially after feedback that earlier entries like Dissidia NT lacked enough scenario content.
“The part where characters who would never normally meet interact with each other is something we absolutely had to do.”
Looking ahead, Nomura said the roster goal of bringing together protagonists from all sixteen numbered Final Fantasy titles is just the starting point, with long term character planning already in motion.
“Characters are already being prepared continuously on a multi year basis.”
He also hinted at major story developments tied to the game’s modern setting, suggesting that future narrative changes will even affect gameplay systems.
“A major development will happen in the story going forward.”
“You could call it Duellum’s second form, and it will also affect gameplay.”
Finally, the developers noted that demand for Challenge Mode, Casual content, and non PvP systems has been stronger than expected, and expanding those areas is now a clear priority moving forward.
“Demand for Challenge Mode and Casual has been higher than originally expected, so strengthening non PvP content is also one of our ongoing tasks.”
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-⚡Xe⚡
About DISSIDIA DUELLUM FINAL FANTASY
Announced in 2025, DISSIDIA DUELLUM FINAL FANTASY is the latest entry in Square Enix’s crossover battle series, coming to iOS and Android in 2026. The game features 3v3 team boss battles with simple one-handed controls and striking cel-shaded visuals that bring legendary FINAL FANTASY warriors to life. Set in modern-day Tokyo, it tells an all-new story of heroes known as “Ghosts” as they confront a mysterious crystal and the monsters it has unleashed.